Understanding Redbone Coonhound Health Issues and Prevention

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Posted Oct 9, 2024

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As a responsible Redbone Coonhound owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Redbone Coonhounds, with a prevalence of 15-20% in the breed. This genetic condition can lead to arthritis and mobility problems.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage hip dysplasia. A 30-minute walk or playtime daily can keep your Redbone Coonhound active and mobile.

Eye problems are another significant concern for Redbone Coonhounds, with 25-30% of the breed affected by eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.

General Health Information

Brushing your Redbone Coonhound's teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease.

Regular brushing of your dog's teeth is crucial to prevent periodontal disease.

Make sure your Redbone Coonhound gets plenty of exercise to keep her happy and healthy.

Brushing your dog's coat regularly will also help keep her looking and feeling her best.

Call a pet emergency hospital or your veterinarian if something seems unusual with your Redbone Coonhound.

Common Health Issues

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Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is 12-15 years.

One common health issue is hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. This can cause lameness in their hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Overweight Redbone Coonhounds may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.

Redbone Coonhounds are also susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be preventable through vaccination.

What to Watch For

Your Redbone Coonhound's lifespan is typically 12-15 years, but they can be prone to certain health issues.

They may inherit a rare blood disorder called Pelger-Huet Anomaly, which can cause abnormal white blood cells that look different under a microscope.

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Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

It's essential to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently, to ensure your dog receives the necessary care.

Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Redbone Coonhound needs help.

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial to maintaining your dog's health, and pet health insurance can help cover medical costs.

Dental Disease

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

Unfortunately, Redbone Coonhounds are more likely than other dogs to have problems with their teeth.

It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

If left untreated, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Your Coonhound's life span may be cut short by one to three years if dental disease is not prevented or treated.

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

Infections

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Redbone Coonhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are the same ones that all dogs can get.

These infections can be preventable through vaccination, which will be recommended based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors.

If left untreated, these infections can have serious consequences, so regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which is a simple and effective way to keep your Redbone Coonhound safe and healthy.

By staying on top of vaccinations and regular check-ups, you can help prevent these infections and give your Redbone Coonhound the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Redbone Coonhounds are more likely than other dogs to suffer from infections, so extra vigilance is necessary to keep them safe.

Obesity

Obesity is a significant health problem in Redbone Coonhounds, and it's a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

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You can "love your Coonhound to death" with leftover people food and doggie treats, but it's better to give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or take her for a walk instead.

Obesity can be prevented by sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise, including walks and playtime.

Giving in to those soulful eyes with extra food may seem tempting, but it's not worth the risks to your Coonhound's health.

You'll both feel better if you stick to a healthy routine and show your love and affection in other ways, like hugs and playtime.

Parasites

Parasites can invade your Redbone's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death.

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

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone in the household.

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Drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito can all lead to parasite infestations in your Redbone.

It's essential to test for parasites on a regular basis to prevent and detect any potential issues.

Preventive medication may be necessary to keep your Redbone healthy and protected from these parasites.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that commonly affects Redbone Coonhounds. It's an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly.

You may notice that a Redbone Coonhound has lameness in their hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down. This is often a sign of hip dysplasia.

The sooner you catch hip dysplasia, the better. We can treat the arthritis to avoid discomfort and pain.

Paralysis

Paralysis is a serious condition that can affect dogs, including Redbone Coonhounds. It's a disease that causes rapid loss of leg function.

Coonhound Paralysis is a specific condition that's often associated with a dog's exposure to raccoons. It's thought to be caused by an immune system reaction to raccoon saliva.

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This condition can cause complete paralysis in some cases, but fortunately, it usually improves with time. With intensive care and rehabilitation, most Redbone Coonhounds recover over the course of a few weeks.

Interestingly, Coonhound Paralysis can also occur in dogs with no raccoon exposure. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the condition.

Care and Management

Taking care of your Redbone Coonhound at home is crucial for her happiness and health. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular grooming is also essential, including brushing her teeth and coat regularly. Call a pet emergency hospital or your veterinarian if something seems unusual.

Adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian. This will help prevent diseases and conditions common in Coonhounds.

Signing up for pet health insurance is also a good idea, as it will help cover medical costs throughout your pet's life.

Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering your Coonhound is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being. It decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

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In females, this means surgically removing the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means surgically removing the testicles. Spaying or neutering eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Partners in Care

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to take care of your Redbone Coonhound at home. Watch her diet to ensure she's getting the right nutrients.

Regular exercise is also crucial for her physical and mental well-being. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise every day.

Brushing her teeth and coat regularly can help prevent health issues. Regular brushing can also strengthen your bond with your dog.

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Call a pet emergency hospital or your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual. This will help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Sticking to a schedule of examinations and vaccinations is vital for her health. This is when your veterinarian will give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases common in Coonhounds.

Signing up for pet health insurance can help cover medical costs. This will give you peace of mind and financial security for your dog's future medical needs.

Your veterinarian looks forward to working with you to ensure your Coonhound lives a long and healthy life. They'll provide the best health care possible, tailored to her breed, lifestyle, and age.

