Prosser's Chukar Cherry Company Sends Sweet Help To Hawaii
I'm A Vet – Five Breeds That Are Super Prone To Allergies, They Can End Up Costing A Small Fortune In Vet Bills
THERE'S a lot to consider when bring any pet into your life, from how they are with kids and other animals to potential health issues they could encounter as they age.
According to one vet, some dogs could end up costing owners a small fortune in vet bills, and it's all because they're so allergy prone.
4
Dr Adam Christman took to TikTok to share the listCredit: TIkTok/@dr.Adamchristman524
a English Bulldogs are prone to some health issuesCredit: GettyDr Adam Christman revealed the five breeds that are the most allergy prone, as well as those that have other pricey problems.
BoxersThis breed is "very prone to food allergies," the vet noted, which could mean owners need to take special care of what they feed their pooch.
Not only that, but Boxers can "develop hives quite a bit," Adam added.
The Boxer Rescue said: " Boxer's are notorious for having food allergies.
"Your dog may become allergic to an ingredient in their dog food that they had previous eaten without any problem, sometimes for years!"
Foods with a high grain content, corn or wheat are especially risky for this breed.
Cocker Spaniel4
Cocker Spaniels are are prone to ear infections because of their floppy earsCredit: GettyNot only are they prone to ear infections but this furry breed is also more likely to develop skin disease than other breeds.
"n some dogs ear problems may progress and worsen quite quickly and thus should be addressed promptly," Vet Derm explained.
Most read in Fabulous
MYSTIC MEG
Cash and the colour yellow make a rich bond
EYE OPENING
People are stunned when they see my pierced eye - then I tell them the truth
HOTTING UP
Woman reveals simple way she stopped heat escaping from her home
Window pain
Woman only realises she's flashed a school playground when she gets a NOTE West Highland TerrierThis fluffy pooch is also prone to food allergies , as well as canine atopic dermatitis, which is a genetically-predisposed skin disease.
This might make your dog itchy and uncomfortable, but could also lead to secondary skin infections if not treated.
American Pit BullsThis breed is also more likely to encounter skin conditions that other dogs.
"These guys may be stocky and square but their skin can be super sensitive," Adam said in the TikTok clip.
Rather than sneezing like humans, in dogs allergies make their skin itchy.
"We call this skin allergy 'atopy, and Pit Bulls often have it," Central Texas Vetenery Clinic explained.
They added: "Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected.
"Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs."
English Bulldog4
English Bulldogs have their fair share of health issuesCredit: GettyIf you have this breed, chances are you spend ages taking care of their various skin issues.
Medicated shampoos and cleaning their skinfolds is just part of the daily routine for Bulldog owners, but it's worth it in the end, Adam said.
Dog Breeds With The Highest Chances Of Health Problems
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Many dog owners choose a dog breed based on characteristics that fit their homes and lifestyles. An urban apartment dweller might prefer a mellow companion who doesn't require a lot of space and exercise, such as a French bulldog. Someone with a large home and fenced-in yard might opt for an energetic breed such as a border collie.
Dog owners might also wonder about a breed's likelihood of developing health conditions, such as cancer, cardiac disease or arthritis. The veterinary analytics team at Nationwide pet insurance studied dogs insured by Nationwide pet insurance policies to determine relative rates of health problems among breeds.
Dogs With the Highest Cancer RiskOwners of boxers have the highest chances of filing a cancer pet insurance claim, among the 25 most popular breeds, according to Nationwide's analysis of more than 1.6 million dogs insured by Nationwide pet insuranceover a six-year period. The average age for a boxer's first cancer claim is around age 8. Beagles and golden retrievers are also among the popular dog breeds most likely to get cancer.
Nationwide's analysis also found that purebred dogs are almost twice (1.9 times) as likely to develop cancer compared to non-purebred dogs.
The average cost of cancer treatment for a dog is $4,100, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of vet visit costs.
