Swedish Vallhund Health Problems and Raising a Swedish Vallhund Puppy to be Healthy
By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2013
The most common health problems in Swedish Vallhunds:
Hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 80 Swedish Vallhunds and found 9% dysplastic – high for a small breed. Elbow dysplasia occurs, as well – of 19 elbow X-rays, 5% were dysplastic. And luxating patella (loose knees) must be watched for.
Heart disease has been reported in Swedish Vallhunds, which is troubling.
The eye disease of most concern is retinal dysplasia (but fortunately, it's usually the mildest form of the disease).
Allergies cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma).
Can you prevent health problems from happening to YOUR Swedish Vallhund?
Yes, often you can.
- Some health problems are genetic, which means inherited from parents. Genetic health issues are common in Swedish Vallhunds today because of unwise breeding practices. My book, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, shows you how to find a Swedish Vallhund puppy who is genetically healthy.
- Other health problems are environmental – caused by the way you raise your dog. My best-selling dog health book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to prevent environmental health problems by raising your Swedish Vallhund puppy (or adult dog) in all the right ways.
Here are my dog health tips for raising a healthy Swedish Vallhund puppy or adult dog:
How Long Will Your Dog Live? – Take This Quiz!
Based on your dog's breed and how you're raising him, this personalized quiz will help you understand how long your dog might live – and most importantly, how you can increase his life expectancy.
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Swedish Vallhund lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet.
The Best Dog Food For Feeding Your Swedish Vallhund
The best diet for feeding your Swedish Vallhund is real food. Real chicken, turkey, beef, bison, venison, fish....This is not "people food" and I'll tell you why.
The Second-Best Dog Food For Your Swedish Vallhund
If you can't feed homemade dog food, here are your next-best choices.
Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not?
How many vaccinations does your Swedish Vallhund puppy really need? Does your adult Swedish Vallhund need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed. Find out what many vets aren't telling you.
The Type of Veterinarian I Recommend
Is your veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? Learn about the differences between vets who practice conventional, holistic, and alternative veterinary medicine.
Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of spaying your female Swedish Vallhund.
Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering your male dog.
Copyright © 2000-2013 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved.
No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website,
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