Which Dog Breeds Have the Most Health Problems?

A dog is often called "man's best friend." Whether you are thinking of purchasing a new dog or you already have a family pet, if you understand the breed you have and the possible medical conditions to which your pet is susceptible, you can provide your dog with the right diet, exercise and health supplements he needs to have a long and healthy life. Veterinarians recognize five most common breed-specific dog health problems.

  1. Bloating

    • Bloating in dogs is more life-threatening than it is in humans. When a dog's stomach bloats, it can fill with gases and liquids that can suffocate the internal organs. Larger breed dogs with deep and barrel-shaped chests are more likely to suffer from bloating than smaller dogs such as Great Danes, Labradors or dobermans. Feeding your dog from an elevated table can help reduce the risk of dangerous bloating.

    Joint/Arthritis Issues

    • Most joint and arthritis issues will occur as dogs age; your vet can treat your dog for this condition. This ailment often occurs in larger breeds such as golden retrievers, German shepherds and Saint Bernards. When joint and arthritis issues begin to occur, a dog can act lazy and require extensive pain medication and arthritis therapy in order to function normally.

    Eye Disease

    • As dogs age, they can suffer from eye issues just like humans, but certain breeds are more susceptible than others to eye disease such as glaucoma and cataract issues. Breeds such as beagles, chow chows and poodles are more prone to eye conditions than others. If eye disease is caught early, in most cases it can be treated to avoid permanent blindness.

    Dislocated Kneecap

    • Smaller breed dogs are more prone to dislocated kneecaps than others. Some breeds that will suffer pain when their kneecap pops out of joint are beagles, chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. This condition will typically require surgery to correct.

    Hip or Elbow Dysplasia

    • Larger breed animals are typically at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia due to the added weight on their joints. Some breeds that suffer from these conditions more commonly than others are German shepherds, golden retrievers, Labradors and malamutes. Overfeeding can make this condition happen faster in larger breeds; therefore, keep your larger breed dog on a strict diet. In severe cases a dog may have to undergo surgery to fix its dysplasia.