Rottweiler health issues & breed care
Known for their loyal, confident and protective nature, Rotties are smart, strong, and full of personality! But like many purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions that every owner should know about.
In this guide we explore the potential health problems faced by Rottweilers, their unique breed characteristics and some essential care tips to help you give your wonderful companion the best life possible.
#Rottweiler breed profile
Rottweilers might be famous for being great guard dogs, but they’re also big softies. They’re incredibly affectionate and absolutely devoted to their families.
Rottweilers are smart, eager to learn, and love having structure in their lives. Starting consistent training early helps them shine. With proper socialisation, they’re friendly and calm companions, though their natural instincts may make them wary of strangers. Rottweilers are energetic and enjoy physical activities, making them great companions for active families.
#Common Rottweiler health issues
These impressive dogs are pretty robust and generally healthy but can be predisposed to a few specific Rottweiler health issues.
##Physical issues in Rottweilers
Here’s some of the common problems you might want to keep an eye on for.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: This hereditary condition affects the joints. It can cause stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving. It can lead to canine arthritis if untreated.
- Cruciate ligament tears: This issue occurs when there’s a tear in the ligament connecting the femur and tibia. It causes instability and pain in the knee joint. To help prevent this injury, avoid high-impact activities and keep your Rottweiler lean and fit, as obesity can increase the likelihood of a tear.
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer): This aggressive bone cancer often causes lameness, swelling, and pain in the limbs. Early detection improves the prognosis. Read our guide on the warning signs of cancer in dogs.
- Obesity: Excess weight strains the joints, particularly the hips and knees, and can exacerbate Rottweiler joint problems like hip dysplasia or ligament tears.
- Entropion: This condition occurs when the eyelid curls inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea and leading to potential ulcers. Symptoms include squinting, eye discharge, and pawing at the eye. This condition may require surgery for severe cases.
By staying vigilant and proactive about these potential Rottweiler health problems, you can help your canine companion live a happy and healthy life.
##Stomach issues in Rottweilers
Like many large breeds, Rottweilers can be prone to digestive and stomach problems. Knowing these concerns can help you manage your pup’s health. The following are some of the most common Rottweiler health issues related to the stomach and digestion:
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): This life-threatening condition is more common in large dog breeds. It occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. Immediate veterinary attention is critical for survival. Symptoms of bloat include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, unproductive vomiting and excessive drooling.
- Gastritis: Gastritis is where the stomach lining becomes inflamed, potentially caused by various factors, including infections, certain foods, or stress. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, and discomfort.
- Food Sensitivities and allergies: Rottweilers can suffer from dog food allergies that affect their digestive system, leading to tummy upsets and vomiting. It can help to keep a daily food journal to see what foods could be causing the reaction.
By staying aware of these potential Rottweiler stomach problems, you can help prevent or manage digestive issues early. If you have specific Rottweiler health concerns, regular veterinary visits can be helpful for early diagnosis and a treatment plan.
##Skin issues & allergies in Rottweilers
Rottweiler skin allergies are not uncommon. Food or environmental allergies or contact allergens like shampoo or household cleaning products can cause Rottweiler skin problems.
If possible, avoid spraying household cleaning products when your dog is in the room, wash your pet’s bedding in sensitive laundry detergent and bathe with hypoallergenic shampoo.
##Other Rottweiler health problems
These handsome dogs have big, loving hearts, but Rottweiler health issues can include aortic stenosis. In this hereditary heart condition, the aortic valve is too narrow, which makes the heart work much harder to pump blood. A mild case could be a heart murmur, but dogs may faint, struggle with exercise, or develop a cough in severe cases.
While there’s no cure, medication can help manage symptoms, and with some activity adjustments, many Rottweilers with mild aortic stenosis can still lead long healthy lives.
#Caring for a Rottweiler
Caring for a Rottweiler is, of course, fun. They’re fantastic family dogs. They need little grooming and respond well to consistent training.
##Diet & nutrition tips
Rottweilers generally aren’t fussy eaters, so obesity is something to consider. Vets recommend feeding several small meals daily. A slow feeder can help them from gulping their food too fast.
Rottweilers can develop food allergies too, so it may be a case of trial and error to find the best diet for your pet. Your vet may recommend supplements such as green lipped mussel for joint support if your dog has arthritis symptoms.
##Rottweiler training & exercise tips
Rottweilers are active, intelligent dogs and are generally easy to train. They’re keen to learn but can be single-minded and determined, especially during adolescence. You may wonder, “How much exercise do rottweilers need?” As well as 1-2 hours of daily exercise, add mental challenges like puzzle games, hide and seek, trick training, and anything that makes your dog use their mind.
Remember to gradually build your rottweiler pup’s exercise, as their growth plates don’t fully form until around eighteen months.
As with all dogs, it’s a great idea to start a positive training plan as soon as possible. Rottweilers love engaging with the family, so make training fun and rewarding for your dog.
##Grooming tips
Your rottweiler doesn’t need a lot of grooming, but the following tips will help keep their coat clean and shiny.
- Brush regularly: Use a firm bristle brush a couple of times weekly to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.
- Bathing: Rottweilers have a short but dense coat that doesn’t require frequent baths unless they’re determined fans of rolling in fox poo!
- Check and clean ears: If they will allow it, gently wipe your pup’s ears weekly to prevent wax build-up and infections. Follow our guide on how to clean your dog's ears.
- Trim nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks to avoid discomfort and mobility issues if they are comfortable with you do this. If not seek speak to your vet for help.
- Brush teeth: If they will allow you to go in their mouth, maintain good oral health by brushing your dog’s teeth every day – or at least three times a week – with dog-friendly toothpaste.
- Inspect skin and coat – Regularly check for signs of Rottweiler skin problems, such as irritation, dryness, or hot spots.
##Conclusion
There’s so much to love about the devoted rottie, and if you have the time and space for this big breed, your life will be all the better for it. Like with any large breed, it’s important to keep an eye on Rottweiler health issues – maintaining a healthy weight is key to avoiding problems like obesity.
Make sure you provide a nutritious diet, plenty of mental and physical exercise, and, of course, loads of love. Do that, and you’ll be set for an amazing journey with this loyal and wonderful breed!
