Understanding the Health and Care of Your Rat Terrier

Quick answer

Rat Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that thrive on consistent training and affection. While they are generally hardy, they have specific health tendencies that owners should monitor. By keeping your dog at a lean body weight, providing short, engaging enrichment sessions, and staying alert for subtle changes in movement or behavior, you can ensure your companion lives a full and comfortable life.

Patellar Luxation

This condition involves the kneecap sliding out of its normal groove. You might notice your dog skipping a step, holding a back leg up for a few seconds, or extending the leg backward to pop the kneecap back into place. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Your vet will perform a physical examination to check the stability of the kneecap. If you notice your dog suddenly refusing to put weight on a leg, this requires a prompt physical exam to prevent long-term joint wear.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is a condition affecting the hip joint where the blood supply to the head of the femur is interrupted. You may notice your dog beginning to limp or showing signs of discomfort when moving their hindquarters. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Diagnosis typically involves an X-ray to evaluate the hip joint. If your dog shows persistent lameness, schedule an appointment to have the hip evaluated before the condition progresses to muscle atrophy.

Eye Conditions

Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye conditions that can affect their vision. You might notice your dog squinting, rubbing their eyes, or showing redness or discharge. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. A vet will use specialized equipment to examine the internal and external structures of the eye. If you notice sudden cloudiness or if your dog seems to be bumping into furniture, this is a reason to seek a veterinary assessment immediately.

Demodicosis

This skin condition is caused by mites that live in the hair follicles. You might see patches of hair loss, crusty skin, or redness, often starting around the face or limbs. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. A vet will typically perform a skin scraping to look for the mites under a microscope. While it can look alarming, it is manageable with the right treatment plan. Do not wait for the hair loss to spread across the body before seeking help, as early intervention makes treatment much faster.

Foreign Body Ingestion

Because of their curious and active nature, Rat Terriers may ingest items they should not. You might notice vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or repeated attempts to pass stool without success. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. If your dog has a history of chewing on household items, keep a close watch on their behavior. An X-ray or ultrasound is usually required to locate the obstruction.

Maintaining Health and Well-being