Beagle Appearance
Beagles are smaller dogs, standing 13-15 inches at the shoulder and weighing 18-30 pounds. Beagles have melting dark brown eyes and long ears. Unlike the Spaniel, the Beagle has long ears that aren’t inclined to develop infection and odor. The Beagle’s coat is short and can be any of the hound colors. Many are black and tan with white on the nose, collar, belly, and the tip of the tail. The constantly wagging tail is usually carried high and the nose is usually following a trail on the ground.
Beagle Behavior
Beagles are game little dogs that love to play but don’t tend to become hyper or demanding. Beagles behave well and are not inclined to bite. If a Beagle snaps when a collar is placed over the head or when someone reaches to pat its head or back, visit the veterinarian to investigate back or neck pain because these dogs are seldom surly. Beagles love children and are good, trustworthy companions for them. Beagles enjoy exercise and have sturdy little legs that can walk a long distance, and they need significantly less walking than a larger dog with long legs. These are ideal dogs for children that want to scout about on adventures accompanied by a dog.
Beagle Neck and back pain from disc disease
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Beagle Health (dog breed health problems)
Beagles are prone to ruptured discs in the spine. These discs can rupture in the neck or “cervical” spine, in the chest (thorax), and in the lower (lumbar) spine. Ruptured discs are painful and may cause sudden paralysis. Dogs with painful discs may bite if we reach to pet their head or put a collar around the neck. If your Beagle suddenly becomes irritable and snappy, get an immediate veterinary consult. Discourage all activity and keep your pet from running or jumping. Give NSAIDs, such as Rimadyl (Rx) or Deramaxx (Rx) as prescribed. To lower the amount of prescription NSAID medication your pet needs, use the homeopathic, Traumeel, or a joint protecting medication with MSM, such as 1-800-PetMeds Super Joint Enhancer.
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Beagle Obesity
Beagles are so enthusiastic about food that we tend to over-feed them. Prevent obesity by encouraging your pet to exercise. Limit treats and feed Eat Great Be Well to help keep your Beagle at a healthy weight. We want to prevent obesity because it shortens our dogs’ lives and predisposes them to diabetes and other diseases.
Beagle Fatty Tumors (Lipomas)
When fat cells grow without control and form lumps, they’re called fatty tumors or lipomas. Beagles, like many dogs, are prone to develop fatty tumors. Let your veterinarian know if you find unusual lumps in the skin, and they may recommend simple tests to confirm these are not harmful growths. Holistic veterinarians may prescribe herbs that help dissolve fatty tumors.
Beagle Allergies
Beagles with allergies have itchy feet so they chew and lick them. Providing a natural, holistic diet and vaccinating only when necessary helps prevent and manage immune problems, such as allergies. Supplementing with Yucca Intensive also helps the immune system react normally rather than react in a hyper-vigilant way to non-threatening substances such as grass or meat.
Beagle dull, thin coats
Beagles are prone to several conditions that cause poor skin and coat, such as zinc-responsive dermatosis and hypothyroid disease. However, the most common cause of a dull, thin coat is improper nutrition. Each of these problems has a different remedy. Beagles with zinc-responsive dermatosis improve when their zinc absorption increases. Enzymes, such as NaturVet Enzymes and Probiotics increase the availability of zinc so that it is easier for your pet to absorb. Zinc is present in healthy amounts in a normal diet, so feeding enzymes may be all your pet needs. Or, your pet may benefit from supplements that provide additional zinc, such as 1-800-PetMeds Super VitaChews and Marin. Other causes of a dull, thin, lackluster coat are poor nutrition and hypothyroid disease. To promote good nutrition, feed Eat Great Be Well and supplement with Be Well. If your pet has hypothyroid disease, the prescription medication Soloxine will help it feel and look better.
Beagle Epilepsy
Epilepsy and seizures occur in Beagles and are controlled with prescription medications. Many dogs with epilepsy also benefit from improved liver health. Feed no chemicals, fillers, or dyes that make extra work for the liver. Provide a natural, wholesome diet, such as Eat Great Be Well. Provide filtered water. Supplement with milk thistle (silymarin or silybum) found in Marin for dogs and SAMe.
Beagle Grooming
Beagles need minimal grooming because they have short, smooth coats. Clean the outside of the ears every day if they get in the food dish while eating, and check the inside of their ears every week. Use 1-800-PetMeds Ear Cleansing Solution if necessary. Clip the nails if they clatter on the floor, but most active Beagles wear their nails to a good, natural length tracking scents. Anal sac inflammation is seldom a problem with Beagles.
Brush
Infrequently
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Trim
Not necessary
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Nails
House pets need nail trimming every 4-6 weeks
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Eyes, Ears, & Face
Clean weekly
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Anal Sacs
Not usually a problem. If the sacs need to be emptied, visit your veterinarian rather than the groomer to find out what caused the problem.
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