Many diseases and health conditions are in the breeds DNA or genetic. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that they are more at risk than other dogs.
The Foxhound originated during the 1700’s in Virginia and Maryland and was bred as scent hounds for hunting fox. Foxhounds are highly active and generally healthy with an average lifespan of eleven to about fifteen years. They can develop some common diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.
Obesity
Obesity can be a significant health problem in Foxhounds. Being overweight can cause disease that may be able to lead to joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, heart disease and back pain. It is very unhealthy to over feed your dog.
Parasites
Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Worms such as hookworms or the common round worm can get into their system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Common Genetic Problems
Thyroid problems
Foxhounds usually get a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of thyroid damage: dry skin, losing hair in the coat, unusual weight gain, aggression, or other behavioral changes.
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction or cricopharyngeal achalasia (CPA) is a disorder of the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat, which doesn’t relax properly, leading to an inability to swallow. It is seen primarily as an inherited defect in Foxhound puppies, but can be acquired in adult dogs with low thyroid hormone levels, nerve problems, immune issues, or specific types of infections.
Infections
Foxhounds are vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections; the same ones that all dogs can get such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Vaccinations can help prevent diseases; which are recommend based on the diseases in your area, the dogs age, and other outside factors.
Hips and Joint problems
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are common in foxhounds. Joints that bend like the elbow are at a high risk for developing dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. As your dog ages it may have rigid or stiff joints. You may notice that they begin to show lameness in their. Legs or have difficulty getting up from a lying down position.
Arthritis
Foxhounds are particularly prone to developing arthritis. Proper exercise and a good diet are very important to help reduce bone and joint problems as your pet gets older.
Allergies
An accumulation of ear wax, swimming and allergies can cause your dog to have ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Foxhounds are very often afflicted by allergies, which cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere.
Kidney problems
There are a few types of stones that can form in the bladder or kidneys with age and Foxhounds are more likely to develop them than other dog breeds.
Dental complications
Foxhounds are more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Tartar acumination on the teeth can lead to infection of the gums or roots of the teeth. It is best to try and be proactive with dental care; your dog will lose their teeth and be in danger of damaging their kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. The Foxhound’s life could possibly be shorter by one to three years due to dental problems.