Your dog is special! It is your best friend, companion and source of unconditional love. Chances are you chose it because you like Redbones and expected it to have certain features to fit your lifestyle:
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Excellent hunting dog Loyal, loyal and protective good guard dog with a loud bark Great with children and other dogs: a true family pet Cozy, easy-going and sweet Intelligent and reliable
However, no dog is perfect! You may also have noticed these features:
Can be loud and boisterous, especially as a younger dog Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run May be prone to excessive barking Easily bored or distracted if not given something to do Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise He can be independent and strong
Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s full of personality and you love her for it! She is highly athletic and active outdoors, but with plenty of exercise and a confident owner, she is a relaxed and gentle family companion.
The Redbone Coonhound originated in the southern United States in the late 1800s. Bred for both looks and performance, Redbones are the only coonhounds with a solid color coat. They were bred primarily for treeing raccoons and hunting small game; they are able to cover varied terrain while maintaining speed and agility. The Redbone Coonhound is an extremely vocal dog both on the hunt and at home; they have a loud bay that can be heard for a long distance. Redbones are sociable, happy and playful. They are eager to please and respond better to training than other dogs. Redbone Coonhounds enjoy the attention of their family, but are not overly demanding of affection. The Redbone Coonhound is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11-12 years.
The health of your Redbone Coonhound
That is why we have summarized the health issues that we will discuss with you throughout the life of your coonhound. By knowing about the health issues specific to Redbone Coonhounds, we can tailor a preventative health plan to monitor and hopefully prevent some of the foreseeable risks.
Many diseases and medical conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed. There is general agreement among canine genetic researchers and veterinarians that the conditions we have described here have a significant incidence and/or impact in this breed. This does not mean that your dog will have these problems; it just means she is more at risk than other dogs. We’ll cover the most common problems you’ll encounter in the Redbone Coonhound to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Of course, we can’t cover all the possibilities here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.
This guide contains general health information important to all dogs as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Redbone Coonhounds. This information will help you and us plan together for your pet’s unique health needs. At the end of the booklet we’ve also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Redbone looking and feeling its best. You’ll know what to look out for, and we’ll all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your friend.
General health information for your Redbone Coonhound
Dental disease
Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by the age of two. And unfortunately, your Redbone Coonhound is more likely than other dogs to have dental problems. It starts with tartar on the teeth and progresses to infect the gums and the roots of the teeth. If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your friend will lose her teeth and risk damage to her kidneys, liver, heart and joints. In fact, your Coonhound’s lifespan can be shortened by one to three years! We’ll clean your dog’s teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep them sparkling clean.
Infection
Redbone Coonhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections – the same ones that all dogs can get – such as parvo, rabies and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable with vaccinations, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, origin and other factors.
Obesity
Obesity can be a significant health problem in Redbone Coonhounds. It is a serious disease that can cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. While it’s tempting to feed your friend when she’s looking at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover food and dog treats. Instead, hug her, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or take her for a walk. She will feel better and so will you!
Parasites
All kinds of worms and bugs can infest your Redbone’s body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can enter her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be passed on to you or a family member and are a serious problem for everyone. These parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death for your canine friend, so it’s important to get them tested regularly. If necessary, we will also recommend preventive medication to keep her healthy.
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