Old English Sheepdog Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to several health issues that can affect their quality of life and lifespan. Hip dysplasia is a common issue in this breed, with 50% of Old English Sheepdogs affected.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent hip dysplasia. Old English Sheepdogs need daily walks and playtime to maintain joint health.

Eye problems are another concern for Old English Sheepdogs, with 25% of the breed affected by cataracts. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.

Genetic testing can help identify potential health issues in Old English Sheepdog breeding programs. This can help reduce the incidence of inherited health problems.

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Old English Sheepdogs are prone to dental disease, which affects 80% of all dogs by age two. This starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease. Your Old English Sheepdog is more likely to have problems with her teeth than other dogs.

Females typically grow to be around 21 inches tall, while males grow to be around 22 inches tall. Regular veterinary check-ups and cleanings can help prevent and treat dental disease.

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Old English Sheepdogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections - the same ones that all dogs can get. These infections include parvo, rabies, and distemper.

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

Regular vaccination is crucial in protecting your Old English Sheepdog from these infections.

Allergies are a common health issue that can affect dogs, especially OESs, and it's essential to understand the symptoms and treatment options.

Atopy, a skin allergy, is a common condition in OESs, where their skin becomes itchy due to allergies.

The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are commonly affected areas, and symptoms can start between the ages of one and three.

Symptoms can get worse every year, making it crucial to address the issue early on.

Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of atopy in OESs.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for this condition, offering hope for affected dogs and their owners.

Old English Sheepdogs are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.

This condition causes the heart to become so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body.

As this problem advances, your Old English Sheepdog may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough.

We recommend conducting a yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram starting at age one to look for abnormal heart rhythms early.

If your Old English Sheepdog is found to have this condition, we'll treat it with medication and may also recommend dietary supplementation.

Hip and joint issues are a concern for Old English Sheepdog owners, especially as their dogs mature.

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 OES's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down.

We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain.

Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases.

Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering!

Feeding your puppy a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or regular puppy diet can help prevent joint issues.

Don't overfeed your puppy and don't supplement with additional calcium, as this can lead to rapid growth and joint problems.

It's best to stick to a recommended growth rate of no more than four pounds per week.

Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks to monitor his growth and adjust his diet accordingly.

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to liver problems, specifically a condition called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This condition occurs when some of the blood supply meant for the liver goes around it instead, depriving it of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly.

Symptoms of PSS can include stunted growth and seizures. If your Old English Sheepdog develops these symptoms, you'll need to have their blood tested and possibly undergo an ultrasound scan of their liver.

To prevent or manage PSS, we'll conduct a liver function test every time your Old English Sheepdog undergoes anesthesia. In some cases, a special diet and medication can treat the condition, but surgery may be necessary in other cases.

Bleeding Disorders can be a serious issue for dogs, and it's essential to be aware of the risks. Old English Sheepdogs are particularly prone to some relatively rare diseases of the blood.

Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia occurs when the immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the pet's own red blood cells or platelets. This can lead to severe bleeding and bruising.

If your dog's immune system destroys red blood cells, he'll quickly become anemic, weak, and lethargic, with gums that look whitish or yellow instead of the normal bright pink color. If platelets are destroyed, his blood won't clot properly.

Diagnostic testing for blood clotting is crucial before any surgeries, and in some cases, an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets may be needed. We'll also prescribe steroids and other immune-suppressive drugs to slow or stop the immune system's destruction of cells.

Von Willebrand's disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Old English Sheepdogs. We'll conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrand's disease or other similar disorders before performing surgery.

Your Sheepie is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This condition means some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving it of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly.

If your friend has PSS, their liver cannot remove toxins from their bloodstream effectively. This can lead to symptoms like stunted growth and seizures.

To check for PSS, we'll conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time your Sheepie undergoes anesthesia. This is a crucial step in ensuring their liver health.

Surgery may be needed to treat PSS, but in some cases, we can treat your Sheepie with a special diet and medication.

