WARNING For Australian Shepherd Owners:
Ivermectin for Dogs, Trifexis and MDR1 Gene Mutation
Overall the Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed. Like all breeds however there are certain medical issues that crop up more frequently with Australian Shepherds. While many of these are hereditary and can be minimized through proper breeding practices and buying your Aussie from a qualified breeder, others with pathogenic or nutritional causes can be helped with awareness and advice from your veterinarian.
Christian Müller / stock.adobe.com
Below you will find Australian Shepherd health care articles covering puppy and dog health problems of all kinds including dog diseases, warning signs and symptoms, and medical issues common in Aussies.
If you don't find what you are looking for please contact us and let us know if there is a topic related to dog or puppy health that we need to include. Thank you. ~Anton
Is your dog struggling to breathe? Learn about the signs and symptoms of lung disease in dogs, treatments, and how to maintain your Aussie's respiratory health.
Heart disease in dogs is a serious problem. As with humans, heart disease can manifest in many different ways and, in most cases, it will have little or no symptoms until it reaches a serious degree.
Idiopathic head tremors in dogs, also known as idiopathic head tremor syndrome (IHTS) can be disturbing to see as your dog exhibits an uncontrollable shaking of the head. How concerned should you be?
Oral papilloma virus in dogs is quite common, however, that doesn't mean that you should take it lightly as it can be very contagious. It's important to recognize its signs and symptoms and control it.
Liver disease symptoms in dogs can be a real challenge since they can be similar to those of other illnesses. As a result, liver disease in dogs is often missed until it has reached an advanced stage.
Vestibular disease in dogs, also known as old dog vestibular syndrome, can be caused by several things. While the symptoms related to this condition can be frightening, the prognosis is generally good.
Luxating patella in dogs is a common occurrence and, fortunately, can often be easily treated. It's important to understand the condition and the steps you can take to treat patellar luxation in dogs.
Foxtails and dogs should be kept away from each other as foxtail seeds can be very dangerous. Barbs of the foxtail (and other grass seeds) can become embedded causing serious health problems and death.
Blue-green algae and dogs can be a dangerous combination, one that has only recently gained recognition when several owners lost their dogs to cyanobacteria after exposure to this devastating threat.
Periodontal disease in dogs is one of the most common ailments seen by veterinarians. What are the signs that may indicate that your dog has gum disease and what can you do to prevent and treat it?
A dog cone can sometimes be a necessity but anyone who has ever had to use one on their dog knows that it is not the most pleasant, however, there are other much more comfortable options available.
CBD oil for dogs, otherwise known as cannabidiol, may help to ease a number of symptoms of various illnesses. Let's take a closer look at the potential benefits to your dog's health and wellbeing.
Hemangiosarcoma is a deadly form of cancer that is most common in dogs, though it may also affect other kinds of animals as well. It is a form of cancer in dogs that is particularly aggressive.
Seasonal affective disorder in dogs is a subject of much debate. Many Australian Shepherd owners may notice a change in their dog's behavior during the winter months. What can you do to help?
IBD in dogs actually refers to a group of diseases that result in inflammation and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
IBS in dogs can be a complicated subject, as it is possible for dogs to develop a number of bowel related issues.
Depression in dogs may seem like an unusual idea, but it's a very real concern and more common than you might think.
Acral lick granuloma results in a dog licking one area of the body until a sore develops. What can be done to help?
Dog dental treats are controversial among vets and dog owners and there are pros and cons you should be aware of.
Cushing's disease in dogs can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of this disorder can mimic other conditions.
Thyroid disease in dogs is a common problem but it is also one of the most misdiagnosed health issues among all breeds.
Autoimmune disease in dogs is a common problem which, even with careful breeding, is almost impossible to avoid.
Sunscreen for dogs is probably something that you hadn't thought about before, but dogs really do need sunscreen.
Microchipping dogs has become common practice as microchips can now identify dogs throughout their entire lifespan.
Lupus in dogs can occur any time, usually in the adult years, and requires lifelong treatment as there is no cure.
Addison's disease in dogs, (hypoadrenocorticism), is a rare, serious condition that stems from a hormonal imbalance.
Probiotics for dogs are becoming popular and with good reason. Learn more about this important factor in good health.
Seasonal allergies in dogs have become a more readily recognized problem as we have learned more about their causes.
Collie eye anomaly is an inherited condition that is often found in Collies but can occur in other herding breeds.
Cataracts in dogs are distressing, but the good news is that, more often than not, they are fairly easily treated.
Dog eye problems are a concern for all owners. You can easily check if your dog is showing signs of eye trouble.
The important thing for a dog inner ear infection is to get diagnosis and treatment as it can become very serious.
If left untreated a dog ear infection of the outer ear can become chronic and lead to much more serious damage.
Holistic medicine for dogs is a natural approach which treats the whole dog rather than targeting a specific illness.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency in dogs is a condition that is particularly dangerous and has limited treatment options.
