by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: January 03, 2010

When it comes to distinctively beautiful dogs, few can compare to the Afghan Hound. Their coats are gorgeous when properly groomed and they display unequalled elegance as they prance through life. Looks alone, however, don't a dog make. A person that is going to get a new dog should always educate themselves about the breed beforehand. Having a pet is a serious commitment and one that should be made for the life of the pet, whenever possible. Some things that are very important to know are the health problems that the breed you are considering is prone to. The following are some of the most common health problems that Afghan Hounds, and their owners, have to deal with.

*Cataracts of the Eyes-Dogs with cataracts will be apparent because of the cloudy film that will cover the lens of the eye. There can be minor cataracts that won't affect the dog's vision entirely or they can get so severe that they will completely block any light from coming in at all.

*Cryptorchidism-This is an undescended testicle in the male dog. If both testicles remain undescended, the dog will be sterile. If only one is, they may be able to breed, but they will not be allowed in dog shows.

*Hypothyroidism-This is a disorder in which the thyroid is not functioning at normal levels, affecting the endocrine system. This can cause a number of problems, including reproductive troubles, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, and behavioral changes.

*Hyperthyroidism-This is the opposite of hypothyroidism and occurs when the thyroid is functioning above normal levels. There can be issues with the coat, behavior, low weight, and excessive energy.

*Hip Dysplasia-This is typically associated with large breeds of dogs. This breed is susceptible to this problem with the joints. It occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in a great deal of pain and possibly limited movement for the dog. The cartilage around the joint becomes thin and loses its elasticity, causing inflammation, as the top of the femur bone rubs against the hip.

*Ear Infections-Those same silky ears that you may think are beautiful are also an area that owners must take preventive care of in order to prevent them from becoming infected. Their length allows them to drag along the ground when the head is lowered, picking up debris along the way. They also hold in moisture if they are not kept dry inside. Chronic ear infections, or one that is not treated soon enough, can lead to permanent hearing damage for your dog. Check the ears regularly for signs of infection, including a foul odor coming from the ears, scratching at the ears, shaking the head, or tilting it to one side or the other. If you notice any of these things, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

One of the jobs of a responsible pet owner of any breed or species is to ensure that the animal is kept in the best health possible. This includes regular vet checks and vaccinations, as well as watching for and attending to any signs of illness as soon as possible. The Afghan Hound deserves to have the most comfortable and happy life possible. He or she should be kept healthy and given plenty of love and attention. This will make for a very contented dog and a loving relationship between the two of you for many years. A healthy Afghan Hound can live between ten and fifteen years.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Tiegert.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.