This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. The concept of matching Halloween costumes is nothing new and while matching couples costumes are cute, matching human and pet costumes are even cuter. If you’re looking for the perfect Halloween costume that will have …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Calling all Disney lovers! Chewy is running a huge sale on almost their entire Disney collection RIGHT NOW! That’s right, if you’re a dog parent who doubles as a Disney fanatic, you have to go …
All purebred dog breeds are predisposed to at least one, if not several, health conditions. This is why it’s so important to heavily research various dog breeds before settling on the perfect one for you. You should know what health issues you’re looking at down the line before you put a hefty deposit down on your new puppy. While all dogs are prone to some health related issue, some dog breeds are worse off than others. Today, I’m sharing 8 of the least healthy purebred dog breeds in 2022.
Bulldogs, specifically English and French, are one of the least healthy dog breeds to exist. While this is largely due to bad breeding, their genetics don’t help. The flat face and wrinkles on a bulldog are cute to many, but unfortunately, it causes a lot of harm to the breed. These dogs have an increasingly difficult time breathing and as a result don’t live very long lives.
Bulldogs are also prone to allergies, caused by an unhealthy gut microbiome. Other health conditions that bulldogs are prone to include: hip dysplasia, irregular tear duct production, collapsed nostrils, and cherry eye.
German Shepherds are a popular breed that is unfortunately predisposed to several health conditions. One of the most common conditions we see in GSD’s is hip dysplasia, a skeletal disorder that is often inherited but can be caused by trauma as well.
German Shepherds are also prone to skin conditions, cardiomyopathy, and perianal fistulas.
Cocker Spaniels are right up there on the top of the list when it comes to unhealthy dog breeds. These dogs are prone to a long list of health concerns ranging from eye issues such as glaucoma, dry eye, and cataracts to organ problems like liver disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney stones- and that’s only the beginning.
If you dream of owning a Cocker Spaniel, extensive research on the breed is a must. You should also plan to find a good vet who will give you all the tools to keep them healthy from the beginning. A good diet, annual bloodwork, and pet insurance are all recommended for cocker spaniel owners.
Pugs experience similar health issues to bulldogs, due to their flat face and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t have a long lifespan because breathing is so difficult. They’re also more prone to heat stroke than most dog breeds.
Because of their bulgy eyes, pugs are likely to experience eye issues such as dry eye, ulcers, and they can even have their eyes pop out of the socket. If you plan to purchase a pug, make sure to find a good breeder who performs genetic testing on their dogs.
Dobermans are gorgeous dogs who unfortunately experience quite a few health issues. One of the most common health conditions we see in dobermans is cardiomyopathy, which causes an enlarged heart. If you plan to own a doberman, annual heart exams are a must.
Dobermans also suffer from bloat, a condition that is fatal if not caught and treated quickly. Wobbler syndrome, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis are other diseases we often see in dobermans.
Rotties are huge dogs, that unfortunately experience health issues due to their large size. Because they are so big, but yet so active, they’re prone to bone issues such as osteochondrosis, a degenerative bone disease.
We also tend to see osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in rottweilers, more so than other breeds. Other health issues that these dogs are predisposed to include epilepsy and lymphoma.
Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in America due to their friendly and goofy personalities, but these dogs come with a long list of health concerns. Labs are prone to every type of illness and injury in the world it seems. Joint issues, heart disease, cancer, and obesity are just a few of the issues with see with Labrador retrievers.
If you own a lab, it’s important to feed them a good diet and make sure they receive an appropriate amount of exercise.
Basset hounds are awesome dogs, but they definitely come with a long list of health problems. They are very prone to elbow dysplasia and back problems, due to their long bodies and short legs. Ear infections are another common problem with bassets, which is unsurprising due to the size of their ears compared to their bodies.
Basset hounds also experience skin issues because of their excess skin and are more prone to obesity than other dog breeds.
Fall time brings out the basic in all of us. If you, like many, are planning on spending the next couple of months curled up on the couch with a pumpkin spice latte in hand then I can only assume you’ll have Gilmore Girls playing …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. The famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, frequently known as the “PSL”, is a staple for many once fall rolls around. The cinnamon and pumpkin flavored drink is the exact combination of autumn tastes that gets us …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
From cooler weather to the beginning of the holiday season there is so much to look forward to when autumn comes around each year and for many, food plays a big role in these fall time festivities. Whether you’re planning a trip to the apple orchard, perfecting your pumpkin bread recipe, or already daydreaming about Thanksgiving dinner, you may be wondering what yummy foods you can share with your pup over the next few months. Luckily, there are plenty of fall foods that are safe and even healthy for our canine companions. Today, I’m sharing 6 fall foods that you can share with your dog.
I don’t know about you but when I think about fall foods, all things pumpkin is the first to come to mind. While you probably shouldn’t order your dog their own PSL at the Starbucks drive thru, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate pumpkin into your pups diet this fall.
Pumpkin has several health benefits for dogs. It contains vitamins such as A, C, and E and minerals like iron and potassium. Pumpkin is also very high in fiber making it great for digestion. In fact, your vet may even recommend adding a scoop into your pups food if they’re experiencing loose stool.
If you want to share some pumpkin with your dog this fall, consider mixing in some 100% pumpkin puree with your dogs meals or get fancy with this pumpkin bread recipe for dogs.
Pumpkin can also be used as a topping for a lick mat or stuffing for a Kong toy, the enrichment possibilities are endless!
Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are very similar nutritionally and so they both make great treats for dogs! If you’re making a sweet potato pie this fall, cook up a little extra of the vegetable for your pup.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which promotes a healthy coat, skin, nerves and muscles in dogs! They’re also a calorie rich food, making them great for pups who need to gain a little weight. Like pumpkin, they’re high in fiber and great for digestion.
You can add some cooked sweet potato to your dogs daily diet or give it as an occasional treat.
Apple picking is one of my favorite fall activities and I’m always sure to share the yummy fruit with my pups! All types of apples are safe for dogs to eat and contain many important nutrients such as vitamins C and A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Your dog can eat the fruit, and it’s skin, but seeds should be removed before feeding.
Cooked or raw, apples are a great snack for your dog. You can even make homemade apple sauce to use as a lick mat topping!
It should come as no surprise that turkey is safe for dogs and can be easily shared with your pup this fall. It’s a great source of protein and a good choice for dogs who need to lose weight as it’s leaner than other meats.
While your dog can eat as much turkey as their hearts desire, they can’t consume a lot of the herbs and spices we tend to use in our turkey cooking. Prep your pups turkey separately from yours and don’t share any pieces that are covered in butter, onions, or garlic.
The debate over whether or not dogs should eat corn is never ending. While many debate corn is just a filler in dog kibble, others insist it provides plenty of nutritional benefits. Whether or not your dog should eat corn as part of their regular diet is up to you and your vet to decide, however, it’s important to note that your dog can safely eat corn as an occasional treat.
Corn is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, and several vitamins. It may not be digested completely, but it won’t harm your dog to have it here and there.
When feeding corn to your dog be extra cautious that they don’t eat the cob, as this can cause severe blockage and even be fatal. Also make sure to leave the butter out of your pups corn serving.
Carrots are one of my favorite treats to give to my dogs! They are high in nutritional value, great for their eye health, and make an awesome dental cleaning treat. When you’re cooking up some carrots this fall, be sure to toss a couple to your pup. Most dogs love crunching on a raw carrot, but they can be enjoyed cooked as well.
Note: Be careful when feeding anything new to your dog. Always monitor them closely before and after feeding for any sign of illness and talk to your vet if you have any concerns.