Rottweiler Health Issues: What You MUST Know

Owning a Rottweiler is a unique and exciting experience! They have a lifespan of about ten years, and I know it’s your goal as a responsible pet owner to cram as much quality in those years for your Rottweiler as possible. When it comes to learning about the most common health issues Rottweilers will face in their lives, you’ve landed on the right page. Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here! Today we’ll be looking at the most current and accurate information pertaining to Rottweiler Health Issues:  What You MUST Know…

In this article you’ll discover:

• How your Rottweiler’s Digestive System is Connected to His (or Her) Health
• What You Should Know About Your Rottie’s Ears
• How to Keep Your Rottweiler’s Hips Healthy
• What Eye Issues Affect Rottweilers
• The Leading Cause(s) of Death in Rotties
• The Five Elements of Rottweiler Health

…with some helpful facts and other helpful information!

All of the information you’ll find here today comes from the experts in the field of all things Rottweiler. These include (but are not limited to) the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler Club of America,  and the American Veterinary Medical Association. I’m also including a plethora of information from experienced Rottie owners, myself included.

We’ll be looking at the most common health issues Rotties face, and discovering the ways we can help our Rottweilers live a full and high-quality life. Some of these health issues are small and easy to remedy, and some are life-threatening. There’s a lot of information to “dig up” so let’s get started!

DID YOU KNOW? Historically, Rottweilers were used to herd cattle and other animals. When trains provided a more efficient means of transportation, the breed filled a growing need for police dogs. Just after that, World War I began, and Rottweilers were utilized as messenger dogs, “ambulances” (hauling casualty victims), and guards. This continued into World War II. It was after that Rottweilers were domesticated and became popular as family dogs.

Rottweiler Health: Diarrhea and/or Upset Stomach

The smallest and most common issues that affect your Rottweiler’s overall health are stomach and digestive issues. Thankfully, they are usually small issues and will have a simple remedy. Better yet, prevention is simple, too! It is only when a digestive issue persists that you will need to address it with your Rottweiler’s veterinarian.

Let’s break it down:

5 Ways To Prevent Rottweiler Stomach & Digestive Health Issues:

1. Feed your Rottie a nutritionally sound diet.
2. Provide a continuous supply of fresh clean water.
3. Ensure your Rottweiler is getting from 30-90 minutes of daily exercise, age appropriately.
4. Be mindful of which human foods you give your Rottie, some are lethal! Please refer to our illustrated chart below for a quick reference guide, and for a complete Rottweiler feeding guide, you want to check out this article, right here in the Big Dog Den.
5. Never feed your furry buddy cooked bones, or let him (or her) chew on toys or treats that can splinter and cause internal damage.

Treating Your Rottweiler’s Diarrhea or Upset Stomach

Per my Veterinarian:  DeLand Animal Hospital

CANNED PUMPKIN:  Mix canned pure pumpkin into his regular food.  Do NOT use pumpkin pie filling! Pure pumpkin contains dietary fiber that soothes the digestive tract and absorbs moisture from the stool.

Use 1-2 teaspoons for smaller dogs and 2-4 tablespoons for larger dogs  (up to a ½ cup).

OATMEAL:  Cook some oatmeal.  Do NOT use the flavored kind in a packet, use real whole oats or quick cook oats.  Let it cool off.  Feed your Rottie one to two cups per serving.

COTTAGE CHEESE OR YOGURT: Cottage cheese or plain yogurt in his food can also be beneficial for firming stool without causing constipation if your Rottie tolerates dairy products well.

BLAND FOOD:  Cooked chicken or rice or both, plain with no seasoning added.  You can add it to your Rotties regular food, or just feed him/her the chicken and rice.

*Please Note: The above list is an excerpt from an extensive article found right here in the Big Dog Den.

When to Call the Veterinarian:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Severe Pain
• Falling Down
• Disorientation (such as bumping into walls, spinning in circles, etc)
• Mucus or blood in the stool or on anus after a bowel movement
• Stool dripping or leaking from his anus

FUN ROTTIE FACT: Some vegetables are healthy alternatives to store-bought dog treats.  Experiment to find out which one(s) your Rottie loves! Some great vegetables to try are carrots, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

 

Rottweiler Health:  Skin Issues

Rottweilers have a couple of traits that can make skin-care challenging! First, all that flappy skin around their jowls can collect saliva and become irritated, or even infected. Get in the habit of cleaning the flaps and folds regularly in between baths. You can use  “pet wet-wipes” like these on Amazon, or use a clean cloth or towel.

