Some unusual tips to keep your Corgi healthy include remembering to brush their teeth and clean their ears regularly. You should also check them thoroughly for parasites, especially after walks. But there are also conditions such as kidney stones and von Willebrand disease that Corgis are more prone to develop.
Keeping your Corgi healthy is always going to be at the top of your list of priorities. They’re our best friends, and I know how terrifying it can be when they go through a health scare. All we want is to do the best we can for our stumpy pals, and that means making sure we know exactly how to take care of them.
Corgis are like any other breed in that they have their own health problems they are more prone to. My five unusual tips to keep your Corgi healthy are all about focusing on the things we forget – teeth, ears, and parasites. We don’t often think about brushing those little fangs, but the truth is they can benefit just as much as we can.
Let’s get your Corgi on the right track to good health together.
Key Takeaways:
- Corgis are more prone to conditions such as Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- They are also more likely to get eye injuries and suffer from obesity
- There are conditions such as von Willebrand Disease that are lesser-known
- Even brushing their teeth and cleaning their ears make a lot of difference
- Corgis are more likely to develop kidney stones than most other breeds
Are Corgis Prone to Health Problems?
Corgis are prone to some health problems, just like most purebred dogs. Of course, the risk of these issues developing can be reduced by making sure you choose a reliable and reputable breeder or ensuring health checks are done before you rescue.
Some of the big health conditions you need to look out for in a Corgi include:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Eye injuries
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Similarly, if you are a new Corgi owner and you’re feeling a little worried about keeping an eye on things, I have something that should help. These are some of the symptoms you should call a vet about if you see them:
- Vomiting or chronic diarrhea
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Lumps, bumps, and moles
- Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
- Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
- Limping or lameness
- Hair loss
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Episodes of weakness
- Pot-belly appearance
- Inability or straining to urinate
- Cloudiness, redness, itching or any other abnormality
- involving the eyes
- Itchy skin (scratching or licking)
- Change in appetite or water consumption
- Scratching or shaking the head, or discharge in the ear
- Unwillingness to jump up or go up the stairs
- Weak hind legs
5 Unusual Tips to Keep Your Corgi Healthy
Of course, we all know that proper diet and exercise are essential for your Corgi. You want them to be in good health, and that means ensuring they have the correct food, good training, and that you take care of their hygiene. But there are some other tips and conditions that often get forgotten about. That’s what I’d like to share here.
1. Look Out for von Willebrand Disease
This is a blood clotting disorder that is not commonly talked about but can be very prevalent in Corgis. It prevents the blood from clotting properly, resulting in excessive bleeding from even the smallest wounds. This can prove very dangerous for any Corgi with it, especially in surgery or if they end up injured while on a walk.
Vets can perform tests to determine if your Corgi has the disease, and this can help prevent a lot of stress later. von Willebrand Disease is very serious, and as it is more common in Corgis, it is important to get your pup tested.
2. Brushing Their Teeth Goes a Long Way
Dental diseases are the most prevalent and chronic in all pets, and up to 80% of dogs are affected by them by age two. It’s pretty serious, and what starts as a buildup of tartar can easily lead to an infection in the gums and roots. Simply brushing their teeth every day with doggy toothpaste (delicious chicken flavor) can make all the difference.
3. Corgis are More Prone to Kidney Stones
Usually, if your dog is struggling to pee or there is blood in the urine, it means there are kidney stones or an infection of some kind. There are actually six different types of kidney stones, and Corgis are prone to all of them. The best way to prevent them is by giving them a balanced and complete diet or supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamins, herbs, and minerals.
4. Keep Your Corgi’s Ears Clean
Ear infections are very common, and since Corgis have such massive ears, they are more likely to get one. If they aren’t treated, they can become very painful and uncomfortable. In the worst cases, they may even require surgery to fix. What you can do to help prevent this is clean their ears at home and help stay on top of things.
Now, it is important that you never put anything directly in your Corgi’s ear canal. To clean their ears, simply massage the base for around 20 seconds and then use a cotton ball to wipe the inside area of their ear and get rid of the gunk. Drag all the earwax away from the ear canal and dry their ears with a towel once you’re done.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Parasites
Parasites are the worst. Worms, tics, and fleas – those are the big three. After every walk, you should give your Corgi a once-over to check for tics and ensure you are worming and flea-treating them regularly. Give their poops a quick glance to check for worms or worm eggs, and use their daily grooming session as an excuse to look for fleas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Corgis Prone to Weight Problems?
Yes, Corgis are prone to weight problems. It’s very easy to overfeed them, and since they are only little dogs, it is often assumed they don’t need as much exercise. However, they are high-energy working dogs, which means they do need a lot of exercise. This is part of why they are so prone to obesity.
Is Cheese Safe for Corgis?
Cheese is definitely safe for Corgis as long as it is given in moderation. The cheese tax is sacred among all dogs and their owners, and it makes a delicious treat that they absolutely love. Just remember not to give them too much and to limit how often they give it. An excess of cheese can lead to serious weight and heart problems down the line.
Does Grooming Matter for Corgi Health?
Yes, grooming is very important for your Corgi’s health and well-being. Grooming helps check for fleas, injuries, or lesions on their skin, and it also helps prevent painful matting. Additionally, grooming strengthens your bond with your Corgi and keeps them looking (and smelling) great.
Final Thoughts
Corgis have their own set of health problems and behavioral quirks that we have to accept as owners. It’s just how things work, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared and do our best to work on preventative measures with our furry friends. Even little things like cleaning their ears and giving them a good brush can make a world of difference.
As always, if you’re ever concerned about your Corgi’s health and well-being, never be afraid to give your vet a call and book an appointment. Training and love are only half the game with a dog; we have to keep an eye on their health as well. After all, they can’t tell us what’s wrong.
