The Emotional Toll of Beagle Obesity on Pet Parents

Beagle

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Beagles make wonderful pets for families and active pet parents, but take note: They need a lot of activities and supervision, as they are prone to following their nose to trouble.

Along with caring for their mental well-being, Beagles need special attention paid to their physical health, too. Their floppy ears make them more prone to ear infections, so pet parents need to clean their Beagles ears regularly. Theyre also prone to obesity, so they need measured meals spaced at regular time intervals (free-feeding is not recommended).

Caring for a Beagle

Beagles are generally considered medium-sized dogs, but they actually come in two sizes: One measuring under 12 inches at the shoulder and a larger size that ranges from 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder. No matter their size, a full-grown Beagles weight can range from 20-30 pounds. Males are usually bigger than females.

Beagles come in several colors, including lemon, red and white, and the more common tricolor of black, brown, and white. Beagles have a smooth, dense double coat and floppy ears, which need to be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. They also have long tails that seem to never stop wagging. As a result of wagging too much, Beagles can suffer from limber tail syndrome, also called swimmers' tail. This is a temporary, acute condition that results in a strain in the muscles used to keep the tail upright, causing a limp and sore tail. Limber tail syndrome usually resolves with a day or two of rest, but it can require pain medication to make your dog comfortable.

Beagle Health Issues

Common Beagle health issues include ear infections, obesity, allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

Ear Infections

Beagles are beloved for their long,floppy ears, but those ears do require some extra care. Because they cover the ear opening completely, there isreduced air flow in the ear canal. This creates a moist, dark environment that allows bacteria and yeast to grow. When the yeast grow in abundance, the result is an ear infection.

Beagles with ear infections will scratch excessively at their ears. Youmight even notice a yeasty smell. To prevent this, regularly clean your dogs ears with a good-quality ear cleanser. Even with regular cleaning, ear infections may still occur. If your Beagle gets an ear infection, your vet may recommend topical and oral medications. If you notice your Beagle scratching at their ears, schedule a vet appointment.

Obesity

Despite being a high-energy breed, obesity is very common among Beagles. Most Beagles have an insatiable appetite along with a very strong sense of smell. If allowed, most will overeat and seek out any food within reach. Pet parents need to measure their Beagles food consumption carefully and keep any temptations out of reach. Your vet can help you figure out how much and how often to feed your Beagle.

It's not uncommon for vets to see Beagles whove eaten something they shouldn't have. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, and may require surgery to remove ingested food packaging or other materials. Make sure to keep all food other than their own out of their reach.

Allergies

Beagles can be prone to environmental and food allergies and may start to scratch excessively. About 75% of their ear infections are caused by allergies.If your Beagle experiences allergies, there are many treatments your veterinarian can recommend.

Cherry Eye

A prolapsed nictitans gland in the eye, commonly referred to as "cherry eye, is common in Beagles. This condition happens when the tear gland is inflamed, becoming visible in the lower inner corner of the eye. This condition is usually not painful, but it can lead to eye infections. Cherry eye can occur in one or both eyes. Some cases resolve on their own, while others may need surgery.

Epilepsy

Beagles can be more prone to epilepsy, a seizure disorder, than other breeds. This commonly starts from 2-5 years of age and sometimes requires anti-seizure medications to help control.

Seizures last about 30-60 seconds and can range from mild to severe. A mild seizure may include involuntary movements, such as your dogs legs going stiff. Signs of a severe seizure can include:

If you suspect your Beagle had a seizure, call your veterinarian right away.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is common among older Beagles. This condition is a disease of the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause metabolic changes. Beagles experiencing hypothyroidism may have skin and hair coat changes, such as a coarse and dry coat or hair loss. It can also cause weight gain, even if you arent feeding your Beagle more than usual. It can be easily controlled with daily medications under your vets guidance.

What To Feed a Beagle

Beagles can be prone to obesity. Usually, a good-quality commercial dog food used in accordance with the producers' instructions and regular exercise will keep your Beagle at a healthy weight. However, if your Beagle becomes overweight, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription restricted-calorie diet.

How To Feed a Beagle

Beagles should be fed the amount recommended by the food manufacturer at regular time intervals, usually about two to three times daily to keep their metabolism increased. They should not be allowed to graze all day, to prevent overindulging and obesity.

Some Beagles will eat too quickly, resulting in choking and vomiting undigested food. To help a hungry Beagle slow down (and to keep them entertained), use a slow feeder bowl so they work for their food.

How Much You Should Feed a Beagle

When feeding your Beagle, follow the manufacturers instructions on the food package. Every food has a different caloric value, so its important to follow the guidelines. If you change brands or flavors, don't assume that your Beagle will get the same amount of food in their bowl.

Nutritional Tips for Beagles

Beagles can benefit from foods made for sensitive skin, which are usually high in omega-3 fatty acids and help reduce inflammation. If your veterinarian suspects that your pup has food allergies, they may prescribe a prescription diet to help.

