The practice of hunting raccoons for their meat and fur is called coon hunting. It is typically carried out with coonhounds, which are a type of dog specially bred for this purpose. There are six breeds of coonhound, including the Black and Tan Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, English Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, and the tri-colored Treeing Walker Coonhound (Treeing Walkers). In this blog understand about Treeing Walker Coonhound health issues.
Coon hunts typically happen at night and involve dogs trailing and treeing raccoons without human intervention. “Treed” refers to the raccoon being in the tree with the dog at the base, and “treeing” is the action of this process.
The treeing walkers are a typically healthy breed known for their versatility and can be called a family dog and a raccoon hunting dog. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is primarily found in the US and was developed by Thomas Walker of the Walker Family. Originally considered the same breed as the English Coonhound, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club as a separate breed in the 1940s.
Along with their hunting capabilities, they also possess a friendly nature, making the treeing walker suitable to be kept as a full family pet.
As far as their build is concerned, they have a medium body with a very expressive facial structure, and their friendly look has added to their popularity. They also possess a strong sense of smell.
Despite their many benefits, there are some health problems related to the Treeing Walker Coonhound that you might want to know about, and be able to spot red flags. This guide is for just that. Let’s see below.
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Treeing Walker Coonhound Health Issues to Watch Out
Some of the common health issues that you must keep an eye on with the Treeing Walker Coonhound are discussed below:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition in this dog breed and many other dog breeds. It is a genetic disorder that occurs when the hip joint has not appropriately developed over time as it should.
The root cause of this particular disease, is not entirely understood yet, but most commonly, it happens because of genetic issues, environmental problems, and lack of nutrition.
Treeing Walkers and other dog breeds who suffer from hip dysplasia usually find it challenging to get up and walk, leading to lower mobility. As time progresses, this health condition’s severity may worsen and lead to impaired mobility.
If these health problems are detected on time, the veterinarian could help treat this disease. Preventive measures can however be taken so that some discomfort and pain can be reduced. It also slows down the progression of disease.
Some of the standard measures include adding exercise to your treeing walker routine. The exercise shouldn’t be a high-impact exercise but rather a mild one, and proper nutrition also helps prevent the condition from worsening.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye disorder usually found in Treeing Walker Coonhound and other dog breeds. This disorder impacts the retina and, over time, may lead to loss of vision and is generally inherited.
The typical red flags of progressive retinal atrophy include:
● Night blindness
● Impaired vision
● Pupils end up being dilated
You can consider an eye examination when you encounter these symptoms. Timely and regular eye monitoring and assessment of your adult dog may lead to earlier identification of the problem.
This disease cannot be cured totally, but with some strategies in place, it could be controlled from progressing quickly. Usually, vets recommend antioxidant supplements like vitamin E.
Also, such dogs must be given an environment that helps them adapt to this condition by creating comfortable spaces, walkways, and lighting methodologies.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces and releases too many hormones. The thyroid gland is a small organ with two lobes located in the neck, one lobe on each side of the trachea. These hormones regulate metabolism and affect heat production and the use of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Hypothyroidism can occur in Treeing Walkers and other dogs. The primary reason for hyperthyroidism in dogs is usually thyroid cancer, but overdosing hypothyroidism (HYPOthyroidism is more common in dogs) medication and some raw foods may also cause this condition.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds with this health issue will feel lethargic, intolerable to cold, develop skin problems, and feel muscle weakness.
Consistent monitoring of thyroid levels is key to treatment, and vets may prescribe some medications followed by a diet plan. Incorporating exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management could help balance the thyroid levels in the body.
Environmental Allergies
Your furry pets might be subjected to many environmental allergies; the same applies to Treeing Walkers. The triggers to this allergy among them may comprise some kinds of grass, household cleaning products, tree pollen, dust mites, and insect bites.
These things may end up causing an allergic reaction when they come into contact with the dog, either when inhaled or touched on the skin.
The signs to look for when it comes to these allergies are too much scratching of the skin, inflammation or spots on the body, or ear infections. If you encounter such symptoms in your dog, you must immediately consult a vet and get an allergy test.
Vets may recommend diets with specific proteins that reduce allergic reactions and suggest some environmental control measures. You can keep your dog indoors to protect it from pollen falls during peak season and ensure the ventilation is maintained indoors to reduce the impact.
Ensuring proper grooming and bathing is also equally important to avoid such allergies. Vets may also prescribe some medications that help in controlling these allergies or other health problems.
Ear Infections
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are prone to ear infections, and this is because of the structure of the ear they have. This structure promotes yeast and bacteria growth, leading to infections.
Other than the structure, some common reasons for such infections to develop are moisture, allergies, and ear mites. Regular cleaning is imperative to ensure that the ear health of these dogs is taken care of. It helps to prevent these infections.
The common symptoms to look for in such infections include swelling, redness, and odor in the ear. Too much scratching in the ear also signals ear infections and these need to be looked into.
It is essential to monitor the ear in case of such symptoms so that timely cleaning can be done. The vet may also prescribe ear drops and oral medications to reduce the infection.
Treeing Walker Coonhound is one of the best breeds of dogs; however, spotting the red flags regarding health issues is equally important. The earlier you spot these health issues, the earlier they will be treated.
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Final Thoughts on Health Issues in the Treeing Walker Coonhound
In conclusion, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can be afflicted with a number of health conditions, from hyperthyroidism and environmental allergies to ear infections. It is important to monitor your dog closely for any physical changes or symptoms that may indicate a medical issue. If you notice any signs of illness in your pet, it is essential to contact a vet right away so that any underlying serious health problems or issues can be identified and treated before they become more serious.
Regular check-ups, grooming, exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management are all key components of keeping your Treeing Walker Coonhound in optimal health. With the proper care and monitoring, you can ensure your beloved pet will remain healthy and happy for the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Treeing Walker Coonhound popular?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are popular for hunting raccoons.
2. What are the characteristics possessed by Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are very friendly and are also passionate. They stay loyal and have responsibility for their work.
3. What is the most liked quality of Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
The best quality possessed by Treeing Walker Coonhounds is their strong stamina. Also, their sense of smell is very popular compared to other breeds of dogs.
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