#1. Siberian Husky: Autoimmune Disorders
Siberian Huskies seem to be predisposed to a variety of autoimmune disorders, many of which affect the skin. These conditions cause sores and hair loss, often on the face. One immune condition affects both the skin and the eyes and can lead to eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts. Treatment for these disorders is corticosteroids to inhibit the immune system.
#2. Bulldog: Respiratory Problems
Like all dogs with those adorable smashed-in faces, bulldogs can suffer from breathing problems. Your bulldog’s small nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea are the reasons why he probably snores, and they can lead to a life-threatening emergency if he gets overheated or overtired. That’s why it’s important to keep bulldogs cool in the summer and never overdo it with exercise.
#3. Pug: Eye Problems
With their squashed faces and bulgy eyes, pugs are at risk for eye problems. The most serious is an eye popping out of its socket. This can happen if a pug gets into an accident or a fight with another dog. If this happens, cover the eye with a damp cloth and rush your dog to the vet. The vet can put the eye back in place, although whether the dog will retain vision in the eye depends on the severity of the damage.
#4. German Shepherd: Hip Dysplasia
Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, the joint’s ball and socket don’t fit together properly, which causes pain, arthritis, and problems walking. When looking for a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder whether the parents have been screened for hip dysplasia. Parents with healthy hips are more likely to produce puppies with healthy hips.
#5. Labrador Retriever: Obesity
Any dog can become overweight, but labs are especially prone to it. And just like with people, obesity is linked to health problems in dogs. Labs need vigorous daily exercise. If your lab is constantly begging for more food, try giving her raw carrots, green beans, or apples to snack on. Since prevention is easier than weight loss, it’s best to consult with your vet on a diet plan that’s right for your pet.
#6.Poodle: Glaucoma
Poodles are one of a handful of breeds that are at increased risk for this serious eye disease. Glaucoma is a buildup of fluid in the eye, which causes pressure, pain, and eventually blindness. Early on, glaucoma can be treated with medications. But surgery and even removal of the affected eye may be necessary.
#7.Rottweiler: Joint Problems
Large breeds like the Rottweiler are at risk for a variety of joint problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). OCD is a condition that develops in large, fast-growing puppies in which the cartilage in a joint doesn’t form properly. Feeding the right amount of a balanced diet may help keep your Rottweiler’s joints healthy. However, many dogs require surgery to remove the abnormal cartilage.
#8. Chihuahua: Collapsing Trachea
Does your Chihuahua make a honking noise when she gets excited? She may have a collapsed trachea — a common problem in toy breeds. With collapsed trachea, the cartilage that normally holds the trachea open is weak, so the trachea flattens. Some dogs go their whole lives with collapsing trachea and have no problems from it; others require medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to prop the trachea open.
#9. Maltese: Little White Shaker Syndrome
This funny-named condition is just what it sounds like: tremors in small dogs that are white (although dogs with other coat colors can get it, too). It’s caused by inflammation in the cerebellum, which causes shaking that can be so bad the dog can barely walk. But the good news is that it’s treatable with corticosteroids, it’s not painful for the dog, and it usually subsides after a few weeks.
#10. Pomeranian: Hair Loss
Pomeranians are predisposed to an adrenal gland disease called alopecia X, which causes hair loss. Alopecia X usually begins when a dog is young. If a dog with alopecia X is intact, spaying or neutering often causes the hair to grow back. Melatonin supplements can also help.