Generally speaking, AHTs are a robust and healthy breed of dog. Like any dog breed, they can be prone to certain health issues.  Responsible breeding practices and genetic testing play a crucial role and its essential for reputable breeders to conduct health screenings and genetic testing to minimize the risk of passing on inherited conditions.

Some health concerns that affect AHTs include allergies, skin sensitivity, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). By conducting genetic test, breeders can identify carriers of specific genetic mutations and make informed breeding decisions. Also, regular veterinarian checkups, proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive healthcare measures are also important for maintaining the overall health and well-being of AHTs. 

Physical exertion maintains a dog by keeping them in shape, reduces fat, boosts endurance, and fortifies bones and joints. American Hairless Terriers are very smart. You can challenge them with a dog agility course, which gives the dog an opportunity to learn and resolve issues.

Skin Considerations

Most American Hairless Terriers (AHTs) have relatively mild skin conditions that don’t typically require treatment other than occasional bathing. Skin problems including acne, sunburn, and sweat.

What can you use as sunscreen for dogs?

Dogs sunscreen can be made at home. There are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind when making your own homemade sunscreen for an AHT. First of all, make sure the ingredients are safe for both humans and dogs; sunscreens can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities or if they seep into the dog’s eye. Secondly, it is important to find a sunscreen formulation that will not cause irritation or skin issues such as redness, scaling, etc.

Dog sunscreen is often less effective than human sunscreen. Human sunscreens usually provide more coverage and are less greasy. However, dog sunscreen is less likely to cause allergic reactions and is often less expensive. You can make your own dog sunscreen with mineral oil and petrolatum, if you have the ingredients on hand. Add sunscreen agents to 1/2 teaspoon each of mineral oil and petrolatum, if desired. You can also mix up your own dog sunscreen recipe, using sunscreens with different degrees of protection, if desired.

For hairless dogs, cold weather also requires extra care. For this reason, make sure your pup wears an appropriate outfit while out in precipitation or cold temperatures.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, a common orthopedic condition, can impact AHTs, but it’s not as common as it is in other breeds. Elbow dysplasia occurs when there is abnormal development of the elbow. joint. Canine hip and elbow dysplasia symptoms include lameness, instability, inflammation, cracking and popping in joints, limping after no obvious injury, and reduced mobility. 

Exercise, maintaining proper weight, and avoiding excessive strain on the joints can help manage these issues. 

Cardiac & Organ Health 

The American Hairless Terrier is a breed of dog that was created to be an all-purpose hunting dog. They are highly intelligent and have a high level of energy. AHTs can be susceptible to certain cardiac conditions such has heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. 

In addition to cardiac health, maintaining the well-being of other vital organs is equally important. AHTs like all dogs rely on healthy functioning organs, including liver, kidneys, and lungs to support their overall well-being. Bloodwork and other tests can provide insights into the health of these organs, helping to identify potential issues early on. This is also, why it’s important that they eat a healthy diet. 

American Hairless Terriers need to be fed a diet that is low in fat and high in protein. They should also not be fed anything with sugar or corn syrup. The best type of dog cardiac diet for this breed would be one that includes the following: chicken, lamb, rice, carrots, broccoli, apples and spinach.

Patellar Luxation

AHT’s who have luxating patellas, or kneecaps that move out of place, may eventually have pain and mobility restrictions.

When the dog’s patella, or kneecap, shifts out of its natural anatomical position, this is known as a patellar luxation. The posterior limb cannot extend all the way after the patella luxates. The most typical outcome of this is that your dog will hold up the leg with the knee flexed. The dog can resume using the leg more normally if the patella pops back into place.

Factors such as genetics and trauma can cause the patella to luxate and range in degrees from mild to severe.

Senior AHT’s seem to be more susceptible to lateral luxating patella. However, you can help prevent the risk of your dog developing AHT by ensuring your puppy’s diet includes the right levels of vitamins and minerals for bone growth. When a puppy is overweight, their bones and joints are put under additional strain, which increases their risk of developing orthopedic problems later in life.

Early signs of patellar luxation in terriers is a noticeable skip or limp in their step when the kneecap luxates. This can increase when the dog jumps or lands on something the wrong way.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes hip discomfort and lameness, is a rare but debilitating ailment.

Radiographs (x-rays) are used to diagnose Legg-Calve-Perthes (x-rays). Multiple, repeated radiographs are frequently required to confirm the diagnosis because the damaged hip’s radiographic appearance changes over the course of the disease.

Small dog breeds are more prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which commonly manifests in puppies under six months old. It happens when the femur’s ball at the top stops receiving blood and degenerates inside the hip joint.

This degradation eventually can cause the hip to collapse and lead to arthritis.

Frequently, medical treatment can control mild cases. To keep the dog at ease, painkillers are frequently administered. Making sure affected dogs do not gain weight is also crucial because doing so will put more stress on their joints. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

Primary Lens Luxation and Progressive Retinal Atrophy

PLL an inherited condition, affects the stability of the lens within the eye. Routine eye examinations and genetic testing aid in identifying carriers and reducing the occurrence of PLL.PRA gradually leads to the degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Early detection enables timely treatment preserving vision and preventing complications. 

Lifespan

Like the majority of small breed dogs, American Hairless Terriers typically live longer than large breed dogs and have some of the highest lifespans in dogs. AHT’s can live anywhere between 10 and 15 years on average, and some can even live up to 18 years. Therefore, they are the perfect choice for owners looking for a loyal friend.

Life expectancy will be influenced by a pet’s general health as well as diseases to which particular dog breeds are predisposed. The lifestyle a particular dog leads, the nourishment it receives, and the precautions taken by its owner to reduce infectious and parasitic diseases (spread, for example, by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks), can all have an impact on how long a dog lives.

An AHT’s life expectancy may be adversely affected if sufficient nutrition is not given to them or if they are exposed to diseases without receiving the necessary vaccinations or frequent protective treatments. Given that not all causes of mortality are natural or related to old age, dog owners can greatly influence how long their dog may live by providing preventive care.

Although no one can tell how long a dog will live, there are things an AHT dog owner can do to help keep their dog healthy and hopefully avoid having their dog pass away too soon. A balanced food, heeding the advice of your veterinarian regarding vaccinations, taking your dog in for routine checkups, and giving your dog routine parasite preventatives can all help your dog live a long and healthy life.