What do Beagles usually die from? What health issues are the most common in this breed?
No pet parent wants to think about these questions, but they are an inevitable part of owning a pet.
This article covers some of the most common health issues that Beagles die from, as well as some tips to keep your pet healthy for years to come.
What do Beagles Usually Die From?
Cancer is the most common cause of death in Beagles. Other common causes of death in Beagles include trauma, neurological conditions, congenital defects, and obesity. Young Beagle puppies are at the greatest risk of dying from infections like parvovirus.
Let us go through these in detail.
5 Common Causes of Death in Adult Beagles
Cancer
A study conducted at the University of Georgia showed that almost 23% of dogs of different breeds and mixed breeds were likely to die from cancer.
The most common cancers seen in Beagles are lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and bladder cancer. Melanoma, basal cell tumors, and fibrosarcoma are also common. Female Beagles often develop tumors in the mammary glands.
Since early detection could increase a Beagle’s chance of survival, here are some typical signs of cancer to watch out for:
- Unusual lumps and bumps
- Sudden weight loss
- Lethargy
- Bleeding (in stools, urine, vomit, eyes, etc.)
- Wounds and sores that don’t heal.
If your pet exhibits these signs, please see your vet immediately.
The next question most Beagle parents would like the answer to is:” how long can a Beagle with cancer live?” The good news is that, with timely treatment and alternative therapies, many dogs are known to get a couple of years.
Depending on the type of cancer and the spread, some dogs with cancer die within 6 months.
Trauma
The second most common cause of death in Beagles is an avoidable one – trauma.
The aforementioned study conducted at the University of Georgia also showed that almost 16% of adult dogs of different breeds died from traumatic injuries resulting from accidents. Beagles came in at No.12 in the study conducted on more than 150 dog breeds.
Thankfully, most canine trauma is preventable with a few precautions. These include:
- Keeping your curious Beagle on a leash when outside.
- Training your dog in recall commands and other basic obedience
- Securing your home and yard to prevent your inquisitive Beagle from escaping.
- Keeping your pet in a crate or a kennel (with proper training and in a humane manner).
- Restraining your Beagle in the car using seat belts or doggy booster seats.
Neurological Conditions
Almost 13% of Beagles were reported to develop neurological issues like wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, idiopathic epilepsy, and spinal cord tumors. Symptoms of neurological issues in Beagles include seizures, excess sleep, lethargy, weakness, imbalance, and tremors.
If you notice these signs in your dog, please see your vet immediately. Many of these conditions are preventable, and some can be managed with the right medication.
Obesity
Obesity is a silent killer in dogs. Beagles are especially known to pack on the pounds easily since they are not exercised as much as they should be, and they are also known to beg for (and earn!) table scraps.
Even a few pounds of weight gain in a Beagle can result in tremendous strain on their joints, resulting in arthritis, change in gait, etc. Over time, your pet could also develop diabetes and a host of other issues that could result in death.
Congenital Issues
These are inherited conditions that a Beagle gets from its parent dogs.
Good breeding practices can prevent these issues. That is why you must buy your Beagle from a reputed breeder who takes the time and effort to conduct various health checks and genetic tests on the breeding stock. Good breeders will only breed dogs that are cleared for genetic issues of the heart, eyes, hips, and elbows.
What Do Beagle Puppies Die From?
Beagle puppies are usually susceptible to infections like parvovirus and distemper. Fortunately, these are preventable diseases, and all you need to do is stay up-to-date with your pet’s vaccinations.
It is also important not to take unvaccinated Beagle puppies to the dog park, where they could come in contact with other dogs. Most vets advise not to walk a puppy in areas with other dogs until they are at least 4-6 months of age.
Beagle pups are also likely to die from trauma. The causes of traumatic injuries are similar to those seen in adult Beagles – darting into traffic, being hit by a car, or being dropped from the stairs. You can take the above precautions to prevent these.
7 Tips To Help Your Beagle Live a Long and Healthy Life
The life expectancy of a Beagle is between 13-15 years. To ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life, here are some tips to follow:
Clean Your Pet’s Teeth Every Day
Canine dental disease is the leading cause of other diseases, including those of the heart, kidneys, and liver. It is estimated that a dog’s life could be cut short by almost 3 years due to inadequate oral hygiene.
To prevent dental issues in your Beagle, get your pet used to daily teeth-brushing. Use vet-approved toothpaste. You can also feed your buddy crunchy dog foods/kibble instead of wet or canned food to eliminate plaque and tartar.
Prevent Infections
Beagles are prone to bacterial and viral infections. However, a majority of infections are preventable through proper care and vaccinations. You can also speak to your vet regarding vitamins and mineral supplements to boost your Beagle’s immunity.
Feed Your Beagle a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Every Beagle needs proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, and vitamins and minerals in the correct ratio to stay healthy.
Your vet can guide you in selecting the right diet for your Beagle based on their daily calorie intake, age, activity levels, and overall health.
Prevent Obesity
An adult Beagle should ideally weigh between 9-11 kg or slightly less than 20 lb.
The best way to prevent obesity in a Beagle is through strict portion control and daily exercise. Healthy adult Beagles need to walk or play for at least 45-60 minutes every day.
You must also avoid feeding table scraps to your pet, no matter how much they beg.
Mentally Stimulate Your Dog
In addition to physical activity, your smart Beagle also needs mental stimulation.
If not stimulated mentally, your smart dog could get bored or depressed.
You could enroll your dog in some agility courses and keep teaching them new tricks. Alternatively, invest in some dog puzzles, toys, and treat dispensers that encourage your smart dog to think.
Prevent Parasites
Many Beagles die from tick paralysis and Lyme disease every year. By using proper tick and flea prevention medicines as prescribed by your vet, you could prevent this.
Also, deworm your Beagle as per the schedule given by your vet. This is important to prevent internal parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, etc.
Get Your Buddy De-sexed
Spaying/neutering your Beagle is the best thing you can do to prevent certain cancers as well as behavioral issues like excess barking, marking territory, etc., in your dog.
Many male Beagles have been known to run out into the traffic if they smell a female dog in heat in the vicinity. By getting your Beagle neutered, you can prevent such untoward occurrences.
Final Thoughts – What Do Beagles Usually Die From?
Studies show that most adult Beagles die from old age or cancer.
Neurological issues, infections, obesity, and trauma are some other common causes of death in Beagles. Beagle puppies often die from infections like parvovirus, hepatitis, or distemper.
We hope this guide helps you take good care of your Beagle so they can live a long and healthy life.