Brussels Griffon Health Issues and Risks

Brussels Griffons are prone to eye problems, with many suffering from proptosis, a condition where the eye bulges out of the socket.

Their short, flat faces can also lead to breathing difficulties, making them more susceptible to respiratory issues like stenotic nares.

Hip dysplasia is another common issue in Brussels Griffons, which can cause arthritis and mobility problems if left untreated.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of long-term damage.

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Brussels Griffons are prone to a few common health issues that you should be aware of. Respiratory Distress Syndrome, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Brussels Griffon, leading to a narrow and obstructed airway.

Exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting are all signs that your dog may be struggling to breathe. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended.

Here are some other signs of potential health issues to watch out for:

Respiratory Distress Syndrome affects dogs with a short nose, like your Brussels Griffon, due to a mismatch between the amount of tissue in their nose and throat and the available space.

This disease is also known as brachycephalic syndrome, and it's a serious issue that can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway.

Many dogs with this condition can barely breathe, and you may notice symptoms like exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting.

In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate the problem.

Dogs with short noses are more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke.

The nostrils of these dogs are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized, contributing to the narrow and obstructed airway.

The soft palate, the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth, is too long and hangs down into the airway, further obstructing breathing.

Any abnormal symptom in your Brussels Griffon could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently.

A change in appetite or water consumption is a common indicator that something is off. This could be a sign of a variety of health issues, so it's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits closely.

Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth can all be signs of dental problems. Regular dental care is crucial to prevent these issues.

Itchy skin, whether it's scratching, chewing, or licking, can be a sign of allergies or skin infections. Hair loss can also be a symptom of underlying health issues.

Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping can be signs of a range of health problems, from hypothyroidism to infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary help.

Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes can be signs of underlying health issues, such as pain or anxiety. Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's behavior.

Here are some key indicators of potential health issues in your Brussels Griffon:

Brussels Griffons can be a bit tricky to anesthetize, especially when it comes to short-nosed dogs.

Their idiosyncrasies can lead to hyperthermia in nervous dogs, making it essential to keep a close eye on their temperature during anesthesia.

Hypothermia is another concern, particularly in dogs with a lean body conformation, as they can lose heat quickly.

This is why it's crucial to take extra precautions to prevent hypothermia in these dogs.

Prolonged recovery from some intravenous anesthetics and increased risks of drug interactions are also potential issues.

This can be a challenge for veterinarians, but with experience and careful planning, these risks can be minimized.

Here are some specific anesthetic concerns to be aware of:

As a Brussels Griffon owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential bone and joint problems that can affect your furry friend. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is a common issue that can be diagnosed and treated to prevent pain and suffering.

You might notice your Griffon picking up a back leg and skipping or hopping for a few strides, only to kick the leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Griffon's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

Young Brussels Griffons may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs and often requires surgery.

Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two.

Unfortunately, your Brussels Griffon is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth, which starts with tartar build-up on the teeth.

This tartar build-up can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth if left untreated.

If dental disease is not prevented or treated, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

In fact, your Brussels Griffon's life span may be cut short by one to three years if dental disease is not addressed.

We'll clean your dog's teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean.

Narrow nostril openings make breathing air in more challenging, but it's a small price to pay compared to the risks of dental disease.

Bone and Joint Problems can be a challenge for Brussels Griffons, but with knowledge and vigilance, you can help prevent undue pain and suffering.

Kneecap (patella) luxation is a common issue in Brussels Griffons, where the kneecap slips out of place, causing your dog to skip or hop to pop it back in. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Griffon's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures, causing lameness or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Young Brussels Griffons may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which occurs between six and nine months of age and causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, often requiring surgery.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of arthritis.

Here are some common signs of bone and joint problems in Brussels Griffons:

Epilepsy is a common issue in dogs, and it's essential to understand the different types of seizures they can experience. There are three types: reactive, secondary, and primary seizures.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem, such as low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures, on the other hand, are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Brussels Griffons commonly afflicted.

Dogs prone to seizures usually begin experiencing them between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the underlying cause of the seizures.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Your Brussels Griffon has a thick, beautiful coat, but it requires regular care to prevent skin issues. Brush your pet at least weekly to keep mats and tangles under control.

Mats and tangles can lead to painful skin lesions called hot spots, especially in hot, humid weather. These sores can become infected and cause your Griff a lot of discomfort.

Hot spots are moist, painful skin lesions that can appear anywhere on your Griff's body, but they're most common in areas with thick fur. Keep an eye out for sores, especially in hot, humid weather.

Taking your Griff to the groomer regularly can help prevent skin issues and keep their coat healthy. Plan on taking them to the groomer often to maintain a healthy coat.

Breeds with a large head and small pelvis, like the Brussels Griffon, are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process.

A C-section is often required for the health of the mother and her puppies if she has a small pelvis.

If you're interested in breeding your Brussels Griffon, it's essential to speak with a veterinarian first to make an informed decision based on the body conformation of both the sire and dam.

Pyometra, a raging bacterial infection, can happen to any female dog, but it's more common in Griffons. If you don't plan to use your female Griffon as a breeding animal, a spay/neuter procedure is best for her health.

Pyometra is a serious health issue that can affect female dogs. It's a bacterial infection that can develop in the uterus during a heat cycle.

