When they’re off duty, these dignified dogs love spending time with their pack and make great family dogs as they do well around children. Bloodhounds are gentle giants weighing anywhere from 80 to 110 pounds.

If you’re thinking about welcoming one of these big buddies into your life, you’ll want to make sure you understand the most common health concerns associated with the breed. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common bloodhound health concerns to expand your understanding. 

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation or luxating patellas refers to the misalignment of the kneecap. You may notice your dog struggling to keep up with his daily routine or put weight on any of the affected leg(s). Luckily, many dogs can tolerate this condition and lead active, fulfilling lives with this condition. That being said, you’ll want to take your pooch into the vet ASAP if you suspect he’s struggling with patellar luxation. 

Depending on the severity of the condition, your veterinarian may recommend surgical intervention. In other cases, your dog may be given a pain medication to help cope with the associated symptoms. 

Bloat

Bloat is a surgical emergency in dogs that is caused by excessive air intake. When the stomach overfills with air, blood flow is restricted, making this a potentially life or death matter. You may notice your dog experiencing a distended stomach, panting and salivating excessively and retching. If bloat is suspected, your dog needs to be taken to an emergency care facility ASAP to deflate the stomach. While bloat can’t always be prevented, your veterinarian can provide you with some personalized recommendations to reduce your dog’s risk. 

Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Persistent pupillary membranes or PPM is a mild condition in which a dog’s developmental issue doesn’t detach from the eye as needed. This can cause visual impairment and eye malfunctions. This condition varies greatly on the specific type of PPM, so it’s likely that your veterinarian will refer you to a dog ophthalmologist for a further evaluation. This condition isn’t life threatening and most dogs with PPM carry out normal lives with the help of a few lifestyle modifications. That being said, PPM is hereditary so affected dogs should not be bred. 

Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint is misaligned with the socket. This can make it difficult for your dog to put weight on the affected leg. You may notice your pooch struggling to walk or even put weight on one or both back legs. Luckily, this genetic condition is not life threatening and most dogs can lead fairly normal lives even with hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian may recommend adding joint supplements or pain medications to your pup’s routine to help cope with the associated symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical intervention, stem cell treatments, or physical therapy may be necessary. 

Cardiomyopathy

This condition is defined by the degeneration of the heart. The degenerative changes can unfortunately lead to heart failure, especially in larger breeds like Bloodhounds. This condition is more common in males than females and can have a progressive onset. You may notice your dog collapsing, having trouble breathing, or acting lethargic. In any case, you’ll want to head off to the veterinarian at once as this disease can be fatal. Treatment varies greatly depending on the condition of your dog’s heart. 

Bloodhound buddies come with their own set of health concerns, but these gentle giants are so worth our care and concern. Enjoy living life with these affectionate and curious canine companions! 

Did you know stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your pup as they age. Learn how stem cell banking can help HERE