Canine dementia is common and dogs can have changes in brain function as they age resulting in cognitive impairment.
If your dog eats too fast you are not alone. Many dogs take an aggressive approach to eating and wolf down meals.
A dog tick bite can be the precursor to serious illness and is something that dog owners need to be vigilant about.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin condition in dogs and can strike any breed and may occur at any age.
A dog eating poop, coprophagia, is a relatively common experience but can be particularly distressing for owners.
A keto diet is a relatively new approach that many dog owners are following in order to help with health issues.
A dog DNA test is a popular research tool and can be an owner's first line of defense against health related issues.
Paw wax may not be something you've considered for your Australian Shepherd, but you probably should if he spends time outdoors.
Cosequin for dogs has become one of the most popular joint treatments recommended by vets for dogs of all ages.
Dog flu, or canine influenza virus, is a very real issue and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
Chondroitin for dogs can help when joints break down resulting in limited movement, inflammation, and chronic pain.
Hypothyroidism in dogs is a fairly common issue. It can affect any dog and the sooner you get treatment the better.
Dog dry skin is a more common problem than most people realize. Unfortunately, it can have many potential causes.
Glucosamine for dogs is being offered by many vets as a viable treatment for joint issues such as osteoarthritis.
Have questions about puppy teeth? Find out more about teething in dogs, how long it takes, and caring for your pup.
A dog virus can be extremely distressing and in fact many viruses can be life threatening if not properly treated.
Puppy supplements may sound like a good idea but giving your puppy vitamins might not be as safe as you believe.
Dog food allergy is a more common problem than you might think. If you suspect a food allergy proceed cautiously.
Diarrhea in dogs can indicate a wide range of problems. It's important to determine the cause as soon as possible.
Which dog diarrhea treatment is best has a lot to do with the actual cause of the diarrhea, which can vary greatly.
Kidney disease in dogs is quite common as dogs come into contact with toxins that can lead to kidney malfunction.
A dog dental cleaning can be one of the most important steps you can take to help maintain the health of your pet.
A dog chewing paws is actually quite common and has several causes, but here are many you should be aware of.
A dog tooth infection is a very common and very painful condition. What are the signs and what can you do about it?
Dog flatulence is common, but what exactly causes it and is there anything you can do to reduce the dog farts?
Heatstroke in dogs can be a real concern as they don't have the same built in cooling system that humans do.
A dog chewing gum is never good. It can be deadly for dogs due to toxicity in shockingly small amounts of xylitol.
A dog kidney infection can be a very serious issue. Be aware of the signs and symptoms you need to look out for.
A dog chewing their tail or the area around the base of the tail is common but it can indicate a serious problem.
Canine lymphoma is one of the more serious medical conditions that can plague dogs and affects the immune system.
Dog hip dysplasia is one of the most common conditions that veterinarians see. It is a skeletal disease can occur in any breed.
Dog skin allergy is more common than you might think. Dogs can suffer from allergies just as humans do.
Hair loss in dogs, or alopecia, is a relatively common complaint and, unfortunately, is difficult to prevent.
Dog bad breath is something almost every dog owner has experienced but can be a symptom of other health issues.
A dog wheel chair may not have been something you considered purchasing, but unfortunately, it can become necessary.
Physical therapy for dogs is a relatively new approach that has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years.
Cancer in dogs is very real and all too common. Nearly half of deaths in dogs over age 10 are caused by cancer.
Dog skin disease is an extremely common occurrence given that there are over 160 skin disorders that affect dogs.
The ThunderShirt has become a very popular option in the treatment of anxiety in dogs since it came on the market.
Dog toothpaste is not just a quirky idea. It's a necessity to keep your four legged friend happy and healthy.
Dog dental health is essential to overall health and the sooner you make it part of your dog's overall health plan the better.
Puppy vitamins are a subject of much controversy, but are vitamins for puppies likely to do more harm than good?
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is a serious condition that affects many breeds including the Australian Shepherd.
Homeopathic remedies for dogs are becoming more popular but could homeopathy for dogs actually be dangerous?
Canine Hip Dysplasia And Dog Agility Training
Elbow Dysplasia Can Severely Affect Your Dog
A dog bladder infection may not seem like an urgent problem but untreated it can turn into a serious health issue.
Dogs and chocolate are a bad mix. But why is chocolate so bad for dogs? And which other foods are dangerous for dogs?
IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)
A dog snake bite can be one of the most serious health emergencies any pet owner can face. It's important for all owners to be aware of the dangers and know what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake.
Using natural dog remedies to cure dog health problems is very popular. There are plenty of natural remedies that most vets approve of, so let's look at some of the benefits of natural dog healthcare.
WARNING FOR AUSSIE OWNERS: Ivermectin for Dogs, Trifexis and MDR1 Gene Mutation
Is Rimadyl for Dogs Safe?
