Do wolfdogs have health problems

Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Myths Regarding Wolf Hybrids

MYTH:A wolf hybrid will make a better guard dog.

FACT:Due to the shy nature of wolves, hybrids usually make poor protection dogs. Aggressive tendencies, if any, in the hybrid may be fear induced and as such, can be unpredictable and hard to control.

MYTH:A wolf hybrid will live longer than a dog.

FACT:The life span of a wolf in captivity is 12-14 years the same as a large domestic dog.

MYTH:Hybrids are healthier than dogs, and are less prone to disease.

FACT:Wolves and dogs are prone to the same infectious diseases. There may be some question as to the efficacy of standard dog vaccines in wolves and some hybrids.

MYTH:Huskies and malamutes are part wolf.

FACT:Huskies and malamutes are breeds of dogs, like any other.

Wolf Content in the Hybrid

Many breeders who deal in wolf hybrids promote the wolf content of the pups and even set their prices according to the amount of wolf blood in the litter. This is not based on sound biology or genetics.

When one breeds a dog with a wolf, the offspring will inherit a set of genes from each parent, and are indeed 50/50 that is, one-half dog and one-half wolf. However, when these animals are backcrossed with other wolves, dogs, or hybrids there is no way to calculate or manipulate which genes are passed to any individual offspring. Often breeders believe, for example, that a 50 x 50 hybrid backcrossed with a 100% wolf would yield an offspring that is 75% wolf. However, that would only be an AVERAGE amount of wolf in many backcrosses. Any INDIVIDUAL animal might inherit all the dog genes from the hybrid and be 50 x 50 both physically and behaviorally. Or conversely, any individual could be predominantly wolf, or any variation or combination in between. It is like throwing 50 blue marbles representing a male parent and 50 yellow marbles representing the female parent into a bag and randomly selecting the 50 marbles that will represent the DNA of one offspring. You dont know what you will get. The ideal result would be an individual that looks like a wolf, but behaves like a dog. Unfortunately, often one ends up with an animal that looks like a dog and has the perceived obstinate nature of a wolf.

There are genetic tests available. Those tests look at 3-4 genetic markers, depending on whether it is a male or female. According to the testing lab, what the test can tell the owner is whether there has been wild wolf DNA in that domestic dogs lineage in the past three generations. Others dont see the test as reliable yet, and what the analysis shows is that the DNA sample simply does not match any known domestic dog DNA on file. This all contributes to the uncertainty of how to determine what is a hybrid. People working with hybrids often look at several factors: physical appearance, and behavioral history to make an educated decision about whether an animal is a hybrid. The result is to label hybrid as low, medium, or high content wolf depending on the degree to which the animal looks and behaves like a wolf.

Do White Dogs Have More Health Problems? (the truth)

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Every pet parent wants to keep their canine friend healthy, but if youve got a white-coated pooch, you might have heard rumors about them being more prone to health problems. Is this true?

While the color of a dogs coat doesnt necessarily make them more prone to general health issues, white dogs, especially those with a lack of pigmentation, can be susceptible to some specific conditions, such as skin disorders and deafness.

Having a white dog doesnt mean your buddy is destined for poor health. However, being aware of the potential health risks can equip you to take better care of your beloved pet. So lets dive into what you need to know.

Health Issues Linked to Coat Color

When we talk about health issues linked to a dogs coat color, were mainly focusing on issues tied to pigmentation.

Just like fair-skinned humans, dogs with lighter skin and coat color can be more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to skin problems. Additionally, certain breeds that carry the genes for white coats can also carry genes for health conditions like deafness.

However, its crucial to understand that these issues are not inherently caused by a dogs white coat, but rather by genetic factors that can come along with it.

Any Common Health Problems in White Dogs?

While white dogs are as robust and as resilient as their more colorful counterparts, they may be prone to certain conditions.

One of the most common is skin sensitivity, particularly to sunlight, which can cause sunburns and over time, may lead to skin cancer.

Deafness is also more common in white dogs, especially breeds like Dalmatians and white Boxers.

They might also be more susceptible to eye disorders. However, this predisposition is often breed-specific rather than purely linked to their white coats.

Remember, these health issues are not a guarantee, but having this knowledge enables you to proactively manage your dogs health and wellbeing.

How to Keep Your White Dog Healthy

Raising a healthy white dog involves a mix of regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, ample exercise, and a little bit of sun-safety.

Regular grooming is crucial to keep their white coat clean and free from skin irritations.

