Understanding English Mastiff Health Issues and Care

English Mastiffs are known for their massive size, but their health issues are just as significant. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming is a must to prevent overgrowth.

Their large size can lead to joint issues, specifically hip dysplasia, which is a common problem in many breeds. Hip dysplasia can cause arthritis and mobility problems.

English Mastiffs are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Bloat occurs when stomach gas builds up and can't escape.

Their calm nature makes them great companions, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk and playtime can help prevent obesity and other related health issues.

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Mastiffs have a shorter lifespan than small-breed dogs, typically living between 6-10 years.

Their large size makes them prone to joint and structural problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be costly to diagnose and treat, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 and $1,500 to $4,000 respectively.

Obesity increases the risk of these problems, so keeping your Mastiff lean is crucial. Annual eye exams by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist are also essential, as Mastiffs can be affected by a long list of eye diseases.

Here's a rundown of some common health issues affecting Mastiffs:

Mastiffs are also prone to developing cancer, particularly osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors, which can present differently and require prompt veterinary evaluation.

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

A C-section is often required for the health of the mother and her puppies due to the narrow pelvis.

Mastiffs are a prime example of a breed that can experience reproductive difficulties due to their large head and small pelvis.

If you're planning to breed your Mastiff, it's essential to speak with a professional first to make an informed decision based on the body conformation of both the sire and dam.

A Mastiff's pelvis is just too small to pass puppies, making a C-section a necessary procedure for their health and that of their puppies.

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Mastiffs can be prone to developing cancer, specifically osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors.

It's essential to watch for abnormal behavior or growths in your Mastiff, as these cancers may present differently.

Limping or lameness can be a sign of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

A small growth on the skin can indicate a mast cell tumor.

English Mastiffs are prone to eye problems that can significantly impact their quality of life. Eye problems can be extremely painful and may cause blindness if not treated right away.

Mastiffs are especially at risk for entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and pain. This can ultimately lead to blindness if not treated early.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Mastiffs, and they can be detected by looking for cloudy lenses instead of clear ones during an examination. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision.

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that can lead to vision loss, and Mastiffs are more likely to have it than other breeds. A genetic test is available for this condition.

Here are some common eye problems that Mastiffs are prone to:

In most cases, veterinarians can diagnose and treat these conditions with surgical intervention. Regular monitoring and cleaning of the eyes can also help prevent tear stains and infections.

English Mastiffs are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. This can lead to serious health issues if left undetected.

Early detection of heart disease often allows veterinarians to treat with medication that prolongs your pet's life for many years. Annual heart health checks, which may include X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram, can help identify potential issues.

Some English Mastiffs inherit a heart condition known as pulmonic stenosis, which causes a partial obstruction of blood flow from the heart to the lungs. This can lead to fainting, difficulty breathing, and not growing as much as they should.

Their large size puts a strain on the English Mastiff's heart, making them at risk for conditions like cardiomyopathy, which causes an enlarged heart.

English Mastiffs are prone to several neurological and allergy-related issues that can affect their quality of life. Wobbler disease, a genetically linked neurological condition, can cause a wobbly, drunken gait due to a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck.

Symptoms of wobbler disease include unstable hind legs, stumbling, and falling. If left untreated, this condition can lead to further complications. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options available.

Mastiffs are also commonly afflicted by allergies, which cause skin itching and inflammation. Atopy, a skin allergy, typically starts between the ages of one and three and can worsen over time. Common signs include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections.

Ear infections can be painful and annoying, and monitoring for them early on can reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage and deafness.

If your Mastiff is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

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 are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

Carefully prevent your dog from injuring himself during a seizure, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally!

Your dog's seizures can be a sign of an inherited condition, which is often the case with Mastiffs. A diagnostic workup may help find the underlying cause of the seizures.

If your dog has a seizure, note the length of the seizure and call a veterinarian or an emergency hospital for advice.

Thyroid problems can be a concern for Mastiff owners.

Mastiffs are prone to hypothyroidism, a common condition where the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.

Signs of hypothyroidism can include 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 the disease.

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

Allergies can be a real challenge for dogs, especially Mastiffs. In fact, they're often afflicted by allergies that cause itching and inflammation in their ears and elsewhere.

Symptoms of allergies in dogs typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. This means that if you notice your Mastiff scratching or shaking his head, it's essential to take action.

Common signs of allergies in Mastiffs include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections. These symptoms can be painful and annoying for your dog, so it's crucial to monitor for them.

Ear infections are a common issue for dogs with allergies, and they can be painful and cause a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call your vet for advice.

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for allergies in dogs. By working with your vet to control the underlying cause, you can reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness.

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English Mastiffs are prone to bone and joint problems, which can be painful and debilitating if left untreated. One common issue is elbow dysplasia, which can cause joint inflammation and pain.

Growing Mastiffs can also suffer from eosinophilic panosteitis, a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs. This condition usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg.

A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active Mastiffs, which can be caused by excessive twisting of the knees, such as playing Frisbee. Surgical correction and physical therapy are often necessary to stabilize the knee and prevent crippling arthritis.

Obesity can exacerbate joint problems in Mastiffs, making it essential to maintain a healthy weight through a high-quality diet and regular exercise.

Obesity is a significant health problem in Mastiffs, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Giving your Mastiff leftover people food and doggie treats may seem like a way to show love, but it can actually lead to obesity and related health issues.

You can "love her to death" with excessive treats, but instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or take her for a walk.

Mastiffs are prone to various bone and joint problems, but with proper care and knowledge, you can prevent undue pain and suffering.

Elbow dysplasia is a common issue in Mastiffs, where an abnormal bone fragment causes joint inflammation and pain. X-rays can help diagnose this condition.

A torn cranial cruciate ligament is another common injury in active Mastiffs, which can be surgically corrected to stabilize the knee and prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and pain management are also crucial for a successful outcome.

Growing Mastiffs can suffer from eosinophilic panosteitis, a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, which usually starts between six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. If your dog exhibits pain when the area is squeezed or palpated, X-rays can help diagnose the problem.

Hip dysplasia can be a hereditary condition in Mastiffs, causing the bones of the hip joints to not align properly, leading to deterioration of the joint and loss of function. X-rays can help screen for this condition.

Obesity is a significant health problem in Mastiffs, which can cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Feeding your Mastiff a high-quality diet and avoiding overfeeding can help prevent obesity.

Mastiffs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are preventable through vaccination.

Regular vaccinations are crucial to protect your English Mastiff from these infections, and we'll recommend a schedule based on the diseases prevalent in our area and your dog's age.

If you notice any signs of infection, seek medical care immediately. Common signs include scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, and inability or straining to urinate.

Here are some emergency signs to watch out for:

Parasites can invade your Mastiff's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death if left untreated.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can infest her skin and ears, while hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system through unclean water, contaminated soil, or an infected mosquito bite.

Some parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making regular testing a serious concern for everyone.

Drinking unclean water or walking on contaminated soil can put your Mastiff at risk of getting these parasites, so it's essential to take precautions.

We'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep your canine friend healthy and parasite-free.

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If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, seek medical care immediately.

Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Inability or straining to urinate, or discolored urine, is a serious sign that requires immediate veterinary care.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can be a sign of an eye infection or other health issue.

Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen are signs that your dog may be experiencing bloat or another severe condition.

Here are some signs of emergencies that require immediate veterinary care:

Mastiffs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, the same ones that all dogs can get.

These infections include parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be severe and even life-threatening.

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 to keep your Mastiff healthy and happy.

Taking care of your English Mastiff's diet and exercise routine is crucial for their overall health. Mastiffs generally have low grooming needs, but they do require regular brushing of their coat, at least weekly.

To keep your Mastiff's teeth healthy, brush them at least twice a week. They also need their ears cleaned weekly, even as a puppy. Don't worry, your veterinarian will show you how.

A proper diet and exercise routine is essential for your Mastiff's health. Feed them a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, and keep their diet consistent. Avoid giving them people food, as it can be unhealthy for them.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

The amount you feed your Mastiff will depend on their individual needs, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian.

Taking care of your Mastiff's diet and exercise is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A proper diet and exercise routine can help your Mastiff live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime.

To start, it's essential to supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, picking up after yourself, and blocking off rooms as necessary to keep them out of trouble and away from objects they shouldn't put in their mouth.

Mastiffs have low grooming needs, but they do require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. Brush their coat at least weekly, and consider brushing their teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect.

Cleaning your Mastiff's ears weekly, even as a puppy, is also crucial to prevent infections. Don't worry if you're not sure how – your veterinarian will show you how to do it properly.

Mastiffs tend to be lazy, so it's essential to ensure they receive adequate exercise by providing daily walks. Avoid prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, as they can be sensitive to heat stress.

Providing your Mastiff with soft bedding can help prevent joint problems and calluses. Keep their diet consistent and avoid giving them people food, as this can lead to digestive issues.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Mastiff:

Remember, the amount you feed your Mastiff will depend on their individual needs, so be sure to discuss their diet with your veterinarian. They can make recommendations based on your pup's specific medical history.

Taking care of your Mastiff's ears is crucial for their overall health. Routine cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser is essential for keeping their ear canals healthy.

Their ears need to be cleaned after they're in water, such as after a bath or after swimming. This helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections that can cause discomfort and pain.

Cleaning their ears regularly can help prevent wax buildup and reduce the risk of infections.

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver for dog owners, especially those with breeds prone to certain health issues. Pet insurance for Mastiffs costs more than for mixed breed dogs because they're more likely to make claims for expensive hereditary conditions.

Getting pet insurance as early as possible is crucial, especially for healthy puppies. The best time to get pet insurance for your Mastiff is when he's a healthy puppy, so you can't predict what will happen in the future.

Pet insurance plans like Embrace offer full coverage for all breed-specific conditions, excluding pre-existing ones.

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Common sense plays a huge role in keeping your dog happy and healthy, just like it does for people. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular grooming is essential, so brush her teeth and coat regularly. This will help prevent dental and skin problems.

If something seems unusual, call your vet or a pet emergency hospital immediately. They can provide guidance on what to do next.

Following the recommended schedule of examinations and vaccinations is crucial for your dog's health. This will help detect diseases and conditions early on.

Pet health insurance is a must-have for any dog owner. It will help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your dog will need throughout her life.