All dogs require basic care, including feeding, exercise, grooming, and medical care. Beagle puppies for sale in particular are generally hardy dogs that thrive with plenty of activity and attention. They can live in a house or apartment, though, as long as they get enough exercise. 

Coat care: Beagles don’t need extensive grooming. Occasional brushing and baths are enough to keep them clean. You should clip their nails regularly or have a groomer do it.

Feeding: Most beagles do well on high-quality dog food. Pick a formula appropriate to the age of your beagle. You can ask your vet what they recommend for optimal nutrition.

Exercise requirements: Beagles need a lot of exercise, at least an hour a day when they’re young. If they don’t get enough activity, they get restless and dig or destroy objects. They may also bark a lot if they’re bored or lonely.

Flea, tick, and worm care: Like all dogs, beagles are susceptible to fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Your vet can prescribe a heartworm preventative for your dog. Ask your vet about flea and tick prevention that’s appropriate to your region.

Tooth care and nail care: All dogs should get routine dental cleanings. This prevents gum disease. You can brush your dog’s teeth at home, as well. Keep an eye on your dog’s nails and trim them so they don’t grow too long. A groomer can help with that task.

Boundaries: Beagles need to be confined so that they don’t roam. They will follow interesting scents and wander far from home if they are unsupervised and loose outdoors. If your yard has adequate fencing, you can let beagles out in the yard for short periods. They can dig under some fences, though, so installing a fence that extends below the ground is a must for beagle owners.

Vet visits: Beagle care should include annual vet exams. These are an opportunity for your vet to look for any health issues developing. If they find a problem, you can plan a course of preventive treatment.

Beagle puppies for sale

Like many purebred dogs, beagles can be prone to some health conditions, but they are generally healthy dogs. Regular vet care can help detect health problems so you can treat them right away. The life expectancy of beagles is 12 to 15 years.

Orthopedic Problems:

• Steroid Responsive Meningitis (SRM): Sometimes called “beagle pain syndrome,” this condition is a combination of meningitis and polyarteritis. It causes painful inflammation in a dog’s body, often in their neck and back. It’s most common in dogs under a year old. You might notice stiffness, weakness, a hunched posture, and behavior changes. Your vet can prescribe steroids to treat the condition.
• Patella luxation. Some beagles are susceptible to a condition where their knee caps can become dislocated. This can affect their ability to walk. Your vet might recommend surgery to correct the issue and prevent permanent joint damage.
• Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where your pet’s hip joint develops improperly. Over time, this can cause mobility issues. Your veterinarian may recommend limited exercise, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, and weight control early in the course of treatment for hip dysplasia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Some beagles develop irritable bowel syndrome. You might notice that your dog has symptoms such as gas and chronic diarrhea. If so, your vet can prescribe special food to minimize symptoms. Stress can make the condition worse, so keeping your dog relaxed will help them feel better.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism causes your dog’s thyroid gland to function less efficiently. Older dogs are more likely to have this condition than younger dogs. You may notice fur loss, weight gain, or a lack of energy. Your vet will conduct blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. They can prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to return their levels to normal.

Seizures: Beagles are prone to seizures, though the cause isn’t always clear. Epilepsy is the most common reason for seizures. Some dogs have idiopathic seizures, meaning there is no diagnosable reason for them. They usually begin when a beagle is about two years old. There are medications to treat epilepsy, though, and some dogs have fewer seizures after they switch to hypoallergenic dog food. Researchers are exploring other diet therapies that may help dogs in the future.

Allergies: Beagles can be susceptible to allergies. They may have dry skin, hair loss, or excessive scratching or chewing of itchy skin. The beagle may cough, sneeze or become short of breath. You may notice eye redness or discharge. Some beagles have stomach problems as a result of allergies. Your vet can tell you how to get your pet tested for allergies so you can treat the condition.

Eye and ear problems: Some beagles develop eye problems, especially as they get older. They can get cataracts, dry eye, or a condition called “cherry eye” that causes their third eyelid to prolapse. Vets can treat cherry eye or cataracts with surgery, which may be complicated. Eye drops, meanwhile, will ease the symptoms of dry eye. Some beagles are prone to ear infections. Symptoms include pawing at the ear or shaking their heads. They may have discharge from the ear as well. Your vet can prescribe appropriate medicine for ear infections. Keeping a beagle’s ears clean and dry may help prevent infections.

Beagle puppies for sale