A claim risk of 1.0 means the dog breed has an average risk of having an insurance claim for the health condition. In the tables below, numbers above 1.0 indicate a higher risk. A claim risk of 6.0 would mean the dog has six times the average risk of an insurance claim for the health condition.
Popular Dog Breeds With the Highest Cancer RiskFeatured Partner Offers
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Dogs With a High Chance of Pancreatitis and Diabetes in Their Senior YearsToy and small dog breeds dominate the list of dogs with the highest relative risk for pancreatitis and diabetes in their senior years, according to Nationwide's analysis. At the top of the risk list are miniature pinschers and miniature schnauzers.
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory disease in the pancreas with symptoms that include abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Risk factors for dog pancreatitis include obesity, hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of fats in the bloodstream) and eating things such as table scraps and trash.
Diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. It is a known disease of aging dogs. Female dogs and dogs that have other health conditions are at a higher risk. Symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, hunger and drinking, with or without weight loss. If the condition is not well-controlled, dog diabetes can be life threatening.
The average cost to treat dog diabetes is $2,700, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis.
If you own a toy or small-breed dog, be aware that they have the highest chances of cardiac disease as they age. In particular, Cavalier King Charles spaniels stand out as having the highest risk, according to Nationwide's analysis.
Cardiac disease can be broadly defined as valvular diseases and cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle). Dog breeds with the lowest risk for developing cardiac disease as seniors include Labrador retrievers, English bulldogs and pugs, among the 69 breeds in Nationwide's analysis of cardiac problems.
The most common outcome of canine cardiac disease is congestive heart failure, which occurs when a dog's heart cannot meet its body's needs, causing fluid to accumulate in its lungs. Symptoms of canine heart disease include coughing, difficulty breathing and not tolerating exercise.
Nationwide notes that it assumed that congenital heart disease (present at birth) is not included in the data because it's a pre-existing condition, which is not covered by pet insurance and thus not reflected in claims.
Shetland sheepdogs have the highest chance for senior kidney disease, among the 67 dog breeds in Nationwide's analysis. At the top of the risk list are Yorkshire terriers and silky terriers.
One of the kidney's critical roles is to filter blood and remove waste products. Kidney failure in dogs is diagnosed when the kidneys have lost more than 75% of their functionality. This can happen over time (chronic kidney failure) or suddenly (acute kidney failure). Acute kidney failure can happen because of an infection or swallowing something toxic. Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss.
Both chronic and acute kidney disease can be medically treated, although only acute kidney disease is potentially reversible. Treatment may include a prescription diet that reduces the amount of protein wastes or metabolic toxins.
Rough collies have the highest risk of arthritis in their senior years compared to 81 other dog breeds in Nationwide's analysis. Large and extra large dog breeds are most susceptible to arthritis in their later years.
The Nationwide Pet Health Analytics and Insights Team looked at primary osteoarthritis (OA) and medically managed causes of secondary OA in dog breeds.
Primary OA is a disease that arises spontaneously. Risk factors include age and obesity. Secondary OA is the most common form of OA and occurs because of an incident such as a cruciate ligament injury, hip or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation (kneecap moves out of its normal location) or trauma. Risk factors for secondary OA include breed, genetics, age, sex and neuter status and body weight.
Dog owners with senior purebred dogs are more likely to submit pet insurance claims for arthritis compared to dog owners with mixed breed dogs, according to Nationwide. Treatments for OA might include physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Dogs with significantly shortened faces and muzzles are known as brachycephalic breeds. This includes Boston terriers, boxers, bull mastiffs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs and Shih Tzus. Brachycephalic dog breeds can have a higher risk for certain health problems compared to non-brachycephalic dog breeds, according to Nationwide's study of pet insurance claims. Bulldog and mastiff breeds are among the 20 most expensive dogs to insure.