A food allergy can also trigger a reaction in your Rottie’s skin. If you suspect an allergy, try switching dog food brands, or switching to a grain-free food option (or home-made dog food) for a month. Just remember to switch the food out gradually to prevent stomach upset. The general formula for a smooth food switch is this:

• Mix 25% new food with 75% old food for two days.
• Mix new food and old 50/50 for two days.
• Mix 75% of the new food with 25% old food for two days.
• On day seven, serve 100% new food.

Additionally, Rottweilers have two coats. The black silky top-coat that faces the world, and a much shorter and thicker undercoat that sheds several times a year. This undercoat originally protected the Rottie’s skin in colder climates, but it can be problematic, too. The fur can hide skin irritations and can become matted, causing irritation of its own. To keep this undercoat from masking or causing skin problems, groom your Rottweiler on a regular basis, making sure the rinsing process is thorough. Use a dog brush designed to address this undercoat and remove all loose hairs (the primary culprit for shedding). I found this one on Amazon to be very efficient!

Most skin conditions will be simply irritations that can easily be treated with some tender loving care and topical antibiotic cream. However, there are conditions that merit a veterinarian’s observation and care. Please continue reading to discover when your Rottie’s skin issue needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.

Skin Conditions that Require a Veterinarian:

• Have a veterinarian look at a sore area that hasn’t responded to home remedies after 3 days.
• Evidence of parasites- Fleas and ticks are visible, but ear-mites are not. If your dog spends excessive time scratching at his (or her) ear(s) or exhibit sensitivity when you clean the ears, a veterinary exam is in order.
• Any sores that are swollen, leaking pus, or bleeding.
• Any lumps under the skin should be examined at your Rottie’s next scheduled medical examination.
• Wet Eczema is a skin condition common in Rottweilers.  It starts with simple skin irritation, then becomes a mass that weeps…and spreads! Quickly!

FUN ROTTIE FACT: Rottweilers Served as Rescue Dogs in New York after 9/11 along with other breeds like the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever

Rottweiler Health:  Hip Dysplasia

Although your Rottie may be big enough for a child to ride, this should never be allowed! This is one of the causes of the development of hip dysplasia in Rottweilers. Another cause is putting too much stress on a Rottie’s joints and muscles while they are in their adolescence. A Rottweiler is full of energy, so he (or she) must depend on your sound judgment not to be overworked. Yes, your Rottweiler can be a wonderful jogging companion for you, but you must start out at a beginner’s pace, building endurance over time. Muscles, tendons, and joints should develop in gradual and natural ways.

This is one reason why it’s best to feed your Rottweiler dog food formulated for large breeds. This food helps to promote healthy and regulated growth. To learn more about size-specific dog foods, you can check out this article, right here in the Big Dog Den.

FUN ROTTIE FACT: There are 42 teeth in your Rottweiler’s mouth! Pups have 28 teeth that will fall out beginning at about four weeks of age. These teeth will be replaced with their 42 permanent teeth. Brush them to prevent periodontal disease!

 

Rottweiler Health:  Eye Issues

It is common for senior Rottweilers to develop cataracts. Thankfully, with today’s technology, these can be surgically removed quite easily.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA} is another eye issue common to Rotties. It is a degenerative disease that will lead to blindness that currently has no medical treatment or cure. However, there are preventative measures administered through anti-oxidant supplements that will promote retinal health and slow the progression of PRA. Your Rottie’s veterinarian will recommend the brand and dosage right for him (or her).

Conjunctivitis is a minor eye infection and is easily treated with eye-drops prescribed by your dog’s veterinarian. You may notice slight swelling and/or redness to your Rottie’s eye(s) or even a slight discharge. Another good indication of conjunctivitis is your Rottie pawing at his eyes (because the skin around them is itchy).

FUN ROTTIE FACT: According to the American Kennel Club, Rottweilers are the 10th most popular breed of family dogs in the United States of America. Rotties are friendly, extremely smart, good with kids AND other animals!

FAQ: What do most Rottweilers die from?

