5 Common Whippet Health Concerns
While they do enjoy having a yard to run around with, these flexible furry friends do well in apartment settings as well.
When Whippets aren’t running around, they love to stretch out on the couch. These graceful dogs are known for being gentle, making them great family dogs. Before bringing home one of these playful pups, you’ll want to have a firm understanding of the breed’s health history. Below, we’ll share 5 common Whippet health concerns so that you can be a prepared pooch parent.
Cardiac Disease
Cardiac or heart disease in dogs refers to an inability of the heart to pump adequate blood to the body. The most common form of this condition is due to a leaky heart valve or irregularities of heart rhythm. You may notice your Whippet having difficulty breathing or coughing regularly. Dogs with this condition will tire out more easily over time. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, swollen belly, or pale-bluish gums.
Heart conditions are usually diagnosed with the help of an ECG, blood testing, and X-rays. Luckily, there are plenty of medications to help your pooch manage their heart condition over time.
Deafness
Whippets are super hardy dogs that don’t deal with many of the common dog ailments. That being said, they’re still susceptible to conditions that may come with age, such as deafness. Whippets can be born deaf or develop the permanent loss of hearing as they grow. You may notice your dog becoming more unresponsive over time.
If your dog develops the condition, it’s important to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your furry family member. Be sure to approach your dog gently, as deaf dogs are more easily startled. In addition, you’ll always need to keep your dog on leash as they won’t be able to respond to auditory commands when out in public.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is characterized as the chronic inflammation of the Pancreas, which can be extremely painful for your pooch. Dogs with this condition may experience hunched back, vomiting, a bloated stomach, dehydration, or lethargy. You’ll want to keep an eye out for any blood in your dog’s stool as well. Chronic pancreatitis can be treated with the help of fluid therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and surgery in some instances.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by the underproduction of the thyroid gland. This gland is responsible for regulating a dog’s metabolism. Hence, dogs with this condition can experience a wide range of symptoms including hair loss, loss of appetite or thirst, and lethargy.
Once diagnosed through blood testing, affected pooch patients will need to be put on a hormone replacement medication. Most dogs will need to take this medication on a daily basis for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, once treated, dogs remain relatively unaffected by hypothyroidism.
Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease in dogs refers to sudden loss of balance and orientation. There’s no one cause of this disease though it is seen relatively often among Whippets. It could be due to an ear infection, physical trauma, or simply aging. Most patients are able to recover from dizziness episodes within 48 hours. In rare cases, affected dogs may experiencing chronic “wobbling” or head tilt.
Luckily, Whippets are known for being relatively very healthy dogs. That being said, it’s a good idea to understand the most common health concerns of your canine companion so that you can take good care of your furry friend. Enjoy spending time with your speedy sweetheart!
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