Ibizan Hound Health Care & Feeding
By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2017
Quick list of Ibizan Hound health problems
Hereditary cataracts can progress to blindness. Epilepsy is a serious concern in the breed.
Chronic allergies cause itching and scratching that can lead to skin infections. The Ibizan's thin-skinned, bony elbow is prone to forming elbow hygroma (callus).
Hip dysplasia can occur, but the rates are pretty low. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 400 Ibizan Hounds and found only 2% dysplastic.
Other health issues are thyroid disease, inherited deafness, an emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat, and a fatal neuromuscular disease called axonal dystrophy which occurs in Ibizan Hound puppies.
Because of their low body fat, Ibizan Hounds are extra sensitive to anesthetics and require an experienced vet who will follow a special sighthound anesthesia protocol.
Ibizan Hounds are instinctive chasers, so they're especially vulnerable to being killed by a car. This is not an off-leash breed.
Musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, pulled muscles or ligaments, broken toes, paw injuries, etc.) are common when Ibizan Hounds romp, jump, and play.
Preventing health problems
Some health problems are inherited. For example, if both parents of your Ibizan Hound have certificates proving they were tested and cleared of hereditary eye diseases, thyroid disease, and hip dysplasia, your Ibizan Hound has less risk of developing those conditions.
Other health problems can be prevented, or partially prevented, by the ways you raise your dog. If you're serious about doing everything you can for your Ibizan Hound, my best-selling book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, shows you how to raise your Ibizan Hound puppy (or adult dog) in all the right ways. It will help you be your dog's health care champion!
Here are my dog health tips for raising a healthy Ibizan Hound puppy or adult dog:
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Ibizan Hound lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet.
The Best Dog Food For Feeding Your Ibizan Hound
Food is the #1 foundation for good health. The best diet for feeding your dog is real food. Real chicken, turkey, beef, fish....these are not just "people foods" and I'll tell you why.
The Second-Best Dog Food For Your Ibizan Hound
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 Ibizan Hound puppy really need? Does your adult Ibizan Hound need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed! Find out what some vets aren't telling you.
Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of spaying your female dog.
Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering your male dog.
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.
Assisi Loop Review: How I Helped Treat Inflammation and Pain
Does your dog suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis, a skin wound? My honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to help reduce inflammation and pain.
To help you train and care for your dog
To learn more about training your dog to be calm and well-behaved, my dog training book is Teach Your Dog 100 English Words. It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your dog to listen to you and do whatever you ask.
My dog buying guide, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a good-tempered, healthy dog.
My dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, shows you how to help your dog live a longer life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses.