Watch Out For These Collie Health Problems

Collies, just like any other dog breed, have their share of health issues. Collies are overall healthy and hardy dogs, and most typical collie health problems are not life threatening. Most health concerns, if identified and taken care of early, can be managed easily.

Signs of Collie Health Problems

Collies experiencing health conditions normally show common signs of illness like weakness, low energy, abnormal sleeping, salivating and panting or shortness of breath. Owners in addition report continual pacing, low appetite, hair loss, limping, and changes in eating patterns. A few dogs also display subtle changes in disposition as yet another sign of illness.

Typical Health Issues

Collies are affected by both congenital and acquired health problems. Typical health issues that affect this kind of dog include gray collie syndrome, collie nose, collie hip dysplasia, and collie eye abnormalities. Collies also are affected by other problems like collie cough and epilepsy.

Collie nose is characterized by the lack of pigmentation on the nose, lips, and eyelids, making these areas more sensitive to sunlight. Dog owners can apply sun block around the affected places and limit the pet’s exposure to sunlight. One more alternative is permanent tattooing of the affected areas in order to make these places darker.

Collies are also prone to the genetic disease called gray collie syndrome. Gray collie syndrome is a stem cell disease characterized by very small and very weak puppies with lighter pigmentation when compared with normal pups. Collies with this affliction develop additional difficulties such as joint discomfort, fever, and are easily prone to infections because of the intermittent lowering of white blood cells, the cells which are responsible for safeguarding the body from infections.

Collies are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition indicated by an abnormal shape of the hip joints which evolves at about eight months about the time when the dog attains skeletal maturity. This condition is the result of a mix of issues, including genetic makeup, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Collies are big dogs, and this could be one of the reasons why the problem happens often in this particular breed. The condition is often really painful for the dog and often results in a sudden alteration in his activity levels.

While there are several collie health problems that these dogs encounter, pet owners might help improve their pets’ lives by getting their dogs tested for these ailments in order that early treatment may be carried out. The proper nutrition and physical exercise will also help stop the onset of age-related collie diseases. Collies are sturdy and resilient dogs, so they are likely to respond to treatment positively, especially when the problem is treated early on.

Do you own a collie? Be sure to visit Collie Health Guide for tips on how to stop dog biting and Clickertraining: The 4 secrets of becoming a supertrainer book review.