Do you have an otterhound as a pet? Are you considering getting one? Regardless of your answer, understanding the common otterhound health issues that affect this interesting breed is essential for any responsible dog owner.
The otterhound has a peculiar coat, great stamina, and a lifespan of around 9 – 10 years, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe from general canine ailments. From hip dysplasia to heart troubles, it’s always a good idea to get familiarized with these potential issues so that you know what signs and symptoms to watch out for.
And while it’s true that any dog could be prone to certain diseases or ill effects due to their nature or genetics, we still need to recognize the unique needs of certain dog breeds like the otterhound to keep them healthy and happy!
9 Otterhound Health Issues To Watch Out For
The Otterhound is a remarkable dog breed with a hearty, joyful attitude and an illustrious past. Nonetheless, otterhounds are susceptible to a few different diseases, and their owners should be mindful of this.
Fortunately, most otterhound-related health problems are treatable with care, but being aware of the symptoms to look out for can significantly improve how you take care of your dog. In addition, you’ll be more equipped to recognize potential illnesses early and take prompt action if you know more about them.
Take a moment to become familiar with this list of health problems if you are the owner or prospective owner of an otterhound to ensure your pet’s well-being both now and in the future.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint fails to grow properly, causing discomfort and agony as the dog ages. It’s a hereditary condition, which means that if a puppy’s parents have hip dysplasia, the chances are high that the puppy may have it too.
In that case, what are the telltale indicators of hip dysplasia in Otterhounds?
Well, it’s not always easy to spot initially. Some common signs of hip dysplasia include limping or an abnormal gait, reluctance to move or run, difficulty getting up or lying down, and even bunny-hopping while running. The symptoms tend to get worse with time, and it could end up causing chronic pain and loss of mobility.
It’s heartbreaking to see our furry friends in pain, and hip dysplasia can affect Otterhounds significantly. Not only can it limit their physical activity, but it can also lead to obesity, which could exacerbate their condition further.
2. Elbow Dysplasia
The signs and symptoms of elbow dysplasia in Otterhounds can be subtle initially. Elbow dysplasia refers to malformation or deformation of the elbow joint. Due to this, your pet may be limping, appear stiff or sore, have difficulty moving around, or show signs of reduced activity levels.
But what are some potential underlying causes and effects of elbow dysplasia in Otterhounds? Numerous potential factors can contribute to this condition, including genetic factors, environmental exposure to toxins, and stress or overuse of the joints.
As a result, some dogs may be more predisposed to developing elbow dysplasia than others, depending on their genetic makeup and environment.
Notably, elbow dysplasia in Otterhounds can considerably impact your pet’s well-being as they age. If left untreated, or could progress and cause arthritis or chronic joint inflammation, leading to increased pain and discomfort, reduced mobility, and further complications. Of course, you don’t want your furry friend to suffer from these painful symptoms, so being aware of elbow dysplasia and proactively managing it is essential.
3. Allergies
Allergies are a widespread health problem for Otterhounds, but many pet owners don’t recognize the signs. Usually, an allergic reaction often appears on the skin or the digestive tract. On the skin, it can look like excessive itching and a rash.
Sometimes, the rash will develop into scabs or bald spots. Digestively, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These extreme reactions can cause further problems such as dehydration due to losing electrolytes from vomiting and antibiotics from scratching open wounds on the skin.
A pet with allergies can become so exhausted from dealing with its discomfort that it might struggle to maintain normal energy levels throughout the day. This makes daily activities such as walking more difficult for both pet and owner to enjoy.
4. Epilepsy
The Otterhound is prone to developing epilepsy. Owners need to be aware of the symptoms and indicators of this neurological illness because it can be dreadful to behold. An epileptic episode may be indicated by your Otterhound’s body jerking or twitching suddenly and uncontrollably, along with a blank expression.
Otterhounds suffering from epilepsy may experience some uncomfortable symptoms. Your pet may become disoriented and confused after one of these unexpected seizures and lose control of its bowels and bladder.
Regrettably, epilepsy can negatively influence a dog’s quality of life by depleting its energy and preventing them from participating in everyday activities.