Behavior and Training Tips for Beagles

Beagle Personality and Temperament

Beagles make loving, affectionate pets that are generally good with children and other animals at home. Most Beagle puppies are full of energy, but as they age they tend to slow down and become a bit more lazy, though they still love joining their pet parents for walks, runs, or hikes.

Led by their noses, Beagles are very curiouswhich means they can easily get into trouble and wander away if left unattended. When outside, they always need to be on a leash or inside a fenced-in yard so they dont walk off in search of an interesting scent.

Although they are not considered a very protective or territorial dog, they will definitely bark when confronted with new people and strange noises. Beagles are hounds and are known for their typical loud, long bark and howl.

Beagle Behavior

Many Beagles end up in the vets office because their curiosity and superior sense of smell got them into trouble. Led by their noses, Beagles will unzip backpacks to steal lunches and counter-surf for snacks. Their sense of smell keeps their nose to the ground, and they will follow it to anything that smells curious to them.

Beagle Training

Beagles are smart, but they but can also be stubborn and have a short attention span when it comes to training. Because they are food-motivated, most Beagles train best before mealtime and will do just about anything for treats.

Potty training can be especially difficult with Beagles because of their powerful nosesthey can smell where a part of the house was previously soiled so easily. Repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement work best to help potty train Beagle puppies.

Leash training may be difficult because they are constantly paying attention to smells on the ground. Using a harness and rewarding them with treats is helpful in leash training.

Fun Activities for Beagles

Beagle Grooming Guide

Coat Care

Beagles have short coats, which makes them easier to groom than, say, a Samoyed.They are, however, moderate shedders, and weekly brushing can help with keeping loose fur from ending up on your floor. Pet parents can give their Beagle a bath every two to four weeks, depending on the dog's activity levels.

Ear Care

Ear cleaning will most likely be the biggest grooming chore with your Beagle. On average, they require ear cleaning once or twice a month.

Beagle FAQs

Is a Beagle a good family dog?

Beagles are good family dogs and usually get along with other pets and with children. They are social pups and like to be with their families.

Are Beagles smart dogs?

Beagles are smart, but their stubborn nature can sometimes make them difficult to train. Use treats and other positive reinforcement methods for success in training.

Are Beagles lazy?

Beagles are active dogs, but like many other breeds, they tend to become lazier as they get older. Dont adopt a Beagle puppy and expect them to be a couch potato.

How did Beagles get their name?

The origin of the word "Beagle" is uncertain, but its suspected to be derived from the French word begueule, which means open throat. This may be a reference to their howling.

Featured Image: iStock/Maria Levkina

WRITTEN BY

Tiffany Paul, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Paul graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She has practiced small animal medicine happily...

The Emotional Toll of Obesity

Youve heard the stories about the happy fat person, right? Well, as comforting as they might be, particularly if your own child is heavy, they may be more myth than reality in most childrens lives. Not only are there health costs associated with childhood obesity, but your childs weight problem is also intimately entangled in his emotional world.

Social Stigma

For children who are overweight, living with excess pounds can be heartbreaking. In its own way, the social stigma attached to being overweight can be as damaging to a child as the physical diseases and conditions that often accompany obesity.In a society that puts a premium on thinness, studies show that children as young as 6 years may associate negative stereotypes with excess weight and believe that a heavy child is simply less likable.

Self-Esteem & School Bullying

True, some children who are overweight are very popular with their classmates, feel good about themselves, and have plenty of self confidence. But in general, if your child is obese, he is more likely to have low self-esteem than his thinner peers. His weak self-esteem can translate into feelings of shame about his body, and his lack of self-confidence can lead to poorer academic performance at school. You probably dont need a detailed description of how difficult the day-to-day life of children who are overweight can sometimes be. These youngsters may be told by classmates (and even adults) that being heavy is their own fault. They might be called names. They could be subjected to teasing and bullying. Their former friends may avoid them, and they may also have trouble making new friends. They could be the last one chosen when teams are selected in physical education classes.

Depression

With all of this turmoil, he may feel as though he doesnt belong or fit in anywhere. He may see himself as different and an outcast. Hell often feel lonely and is less likely than his peers to describe himself as popular or cool. And when this scenario becomes ingrained as part of his lifemonth after month, year after yearhe can become sad and clinically depressed and withdraw into himself.

Emotional Eating

In an ironic twist, some children who are overweight might seek emotional comfort in food, adding even more calories to their plates at the same time that their pediatricians and parents are urging them to eat less. Add to that the other emotional peaks and valleys of life, including the stress of moving to a new community, difficulties in school, or the death of a parent or a divorce, and some children routinely overindulge in food.

Discrimination

There are other obesity-related repercussions that continue well into adolescence and beyond. Heavy teenagers and adults might face discrimination based solely on their weight. Some research suggests that they are less likely to be accepted for admission by a prestigious university. They may also have a reduced chance of landing good jobs than their thinner peers. Women who are overweight have a decreased likelihood of dating or finding a marriage partner. In short, when heavy children become heavy adults, they tend to earn less money and marry less often than their friends who are of average weight.