ANSWER: Cancer. Specifically bone cancer. As with human cancers, prevention (through diet and exercise) early detection and early treatment are the three cancer defense strategies. Please have the cancer discussion with your Rottweiler’s veterinarian at every scheduled wellness exam. If your furry buddy exhibits sudden and dramatic changes in personality, mobility, appetite, or bowel movements, schedule an exam immediately, do not wait.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: A senseless and staggering amount of Rottweilers are being euthanized annually simply for being unwanted or unmanageable. Please do your part in lowering the sad statistics by breeding your Rottweiler responsibly and training him (or her) responsibly. You can also help these numbers dwindle by rescuing a Rottweiler from a rescue organization or adopting one from a shelter.

Keeping Your Rottweiler Healthy

There are five elements that make up your Rottweiler’s overall health. Let’s break them down for a closer look to learn how we can ensure our Rottweiler is receiving the best of everything in each category.

5 Elements of Rottweiler Health

1. Hereditary Factors: Dogs inherit certain health traits from their ancestors that can affect lifespan and/pr quality of life for your Rottweiler. Some of these inherited traits are minor and some are major. This is one of the reasons it’s best to acquire a purebred Rottweiler that has a pedigree (documentation of ancestry). Of course, a rescued or adopted Rottie may not come with this plethora of historical information, but a veterinarian knows just what to look for with any dog breed. Start there.
2. Nutrition/Hydration: The quality of your Rottie’s diet will directly affect the quality of his (or her) health! Just as a car will not run on soda, but fuel, your dog needs nutritionally sound dog food and not food that consists of fillers and by-products to live a long healthy life. Additionally, clean drinking water should be available to your dog for most of the day. Some owners do remove the water bowl during feeding time if dry kibble is served, and wait 15-30 minutes after dinner to replace it. This is because the water can cause the kibble to expand uncomfortably in your dog’s digestive system, causing gas pain and bloating. It is also acceptable to remove your Rottie’s water bowl at bed-time to minimize over-night potty accidents. Just remember to replace it first thing in the morning!
3. Exercise: An adolescent Rottie (Age 6-18 months) requires up to 90 minutes a day of exercise. An adult dog needs about an hour of exercise every day. Exercise increases strength and endurance, promotes healthy body structure and aides in all internal bodily functions. Furthermore, adequate exercise prevents boredom, which can lead to disruptive (or even destructive) behavior. Your Rottie is smart! Find creative and fun ways to ensure his (or her) exercise needs are met!
4. Bonding/Socialization: Science has proven that in humans, our physical and mental health directly affect one another. The same is true for our canine companions! Bonding with your Rottweiler and ensuring he (or she) has ample opportunities for socializing with other humans and animals is part of his overall health and well-being. Please give as much attention to your Rottie’s emotional health as you do to his (or her) physical health.
5. Veterinary Care: Aside from the care you give your Rottweiler at home, his (or her) veterinarian holds the key to your dog’s quality of life and longevity. It is essential to schedule regular wellness exams and to heed the advice of your Rottie’s veterinarian. A healthy Rottie should be seen by a veterinarian every couple of months for his (or her) first year of life. A healthy adult dog should be examined yearly, and a senior Rottie (age 6+) should be seen twice a year. A dog with health issues, of course, will require more medical care than that.

When each of the elements listed above is addressed, your Rottweiler’s health will be as good as it can possibly be, and you can expect to spend ten (or more!) years being the very best of friends!

DID YOU KNOW? If cost is an issue when it comes to veterinary care for your Rottweiler, tell the veterinarian! He (or she) will guide you in the areas of healthcare you can address from home, or inform you of lower-cost options and/or payment plans. Most communities offer vaccination clinics, for example, at a lower cost than receiving them from a veterinarian. Communication is key! Don’t neglect your dog’s healthcare because of budgeting problems, speak up!

I sincerely hope this article has armed you with all the information you need to give your own Rottweiler(s) a long and healthy life! The healthier your dog is, the more enjoyable his (or her) life will be. I know that’s what we all want for our beloved four-legged companions! The Big Dog Den has an expansive library of knowledge regarding Rottweilers, so please consider this my invitation for you to peruse all the articles I offer about this majestic dog breed. Stop in again soon!

 

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.