Owners must realize that, despite the upsetting nature of epilepsy, your Otterhound’s happy and healthy life is not necessarily over. Certain medications can help manage their symptoms and lessen the number of seizures they experience.
5. Blood-Clotting Diseases
These diseases include Von Willebrand’s Disease and Factor VII Deficiency and occur when there is an error in the gene that regulates blood coagulation. Still, some of the more frequent signs to look out for might be nosebleeds, unexplained bruises or other bleeding, pale gums or tongue on exertion, and at times even bluish or black spots appearing on the gum tissue.
If your beloved pet does come down with this condition, it can take a severe toll on their health – excessive bleeding during surgery could put them at risk for death. With such a severe issue affecting these beautiful dogs, watch for those warning signs!
6. Hypothyroidism
The Otterhound is a beautiful dog breed, but it can be prone to a particular health condition- hypothyroidism. This disorder is caused when the thyroid hormones in the body fall below normal levels, resulting in slower functioning bodily processes.
For Otterhounds specifically, this could lead to severe weight gain and an inability to regulate their temperature- causing both a lack of energy and heat sensitivity. In addition, regular exercise routines tend to be put on hold due to these issues, which often do not end well for the animal’s health and overall well-being.
Unfortunately, for many breed owners, there are no warning signs before the onset of hypothyroidism. As a result, it can affect them before they or their owners even realize it, creating hardships beyond just dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms alone.
7.Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Bloat occurs when there is over-distention in the stomach from gas or fluid, and the stomach twists around itself. This can be incredibly dangerous for your pet due to its inability to vomit or pass gas; the buildup causes pressure on other internal organs, potentially leading to death without prompt medical attention.
Signs that Bloat might be occurring include loss of appetite, a distended belly, restlessness, salivation, and possible vomiting. All Otterhounds are susceptible to Bloat, so stay vigilant for any red flags and get them prompt medical help if needed.
8. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This condition affects the eyes and can cause partial blindness or complete blindness in the animal. Symptoms of PRA include:
- Night-blindness.
- Weakening vision during the day.
- Developing cataracts.
- Ultimately the total loss of sight.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for this condition, so once the symptoms manifest, it’s vital to ensure your Otterhound lives a safe life with plenty of supervision. It’s heartbreaking to see any animal undergo such a drastic change in eyesight, but with lots of love and patience, their owners will ensure they live life to its fullest despite this condition.
9. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a condition in which the heart does not effectively pump, together with other issues associated with how the organ functions. Unfortunately, your furry friend can also suffer from this, as it is widespread among Otterhounds and breeds of similar size. As a result, your pup may feel sluggish or have difficulty maintaining normal energy levels. They may even experience rapid breathing and sometimes coughing – all of which are signs and symptoms of heart disease.
It’s important to remember that this issue, while more likely in older animals, can occur at any age, so if you notice anything unusual, it’s best to get them checked out.
Tips To Prevent Otterhound Health Issues
1. Balanced Diet
Keeping your special otterhound puppy in good health is a priority and one of the best ways to ensure that is to stick to feeding them a balanced diet. However, special care must be taken as malnutrition and being overweight are both challenges they can face due to their large size.
A diet suited to their needs should contain higher amounts of proteins, calcium, fatty acids, and other trace minerals to keep them full of energy and sharp. Make sure you include plenty of different types of quality proteins in the form of lean proteins, such as fish and poultry, alongside complex carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes for maintaining nutrients needed for healthy skin, coat & muscle development.
Include quality fats from ingredients like salmon oil or flaxseed oil, which will help the absorption of vitamins into the body much more accessible. Also, watch out for any unusual behavior signs indicating an underlying issue causing indigestion or discomfort. Doing this will help your pup remain in tip-top shape!
2. Daily Exercise
Not only is daily exercise good for overall health in any animal, but it can keep increased weight gain at bay and prevent muscle and joint issues. Since these furry friends are known to be energetic, they will love getting the chance to get out and run around with their owners.
When it comes to exercising with your otterhound, daily walks are always a great option because they want nothing more than your attention! While you’re out there, try turning them onto different paths each day and showing off some new smells.
