All doggies require lots of love and attention. However, there are a few dog breeds that need some extra care. Find out what doggy breeds are the most worried about by vets! The more you know, the better!
1. CHIHUAHUAS
Health usually isn't the problem with the Chihuahua. These active, in-your-face little dogs behave much bigger than they are (but not bigger than they think they are, which is huge!), and many of them live well into their teens with regular wellness care. But as one of the two most common breeds in many shelters these days, finding homes for them all is a challenge.
2. GOLDEN RETRIEVERS
Many of us veterinarians not-so-secretly call this breed “The Cancer Retriever,” which is why I'm so excited about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Project, a huge and important step in helping to save many of these dogs down the line. And many people too!
3. BULLDOGS
The Bulldog is the beloved breed of the advertising world, today more than ever. But the exaggerated features of the Bulldog and other related breeds have produced a perfect storm of health problems that diminish the quality of life for many of these dogs, and often make them extremely expensive to own. Many need surgery to shorten their soft palate and enlarge their nostrils just so they can breathe somewhat normally.
4. PIT BULLS
The biggest problem with Pit Bulls? Too many of them. Just as with Chihuahuas, the popularity of Pit Bulls has driven a population explosion that's out of sync with the number of homes available and suitable for these large, powerful dogs.
5. GERMAN SHEPHERDS
A good German Shepherd is an awe-inspiring dog, and the best have served in so many ways. German Shepherds are prone to epilepsy, vision problems, bleeding disorders and digestive problems, as well as bad hips and degenerative myelopathy, an incurable condition that causes progressive paralysis.
Even though most of these doggy breeds seem like they're fairly easy to care for and nurture, they all worry vets for different reasons. Don't worry, if your pooch is any of these breeds, he is lucky to have an owner as caring as you!
For more on these doggy breeds, visit Mom.me.
