Our furry companions bring so much joy into our lives, but just like us, they can face health challenges—
many of which are linked to their genes. Knowing what to look out for can help us give them the best care
possible.
Hip Dysplasia: A Painful Reality for Bigger Breeds
This condition is most commonly seen in large dog breeds and typically shows up when the dog is
around one or two years old. Hip dysplasia happens when a dog's hip joint doesn’t develop quite right as
they grow. Imagine the ball and socket of the hip growing at different speeds—eventually, the ball just
doesn’t fit snugly into the socket anymore. Over time, this leads to a loose joint, damaged ligaments, and
sadly, a breakdown of the hip itself.
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Limping and weakness in the hind legs are also signs to watch for. If your dog seems uncomfortable
moving around, it’s worth having them checked out.
Luxating Patella: A Common Wobble in Smaller Pups
If you’ve noticed your small dog suddenly skip or start walking on three legs before resuming normal
walking, they might have a luxating patella—a condition where the kneecap slips out of place during
movement. It can be painful, causing the dog to yelp or favor one leg. This is more common in toy and
small breeds, and while it can be managed, early diagnosis makes a big difference.
Blindness and Deafness: More Than Just Age
Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to vision and hearing problems. For instance, certain
genes (like CNGB3 deletions) are linked to day blindness in breeds such as Alaskan sled dogs, Huskies,
Miniature Australian Shepherds, and German Shorthaired Pointers.
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like French Bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers
also tend to be at higher risk of blindness over time. Deafness is another concern in some breeds,
especially those with particular coat color patterns, like the Blue Merle seen in Collies. Mating two Merle-
colored dogs can result in puppies with severe nervous system issues, including deafness and more
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Have You Dealt with Any of These Conditions?
Every dog is unique, and so is every pet parent’s journey. Have you had a dog with one of these
conditions? How did you manage it, and what advice would you give to someone going through it now?
Share your story below—we’d love to hear from you and help support others in the community!
