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Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list

Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list

Daily Record3 days ago

Certain small pooches are more susceptible to health issues and require extra care.
Small dogs have been in fashion in recent years, with little breeds such as the Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) and the iconic Dachshund spiking in popularity. But a dog or puppy is more than a cute face or a fashion statement, and small dog owners are often unaware of the health issues associated with littler pups.
Dog nutrition experts at Green Pantry have partnered with vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes to warn existing or aspiring small dog owners of the health problems they often face, so that all pet parents will be well-educated on how to look after their furry friends.

Dr Moyes said: 'Smaller dogs are popular for many reasons. They require less space, typically need less rigorous exercise compared to larger breeds, and are more affordable to feed (though other expenses remain comparable). Plus, their undeniable cuteness makes them even more appealing."

But we should remain aware that many small dog breeds are vulnerable to health problems, and pet parents should do their research before taking one home.
With this in mind, the pet pros have made a list of the most popular small dogs, and offer some tips on how to meet their specific health needs.
Here is their advice.
The most popular small dog breeds and how to care for them
Cockapoo
Dr Moyes explains: 'One of the main health issues Cockapoos suffer from is obesity. This is easily remedied with a healthy and balanced diet and ensuring everybody is aligned on what the dog should and should not be fed.

"As tempting as it can be to slip your pet some food from your plate, this is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs, and it can, in turn, lead to other health issues such as joint issues and diabetes."
The expert explains that hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, which is an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity.
To ease joint issues, make sure your pooch gets regular exercise, and you could also consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy, shared the vet.

Cavapoo
Dr. Moyes continues: 'Like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation is a common health issue amongst smaller dogs. It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis.
"A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet."

Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help this issue.
This breed of small dog also often have dental issues, which can include problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss.
To maintain your dog's oral hygiene, focus on a balanced diet, and regular brushing, or give them natural dental supplements like mint, seaweed, or parsley.

Chihuahua
'Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which is why they often suffer from Periodontal Disease", explains Dr Moyes.
This condition occurs when the dog's teeth become overcrowded in their small mouths, so it's vital to look after their dental hygiene.

Dachshund
Dr Moyes adds: 'Dachshunds are adored for their distinctive, sausage-like shape and have rapidly increased in popularity. However, there are some things you should be aware of with their unique physique.

"Dachshunds are particularly susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)."
IVDD is a spinal condition caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, often associated with ageing.
While this condition cannot always be prevented, its symptoms can be significantly reduced and managed by taking proactive steps.

Anti-inflammatory supplements, making sure they're a healthy weight and even getting in touch with a doggy physiotherapist can help.
Obesity is another issue for dachshunds, due to their unique build, so again, it's vital to maintain their weight.
Dr Moyes concludes: 'While it is good to be aware of these conditions, they are by no means guaranteed.
"As with humans, all dogs are unique, and though some may suffer from these conditions, with the correct care and management, these dogs will go on to lead happy lives."
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EXCLUSIVE Hidden cost of designer dogs the breeders won't tell you about: Pet owners say trendy breeds like cockapoos are costing them thousands in vet bills - and issue warning about their temperaments
EXCLUSIVE Hidden cost of designer dogs the breeders won't tell you about: Pet owners say trendy breeds like cockapoos are costing them thousands in vet bills - and issue warning about their temperaments

Daily Mail​

time2 days ago

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Hidden cost of designer dogs the breeders won't tell you about: Pet owners say trendy breeds like cockapoos are costing them thousands in vet bills - and issue warning about their temperaments

