What is the most common cause of death in Beagles?
This is my Beagle Cocoa. She’s six years old, so I’m hoping we’re talking about something that is far off in the future…
Beagles are regarded as a healthy breed of dog and can live for many years with few medical problems. However, eventually, most Beagles will succumb to health issues such as cancer and neurological problems. Younger Beagles are also prone to traumatic injuries and accidents, which are a leading cause of premature death in this energetic breed.
Let's take a deeper look into the most common causes of death in Beagles, and learn how we can help our Beagles live long and healthy lives!
1) What is the most common cause of death in Beagles?
None of us like to think of the sad day that our precious Beagles will no longer be with us. But unfortunately, even with the best will in the world, the time will come that we have to say goodbye to one of our closest friends.
Unfortunately, as most pet owners will tell you, it is very unusual for a dog to slip away peacefully in their sleep. As your Beagle grows older, certain health problems become more likely to develop, and many of these can lead to your dog passing away. You may also find yourself having to consider euthanasia, a heartbreaking decision but one which can prevent a huge amount of pain and suffering.
One of the keys to navigating through this difficult time is to be prepared and understand what to expect. To do this, it helps to learn how and why your Beagle's life might be cut short.
The other advantage to knowing the most common causes of death in Beagles is that you can use this knowledge to help your Beagle live for longer! Although many diseases are not preventable, you can take steps to reduce the risk of them occurring. And by learning the signs to look out for, you can ensure a prompt diagnosis and early treatment, increasing the chances of your Beagle enjoying their geriatric years in comfort.
Let's take a look at the most common causes of death in Beagles:
a. Cancer
Unfortunately, the dreaded C-word is the leading cause of death in Beagles. Cancer is estimated to be the cause of death in over 23% of Beagles. The most common form of cancer in Beagles is lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system.
In the event of cancer occurring, prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to maximize your Beagle's chances of living a long and happy life. So, don't ignore any unusual symptoms and get them checked out, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
b. Trauma
The second most likely cause of death in Beagles is trauma - an accident or injury that [CR6] leads to the death of the dog. This is much more common in younger dogs, perhaps due to their inquisitive nature and boundless energy. The innate curiosity of Beagles can often lead them into risky situations, particularly when they lock on to an intriguing scent and all recall training is instantly forgotten!
As much as we'd like to keep our Beagles safe from harm, unfortunately wrapping them up in cotton wool is not an option. To reduce the chances of a fatal traumatic injury, assess every activity for risks first, and if in doubt, keep your Beagle safely on their leash.
c. Neurological Disorders
The short, stout body shape of the Beagle predisposes them to a neurological condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This causes the protective intervertebral discs in the spine to bulge and rupture, leading to pressure on the highly sensitive spinal cord. Although surgery can help in some cases, unfortunately, a diagnosis of IVDD can often lead to the dog's premature death.
In addition to these three most common causes of death in Beagles, this breed is also prone to other life-threatening conditionssuch as Cushing's disease, Lafora disease, and Musladin-Leuke syndrome.
2) What is the life expectancy of a Beagle?
There are many great things about having a Beagle in your life - honestly, I could wax lyrical about my precious Cocoa for hours! But one of the very best perks of being a Beagle owner is that this robust breed has a remarkably long lifespan, giving us many more years of Beagle loveliness to enjoy.
Cocoa having a good nap on a comfy sofa.
The average life expectancy of a Beagle is 10 to 15 years, a lifespan we would normally associate with smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers. It is not uncommon to come across Beagles in their late teens or even 20 years old, which gives me hope that Cocoa will be around for many more years to come!
Even though cancer is the most common cause of death in Beagles, the good news is that these lovable long-eared dogs tend to live for several more years before a cancer diagnosis than other breeds. This study found the average age of cancer diagnosis in Beagles is just over 10 years, two years later than the canine population as a whole.
3) How can I help my Beagle live longer?
Although we can't reduce the risk of disease and injury to zero, there are steps we can take to keep our dogs fit and healthy for as long as possible.
One of the key risk factors for cancer in Beagles is obesity, so keep your precious pooch in good shape! Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, and cigarette smoke can also increase the likelihood of terminal cancer.To reduce the risk of IVDD, keep your Beagle at a healthy body weight and minimize stress on the spine. Limit any jumping activity by using doggy stairs and ramps instead - that means no more leaping on and off the bed or out of the car!
Weight management doesn’t just reduce the risk of cancer and IVDD - studies have shown that the health benefits of keeping your dog at a healthy body weight are invaluable in preventing diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, and breathing difficulties.
On the advice of my veterinarian, Cocoa and I are currently working on reducing her weight from 29 to 28 lbs. This may not sound like a lot, but that one little pound will reduce her overall body weight by nearly 3.5%! If you need help with a weight loss program for your dog, this article has some incredibly useful tips.
And finally, make sure to stick to your regular vet check appointments - at least once per year, increasing to twice per year as your Beagle enters their golden years. Even if your Beagle appears fit and healthy, this simple vet check can help detect the early stages of disease, helping to maximize the chances of a full recovery.
In conclusion, it is reassuring to see that we can increase the chances of our Beagles living long and healthy lives with just a few simple lifestyle changes. Don't forget to get those regular vet checks booked, and fingers crossed that we all get many more happy years with our beloved Beagles!
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