A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia , an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.
You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering!
You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place.
Growing Rhodesians can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, a condition called eosinophilic panosteitis, pano or eo-pan. It usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has the condition and has developed an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. The thyroid glands rest on both sides of the neck alongside the windpipe. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.
Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. If you suspect he may not be hearing as well as he should, schedule an appointment with us right away as the problem could also be caused by a severe ear infection.
Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy is a disorder of the toenails more common in Rhodesians. Affected nails will be brittle or soft and easily breakable. Often multiple feet are involved, with very sore toes, giving rise to lameness, especially if his claw splits or tears.
The condition is often controlled with dietary supplements and other medications. Pain medication may also be needed and occasionally the condition is severe enough to warrant surgical claw removal. Dermoid Sinus, or D. It is a tube-like, draining defect in the skin usually found somewhere along the spine. It is painful and occasionally life threatening but can usually be surgically removed or corrected. The exact mode of inheritance is not known. It is thought to be polygenic multiple genes , rather than simple dominant or recessive.
There can be carriers, or individuals that produce more dermoid sinuses than their littermates, while other lines are relatively D. Affected Rhodesians and their relatives should not be bred. Their short coats require simple weekly brushing to remove loose dead hair and keep a healthy shine, but they won't need more than an occasional bath. Some Rhodesian ridgebacks can be sensitive—and resistant—to grooming, especially nail trimming.
It's important to start weekly grooming practices at a young age, which will help your dog become comfortable when handled. Nails should be trimmed if you can hear them tapping against the floor. If your Rhodesian ridgebacks resists nail clippers, a nail grinder may have better results. Regular brushing is also a good time to check for things like coat sheen dull hair can mean a lack of nutrients in his diet , nail length, and ear and dental health.
Ear canals should be pale pink with very little—and fairly odorless—wax. Be sure to look for any signs of movement mites! And while regular at-home care is important to your Rhodesian ridgeback's health, this doesn't replace a visit to the veterinarian. Always reach out to your vet with any concerns. Rhodesian ridgebacks are intelligent and independent thinkers, which, unchecked, can lead to a domineering personality.
It's important to begin obedience training as early as possible to establish a workable relationship. I've had some clients get a breed I normally wouldn't have suggested. But they've done their reading, they've done their homework, they've followed instructions and it works out great," Kilcommons says.
Dogs learn by their interactions with us. Day-to-day, we have plenty of opportunities to teach the dog what we want it to do. We communicate with words, so our initial praise is usually cursory—they're not going to react to that. They read our facial expressions. You have to smile, you have to praise enthusiastically, and you have to mean it. The Rhodesian ridgeback is considered a generally healthy breed with a lifespan around 10 years.
But like all breeds, the Rhodesian ridgeback is prone to certain diseases. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States , the official breed club, requires breeders complete hip and elbow evaluations. The club also strongly recommends additional testing for thyroid conditions , heart conditions, and eye anomalies. Like other large dogs , Rhodesians are also susceptible to bloat , when dogs' stomachs swell and twist or flip, cutting off blood flow to other organs.
This is a life-threatening condition, but you can help prevent bloat through a procedure that "tacks" the stomach to your dog's body, keeping it in place. Talk with your veterinarian the come up with the best health plan for your pup. Rhodesian ridgebacks can also have a defect called dermoid sinus , which typically requires surgical intervention. This is a relatively common skin condition found in the breed. It is a congenital skin defect where tube-like cysts are located in the spinal area on his skin.
In some pups, the cysts are so deep that they penetrate the muscle tissue and are attached to the spinal cord. These pups are often euthanized. But those with less severe cysts are treated by way of surgery. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will consume around three cups of kibble every day , divided into two meals. This will be depending on his age, size, energy levels, and the kibble you feed him.
Feeding your dog the best nutrition you can afford can make a huge difference to his health. Good quality kibbles provide a well-balanced diet for all of his nutritional needs, top quality meat protein, and lots of taste too.
He is a large dog, so the kibble you feed him must be specifically designed for large breed dogs. This is particularly important during puppyhood because it contains the crucial nutrients that control rapid bone growth. And this will help to decrease the chances of joint dysplasia. And because it is full of extra healthy fatty acids that he needs for development , it will ensure he has the best start to life.
Because he will eat everything that you put in front of him. If you notice that he is putting on too much weight, either decrease the amount you feed him or switch him to a weight management kibble. The majority of Ridgebacks do not have an undercoat, which means they shed much less than double-coated breeds.
Run a curry brush, or a rubber mitt, across his coat once a week to remove dead hair and dirt. As well a massage his skin for better blood circulation and to spread his natural coat oils around. He sheds minimally throughout the year and only a little more during the shedding seasons. Some owners choose to brush their Ridgeback twice a week during the shedding seasons to keep on top of the extra shedding. Overall he is a clean dog, and this is a big appeal of his.
Do not wash him more than this because you risk irritating his skin and damaging his natural skin oils. A shampoo specifically designed for dogs is needed, and we advise looking for one made with natural ingredients only.
Many Ridgebacks resist bathtime , so be sure to get them used to their grooming schedule from a young age. The same goes for his teeth. Get him used to you brushing his teeth once a week at the very least. And a toothpaste specifically designed for doggies is needed here because human toothpaste is toxic to dogs. Trim his nails when you can hear them tapping on the floor. Most of his nails will be black in color, so be sure not to cut through his blood vessels. Many Ridgebacks feel more comfortable with a nail grinder as opposed to nail clippers.
But no matter how much you have to travel, working with a responsible breeder is very important. Expect to be put on a waiting list, and keep in contact with your breeder during pregnancy. A top quality breeder will do everything that they can to produce healthy Ridgeback litters. By breeding healthy dogs and providing them with all the necessary treatment, the pup you choose will be healthy and happy.
They will also socialize them with their littermates, other dogs, and humans in a warm and clean family environment. Irresponsible breeders will not breed healthy dogs and cut costs in every corner to maximize their profits. Signs of a poor quality breeder include lower puppy prices, pressured sales, little contact, not providing health certificates, and not allowing you to meet them at home.
Do not work with any breeder if you get a bad feeling about them. Aside from the initial puppy cost, you also need to consider all of the other expenses related to owning a dog. You also need to factor in his ongoing costs such as food, medical expenses, insurance, etc. Rescuing a dog who is waiting for their furever home is another fantastic option. All of us here at LoveYourDog HQ are dog rescuers, and being a rescue dog mom or dad is the best thing in the world. Unfortunately, because Ridgebacks are more intense and demanding than most people think, many of them end up in rescue shelters.
They make excellent family guardians. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly intelligent with a strong-willed, independent streak. As a rule, the breed is not known as barkers. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are worthy competitors in various dog sports, including conformation. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dearly devoted companion.
Selecting a Puppy How do you know what breed is right for your family? How do you find a reputable breeder? What questions should you ask a breeder? Download this e-book for guidance on these questions and other important factors to consider when looking for a puppy. AKC Privacy Policy. Founded in , the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs.
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