How To Care For Dog With Down Syndrome

Published: 2021-08-09
Views: 281
Author: Contributor
Published in: Animal Health

Health issues can cut across both humans and animals. You need to understand that both humans and animals like dogs do fall sick, sometimes they share the same health issue. For example. Humans as well as dogs also suffer from anxiety, diabetes, and cancer.

What is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a common is an abnormality that is genetically caused by the trisomy of the 21st chromosome.

Humans usually have 46 chromosomes, but if there happens to be an abnormal division of cells, some extra chromosome may be found to be present.

Common Symptoms of Down syndrome Found in pets like Dogs

Dog owners most times find it difficult in dealing with some of these abnormal behaviors in their pets. Occasionally, there might be signs that show the pet is having a serious health problem.  Some of these signs might be similar to that of Down syndrome found in humans.

How will you get to find out if a dog is having Down syndrome? The following are some ways that you find out for yourself.

• Unusual features on the face like broadhead –  when you find these features like short neck, small head, upwardly slanting ears and eyes, and a flat-like face, it might be a sign.
• Problems with hearing. Although some of these signs may be difficult to detect, the hearing challenges could be a sign for you to take note of.
• Eyesight problems – when you find your dog with signs of eye issues, make sure you look into it. Check out for cloudiness of the eyes. A cataract is common in dogs.
• Discharge from the rectum could be a condition to watch out for.
• Negative change of Behavioral – sometimes, an unusual change in behavior could be found in dogs suffering from the issue of Down syndrome. Makes sure you look out for signs like howling, wailing, or whining. You should also note the dog's feeding behavior.
• Random pain in the body – an abnormality in the internal organ can make the dog experience random pain.

4 Easy Ways to Care for Your Dog with Down syndrome

#1. Get an Adequate veterinarian care

You must find a professional and trusted veterinarian that knows that your dog requires special needs. The professional should be experienced in treating dogs with Down syndrome. Make sure you have a collective understanding of the dog’s needs.

Make out time to meet with the veterinarian on regular basis for tests, check-ups, and treatment of your dog.

#2. Make your environment at home safe for the dog

There might be a chance that your dog might have developmental issues. In this case, you need to create an environment at home that is safe and essential to the dog’s well-being as they move their way through the home.

You can make the arrangement of your furniture easy for the dog’s movement by creating enough space. This will give your dog enough space to play around the room. In addition, remove sharp objects and poisonous plants that might be hazardous to the dog.

#3. Feed the dog with a healthy food

Feeding the dog with the required food nutrient is essential if you want the dog to continue in good health. You can get help from a professional if you don’t know the necessary food that the dog requires. You can meet up with a dog nutritionist or veterinarian.

#4. Follow Scheduled exercises for the dog.

All dogs need a certain amount of exercise. You are expected to find out the exercise requirement of your dog. This is an important part of helping your dog do to stay healthy. Make sure you study their body language, this could give you a clue as to when they need exercise. Don’t go beyond the expected level of exercise required by your dog.

How to Care For Dogs with Down syndrome

You need to come to the fact and understand that genetic mutations don’t have a total cure yet. When dogs face the likes of Down syndrome, some remedies might be used to improve their lives and reduce the severity of symptoms.

• Make sure you feed your dog with high-quality foods. In addition, avoid foods that contain fillers and refined meat products. Make sure you read the labels on dog foods.
• Feed the dog with enough fresh vegetables and meat. This will help boost the dog’s immunity. In addition, the meat will add high protein for the dog’s efficient muscle repair.
• Give the dog enough fresh water that has a low amount of salt in it. This will help in relieving thyroid problems in those dogs affected by Down syndrome.

Do Special needs dogs get along with others?

Take note: dogs with special needs actually don’t have a communicable disease. You are safe to keep them around other dogs.

Also, dogs have a way of communicating with other dogs.  It may surprise that this phenomenon also shows how most healthy dogs relate to other dogs that are sick.