Affenpinscher Health Problems and Raising an Affenpinscher Puppy to be Healthy
By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2015
The most common health problems in Affenpinschers:
Orthopedic diseases include luxating patella (most common), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (less common but more serious), and hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 136 Affenpinschers and found 12% dysplastic. That's extremely high for a small dog.
Heart disease (patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease) is a concern in Affenpinschers.
Cataracts can severely affect vision in this breed. Other eye diseases in Affenpinschers are glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, and tear duct disorders.
Hormonal/endocrine system diseases include hypothyroidism and Cushings disease.
Skin problems include allergies that cause itchy skin, pyoderma, and non-tumorous growths (sebaceous cysts).
Other health issues reported in Affenpinschers are blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand's), liver shunt, and hernias.
Affenpinschers are prone to dental disease and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing.
Can you prevent health problems from happening to YOUR Affenpinscher?
Yes, often you can.
- Some health problems are genetic, which means inherited from parents. Genetic health issues are common in Affenpinschers today because of unwise breeding practices. My book, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, shows you how to find an Affenpinscher puppy who is genetically healthy.
- Other health problems are environmental – caused by the way you raise your dog. My best-selling dog health book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to prevent environmental health problems by raising your Affenpinscher puppy (or adult dog) in all the right ways.
Here are my dog health tips for raising a healthy Affenpinscher puppy or adult dog:
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Based on your dog's breed and how you're raising him, this personalized quiz will help you understand how long your dog might live – and most importantly, how you can increase his life expectancy.
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Affenpinscher lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet.
The Best Dog Food For Feeding Your Affenpinscher
The best diet for feeding your Affenpinscher is real food. Real chicken, turkey, beef, bison, venison, fish....This is not "people food" and I'll tell you why.
The Second-Best Dog Food For Your Affenpinscher
If you can't feed homemade dog food, here are your next-best choices.
Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not?
How many vaccinations does your Affenpinscher puppy really need? Does your adult Affenpinscher need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed. Find out what many vets aren't telling you.
The Type of Veterinarian I Recommend
Is your veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? Learn about the differences between vets who practice conventional, holistic, and alternative veterinary medicine.
Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of spaying your female Affenpinscher.
Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering your male dog.
Assisi Loop Review: How I Helped Treat Inflammation and Pain With Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Does your dog suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, pancreatitis, colitis, injuries such as fractures and skin wounds, or a neurological condition? An honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Copyright © 2000-2015 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved.
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