Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them
You are serious about learning more about how to care for the Havanese puppy you wish to purchase. It may have been many years since a dog has been in your home, or perhaps this will be the first do you have ever owned, or perhaps you have never spent much time with small breeds.
However, common Havanese health problems have come from centuries of breeding in a very small gene pool. You will want to monitor your puppy for these Havanese health problems so that you will enjoy your Havanese’s show-dog looks and socialable nature for many, many years to come.
No one likes to think about it, but sometimes our beloved pets are injured-hit by a car or bicycle. Many dog owners are unprepared for emergencies, don’t know how to find emergency care for their pet, and may not even have a regular veterinarian. Arranging emergency care for your Havanese, should it ever be needed, need not take you by surprise.
Common Havanese health problems include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dislocated kneecaps (luxating patellas), ear infections, poodle-eye, and dry skin. None of these problems is life threatening. Knee problems in the Havanese lead to bow-leggedness. Cataracts and retinal atrophy can lead to early blindness.
Poodle-eye is a harmless brown staining in the corners of the eyes. Havanese breeders are making the effort to maintain databases on the health defects of their dogs and to remove dogs with eye and knee problems from their breeding lines.
Many Havanese health problems are not inevitable. You, your Havanese’s best friend and protector, are the first line of defense. Watch for changes in your Havanese’s actions or appearance. Is your previously playful Havanese, now just lying around all day? Is your Havanese keeping the same bowel and bladder habits? Is your Havanese eating? A change in any of these may signal illness.
You are the first line of defense against Havanese health problems. You should keep an eye on your Havanese and notice any changes in behavior or appearance. An animal that is usually lively and playful who becomes dull and listless may be unwell. A loss of appetite or weight may also signal illness. Regularly check your Havanese’s coat for fleas and ticks. A mass under the skin may be a sign of an abscessed wound and should receive prompt veterinary care.
Some pet owners forget to take their pet for regular veterinary checkups. Don’t do this to your new Havanese. Additionally, be sure to keep your veterinarians contact information handy in case you need emergency care for your Havanese. You can also take your Havanese to the nearest emergency pet clinic. Additionally, many pet supply super stores have an on site veterinarian
