Beagle health

Feeding

Beagles are not normally difficult dogs to feed, as they will eat just about anything. Keep to the breeder’s recommended diet as any sudden changes may well upset a puppy’s digestive system.

A fully grown, adult beagle will be happiest if his daily ration of food is split into two meals – one in the morning and one in the evening.

Beagles are very food orientated and to expect them to ‘survive’ for 24 hours between meals is unrealistic. Many will be driven to thieving and scavenging although some will do this no matter how much you feed them.

There are many proprietary brands of dog food available and whilst the manufacturers’ feeding guidelines are helpful, the beagle’s ability to put on weight quickly, should not be underestimated.

Owners must use their own good judgement to decide if their beagle is getting too much to eat. With just a little pressure, you should be able to feel your hound’s ribs – if you can see them, then your beagle is probably a little thin. 

If an otherwise healthy beagle is overweight, it’s usually because they are being overfed and under-exercised. Obesity in dogs can cause the same serious health problems as it does in humans.

Experience has shown that some beagles react badly (both mentally and physically) when they are fed complete food which is high in additives and colouring and owners may feel it is better to avoid such foods. Sensible leftovers can be fed as part of the daily ration, they help to make dinner time even more interesting. Hot and spicy foods are best avoided.

Remember, some foods can have a very bad effect on dogs, leading to illness and occasionally death. These include chocolate, onions, raisins, macadamia nut, Xylitol and grapes.

As your hound gets older and less active you may need to adjust the diet and feed less protein.

Clean, fresh water should always be available.

General information

A beagle’s lifespan can vary. However, Beagles are generally a healthy and fit breed of dog. If kept a good weight and exercise regularly they will usually live for 12-14 years.

The breed does have a few ailments which are breed-specific and some which are found in other breeds too. Some can be genetically screened for and health experts are actively researching to try to work out why they occur and how to prevent them from happening.

For more details of these conditions please visit the beagle health site www.beaglehealth.info The website also has information on subjects that are helpful to beagle owners new and old.

Health in beagles in the UK is monitored by our health coordinator Samantha Goldberg BVSc. Sam is happy to receive emails at samgoldberg@btinternet.com and try to help with any problems.

It should be emphasised that if your beagle is unwell you should ring your vet for help first. If there is something that you would like to discuss which is not on the website, please get in touch.

Exercise

Beagles require plenty of exercise, ideally a minimum of an hour each day but this will vary, depending on the health and age of the beagle.

Training

Once your beagle has settled in and is of suitable age, do attend a good training class. Vets normally know of local classes or you may have a neighbour or friend who can recommend a club.