Welsh Terrier

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often, but not always, inherited.

The condition causes mild or severe seizures which may show themselves as unusual behaviour such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness.

Although seizures are frightening and saddening to watch, the long-term prognosis for sufferers is generally very good.

If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as there could be other reasons for seizures.

Dogs suffer from allergies in much the same way that humans do with the three main types being food, contact, and inhalant.

As the saying goes – prevention is better than a cure.

Treatment for food allergies is as simple as eliminating certain foods from their diets.

Contact allergies can be anything from shampoos, to flea powders, and other chemicals. If you notice your pet has had a reaction, try a new product with different ingredients.

Inhalant allergies are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen and dust. This is a difficult one to avoid, but you can try to do so with vet recommended medications and environmental changes.

Glaucoma is a condition that causes pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. If untreated, or it becomes chronic, it can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, eventually resulting in blindness.

Unfortunately, 40% of dogs with Glaucoma become blind in the affected eye within the first year, regardless of treatment.

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.

The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.

Make sure you ask any breeder if the puppy’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland which is believed to be a cause of issues including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy and skin conditions.

This is a disorder that can be quite easily treated through a dog’s diet and medication.