After grooming, a leave-in conditioner, such as Earthbath Totally Natural Pet Care, can help soothe your white dogs skin and maintain the shine of their coat. This is an excellent dog shampoo making their coats soft, shiny, and bright.

For sun safety, consider dog-friendly sunscreens or sun-protective clothing, especially during peak sun hours. The Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets is a great dog-friendly sunscreen option. It smells great, works great, and is very easy to apply.

This one you probably already know: Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet for a healthy coat, and always ensure they have fresh water available.

Exercise is as vital for your white-coated friend as any other dog, but for those prone to hearing issues, consider keeping them leashed to avoid any potential accidents. Our guide on Choosing the Right Dog Leash provides comprehensive insights to make this task easier

Regular health screenings can also help catch any potential problems early, while theyre still manageable.

How to Recognize Health Issues in Your White Dog?

Knowing your white dogs normal behavior is your first line of defense in spotting health issues. Pay attention to any changes in behavior, eating habits, or activity levels.

With skin conditions, you might notice excessive scratching, redness, sores, or changes in coat quality. For more insights, follow our guide on dog skin issues.

For hearing problems, your dog might not respond to commands as they used to, or they might be easily startled. Your dog might also seem disoriented or confused, particularly in new environments or situations. Changes in their sleep pattern or excessive barking can also be a signal.

Eye disorders might present as redness, excessive tearing, or your dog bumping into furniture. Your white dog may also squint or blink excessively, or show signs of discomfort, like rubbing their face on the floor or furniture.

Should you notice any of these signs, its essential to seek veterinary advice immediately. Remember, early detection is key to managing and treating any health issues. Your furry friend relies on you to keep them healthy and safe!

Special Considerations for White Puppies

While all puppies require similar basic care, white puppies might benefit from a few additional considerations.

Early introduction to grooming routines, such as brushing and bathing with dog shampoos for sensitive skin, can help manage their skin health and keep their coats pristine.

Training them to wear protective clothing or sunscreen could be beneficial for their future sun safety. For white puppies of breeds prone to deafness, incorporating visual cues into their training from a young age can prepare them for potential hearing loss.

As always, regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their overall health and to timely catch any potential problems.

Related: How to Choose the Right Dog Shampoo

FAQs

How do I protect my white dogs skin in winter?

During winter, protect your white dogs skin by reducing bath frequency to prevent skin dryness, and use a moisturizing dog shampoo. Additionally, consider using dog-friendly skin balms and protect their paws with boots during snowy conditions.

What types of dog food are best for white dogs?

For white dogs, consider a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to support their skin and coat health. Always choose high-quality dog food appropriate for your pets age, size, and specific health needs.

How often should I groom my white dog?

The frequency of grooming depends on your white dogs breed and coat type. Generally, brushing should be done a few times a week, and bathing every four to six weeks. However, dogs with longer or thicker coats may require more frequent grooming.

What are some good activities for white dogs with hearing issues?

White dogs with hearing issues can enjoy many activities. Scent games, obstacle courses, and fetch with a scented ball are great options. Always ensure the environment is safe and your dog is closely supervised during these activities to prevent any mishaps.

Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.

23 French Bulldog Health Issues Pet Parents Should Know About

Common Health Issues for French Bulldogs

Before bringing home a French Bulldog puppy, its important that youre familiar with the many health conditions to which theyre predisposed. Here are some of the most common French Bulldog health issues and how they can be managed.

1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Brachycephalic is a term that translates to short head. Its used to describe all flat-faced breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Pekingese.

Humans created these breeds by selectively breeding dogs with shorter heads. But there are some additional traits (such as narrow nostrils and a small windpipe) that were accidentally bred into them that can make it very difficult for these dogs to breathe. The result is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

While many aspects of a Frenchies troublesome anatomy can be surgically corrected, this often needs to be done by a surgical specialist and doesnt come without its risks. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if your pet would be a good candidate.

2. Heatstroke

Dogs dont sweat like humans doinstead, they cool their bodies by panting. When dogs pant, moisture is evaporated from the mouth and upper respiratory tract, which helps them stay cool.

When a dogs airways are blocked due to BOAS, panting isnt as effective, and it can be very difficult for these pets to cool down. This means French Bulldogs are predisposed to heatstroke, so its important to keep them inside on very hot and/or humid days.

When you do let your Frenchie outside, only do so in the morning or evening when its cooler. Its also important that they always have water and shade whenever theyre outdoors.