With their adorable teddy bear-esque coats and Instagram-perfect curls, it's no surprise that poodle crosses and other designer breeds have become all the rage. But the reality of owning a cockapoo, cavapoo or any other 'doodle' is far from the picture-perfect impression given on social media. During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Brits spent thousands on the photogenic puppies - loved by owners for their 'no shed' coats and minimal mess. And with their sweet and harmless expressions and puppy dog eyes, it seems hard to believe that the reality of doodle ownership is nothing short of a 'nightmare'. Speaking to MailOnline, owners have shared how they've spent thousands on the 'expensive' pets only to be floored by extortionate vet bills as a result of recurring health issues. Cockapoos and smaller dog breeds are prone to 'patellar luxation', which causes their kneecaps to slip, while others described bouts of 'horrendous colitis', cataracts and allergies. And far from being perfectly behaved, owners have ended up being forced to deal with ultra-clingy 'velcro' dogs who show displays of aggression towards others and display 'food-avoidant' habits, necessitating expensive alternatives. 'Poodle crosses were meant to be the answer to everything - hypoallergenic, versatile size, easy to train and absolutely heart-meltingly cute (especially as teddy-like puppies),' Francesca Verney, veterinary director of Pet People told MailOnline. 'But in many cases - a poorly bred, insufficiently socialised dog in the dedicated but often naive owner's hands can be a recipe for difficulty with high prevalence of disc disease, allergy, immune-mediated disease, separation anxiety and reactivity. 'A crying shame that the context has affected the original stamp of a lovely cross.' Tam Johnston, from Brighton, says her three-year-old cavapoochon Darcie is so clingy that she's unable to leave her alone for more than two hours at a time - and means she needs to work from home. She explained she'd wanted to get a dog for years and, after putting in a lot of research, eventually settled on the breed, which is a blend of King Charles Spaniel, poodle and Bichon Frisé. Tam, 50, told MailOnline: 'I knew that their temperament was incredibly sweet. They love human company. It basically ticked all the boxes in terms of what I wanted. 'They are very much one of the dogs at the moment and they get such positive press. They are a brilliant breed.' As a therapist, Tam imagined that her new pet would fit into her lifestyle 'perfectly', imagining them travelling up to London together and having Darcie sit in on sessions. She said she had initially dismissed any warnings that poodle breeds can be 'fussy eaters' and 'velcro dogs', putting it down to an individual 'training issue'. She picked up Darcie from the breeder - whom she says 'couldn't have been better' - in Nottingham, before driving back down home to Brighton. Initially, her new pet was an 'absolute gem' and slept the whole way home in the car. But just a couple of days later, the first problems started. Tam found herself in a nightmare of dealing with 'fresh blood and mucus', recalling: 'It all kicked off. I was like, "Oh, my God, what's going on?". She was just so distressed with it. 'She was just wailing in distress. It was horrible, absolutely horrible! Especially when it's a tiny bean sized thing that you're responsible for and don't quite know what's going on!' After ringing the emergency vet, Tam was told Darcie had colitis - an inflammation of the colon that often leads to diarrhea. For the first year and a half of owning Darcie, Tam explained that she would be prone to these nasty flare-ups, leading to a 'constant cycle' of her not being able to reach a healthy weight and having no energy. On some occasions, especially after she was spayed, Tam said it became so bad that they had to set up a form of 'doggy intensive care' at home. In addition, the precious early 'puppy' stage of Darcie's life where the family should have been bonding were just incredibly 'stressful', and meant it took them seven months to house train her. Tam said: 'It's stressful having a new pup, anyway, with all the training - the toilet training and everything else. 'There wasn't that much time where we were just able to enjoy each other and have that puppy time. Her health was the main point, and it was just distressing and stressful to see, and I just felt like I couldn't quite get on top of it.' Darcie's personality, too, has meant she's ended up 'dominating' their lives. Tam explained that she's so 'clingy' she can't be left alone for long periods as she won't 'sleep, eat or do anything'. She's also an incredibly fussy eater who will 'starve herself for days' before feeling constant nausea, even refusing to eat dry kibble. Tam says she's constantly having to think up new tricks just to get her to eat, such as putting butter or bacon bits on the end of treats, or by shopping for more expensive food options. As a result, she said she's spent 'thousands per year' on vets bills, as well as food and grooming and, though she'd love a companion for Darcie, she simply 'can't afford' it. 'If we're going to go for these designer dogs, we need to make sure that we really know what they're all about,' she said. 