Playing fetch or hide-and-seek with them can be great exercise and provide some brain stimulation.
3. Provide a Clean, Dry Bedding
Dry bedding helps keep your pup’s coat healthy and free from fungus while providing them with extra warmth when needed. It also maintains the integrity of their skin and prevents moisture-related skin problems like rashes and sores – especially during those long wet winters!
Keeping your pup’s bedding clean will protect them from airborne allergens like pollen and dust mites which can cause canine asthma and other respiratory ailments. All in all, clean, dry bedding is an absolute must for any Otterhound who loves lounging around in comfort.
4. Regular Vet Checkups
During each checkup, your vet will examine your Otterhound, get their vaccinations in order, watch for signs of parasites, and test for any genetic diseases particular to the breed. Consistent vet visits are essential — they are a great way to stay on top of your pup’s health and provide peace of mind knowing that your four-legged friend is in tip-top shape!
5. Love and Companionship
Last but not least is the need to provide love and companionship. Although it may sound a bit cliché, many otterhounds experience mental and physical problems due to feeling abandoned or absent by their family or caregiver. We keep them happy by showing them our love and care, which significantly impacts their general health.
It promotes regular movement, maintains their organs healthy, and provides them with the nutrients they need for everything from digestion to brain function. Not only does showing our otterhounds affection strengthen our relationship with them, but it also enables us to spot any potential illnesses early on before they worsen and become more severe psychologically and physically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of dog food is best for an Otterhound?
A: Deciding on the best food for your Otterhound can be difficult since they have many specific needs! Luckily, a great variety of specially formulated dog foods are made to help your pup thrive. While you should always discuss with your vet to find the perfect diet for your pup’s requirements, some general suggestions would be to look for a high-protein diet mainly containing real meat and several sources of healthy fats such as salmon and olive oil. Additionally, supplements like probiotics and glucosamine might benefit otterhounds who suffer from joint pain or arthritis. Ultimately you are the one who knows your pup best, so trust your instincts and get them the nourishment they need to stay happy and healthy!
Q: Is Otterhound a rare breed of dog?
A: As odd as it may sound, the otterhound is rare. According to the American Kennel Club, less than 1,000 of them are registered in the U.S. These delightful hounds are on the “endangered breeds” list, meaning they’re at risk of being completely wiped out one day! So, if you ever spot an otterhound and have an opportunity to stroke its coarse – yet oh-so-soft – coat, consider yourself lucky, as it’s most likely not something you get to do every day.
Q: Do I need insurance for my Otterhound?
A: Pet insurance can offer some protection if something unexpected arises, and it seems like something always does. Insurance can help cover costs for emergency medical procedures and even medication. But remember that this type of coverage doesn’t mean leaving the decision about treatment entirely up to your pet’s insurance provider; you’ll still be responsible for seeking medical advice when needed. Ultimately, the decision is yours! Weigh out the pros and cons to decide if insurance is the best for you and your cherished Otterhound.
Q: What otterhound temperament should I expect?
A: If you’re considering getting an otterhound, you should expect a playful, friendly companion. They’re notorious for their goofy personality and are always up for snuggles, no matter what kind of mood they’re in. While they won’t be content being alone all day, they make great family dogs who thrive when given attention and regular exercise. With lots of patience and consistency when training them, otterhounds can learn many tricks, including fetching and jumping through hoops! Plus, their coats come in various colors, so you’ll always have an eye-catching pup around your home.
Q: How can I find an otterhound for sale?
A: There are reputable breeders nationwide, so a simple internet search will likely help you find one. It is essential to check the seller’s legitimacy and ensure they can be trusted. Be bold and ask them questions if there’s something that seems wrong. Look out for red flags, such as asking for payment before seeing the pup or vague answers to other inquiries. Lastly, ensure a full health check of the puppy before taking it home – your pet’s well-being should always be your top priority.
Final Words
The Otterhound is generally healthy, but like any breed, they can develop certain health conditions. The most important thing you can do as an owner is to be aware of their breed’s potential concerns and stay educated about canine health in general. You can enjoy your Otterhound for many years through regular vet visits, providing exercise and proper nutrition, and early identification of any problems your pup may develop.
