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title: "Afghan Hound - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+9
Health
# The Afghan Hound's health
Afghanistan
The Afghan Hound generally has fairly good health, but certain fragilities deserve regular monitoring. The breed is notably predisposed to several eye conditions and to some endocrine, orthopedic and cardiac disorders. Its follow-up must also take into account its sensitivity to cold and its skin and ear care.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
With good living conditions, an appropriate diet, regular exercise and serious veterinary follow-up, the Afghan Hound generally lives between 12 and 14 years. Prevention of eye disorders and maintaining a good overall condition help preserve its longevity.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
The robustness of the Afghan Hound is average. It is an overall solid dog, but less hardy than it seems, notably when faced with difficult climatic conditions and certain hereditary predispositions. Serious selection and attentive care are important to maintain a good level of health.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
Particular vigilance must be paid to the eyes, locomotion, thyroid and the general condition of the heart. In this large elegant dog, the quality of breeding, the screening of breeding dogs and the regularity of veterinary check-ups are of great importance.
- Cataract: An opacification of the lens can progressively impair vision and requires ophthalmologic monitoring.
- Glaucoma: This eye condition linked to an increase in intraocular pressure is a veterinary emergency and can threaten vision.
- Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder that can lead to fatigue, weight gain, skin disorders, and a decline in overall condition.
- Hip dysplasia: A joint abnormality likely to cause locomotor discomfort, pain, and premature wear of the joint.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: A condition affecting the heart muscle that can reduce the effectiveness of cardiac function and warrants veterinary monitoring.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
Despite its abundant coat, the Afghan Hound tolerates prolonged cold and humidity rather poorly. It tolerates heat a little better provided that exertion is avoided during the hottest hours and that it is always left fresh water. Outings must be adapted to climatic conditions.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
The breed shows a certain tendency to gain weight if exercise decreases or if rations are poorly adjusted. It is preferable to monitor its silhouette, weigh portions and maintain regular activity in order to preserve its joints and its physical condition.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the eyes regularly and consult promptly in case of redness, pain, or reduced vision.
- Have the hips, thyroid, and cardiac condition monitored according to the veterinarian's recommendations.
- Monitor the ears and the skin under the coat to limit moisture, irritations, and infections.
- Adapt outings during cold periods and dry the dog well after moisture.
Vaccination
## Afghan Hound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Afghan Hound need? Like all dogs, Afghan Hounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Afghan Hound vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
| Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
| PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
| Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
| LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Afghan Hound booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Afghan Hound need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=afghan-hound)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy Afghan Hound
The recommended examinations mainly concern the hips, the eyes and the thyroid. Regular veterinary check-ups, supplemented if necessary by a cardiac evaluation depending on the clinical context, help to detect early the disorders to which the breed may be exposed.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
## The best prevention starts with a good breeder
Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-afghan-hound)
## Discover other breeds
[Azawakh
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/azawakh)
[Borzoi
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/borzoi)
[Greyhound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greyhound)
[Saluki
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/saluki)
[Sloughi
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/sloughi)
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