Each time a female dog goes through her heat cycle, her hormones cause a growth of nourishing cells to line the walls of the uterus. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause an infection.

Pyometra can happen to any female dog, but it seems to be more common in Griffons. This breed is particularly prone to this issue.

If left untreated, pyometra can progress rapidly into a critical emergency that may require surgery. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate veterinary attention.

A spay/neuter procedure is the best way to prevent pyometra in female dogs that won't be used for breeding. This simple surgery can save your dog from a potentially deadly infection.

Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process.

Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies.

If you are interested in breeding your Griff, speak with us first.

A C-section is often necessary to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies.

Breeding a Griff with a large head and small pelvis can be a challenging and potentially risky process.

Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies.

Griffons are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.

This condition can lead to dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

We'll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for this disease.

Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

With regular check-ups and proper treatment, your Griffon can live a happy and healthy life.

Brussels Griffons are prone to eye problems that can significantly impact their quality of life. Unfortunately, many of these conditions can be extremely painful and even cause blindness if not treated right away.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that affects Brussels Griffons, causing them to go blind. This condition is not painful, but it's not curable either.

Brussels Griffons are more likely to develop eye injuries due to their protruding eyeballs. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea are the most common injuries, which can become infected and affect their vision.

Riding in the car with their head out the window is a frequent cause of eye injuries in Brussels Griffons. It's essential to keep them safe while driving.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Brussels Griffons. We'll watch for the lenses of their eyes to become more opaque, meaning they look cloudy instead of clear.

Most developmental errors in Brussels Griffons' eyes cause no problems at all. However, a few can cause serious vision problems and require special tests to detect.

Brussels Griffons often have narrow nostril openings, making breathing air in more challenging. This is a common trait in the breed.

To help your Griff stay healthy, it's essential to supervise her as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn't put in her mouth.

Regular grooming is also crucial. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, and professional grooming is recommended 3-4 times a year. Don't forget to brush her teeth at least three times a week, as Brussels Griffons often have serious problems with their teeth.

Here are some key health and wellness tips for your Brussels Griffon:

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Brussels Griffons, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

It's tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, but doing so can "love her to death" with leftover people food and doggie treats.

Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. She'll feel better, and so will you.

Obesity is a serious disease that can have severe consequences for your Brussels Griffon's health.

Regular exercise, such as taking her for a walk, can go a long way in preventing obesity and keeping her healthy.

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To keep your Brussels Griffon happy and healthy, it's essential to establish a routine care schedule. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and pick up after yourself to prevent her from getting into trouble.

Brussels Griffons need regular grooming, including brushing their coat at least weekly and professional grooming 3-4 times a year. They also require brushing their teeth at least three times a week, as they are prone to serious dental problems.

Cleaning your Griffon's ears weekly, even as a puppy, is crucial to prevent infections. You can do this by following the recommended steps, which will be provided by your veterinarian.

Brussels Griffons are well-suited for apartment living, but they still need daily walks and regular inside play to stay happy and healthy. They are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform various tricks to keep them mentally stimulated.

However, their assertive nature and small size make them unsuitable for homes with small children. To ensure your Griffon's diet is consistent, feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food.

Here is a summary of the recommended routine care for your Brussels Griffon:

Allergies in Brussels Griffons can be a real nuisance, especially since they often start showing symptoms between the ages of one and three. Symptoms typically get worse every year, and common signs include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections.

The good news is that atopy, a skin allergy, can be treated with various options available. However, it's essential to identify the signs of atopy early on, as it often affects the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears.

Here are some common signs of allergies in Brussels Griffons:

If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to seek medical care immediately, as they may indicate more severe health issues.

Brussels Griffons are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

Preventing infections is crucial for the health and well-being of your Brussels Griffon.

Vaccinations can protect your dog against these common infections, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications.

Allergies can be a real nuisance for humans and dogs alike. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch.

Griffon dogs often suffer from a skin allergy called atopy, which makes their skin itchy. This condition typically affects the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears.

Symptoms of atopy in dogs usually start between the ages of one and three. They can get worse every year if left untreated.

Common signs of atopy include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care immediately: scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge; inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine; cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes; loud breathing, tires easily at exercise; matted fur, hair loss, sores; coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest; general reluctance to run or play; increasing hip pain at less than a year old; any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors; dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain.

Some of these signs are quite specific, like the loud breathing and rapid breathing at rest, which can be a sign of respiratory issues. Others, like matted fur and hair loss, can indicate skin problems or allergies.

If your pet is showing any of the following signs, don't hesitate to seek medical attention:

Spaying or neutering your Brussels Griffon is one of the best decisions you can make for their health. This surgery decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Spaying or neutering also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems or puppy teeth that need to be extracted.

Performing this surgery while your pet is under anesthesia is convenient and allows your veterinarian to take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps identify potential issues.

Brussels Griffons can be prone to breathing difficulties due to their narrow nostril openings, making it more challenging for them to inhale air.

Their short, compact body and flat face can also contribute to respiratory issues.

Narrow nostril openings make breathing air in more challenging.

Brussels Griffons are generally a healthy breed, but their unique physical characteristics can lead to specific health concerns.

Their flat face and short snout can cause them to experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid environments.

Narrow nostril openings make breathing air in more challenging.

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