Norwich Terrier Health Care & Feeding
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Jump down to this list of
Norwich Terrier Health Problems
Or check out my advice for raising a healthy Norwich Terrier puppy or adult dog:
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Norwich Terrier lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet... [read more]
3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food
You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Norwich Terrier are... [read more]
A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food
Your Norwich Terrier will love real chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, yogurt, broccoli.... this is not just "people food" and I'll tell you why... [read more]
5 Best Kibble and Canned Dog Foods
Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. Here are my concerns... [read more]
Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not?
How many vaccinations does your Norwich Terrier puppy really need? Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed! Find out what some vets aren't telling you... [read more]
Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Should your female Norwich Terrier be spayed? Current research says, "The AGE at which you spay can be vitally important to your dog's future health." So what's the best age? [read more]
Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Have you been told that you must neuter your male Norwich Terrier? Current research shows that the issue is not so simple. Pet owners are not being told about some risks associated with neutering male dogs, especially neutering too early... [read more]
Make Sure Your Vet is the Best!
Is your current veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? Here's how to tell... [read more]
Assisi Loop Review
Does your Norwich suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis? My honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to reduce inflammation and pain. [read more]
Complete list of Norwich Terrier health problems
The Norwich Terrier Club conducted a health survey that included over 1000 dogs.
The club reported that the typical Norwich male lives 11-12 years, while the typical Norwich female lives 12-13 years.
The most common health problem in the breed is chronic allergies, which cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma).
Epilepsy is a serious concern in the Norwich Terrier, and heart disease (mitral valve disease) is occurring more frequently.
Cataracts can appear at 6-30 months old and usually progress to blindness. Tear duct disorders can occur in the breed.
Norwich Terriers are quite prone to orthopedic diseases, especially luxating patella (loose knee joints) and hip dysplasia.
The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 1100 Norwich Terriers and found 13% dysplastic. That's very high for a small dog, although his close cousin, the Norfolk Terrier, is far worse with an appalling 35% rate of hip dysplasia.
Other health issues reported in Norwich Terriers include collapsing trachea, urinary stones, hypothyroidism, and liver shunt.
There is a rare inherited condition called Norwich Cramp that can resemble a mild seizure, but is actually caused by an abnormal build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. Supplementing an affected Norwich with Vitamin E and selenium can reduce or eliminate these cramping spells.
Preventing health problems
Some health problems are inherited. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog.
FREE eBOOK! My free online health care program, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to raise your Norwich Terrier in all the right ways that help prevent health problems. Become your dog's health care champion!
My best-selling books – now available FREE on my website