'There are parts that aren't talked about as much.' Jenna Beverley, owner of two-year-old cockapoo Toby, said her boy has been such 'hard work' that she wouldn't get another one. Like Darcie, Toby has also been plagued with health issues, including bad allergies, issues with his anal glands and genetic cataracts. He also had a unilateral cryptorchidism, meaning he needed a abdominal castration as one testicle didn't descend - which could have lead to health issues in the long term, and increase the risk of cancer. Jenna, from south Yorkshire, who herself works in veterinary medicine, said she already knew about the 'troubles' associated with the breed, but took him on from a family friend who could no longer look after him. She described Toby as a 'nightmare' for food, as well as being clingy, and snapping at and attacking other dogs he doesn't like, especially bulldogs and Labradors. She told FEMAIL: 'I wouldn't have another. He's my boy but he's hard work! 'I would warn others about the things that can go wrong when crossing two breeds, there's no guarantee on anything, especially temperament.' According to Francesca from Pet People, cockapoos rose from 10th on the most popular dog list to 4th between 2016 and 2018, climbing even further since Covid. Though, she added, a study published in August 2024 refuted claims that they are either better or worse than their pedigree counterparts in terms of disease risk, 'high volume breeding, inexperienced owners, poor socialisation during COVID have all led to the poodle crosses now presenting with a range of health and behaviour issues commensurate with a rush to breed this type of dog under the pandemic supply pressure'. Scott Putman from Bedford, who owns cockapoo Arlo, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his pet destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views. In the video, Scott came home from work to find that Arlo had spread five or six rolls all over the carpet, after they accidentally left the door open to the downstairs toilet. 'Arlo, what have you done?!' Scott exclaimed. 'What is this mess? Naughty dog!' Despite the mess, Scott insisted that Arlo is, generally, a 'good boy' and very good with their children, aged eight and five. The family paid £800 for Arlo, as Scott's wife had a cockapoo before, and they thought the breed was 'very cute'. However, he thinks Arlo's especially good behaviour is partially down to 'strict training' when he was young and says it's 'harder work than people expect'. Scott told FEMAIL: 'People, if they look at sort of pictures, they think it's going to be a breeze. It's not always like that.' Even so, Arlo remains an incredibly fussy eater and 'literally pulls your arms off' when taken for a walk on the lead. He's also 'very very needy'. Scott, 35, said: 'He'll follow you upstairs literally everywhere he's there. He's like your shadow. 'They are very very cute, especially when you see pictures of them online. They really win you over.' Mark Graham, from Sage Vets in Loughton, said they do see particular traits among the poodle breed, and its crosses. He said: 'We do find certain breeds and their crosses, such as Cockapoos and Cavapoos, are prone to particular behavioural traits, clinginess and anxiety among them. There is growing evidence that some of these may have a genetic basis. 'These dogs surged in popularity during the lockdown, when reduced opportunities for training and socialisation meant many became accustomed to constant human company, making separation anxiety increasingly common. 'This was the case across all breeds. From a health perspective, we do see a higher prevalence of skin allergies which often manifest as ear problems in these popular dogs and smaller breed in general are more prone to dental disease.' To help best care for a cockapoo, he recommends going in with your eyes open, choosing reputable breeder and being consistent with training. Vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes in comparison with dog food brand Green Pantry, shed light on some of the other common health issues facing the breed. She said that cockapoos are especially prone to obesity and hip issues. Dr Suzanne said: 'Hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity. While you can't always prevent joint problems such as hip dysplasia, there is much you can do to help. 'For example, try to ensure they get regular exercise, and you could consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy.' Other conditions include patellar luxation, which commonly affects smaller dogs. She said: 'It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis. 'A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet. 'Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help. 