Dog owners with brachycephalic breeds are almost three times more likely to submit a pet insurance claim for respiratory issues compared to non-brachycephalic breeds, according to Nationwide. This includes claims for pneumonia, inflammatory upper airway diseases and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
Unfortunately, brachycephalic breeds are prone to some pretty intense, often chronic, health problems." – Dr. Jacqueline Brister, Embrace pet insurance
Eye problems are another common issue, such as cherry eye. Dog owners with brachycephalic breeds are almost four times more likely to submit pet insurance claims for ocular disease compared to non-brachycephalic breeds, according to Nationwide. Other common health problems for brachycephalic breeds include complications of pregnancy, heatstroke and systemic allergic reactions.
Preventive Health Care Tips for Dog Owners"Every dog breed is going to have their own set of quirks, personalities, needs and health concerns," says Dr. Jacqueline Brister, doctor of veterinary medicine and consultant for Embrace pet insurance. Brister recommends that you research breed-specific websites such as the American Kennel Club and consult with a veterinarian to help you decide how to best meet the needs of a future pet.
Preventive care starts with good lifestyle choices. Brister recommends you feed your pets a nutritious diet and make sure they're getting appropriate exercise and keeping a healthy weight. And don't skip regular veterinary exams. Regular checkups are key to catching problems early and helps prevent conditions from becoming more serious, Brister says.
"Dogs can't tell their owner when something is wrong," Brister says. Your vet will examine your dog's body conditions, ears, eyes, teeth and gums, coat and skin to get a clear picture of any issues that need to be addressed. "This keeps the pet happy and healthy and keeps medical care costs to a minimum."
Here are some more dog care tips for pet parents:
No matter what dog breed you own, pet insurance can help pay for expensive veterinary procedures like chemotherapy, surgeries and hospitalizations. The average pet insurance cost for dogs is $44 per month, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of pet insurance costs. That's for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement level.
Pet insurance is like a health insurance policy for your pet that covers veterinarian bills related to accidents and illnesses. The types of problems typically covered by pet insurance include:
Pet insurance also covers common illnesses, such as ear infections, skin conditions and urinary tract infections. Accidents are also covered by pet insurance, such as ACL ruptures, bite wounds, broken bones and cuts.
Many pet insurers offer the option to add a pet insurance wellness plan for routine care. A wellness plan can help pay for routine expenses such as:
It's a good idea to buy pet insurance for your dog as soon as possible. That's because pet insurance companies won't cover pre-existing conditions and you'll want to get a policy before your dog develops any conditions, such as heart or kidney disease.
You'll also generally get better prices for younger pets. We found the best prices for pet insurance were after a pet's first birthday until age six. Your pet insurance premiums may increase as your dog gets older and you renew your policy each year. Some pet insurance companies have an upper age limit for when you can buy a plan, such as age 14. But if you buy a plan before your pet's birthday, they'll be covered for life.
What is the best pet insurance for older dogs?The best pet insurance for older dogs is from Embrace, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of pet insurance plans.
Embrace scored 5 out of 5 stars in our analysis due to its competitive prices and good coverage benefits, such as a 24/7 pet telehealth line and the option to add a wellness plan. Other top scoring plans include ManyPets and Pumpkin.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?Pet insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition to be an illness or injury that started before coverage kicks in. These types of problems are excluded from coverage, such as cancer or diabetes that your dog developed before you bought pet insurance.
You can find pet insurance for pre-existing conditions for problems that are considered curable. For example, ASPCA's pet insurance covers curable conditions if there are no symptoms for 180 days (excluding knee and ligament conditions). If the condition recurs after 180 days, it will be covered like a new problem.
What is the best pet insurance for French bulldogs?Lemonade, ManyPets and Pets Best were the highest scoring plans in our analysis of the best pet insurance for French bulldogs.
These companies combine good coverage benefits with a competitive price. Common French bulldog health issues include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, heat stroke, eye issues, skin infections, ear infections and hip and elbow dysplasia.
