Beagles are lovable pups that have a long history as working and hunting dogs. Today, Beagles are more commonly seen as family pets, though their playful natures and energetic spirits persist. Beagles are most commonly known for their soulful eyes and big appetites — something that often gets them into trouble around the home as they scavenge for snacks.
If you are interested in adopting a Beagle, or if you already have a Beagle friend in your care, you may be wondering how you can keep them as healthy as possible and encourage them to live their best life for as many years as you can. Our article gives you some essential tips for helping your Beagle live longer.
What Is the Beagle’s Average Lifespan?
The average lifespan of a Beagle ranges between 10 and 15 years. While there are some genetic health problems that can affect your dog’s lifespan, the truth is that proper care, exercise, and regular veterinary visits are all incredibly important to keeping your Beagle in good health and ensuring they live a long time.
Keeping an eye on your Beagle’s health and needs throughout their life ensures you avoid missing serious health issues before they arise.
Common Health Complications for Beagles
Beagles, like other dog breeds, are prone to certain health issues. Beagles especially struggle with obesity, as they are very food-motivated and will eat with abandon if left to their own devices.
In addition to obesity, common health complications that can arise for your Beagle include:
- Epilepsy – One of the most common neurological conditions in dogs. Symptoms include sudden yet temporary behavior changes, or changes in consciousness or muscle movement.
- Hypothyroidism – Inadequate thyroid levels which can lead to symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, lethargy, coat thinning, and mental dullness.
- Dental Problems – Most commonly tartar buildup, which leads to gum infections and infections in the roots of teeth.
- Ear Infections – Infection of the external ear canal, with symptoms such as whining, head shaking, and scratching at the ear.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Degeneration in the spine or cervical area of dogs with short stature, like Beagles. IVDD can cause back pain, paralysis, weakness, and sensitivity to touch or movement.
Understanding the warning signs of each of these health issues and taking your Beagle to the vet on a regular basis can help you prevent and treat health problems before they become more serious, life-changing issues.
Tips to Help Your Beagle Live Longer
The following ideas are all great ways to help your Beagle live longer and feel their best throughout their lives. Make sure to incorporate these tips into your Beagle care plan to give your pup the best life possible.
1. Select an Honest Breeder
If you want to welcome a purebred Beagle puppy into your life, you may need to explore working through a dedicated Beagle breeder. However, it is important that you utilize an ethical breeder for your puppy, as you want to avoid a dog that has been inbred or bred incorrectly. This can lead to stress and health complications for all of the dogs involved.
To choose an ethical Beagle breeder, avoid puppy mills or breeders that may be associated with such places. Look in your local area and surrounding states for a breeder that is transparent about their practice, has all licenses and certifications they may need, and allows you to visit the puppies and the breeding area to ensure things are clean and well-kept. You may also want to check reviews and speak to individuals with breeder knowledge for assistance in choosing the correct breeder.
If you’d like to adopt a Beagle puppy, consider breed-specific rescue organizations and check local shelter listings regularly. Rescue groups and shelters should also be as transparent as possible about a dog’s history and background and welcome in-person meet-and-greets. If adopting, the same recommendations apply. Read reviews of the shelter or rescue organization and try to visit facilities in person to check care standards.
2. Establish an Exercise Routine
Exercise is essential for all dogs, and it is especially important for Beagles who have lots of energy and struggle with their weight. These dogs require regular walks, dedicated playtime, and the opportunity to run around off-leash in a fenced-in area.
Be careful when letting your Beagle off the leash, however, as these dogs tend to be escape artists and must be monitored when playing outdoors.
You can also try other creative dog exercises with your Beagle like Doga, at-home obstacle courses, or scent games.
3. Feed a Balanced Diet
Beagles need a complete and balanced diet to thrive, and it’s a good idea to limit table scraps to reduce the chance of weight gain. Beagles can be fed wet food, dry food, or fresh food – or a combination that works best for your family.
Work with your veterinarian to make sure that the caloric content of the food meets your dog’s size and nutritional needs. Feeding a proper diet can help your Beagle live longer and nourish them as they enjoy their life at your side.
4. Practice Weight Management
In addition to proper diet and nutrition for your Beagle, you should be paying special attention to weight management for your dog. Some Beagles can only have certain kinds of treats, and others may need to be put on special diets to ensure they don’t gain too much weight. Beagles are also often drawn to all kinds of human food, something that can have health complications down the line.
Take the time to safeguard places in your home from scavenging, since Beagles like to look for extra snacks.
5. Provide Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation, and keeping your dog alert and curious can help improve their mood and ensure their health stays in good condition.
Conducting training sessions with your Beagle is the best way to keep them mentally stimulated, though you can also give them healthy snacks in food puzzles and an assortment of puzzle toys to play with to ensure their minds stay sharp even into old age.
6. Establish Regular Grooming
Regular grooming can help catch skin issues, irritation, infections, and allergies in your Beagle. Giving your dog a proper brushing a few times a week and bathing them when necessary helps to ensure their coat looks healthy and allows you to inspect your pup to make sure they aren’t dealing with any hidden health issues.
Make sure you are clipping your Beagle’s nails as needed and cleaning their ears when necessary. Because Beagles have floppy ears, they are more prone to yeast buildup and ear infections. You can speak to a vet or professional groomer about ear cleaning for your Beagle if you have concerns.
7. Keep up on Dental Care
Dental care is an important part of your Beagle’s overall health, and you should ensure that their teeth are taken care of. You may want to brush your dog’s teeth at home or incorporate treats that help to keep their teeth clean, as Beagles are prone to dental problems.
Good dental care can cut down on complications that can impact your dog as they age.
8. Take Preventative Healthcare Measures
Throughout your time owning your Beagle, it is a good idea to take preventative healthcare measures. Spaying or neutering your pup is good for their health, and your veterinarian can guide you on the best timeline for spaying or neutering your dog.
You should also make an effort to take your Beagle to the vet at least once a year for a check-up, increasing this to twice a year once your dog becomes a senior pup. Make sure your dog has a safe environment and remove potentially harmful items, like any plants that are poisonous to dogs, or other hazards around your home.
When Do I Need to Take My Beagle to the Vet?
Sometimes, veterinary visits are unavoidable for emergency issues, and it’s important to take your Beagle to the vet when you suspect they are dealing with a health issue to ensure that you catch it before it becomes more serious.
The following signs indicate your Beagle needs to visit the vet immediately:
- Seizures
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Inability to use the bathroom
- Extreme lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Bloated abdomen
Additionally, injury or trauma and the consumption of items that are not meant for dogs may also warrant an emergency vet visit.
Taking your Beagle to the vet as soon as possible after health issues arise gives you the best chance of treating the problem and ensuring your Beagle’s longevity isn’t affected.
Ensure Your Beagle Lives Their Best Life
Beagles are wonderful pups and treasured family companions, and you no doubt want to ensure that your Beagle lives as long as possible and has a wonderful life as part of your pack.
Proper care — including regular exercise, vet visits, and a healthy diet — all contribute to ensuring your Beagle is healthy and happy. In turn, this can help your dog live as long as possible, enjoying their time with you day after day.
Sources:
Author Paul, Tiffany, DVM, “Beagle”, petMD, October 26. 2022, https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/Beagle
Author Hunter, Tammy, DVM, “Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cervical-intervertebral-disk-disease-in-dogs
