Otterhound Health Care & Feeding
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Jump down to this list of
Otterhound Health Problems
Or check out my advice for raising a healthy Otterhound puppy or adult dog:
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Otterhound 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 Otterhound are... [read more]
A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food
Your Otterhound 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 Otterhound 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 Otterhound 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 Otterhound? 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 Otterhound 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 Otterhound health problems
The Otterhound Club conducted a health survey that included 109 dogs. They report that the average lifespan on the breed is 9 years.
The most serious orthopedic disease is hip dysplasia, which is rampant in Otterhounds.
The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 450 Otterhounds and found an incredible 48% dysplastic – one of the worst rates of all breeds.
Elbow dysplasia (27% rate) is a huge problem, too.
As with all deep-chested breeds, Otterhounds are at higher-than-normal risk for the emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat.
Allergies cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma).
Three out of every four Otterhounds develop non-tumorous growths or tumorous growths (benign or malignant) as they grow older.
Epilepsy is a growing concern in Otterhounds.
Blood-clotting diseases were a serious problem in Otterhounds in the past, and are still a minor concern.
Hypothyroidism has also been reported in Otterhounds.
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 Otterhound 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