Unraveling Airedale Terrier Health Issues And Problems
As devoted pet owners, we understand the importance of your Airedale Terrier’s well-being. In this article, we delve into common Airedale Terrier health issues that may affect these charming companions.
Read – Airedale Terriers’ Temperament And Personality Traits
From preventive care to dietary tips, we aim to equip you with valuable insights to ensure your furry friend enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life. Let’s embark on this journey together, and unravel the secrets to a thriving Airedale Terrier’s health!
Airedale Terriers are known as “the King of Terriers” due to their large size, with males standing 23 inches tall and weighing up to 28-32 kilograms and females standing 20-22 inches tall and weighing up to 23-35 kilograms. Airedale Terriers are also energetic dogs who will become your lifelong companion if properly cared for.
So what are the Airedale Terrier health issues? Dental problems, allergies, hypothyroidism, and dysplasia are along the line. As with all dog breeds, the Airedale health issues are many, and you should consider them before adopting one as a pet.
Let’s find out in detail!
What are the common Airedale Terrier health issues?
Some of the most common Airedale Terrier health issues are dental problems, hip dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism, bloat, eye problems, and seasonal hair loss.
- Dental problems
One of the most frequently seen Airedale health issues is related to teeth and gums. It is because tartar builds up on teeth and then leads to swelling/infection of gums, ultimately leading to tooth loss in your dog.
Dental problems can also make your Airedale Terrier lose his appetite. He might also feel fatigued and exhausted because of this; therefore, it is important to clean his teeth and mouth to stay healthy regularly.
- Hip dysplasia
Another one of the Airedale Terrier health issues that can become quite painful is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is usually seen in large dog breeds that have a faster growth rate, and when this happens, the hip joint won’t function normally.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder in dogs, and the symptoms include limping, difficulty climbing stairs, inability to lie down, and so on. So, you need to do a hip dysplasia screening test for the Airedale puppy before you bring him home.
- Allergies
Because of the dense hair of the Airedale Terriers, they are more prone to skin allergies than other dogs. Some of the symptoms of skin allergies include hair loss, red, inflamed skin, sores, and scratching and licking of the skin.
Read – Are Airedale Terriers Hypoallergenic? and Do Airedale Terriers Shed A Lot?
Scratching, on the other hand, can irritate the skin and make it prone to infection. Food allergies in dogs can cause itchiness in their ears or paws and digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a combination of the two.
So, make sure to watch out for the food and substances that your Airedale Terrier is exposed to.
- Hypothyroidism
Another one of Airedale health issues is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the body does not produce normal levels of thyroid hormone, which results in the slowing of the metabolism rate.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs are dry skin, coarse hair, hair loss, tiredness, unexplained weight gain, and aggression.
Read – Airedale Terrier Intelligence Level and Airedale Terrier Behavior Problems
Although it is not a serious condition and can be managed with the correct treatments, it is always important to do testing to identify such issues early on.
- Bloat
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as GDV or Bloat, is more common in dogs with profound, narrow chests, making it another of the Airedale health issues to be concerned about.
Bloat can be life-threatening because it causes the stomach to turn and fill with air, so it’s essential to watch for symptoms like vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and protruding abdomen. Take your Airedale Terrier to the vet immediately if you suspect he is bloated!
Read – Miniature Airedale Terrier
- Eye problems
If a dog has eye problems, it can significantly reduce his quality of life. Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are also more common in Airedale terriers.
Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in senior Airedale dogs, causing symptoms such as cloudy eyes, confusion when walking or sitting, difficulty climbing stairs, and so on.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that can cause your Airedale terrier to go blind. Be alert for signs such as night blindness and fear of going outside in dim lighting.
- Digestive problems
Airedale Terriers are more likely than other breeds to have insufficient digestive enzymes (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). This makes digestion difficult for your dog, and he may also not absorb nutrients.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and smelly poop are some of the symptoms. Feed high-quality pet food and avoid unhealthy snacks to help prevent symptoms.
- Obesity
Obesity can be another one of the Airedale health issues that we often overlook. Obesity usually happens when your dog is not adequately fed.
For example, you might be tempted to give food treats every time your dogs display good behavior. Make sure not to do that.
Read – What Do Airedale Terriers Eat? Diet Plan & Feeding Tips
You should also make your Airedale Terrier exercise daily for about 15 minutes. Since they are energetic dogs, it is a crucial thing to be added to the schedule. Some symptoms of obesity in your Airedale are fatigue, shortness of breath, and joint problems.
- Seasonal Hair Loss
Seasonal hair loss is another health issue in Airedale terriers that usually causes hair loss on either side of the abdomen. Other areas, like the legs and the ears, can also be affected depending on the severity of the condition.
The skin can also get itchy and red due to inflammation. However, it is not something to be alarmed about because the hair grows back again when the season is over.
However, you need to bathe your dog properly, apply natural moisturizers like coconut oil, and keep your dog well-hydrated when he is suffering from seasonal hair loss.
What can you do about Airedale Terrier health issues?
You can easily prevent many of these Airedale Terrier health issues if you properly care for the dog. It might be a little challenging with genetic diseases.
Still, in other cases, you simply have to watch your dog’s nutrient intake, his daily exercise requirements and keep his ears, teeth, eyes, etc., clean so that there are no health complications in the future.
You can also check the health conditions of the parents of the puppy you are going to adopt. Brush your Airedale’s teeth 3-4 times a week, and go on a walk with him for at least 10 minutes per day to prevent diseases that happen due to obesity.
Make sure to visit the vet for regular checkups, and if you find symptoms that something is not quite right with your Airedale, don’t hesitate to contact the vet immediately.
