The 7 Most Common Health Problems in Weimaraners

Weimaraners are beautiful and loyal dogs that make a fantastic family pet. They are very smart and easy to train. If you have an active lifestyle, a Weimaraner can keep up with you with ease. Weimies love to play games and run around. They were originally bred as hunters and pointers, which they still excel at when given the chance. Weimaraners are also great at agility and sports, such as fly-ball. Many dog owners like that their sleek coats don’t require a lot of maintenance but always look great.

But this breed is susceptible to some health issues that can lead to extra vet visits or care. Many of these conditions are genetic and inherited. Your Weimaraner may develop all of these or none, but you should be aware of what they might be at risk for so that you can watch for potential problems and treat them as needed. While every dog is unique, you need to be aware of the most common health problems in Weimaraners before deciding if this is the right breed for you.

1. Dental Problems

Dental health is important for all dogs, not just Weimaraners. Fortunately, you can help keep your dog’s chompers in excellent shape with regular brushing and Weimaraners are easy to train. If you get them into the habit of sitting still to brush their teeth as puppies, it will be much easier to keep up with their dental hygiene.

Dental treats are another good way to keep their teeth free of tartar and build-up. If your dog does develop dental problems, make sure to address them right away. If left untreated, you might end up having to have their teeth pulled. While Weimaraners can live up to 15 years or more, dental problems may significantly cut down on their overall life expectancy.

2. Obesity

The risk for obesity in Weimaraners is definitely related to their lifestyle. These dogs need a lot of exercise and activity. If they don’t get enough activity, they can become bored and destructive. Obesity can lead to a bunch of other health issues on this list, including heart disease and joint problems. If you are concerned about your Weimie’s increasing weight, it’s best to talk to your vet before it starts negatively impacting their health. Your vet can recommend a change in diet or activity to help manage their weight. Some specialty foods can also help with weight control.

3. Cardiac Issues

Some heart problems in Weimaraners are inherited conditions while others are lifestyle-related. Purebred dogs tend to be at higher risk for genetic conditions. Your vet can screen for common defects. You can also get a good idea of your dog’s risk by looking at their parents’ health history. If their parents have a genetic condition, there’s a better chance that their offspring will also develop the same condition. This applies to genetic disorders and not lifestyle-related illnesses. One way to prevent lifestyle-related cardiac issues is to keep your dog active and healthy. Obesity and dental disease can both lead to heart problems as your dog gets older.

4. Hip Dysplasia

This genetic condition is more common in medium and large dogs than in smaller breeds, although it can still occur. Hip dysplasia impacts purebred dogs more than mixed breeds. Weimaraners can have hip or elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis as they age. With this condition, the joints develop improperly and can cause slow movement and pain over time. For active Weimies, this can be a big problem since they love to run and play. If you suspect joint problems, your vet can take x-rays and treat the pain. If your dog develops arthritis, specific medications and treatments can help. Keeping your dog active and in a healthy weight range can help prevent complications. Carrying extra weight and weak muscles around the joints can make these problems more difficult.

5. Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV)

This condition is also known as bloat and is especially common for dogs with deep chests like Weimaraners. It is one of the more common and more serious health issues that a Weimaraner can face. When a dog experiences GDV, its stomach twists and fills with gas. You can often see the visible bloating of their stomach. In the most severe cases, blood flow to the stomach is cut off. This can be fatal very quickly if left untreated. If you suspect bloat, take your dog to the emergency vet right away. They will need treatment and often surgery to prevent organ damage and potentially death. Bloat will not resolve on its own and does require intervention.

Some vets recommend a small procedure to tack the stomach in place as a preventative measure. This keeps the stomach from twisting. You can talk to your vet about the risks and benefits.

6. Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease impacts your dog’s hormones and metabolism. Often, weight problems are one of the first signs. They might also be more lethargic than normal or have a changed appetite. It can cause problems for any dog, including Weimaraners. Fortunately, it is very treatable as long as you know what the problem is. Your vet will do blood tests to measure the amount of specific hormones in your dog’s system. Once they know what kinds of hormones and the levels, they can recommend a course of treatment.

7. Von Willebrand’s Disease

This inherited bleeding disorder is more common in Weimaraners than in other breeds. This disease impacts blood clotting. Dogs with this condition can bleed excessively when they are cut. It most commonly comes up after an injury or surgery. Most vets will screen for this condition, which can be detected through a blood test, before performing any procedures. Because they know that Weimaraners are more at risk, they will likely run a specific test for Von Willebarnd’s disease.

8. Kidney and Bladder Stones

These typically develop over time but can cause pain and complications if left untreated. A urine test can determine if kidney or bladder stones are present. Other signs include difficulty going to the bathroom and blood in the urine. If you suspect stones, it’s best to bring your Weimaraner to the vet to get checked out. They can be removed with surgery. Sometimes, kidney or bladder stones indicate a larger problem. Your vet can test the stone to determine what type it is and what might have caused it to develop. They might suggest a change in diet or activity to help prevent future occurrences. Of course, some kidney or bladder stones are due to genetic traits and others develop without a clear reason why at all.

Summary of Health Issues in Weimaraners