3. Sensitive Skin

While the skin and tail folds on French Bulldogs are traits many find cute, the warm and moist environment those folds create predisposes this breed to skin infections. Pet parents should regularly clean their Frenchies skin and tail folds to help prevent these infections.

French Bulldogs are also genetically predisposed to allergies. However, unlike in humans, allergies in dogs often present as skin issueswith the paws, belly, skin folds, and ears being most affected.

Common signs of allergies include:

Skin allergies most often present when a Frenchie is 1-3 years old. Unfortunately, determining the specific food or environmental allergens can be difficult and frustrating, as the process can take months to years and cost upwards of $1,000. These dogs also often have more than one allergy, which can make it that much harder to diagnose and treat.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. However, these are often lifelong and can add up in cost over the years.

4. Ear Infections

Frenchies are predisposed to ear infections for two reasons:

1. Allergies, which often cause ear infections in dogs

2. The shape of their ear canals

French Bulldogs have narrower-than-normal ear canals, making it harder for debris and moisture to make their way out of the ear canal once it gets in. This makes it easier for infections to develop.

Ear infections can easily be treated, but chronic ear infections in dogs can also change the skin that lines the ear canals. This further narrows the canal and leads to even more ear infections.

Chronic ear infections can also predispose dogs to middle/inner ear infections (infections behind the ear drum), which can lead to neurologic issues such as head tilt or feeling off balance.

Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. You need to be financially prepared to handle any health issues that develop, and purchasing pet insurance is highly recommended.

5. Birthing Issues

French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally and almost always need a cesarian section (C-section). The reason? Again, it comes down to their breeding.

Frenchies have been bred to have notoriously large heads but very narrow hips. This combination can make it difficult for moms to give birth naturally, as the large heads of the puppies cannot always fit through their moms narrow hips. This causes the puppies to get stuck in the birth canal, which puts both the mom and puppies at risk of death.

6. Back Injuries

French Bulldog puppies can be born with a spinal deformity known as hemivertebra, or an incomplete vertebra (spinal bone). While this deformity does not always cause issues, it can result in compression of the spinal cord, which can cause weakness in the hind legs, as well as fecal and urinary incontinence.

If compression of the spinal cord does occur, advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, CT scans, or MRIs are usually required to diagnose it. Mild cases of spinal cord compression can often be treated medically but severe cases may require surgery.

7. Higher Risk with Anesthesia

The French Bulldogs breathing issues go hand-in-hand with an increased risk under anesthesia. Because of their narrower trachea and congenital airway abnormalities, it can be much more difficult to insert an endotracheal tube, which is needed to help dogs breathe under anesthesia.

When recovering from anesthesia, if their endotracheal tube is removed too soon, they may not be awake enough to compensate for their airway issues when breathing. This can cause respiratory distress and the need to be re-intubated. Frenchies are also more susceptible to inflammation of their already small airway after anesthesia, which, again, puts them at higher risk for respiratory distress.

Frenchies are also predisposed to several stomach issues, which puts them at increased risk for vomiting and regurgitating, either after their pre-medication is given (prior to anesthesia to help them relax) or while under anesthesia. This then increases their risk of developing aspiration pneumonia after anesthesia.

Because of these risks and issues, veterinarians typically take extra precautions with this breed to help mitigate risk.

8. Cataracts

Cataracts are a hardening of the eye lens, causing it to be opaque (cloudy) rather than clear. As cataracts progress, they eventually lead to blindness. French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to cataracts, and the only treatment is surgery.

9. Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Ulcers

Corneal dystrophy is another French Bulldog health issue that causes the cornea (the outer surface of the eye) to become opaque (cloudy).

In general, the disease is not considered painful and doesnt seem to significantly impact a dogs vision. However, as it progresses, it does make dogs more susceptible to corneal ulcers (scratches on the surface of the eye), which are painful and require medical treatment.

10. Ocular Dermoids

Dermoids are a growth of skin in an abnormal place. French Bulldogs are predisposed to having dermoids in their eyes. This is a congenital condition typically present at birth.

While the dermoid itself isnt necessarily uncomfortable, they often grow hair, which can cause irritation and inflammation of the eye.

11. Distichiasis

Distichiasis is an abnormal growth of eyelashes in dogs. Instead of growing out of their normal hair follicles along the eyelid, they can grow out of the glands along the edge of the eyelid. This causes the eyelashes to rub on the eye, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and corneal ulcers. This can be corrected with surgery.

12. Entropion

Entropion is an inward rolling of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Its an inherited trait in French Bulldogs and can be prevented with good breeding.