Nutrition and Feeding

Redbone Coonhounds require a well-balanced diet that includes ample protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

High-quality commercial dog food formulated for active breeds and meeting the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a good choice. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Redbone Coonhound.

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Redbone Coonhounds should be fed two meals a day to maintain their energy levels, with most doing well with a morning and evening feeding. Redbone Coonhound puppies, on the other hand, need to eat more frequently - about three or four meals a day on a regular schedule.

The amount of food a Redbone Coonhound requires depends on their age, size, health, and activity level. Generally, an adult Redbone Coonhound should consume about 2-2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, though this can vary.

To ensure your Redbone Coonhound is getting the right amount of food, check the packaging of your AAFCO-approved dog food for portion guidance. However, for the most accurate information, consult with your veterinarian.

Supplements such as fish oil can support a Redbone Coonhound's overall health, particularly their skin and coat health. Always consult with your dog's veterinarian before introducing any supplements to their diet.

Here's a summary of feeding guidelines for Redbone Coonhounds:

Remember to keep your dog's diet consistent and avoid giving them people food.

Eye and Ear Health

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Redbone Coonhounds are prone to several eye conditions that can cause blindness if not treated right away. Entropion is a heritable disorder where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and leading to irritation and pain.

Coonhounds are also more likely to develop ectropion, a defect where the eyelids droop or hang away from the eye, exposing it to environmental contaminants and leading to irritation, drying, and potential eye infections. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that can cause blindness, but it's not painful. A genetic test is available for this condition, and early symptoms can begin around three to five years of age.

Regular eye check-ups at the vet are crucial for Redbone Coonhounds, especially due to their predisposition for PRA. Pet parents should also regularly check their dog's eyes at home and remain vigilant for any changes.

Consider reading: Dog Eye Health Issues

Eye

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Redbone Coonhounds are prone to certain eye conditions that can cause blindness if left untreated. Entropion is a heritable disorder where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and pain.

This condition can be extremely painful and ultimately lead to blindness if not corrected early. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early.

Ectropion is a defect where the eyelids droop or hang away from the eye, exposing it to environmental contaminants and leading to irritation, drying, and eye infections. Coonhounds are more likely to show this deformity.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that genetically programs the eyes to go blind. It's not painful, but also not curable.

Redbone Coonhounds are more likely than other dogs to develop PRA, and early symptoms like night blindness or dilated pupils can begin around three to five years of age. A genetic test is available for this condition.

Ear

Redbone Coonhounds are more susceptible to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear checks are a must to prevent infections.

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Check your dog's ears every week for signs of an ear infection. Redbone Coonhounds are particularly prone to infections caused by trapped moisture and debris in their ears.

Clean your dog's ears as needed with a vet-approved cleanser to keep them healthy. This will help prevent infections and keep your dog's ears clean and free of debris.

At Home Care and Emergencies

To keep your Redbone Coonhound happy and healthy at home, it's essential to watch her diet and ensure she gets plenty of exercise. Regularly brushing her teeth and coat is also crucial.

You should also be on the lookout for unusual signs, such as scratching or shaking her head, tender ears, or ear discharge, which require immediate medical attention. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care right away.

Here are some signs that indicate a medical emergency:

  • 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
  • Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or “bunny hopping”
  • Paralysis or loss of leg function

It's also vital to adhere to the recommended schedule of examinations and vaccinations to prevent diseases and conditions common in Coonhounds. Additionally, signing up for pet health insurance will help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your dog may need throughout her life.

At Home Care

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Watch your Redbone Coonhound's diet and ensure she gets plenty of exercise to keep her happy and healthy.

Regularly brush her teeth and coat to maintain her overall health.

Call a pet emergency hospital or your veterinarian if something seems unusual with your dog.

Adhere to the recommended schedule of examinations and vaccinations to prevent diseases and conditions common in Coonhounds.

Signing up for pet health insurance will help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your dog will need throughout her life.

There will certainly be medical tests and procedures your Redbone Coonhound will need throughout her life.

Emergencies

If you notice any of the following signs, 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.

Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge can be a sign of an infection or another health problem. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical care.

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Inability or straining to urinate, accompanied by discolored urine, is another emergency situation. This can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or another issue that needs prompt attention.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can also be an emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or "bunny hopping" can be a sign of a serious issue. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't delay in seeking medical care.

Paralysis or loss of leg function is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Here are some emergency signs to watch out for:

  • 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
  • Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or “bunny hopping”
  • Paralysis or loss of leg function

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of a Redbone Coonhound?

A Redbone Coonhound's average lifespan is 10-15 years, with most living around 12 years. Proper care, including high-quality food and regular exercise, can help maximize their health and longevity.

What are the cons of the Redbone Coonhound?

Redbone Coonhounds may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and ear infections, as well as risks from hunting injuries and tick-borne diseases. Additionally, they may be susceptible to injuries from prey and rough terrain.

Geneva Cremin

Writer

Geneva Cremin is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has developed a unique voice that resonates with readers across various topics. Geneva's writing portfolio showcases her versatility, from in-depth articles on pet licensing and certification to other engaging subjects.

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