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The lifespan of your beloved Portuguese Water Dog cannot be predicted, but it typically lasts between 10 and 12 years.
The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America conducted a health survey in 2005 that identified cancer, advanced age, heart issues, fatal accidents, and kidney disease as the leading causes of death. While hemangiosarcoma can affect any breed of dog, it tends to occur more frequently in a select few breeds, including Portuguese Water Dogs. The spleen, heart, liver, and skin are the most common locations for this particular type of cancer to manifest itself because it develops in the lining of blood vessels. Hemangiosarcoma is incurable, and grows slowly. Because it causes no pain, it frequently goes undetected until it is quite advanced. Before the condition is ever diagnosed, internal bleeding claims the lives of many dogs.
Nosebleeds, abdominal swelling, pale mucous membranes, and weakness may all be signs of hemangiosarcoma in your dog, though they are not always present.
Health Problems to Watch for in Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese water dogs, like many purebred dog breeds, are more susceptible to specific genetic diseases. Â.
Breeders are urged as a result to have their dogs tested for
Early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Dogs as young as two months old are afflicted by this condition. The photoreceptors, cones, and rods in the eyes are impacted by early-onset PRA. Cones and rods improve canine color vision and night vision, respectively. Within a year or two, your dog will go blind as a result of this condition. Take your dog to the vet if you notice they seem more tense at night, avoid going into dimly lit spaces, or bump into things in strange places. Additionally, some affected dogs have reflective eyes that appear to glow when a light is shone on them.
Progressive rod-cone degeneration. This type of PRA only affects the rods, initially causing night blindness. However, since cones are ineffective without rods, dogs with this condition may also experience daytime vision problems. By the age of 4, the majority of dogs with this form of PRA begin to exhibit symptoms, and many eventually develop complete blindness.
Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy. The heart is less efficient at pumping blood throughout the body as a result of this condition. This results in decreased oxygen, lung congestion, and poor circulation. Â.
Symptoms include:
Heart medications are used to treat this condition and improve organ performance. Although this is a serious diagnosis, medical care can lengthen a dog’s life and enhance their quality of life in the event that they have juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy.
Gangliosidosis. Â Gangliosidosis is another name for Tay Sachs disease. Canines suffering from this condition lack an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of brain cell waste. The waste accumulates over time and results in neurological symptoms like:
The symptoms typically appear by the age of one and a half, and they worsen over time until the quality of life is so drastically reduced that euthanasia must be considered. However, because the signs of this illness can resemble those of other conditions, it is crucial to see a canine neurologist to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Hip dysplasia. This condition results in an incorrect fit of the hip joint. Over time, this leads to degeneration of the joint. Â.
Symptoms include:
Fortunately, there are numerous therapies that could be helpful, including prescription drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. With the right care, many canines with hip dysplasia live happy, fulfilling lives.
Addisons Disease. Additionally, a few additional conditions that are not genetic and cannot be tested for prior to mating affect Portuguese water dogs. When the adrenal glands have Addisons disease, they don’t produce enough hormones to keep the body in check. However, it can also be brought on by a tumor, an infection, or specific medications that inhibit the glands. The disease is typically brought on by a potential autoimmune reaction that harms the adrenal glands. Â.
Symptoms include:
Some canines with Addison’s disease may experience an Addisonian crisis, in which they may pass out, violently vomit, have diarrhea, and look frail. Immediately take your dog to the veterinarian if you believe they are experiencing an Addisonian crisis. An Addisonian crisis is a serious situation that requires special attention for your dog.
There is no cure for Addisons disease. Nevertheless, the condition can be managed for the entirety of your dog’s life with medications that replace the missing hormones. Your dog might require a monthly visit to the veterinarian for an injection or daily oral medication administration.
With that therapy, your dog with Addisons disease might be able to live a more satisfying life.
Health
No dog is 100% free from medical conditions. Your Portie dog may have come from a reliable breeder and hasn’t displayed any alarming behaviors while still a puppy. But diseases like Addison’s disease, a fatal condition, could manifest at some point in your pet’s life.
Regular visits to the veterinarian can either help to stop him from developing serious problems or can help to diagnose and treat any existing ones right away.
FAQ
What health issues do Portuguese Water Dogs have?
The 10- to 14-year-old Portuguese Water Dog is susceptible to minor health issues like GM1 storage disease, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), distichiasis, Addison’s disease, alopecia, juvenile cardiomyopathy, and serious health problems like progressive retinal atrophy.
How long do female Portuguese Water Dogs live?
Portuguese water dogs are the best choice for owners looking for a medium-sized, smart, and active dog. Although they make excellent watchdogs, their size prevents them from being effective guard dogs. Water dogs are mistrustful of strangers. Portuguese water dogs typically live from 10 to 14 years.
Is Portuguese Water Dog a good family dog?
In homes with cats and other dogs, Portuguese water dogs do very well. They are a good option for households with other small animals because they have a low prey drive. Although they enjoy spending time with kids, they can be a little too rambunctious for very young ones.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs need a lot of attention?
Portuguese Water Dog Care Although the Portuguese water dog can be a wonderful companion, prospective owners should be aware of its care requirements. Due to their intelligence, these dogs are typically very trainable and eager to please, but they do require a lot of exercise and grooming.