When the eyelid rolls inward, the hairs on the eyelid may touch the eye. This can cause irritation, increased tearing, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers. Surgery can correct the issue.

13. Tear Stains

Dogs and cats have a duct that runs from the inner corner of the eye down through the nose. This duct is typically where most tears from the eye are drained.

Frenchies are predisposed to the ducts opening being too narrowor not developing at all. This causes their tears to run down their face, causing brown or rust-colored tear staining. Pet parents can keep their dogs face clean with frequent eye wiping.

14. Retinal Dysplasia

Retinal dysplasia is an inherited trait in dogs that causes abnormal formation of the retina (the part of the eye that sends images to the brain). Mild cases dont typically result in any issues, but in moderate to severe cases, pets may have difficulty seeing or may even be blind. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disorder.

15. Cherry Eye

Dogs and cats both have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland attached to this third eyelid prolapses (flips outward). This often appears as a pink or reddish round mass at the inner corner of the eye.

Frenchies are genetically predisposed to this disease. Fortunately, its not painful, but it can lead to chronic dry eye if left untreated. Surgery is needed to correct this.

16. Chronic Diarrhea

French Bulldogs are predisposed to a number of gastrointestinal issues. One of the most common is food allergies, which can cause off-and-on diarrhea or soft stools.

Frenchies are also genetically predisposed to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to chronic diarrhea. Treatment for both allergies and IBD is lifelong, and often requires special prescription diets and medication.

17. Hiatal Hernia

Another commonly inherited health issue in French Bulldogs is a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the diaphragm doesnt develop properly, allowing the stomach to slide between the abdomen and chest, causing chronic regurgitation.

Regurgitation most commonly occurs after eating and is a passive process where food slides back up the throat. This is different from vomiting, an active process that involves contraction of the stomach. Surgery can be performed to fix the diaphragm so the stomach can no longer slide through it.

18. Pyloric Stenosis

French Bulldog puppies can also be born with an abnormality known as pyloric stenosis. The pylorus is a valve-like structure that allows food to pass from the stomach to the intestines.

Brachycephalic dogs such as French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to a thickening of this structure, resulting in narrowing of the opening that passes food into the intestines. Common symptoms include regurgitation, decreased appetite, weight loss, and dehydration.

19. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a commonly inherited joint issue in French Bulldogs that results in a loose hip joint. This typically leads to arthritis and degenerative joint disease, which causes chronic pain.

Medical management with pain medications, joint supplements, and physical therapy can be used to help with symptoms. Dogs with severe cases may need surgery.

Responsible French Bulldog breeders will often have their dogs get special X-rays to ensure they dont continue to pass on this trait. Always ask your breeder for all health information on your Frenchie puppy and their parents.

20. Luxating Patella

Luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. You might see your pet with luxating patella suddenly limp for a few steps while running. They may kick out their leg a few times, then continue running like nothing happened.

In mild cases, this condition can cause arthritis. Severe cases may need surgery to correct it.

21. Dental Disease

Dental disease is the most common chronic disease in dogs and cats. Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds are even more predisposed.

All dogs have 42 teeth, whether theyre a Great Dane or a tiny Yorkie. But fitting all 42 teeth into a small dogs mouth means that overcrowding is a huge issue, especially if you have a shortened jaw like a French Bulldog does.

Overcrowding makes tartar build up faster. Frenchies also usually have an underbite, which further causes tartar buildup. As the tartar builds up on the teeth, it gets under the gumline, leading to gingivitis and deterioration of the gums and surrounding bone.

Pet parents need to brush their French Bulldogs teeth regularly using a soft bristle toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste. You will also need to have your dogs teeth professionally cleaned as your vet recommends.

22. Bladder or Kidney Stones

Intact adult male French Bulldogs are predisposed to bladder and kidney stones made of a crystal called cystine. The cause for this is suspected to be genetic, but the gene has not yet been identified.

Bladder and kidney stones can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, they can often be dissolved with a prescription diet that adjusts the acidity of the urine to help dissolve the stone. Surgery can also remove the stones directly from the bladder, which is required if the stone blocks the dogs ability to urinate or if the stones arent dissolving well with the diet.

23. Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve and artery (the valve and artery that lead from the heart to the lungs) are narrowed. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and in severe cases can lead to congestive heart failure.

While not all cases require treatment, those that do will need a relatively high-risk procedure to widen the pulmonary artery and valve. Because this is an inherited trait, a good French Bulldog breeder will have a cardiologist assess their dogs prior to breeding.