'Dental issues are common in many dogs, particularly in breeds like Cavapoos. Problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss can arise if dental health isn't properly managed.' Elsewhere, other breeds have also been the victim to 'designer' status wreaking havoc on their health. One family has been left devastated by the emotional toll on their dog Dudley, as a result of irresponsible puppy mills. David and Susan, not their real names, got the French Bulldog as a rescue from a family, but the two-year-old was born at a breeder two years ago. They have for two years endured watching not only their beloved suffer with a myriad of ailments but stacked up vet bills of around £20,000. They were led to believe that he had a clean bill of health and allegedly was vet checked by the breeder and his previous owners, who Dudley was adopted from. However, it turned out he suffered from a number of severe health issues affecting his back, hip and knees. The vet, as well as neurologists and orthopaedics, told Susan that Dudley's conditions are hereditary, and that the breeder would have been aware of the potential ill health of Dudley and his siblings. 'We weren't even sure we wanted a dog,' Susan revealed, speaking to FEMAIL. 'Dudley apparently would go for a lot of money because of his fur... it doesn't make a difference to us, to us he's just Dudley.' The couple, who also have two children aged seven and nine got him in May 2023 even though they were initially not even sure they wanted a pet. Needless to say, they fell head over heels with the excitable Frenchie, who is beloved by the whole family, and he was as cheerful as he was active. By September of that year however, Dudley had collapsed from both his back legs. They got him to an emergency vets as they weren't sure what was wrong with their pooch - who was very energetic and used to love walking - but X-Rays revealed he had Stage 3 Luxating patella. According to pet charity PDSA, this means the kneecap dislocates and slips out of the groove in the thighbone, often causing pain and a limp. There are different levels of severity, but at stage 3 'the kneecap is permanently dislocated, can be pushed back into place by your vet, but slips straight out again when they let go'. Initial hospital visits made it clear that these issues are hereditary - and professionals advised that Dudley be neutered lest he pass the genes on to others. The pup 'kept on collapsing' - but as David and Susan couldn't afford health care where they're based, they went up North 'driving six hours at a time' just to find a more feasible solution. He has now had both his knees done, but is also suffering a torn ligament and was limping again a couple months ago, as well as battling tendinitis (an inflammation of the tendons). While they got some money back from insurance, the procedures on the suffering two-year-old have already set the family back around £20,000. However, the biggest cost for them has been the emotional toll of seeing their beloved pooch in agony and not able to enjoy his life. 'Money comes and goes but he's so playful and the boys used to love wrestling around with him,' Susan lamented. Dudley, as a result of how he has been bred, also has bad breathing problems because his tongue is too big for his face - and his spine is always crooked. The owners admitted that he might need more surgery in the future- and will always suffer with health issues. 'There's a lot more dogs out there,' they warned, expressing that a dog like Dudley could, to lucrative breeders, be sold for anywhere between £3,500 - 5,000. They also stressed regulation needs to improve as people are 'making money underground'. 'When you star to add up how any litters there are, it's a lot,' David added, with the pair comparing it to 'organised crime'. 'But the puppy mills don't care.' David and Susan are hoping to raise more awareness and are considering looking into a study on the phenomenon. They have also said the Kennel Club - a 'dog health, welfare and training' organisation - can do 'much more' to curb creating inadvertent demand for cute 'show dogs'. 'We are doing our best for Dudley,' they added, hoping they can give him a good life and one that is 'much calmer' to care for his ailments. 'We're very fortunate that we're in a position and we can get support,' they added, remarking on the trips up North they take for medical assistance. The coupe were also full of praise for the Animal Trust - who help owners find affordable vet care - who are 'brilliant and have done so much for Dudley'. MailOnline has reached out to the Kennel Club for comment. A Kennel Club spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned about unscrupulous breeders who produce large volumes of puppies with no consideration for their health or welfare, simply to cash in on demand and dupe unsuspecting owners. 'This is why The Kennel Club campaigns to improve how dogs are bred and bought, and provides breeders with resources and health schemes so they can produce the healthiest dogs possible, and guidance for those who want to buy a puppy responsibly. Our "Find a Puppy" tool is a good starting point – with transparent information about the pups we register, including all health test results, available online to aid good decisions. 'Sadly, rather than in-depth research by puppy buyers, it is media and celebrity culture which drives demand for certain breeds or types of dogs, and where there is a high demand for popular dogs, unfortunately there will always be unscrupulous breeders taking advantage. 'Research carried out by The Kennel Club as part of its annual Be Puppywise campaign - which raises awareness of how to buy a puppy responsibly and spot rogue breeders - found that a quarter of dog owners only spend two hours or less researching their puppy purchase.'

Brighton's dog show is the highlight of my year
Brighton's dog show is the highlight of my year

New Statesman​

time2 days ago

  • New Statesman​

Brighton's dog show is the highlight of my year

Photo by Simon Dack/Alamy Live News It is time for the highlight of my year: Bark in the Park, in Queen's Park. In what has become an annual event for us, my friends Ben, Janine, David and Nancy and I bring along a light picnic and a few drinks, and we sit down to watch Brighton's finest dogs, and their owners, compete for rosettes awarded for discipline, talent, self-control and generally being a good boy/girl. Some people and their dogs have been training for it all year. And some of them, one suspects, have not. The first few rounds are nothing special when compared to the final rounds. This might sound dismissive but, really, the last rounds are something else. I arrive at about one o'clock to watch the doggy triathlon. One of its tests involves jumping through a hoop. Very few dogs manage this smoothly, for the owners have to let go of the lead and this leaves the dogs baffled. I turn up just in time to see a bulldog grab hold of the hoop with its teeth and refuse to let go. Its owners, and a few stewards, chase it around the arena to try to prise the hoop from its jaws. This is what we are here for. The crowd goes wild. There are about 200 people here, I'd say, sitting around a roped-off area about 30 square metres in each direction. People are of all ages, and there is a Mr Whippy van, a French-crêpe vendor in an antique Citroën and numerous local businesses selling dog merch such as freshly baked dog treats from the Paws Bakery. Just behind us is a bratwurst van and the smells coming from it are driving me crazy, so God alone knows how the dogs are keeping it together. This is fitting, for one of our favourite rounds is coming up: Temptation Alley. In this, the dogs have to run, or pace, a gauntlet of tempting snacks on either side, and ignore them all, saving themselves up for a much nicer treat at the end. The rate of failure is fairly high, and I do not see how it could be otherwise. But first there is the Golden Oldies round, where dogs over seven years old are walked around the arena and expected to survive. They all do. I don't know who won, but it should have been the white, exhausted-looking dog who may have been a Dachshund once, and who measured the ground in slow, deliberate steps. 'That,' said David, 'is my spirit animal.' Ben sidles up to me and murmurs in my ear. 'Don't look now,' he says, 'but there's a man behind us who's been saying it's weird to turn up to a dog show without any dogs.' (We do not have dogs, but Ben used to look after a savage Pomeranian called, of course, Simon Le Pom. I do not have the space to tell the stories of his reign of terror.) 'Is it really that weird?' Ben continues. 'I mean, if we'd turned up to a school sports day without any kids, then, yes, that would be weird.' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Then there is the fancy dress round. This, for reasons I am sure I do not have to explain, is a particularly controversial and hard-fought round. One year a dog was given a lion's mane and it looked magnificent, but did not win first prize. 'Fix!' we shouted. It struck me then that this would be fertile ground on which to run an illegal book. One would have to have more inside knowledge, of course, but I have a year until the next one. The dogs in their glad rags parade. 'There's a dog there that's dressed as another dog!' cries Ben, outraged. 'It's a panda,' says his wife, the unspoken words 'you berk' hanging in the air. Three days on, and Ben is still fuming about this. 'It's like they skinned a dog, and then made the other one wear its pelt.' (It didn't really look like that had happened. In fact, it looked rather cute, and definitely like a panda.) In the end it won. A red setter dressed as a belly-dancer came third, even though her dress had slipped off by the end. 'Doesn't have the hips,' says Janine. But the absolute highlight of the day is the sausage catching. In this, the owners throw their dogs a Morrisons cocktail sausage and their dogs have to catch it in mid air without stepping over the line. This is as much a test of the humans' ability to throw as it is of the dogs' ability to catch. More so, in fact. One feels for the dogs let down by their people, who themselves have had all year to train for this. One dog doesn't even stand up to take his sausage. The crowd goes delirious. But in the end, the prize goes to a chocolate Lab, who had also, amazingly, won Temptation Alley. To both ignore treats and catch them in mid air on the same day is a rare, once-in-a-generation skill set. I think of the great England all-rounders: Botham, Flintoff, Stokes. Look, this is the best of Britain. It is amateur, hilarious, and as wholesome as a sunny summer's day. I am going to pitch a documentary about this to Channel 4. Think of the Great British Bake-Off, but with dogs. And none of that Crufts business where, as Ben puts it, the judges lift their tails up and look at their arseholes. Publication of this article implies copyright. So don't pinch this idea. It's mine. Along with the illegal side-bets. [See also: The lost futures of Stereolab] Related

Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list
Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list

Daily Record

time3 days ago

  • Daily Record

Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list

Certain small pooches are more susceptible to health issues and require extra care. Small dogs have been in fashion in recent years, with little breeds such as the Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) and the iconic Dachshund spiking in popularity. But a dog or puppy is more than a cute face or a fashion statement, and small dog owners are often unaware of the health issues associated with littler pups. Dog nutrition experts at Green Pantry have partnered with vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes to warn existing or aspiring small dog owners of the health problems they often face, so that all pet parents will be well-educated on how to look after their furry friends. ‌ Dr Moyes said: 'Smaller dogs are popular for many reasons. They require less space, typically need less rigorous exercise compared to larger breeds, and are more affordable to feed (though other expenses remain comparable). Plus, their undeniable cuteness makes them even more appealing." ‌ But we should remain aware that many small dog breeds are vulnerable to health problems, and pet parents should do their research before taking one home. With this in mind, the pet pros have made a list of the most popular small dogs, and offer some tips on how to meet their specific health needs. Here is their advice. The most popular small dog breeds and how to care for them Cockapoo Dr Moyes explains: 'One of the main health issues Cockapoos suffer from is obesity. This is easily remedied with a healthy and balanced diet and ensuring everybody is aligned on what the dog should and should not be fed. ‌ "As tempting as it can be to slip your pet some food from your plate, this is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs, and it can, in turn, lead to other health issues such as joint issues and diabetes." The expert explains that hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, which is an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity. To ease joint issues, make sure your pooch gets regular exercise, and you could also consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy, shared the vet. ‌ Cavapoo Dr. Moyes continues: 'Like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation is a common health issue amongst smaller dogs. It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis. "A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet." ‌ Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help this issue. This breed of small dog also often have dental issues, which can include problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss. To maintain your dog's oral hygiene, focus on a balanced diet, and regular brushing, or give them natural dental supplements like mint, seaweed, or parsley. ‌ Chihuahua 'Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which is why they often suffer from Periodontal Disease", explains Dr Moyes. This condition occurs when the dog's teeth become overcrowded in their small mouths, so it's vital to look after their dental hygiene. ‌ Dachshund Dr Moyes adds: 'Dachshunds are adored for their distinctive, sausage-like shape and have rapidly increased in popularity. However, there are some things you should be aware of with their unique physique. ‌ "Dachshunds are particularly susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)." IVDD is a spinal condition caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, often associated with ageing. While this condition cannot always be prevented, its symptoms can be significantly reduced and managed by taking proactive steps. ‌ Anti-inflammatory supplements, making sure they're a healthy weight and even getting in touch with a doggy physiotherapist can help. Obesity is another issue for dachshunds, due to their unique build, so again, it's vital to maintain their weight. Dr Moyes concludes: 'While it is good to be aware of these conditions, they are by no means guaranteed. "As with humans, all dogs are unique, and though some may suffer from these conditions, with the correct care and management, these dogs will go on to lead happy lives." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

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