Arthritis
in Dogs
Cataracts
Iris
Coloboma
Collie
Eye Anomaly
Persistent
Pupillary Membranes
Distichaisis
Epilepsy
Hip
Dysplasia
Autoimmune
Diseases
Allergies
Cancer
Retained
Testicles
Dental
Faults
Patent
Ductus Arteriosus
Patellar
Luxation
So-called, lethal white Aussies, correctly known as homozygous or double merle, can have serious ear and eye issues.
Double merle Australian Shepherds (result of merle-to-merle breeding) have special needs but still make great pets.
Diabetes in dogs is a growing concern. Do you know the signs and what you can do to prevent or manage dog diabetes?
Diabetic dog food is one of the tools for helping control diabetes in dogs, but which is best to manage symptoms?
Epilepsy in dogs can have serious consequences and is a condition Australian Shepherd owners should be aware of.
Learn about dog virus and bacteria pathogens like Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Kennel Cough. The more you know, the better equipped you are to protect the health of your Australian Shepherd.
Why Lyme Disease in dogs is something you need to stay vigilant about. What should you do if you find a tick on your dog or tick bite site?
Worms in dogs are parasites that can be very dangerous and it is important to understand the effect they can have.
Read More...
Hookworms are a common parasitic worm (nemotode). Various species infect many mammals including dogs. Even though they are small, in large enough numbers they can pose a serious threat to your Aussie.
Roundworms are very common and pose a serious threat to your Aussie. Learn about the life-cycle of this parasite, know the symptoms to watch for, and protect the health of your Australian Shepherd.
Tapeworms can pose a serious threat to your dog so you need to know the signs. Learn about this parasite and the effective treatment options available to protect the health of your Australian Shepherd.
Learn more about how whipworms can affect your Australian Shepherd. While small they can have serious effects on the health of your Aussie and they can be more difficult to detect than other worms.
Fleas pose a serious threat to your dog. Learn about this parasite and protect the health of your Australian Shepherd.
Danger! Electrical Shocks! Voltage leaks are a silent menace everywhere and threatens you, your family, and your dog.
Australian Shepherds can have drug sensitivities as they frequently have a mutation of the MDR1 (Multi Drug Resistance 1) gene. This commonly causes toxicity from ivermectin (and many other drugs) an ingredient found in heartworm medications. It is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before giving your Aussie any medications. Even over-the-counter medications can be toxic due to this increased sensitivity.
You will want to keep items on hand to maintain your dogs health to prevent problems from developing. For example there are excellent products available to maintain healthy coat and skin, gums and teeth, ears, eyes, urinary tract and anal glands to name a few.
You are what you eat and so is your Aussie. Dogs can suffer from the same problems that arise from poor nutrition as we do. Cardiovascular and nervous system degeneration, obesity and diabetes affect dogs too. To ensure proper nutrition you should provide high quality supplements.
Research the food you are giving your Aussie. They are high energy dogs and need high quality food to ensure excellent condition.
The best thing you can do to ensure the well-being of your dog is to buy a healthy dog. That sounds ridiculously simple but is too often overlooked when the decision is made about where to get an Aussie. The goal of good breeders is to improve and maintain the quality and health of the breed and eliminate hereditary diseases inherent to Australian Shepherds.
Maureen Kavanagh
Revel truly has the biggest smile when you get her picture on a sunny day. She spends her fun time doing hikes, agility, and sneaking on to the couch and bed when nobody is paying attention!
Don't overlook this vital first step. It may cost a bit more to get a healthy dog from a breeder but weighed against the lifelong vet bills and poorer quality of life for your pet it is just not worth it in the long run.
Preventing problems is always the best way to deal with diseases. Make sure you visit with your vet and have all vaccinations up to date. Don't risk unnecessary suffering and costs that can arise by neglecting to take the threat of viruses, bacteria, worms and parasites seriously. Again, taking your vets advise about preventative measures to avoid these problems will likely save you lots of money, and your Aussie plenty of misery, in the long run.
All the preventative measures in the world are sometimes not enough. Accidents happen and you will save yourself a lot of stress by being prepared. Pet health insurance for your Aussie can really be a life-saver (and wallet-saver) when unexpected vet bills come in.
Have a basic first aid kit handy. If you don't already have one I recommend getting one as soon as possible. Taking a first aid course and having a kit is just a good idea anyway.
Do you know the phone number to your vet or emergency veterinary clinic? Do you know the route to get there quickly? A good idea is to have these numbers posted in a handy location like the inside of a cupboad door or on the fridge so you know exactly where they are and don't have to search for them when you are faced with an emergency.
With prevention, knowledge and preparedness you should be able to completely aviod or effectively deal with any health issues that arise with your Australian Shepherd. There are also many natural and safe herbal remedies for pets that can help prevent and address health many common problems.
I wish you and your Aussie a long life of health and happiness.
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