OESs are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms.

Dry skin and coat, as well as hair loss, are common signs of hypothyroidism in OESs. I've seen it firsthand in some of my friends' dogs.

Susceptibility to other skin diseases is also a sign of hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch this condition early.

Weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes are all possible symptoms of hypothyroidism. These changes can be subtle, but they're worth paying attention to.

We'll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for hypothyroidism. This simple test can help us catch the condition before it becomes a problem.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. This can help restore balance to your OES's thyroid function.

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

It's tempting to give your Old English Sheepdog food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, but feeding her leftover people food and doggie treats can lead to obesity.

Giving your Old English Sheepdog a hug, brushing her fur or teeth, playing a game with her, or taking her for a walk can help her feel better and strengthen your bond.

Obesity is a serious disease that can have severe consequences for your Old English Sheepdog's health.

You can show your love and affection for your Old English Sheepdog without overfeeding her, and she'll appreciate the quality time spent with you.

Taking care of your Old English Sheepdog is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. To keep your furry friend happy and healthy, make sure to supervise them as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself.

A proper diet is crucial for your dog's overall health. Old English Sheepdogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week. Brushing your dog's coat as needed, at least weekly, will also help prevent matting and tangling.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to your Old English Sheepdog's care:

Regular check-ups with your vet are also essential for living with any dog breed. A responsible Old English Sheepdog breeder will have done health screenings to check for conditions common to the breed.

Taking care of your Old English Sheepdog at home requires attention to their diet, exercise, and grooming. Regular brushing of their coat, teeth, and ears is essential to prevent matting and keep their coat clean.

Brush their coat at least weekly, and their teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect. Old English Sheepdogs generally have good teeth, but regular brushing will help prevent any issues.

To keep their ears clean, clean them weekly, even as a puppy. This will help prevent infections and keep their ears healthy.

In addition to grooming, it's also important to supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to keep them out of trouble.

Old English Sheepdogs are energetic and active dogs that excel at canine sports like agility, obedience, flyball, and herding. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be sure to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Here are some key exercise and mental stimulation tips:

It's also essential to keep an eye out for any abnormal symptoms that could be a sign of serious disease. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to seek veterinary help immediately.

By following these care and wellness tips, you can help your Old English Sheepdog live a happy, healthy life.

Spaying or neutering your OES is one of the best things you can do for their health. This surgery decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers in your pet.

Spaying or neutering eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. This is a big plus for responsible pet owners.

Performing this surgery also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop while they're under anesthesia.

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As an Old English Sheepdog owner, it's essential to be aware of any abnormal symptoms that could be a sign of serious disease. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Old English Sheepdog needs help.

Any abnormal symptom, no matter how minor, should be taken seriously. It could be a sign of serious disease or just a minor problem, but it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary help.

Old English Sheepdogs can exhibit a range of symptoms, and it's crucial to know when to seek help. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently.

If your Old English Sheepdog is showing signs of illness, don't hesitate to reach out to your vet. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Old English Sheepdog needs help.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog's health. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

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Old English Sheepdogs are prone to dental disease, which affects 80% of dogs by age two.

Regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent tartar build-up on their teeth and infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

Old English Sheepdogs are more likely to have dental problems than other breeds, which can lead to tooth loss and damage to their kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

If left untreated, dental disease can cut your Old English Sheepdog's life span by one to three years.

Females typically grow to be around 21 inches tall, while males reach around 22 inches in height.

Your Old English Sheepdog is more at risk for certain health issues due to its breed.

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to genetic health conditions, which means some problems may be inherited from their parents.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can prevent periodontal disease, which is a common issue in this breed.

You can't cover every possibility, so always check with your veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your Old English Sheepdog.

This breed is more at risk than others for certain health issues, but knowing about them can help you and your vet plan for your dog's unique medical needs.

You'll find a description of what you can do at home to keep your Sheepie looking and feeling its best at the end of this guide.

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