'I'm A Vet And Here Are Five Dog Breeds I Would Never Own - One Is Really Aggressive'
XL Bully dogs are set to become the latest breed to be banned by the UK Government following a spate of horrifying attacks - but one very has revealed the five breeds he would never get
Video LoadingVideo Unavailable
The video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay now
Ben The Vet shares 5 dog breed he wouldn't own
There is currently a hot debate over whether XL Bully dogs are safe or not after a spout of attacks led the UK government to ban the breed. Recent research has found they were the breed to have carried out half of the fatal dog attacks in the UK since the pandemic.
At least 23 people have been killed by dogs in the last three years and American XL Bullies, or similar breeds, were suspected to be involved in 12 of the attacks. Rishi Sunak said he is to ban them by the end of the year as they are a 'danger to our communities'.
The PM said it is clear this is not about a 'handful of badly trained dogs but is a pattern of behaviour'. However, a vet has recently spoken out about the five dog breeds he'd never own - and XL Bullies are not included on the list. What will be incredibly surprising to some is the fact that the first on Ben's list is the West Highland White Terrier.
"Ask any vet what dog breeds are most commonly affected by skin allergies and I guarantee the Westie will be near the top of their list. You may have noticed that they often have brown feet, that is not their natural coat colour, that is from saliva staining because their feet are itchy and they spend a lot of time licking them," he said in a video he uploaded to TikTok.
"They also have two health conditions named after them, which is never a good sign. The first is Westy Lung or pulmonary fibrosis which is a condition where their lungs become scarred and they develop a cough and breathing difficulties. The second is Westie's Jaw which commonly affects young Westies. They get all of this abnormal bone growth around their jaw and it's very painful, it's a no from me."
Next on his list is the Neapolitan Mastiff, which is the same kind of dog as Fang in Harry Potter. While the vet said he's not a giant breed dog person anyway, he can't comprehend why anyone would want this dog. "I don't understand how anyone could live with this amount of drool. If you've got carpet on your floor surely your carpet must stink of drool.
"If you have hard floors then you must have to mop the floors multiple times a day and they shake their head and the drool goes everywhere, I just couldn't live with that, sorry. The drooling aside, the amount of redundant loose skin they have on their head can be really problematic. Their eyelids tend to be very loose meaning some parts of the eyelid rolls outwards, leaving the eye exposed and other parts roll inwards meaning hair scrapes on the surface of the eye which is obviously painful. They often have to have surgery to remove loose skin to correct this problem."
Third on his list is the Italian Greyhound as he said while they're elegant-looking dogs, they're extremely fragile. Ben explained that their long-dainty limb bones are more vulnerable to fracture than other dogs. Their skin is also very thin so they develop wounds very easily. They're otherwise fairly healthy, he personally just doesn't like the fact that the appearance they've been bred for has a consequence for them in terms of being much more vulnerable.
The next breed he discusses is the German Shepherd. He said while they are an 'iconic' and 'beautiful' dog breed, there are a few reasons they've made his list. He said one of his concerns is their temperament. While he's met a lot of lovely ones, they tend to be protective of their owners.
He continued: "So when they're in an unfamiliar surrounding, like a veterinary practice, and they're feeling anxious, they can become very aggressive and reactive but also because of their poor genetic health they're predisposed to a lot of health problems including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia."
The vet said he sees far too many older German shepherds with a paralysing spinal condition called degenerative myelopathy. They're also prone to a condition called anal furunculosis, which is when they get painful fistulas forming next to their bottom. "And lastly this one makes me quite sad but the Bernese Mountain Dog is fifth on my list. They are what I would call a heartbreak dog breed. They tend to be really sweet-natured and make great family dogs but I can never bring myself to get one because of their horribly high risk of cancer," he said.
"There's a type of cancer which is very rare in most dog breeds but kills one in seven Bernese Mountain Dogs and it's called Histiocytic Sarcoma. They do tend to get it in middle to older age but I think I'm just too scarred by seeing too many Bernese Mountain Dogs diagnosed with this problem." He concluded the video by reminding viewers that this was just his opinion and if you had one of these breeds, to make sure you look after them and give them lots of love.
Comments
Post a Comment