Snoopy may have endured years being the world’s most famous beagle, but your own beagle at home needs more taking care of than a few cans of meat and the occasional baseball game. The most important thing to remember is beagle health.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed and are easy to take care of. But keep in mind some common Beagle Health problems due to viral or bacterial infection, and genetic disorders. Keep an eye out for your beagle’s diet, because a beagle’s love for eating may go out of control and result in obesity. This can be easily solved by having an appropriate amount of food at a scheduled feeding time, and giving the beagle occasional exercise. Another beagle health problem is called distichiasis, an infection in the eye. Their eyelashes tend to grow longer than other breeds, and when it comes into contact with the eyes then it might cause irritation and infection. While it can be remedied by surgery, this can be prevented by consulting your vet right away. He may suggest getting your dog’s eyelashes trimmed. Another eye health problem is renal atrophy. The beagle’s eyes begin to deteriorate as time passes. To check for symptoms, see if its eyes are very dry or excessively tear up. Other genetic ailments of a beagle include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and allergies. It might be difficult to spot these problems early, but just remember to always keep an eye out for any abnormalities.

A beagle’s life span may last around 10 to 15 years. Taking care of your dog well and being aware of some common beagle health problems will help in ensuring that your beloved pet will be around for as long as it can.