If you’re worried your dog may have down syndrome and you’re looking for a little bit of advice then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’ve noticed a number of the symptoms or you have been doing some research, knowing whether or not your dog needs further medical care is important. Luckily, there are lots of ways in which you can be sure. From looking out for red flags to visiting your local vet, the more you’re looking out for signs the better. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks you should bear in mind if you think your dog may have down syndrome:
What Is Down Syndrome?
For those that don’t know down syndrome is a condition in which an animal is born with an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes within the body, which determine how an animal’s body is formed during pregnancy. With more chromosomes, the animal’s body is likely to function different both in the womb and after birth. The extra genetic material leads to developmental changes and features of this disorder. It then causes the face to flatten and eyes to slant.
Down Syndrome Dog Signs: How to Tell If Your Dog Has Down Syndrome
There are a number of warning signs you should look out for when it comes to telling whether or not your dog has down syndrome. This includes:
They may have abnormal facial features
- If you notice they have dwarf like features including a short neck, small head and upwardly slanting eyes, this could be a sign your dog has down syndrome.
They may have behavioural issues
- You may find that your dog shows certain odd traits such as howling, wailing or whining. They may also find it hard to control their bladder.
They might experience random pain
- Your dog may have abnormally developed internal organs which causes them to be in pain randomly.
They could experience thyroid issues
- Your dog may have a malfunctioning thyroid that leads to poor metabolism and a low temperature.
They might experience hearing problems
- Down syndrome is hard to notice with dogs but in most cases, being able to follow or react to commands is a red flag.
They may have eye problems
- You may notice that your dog is at risk of developing a cataract (cloudiness) in one of the eyes.
They may experience abnormal discharge
- Your dog may have other conditions that cause them to have a bloody discharge.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Down Syndrome?
If you think your dog has down syndrome, the best thing to do is to visit your vet. They will be able to give you an idea of the best treatments, helping to ensure your dog’s safety at all times.
With lots of great advice to bear in mind when it comes to down syndrome dogs, you can be sure they’re receiving the care that they need.
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