Did you know dogs can have genetic disorders, just like humans? It’s not only purebred dogs—mixed breeds can also be affected. That’s why it’s so important to understand the most common genetic disorders that could affect your dog. Knowing what to look for helps you catch early signs, discuss screening options with your vet, and set your dog up for a long, happy life.

Allergic Skin Disease

Allergic skin disease, also known as canine atopic dermatitis, affects approximately 10% to 15% of dogs.¹ With this disease, the outer layer of skin is essentially defective, so the immune system reacts with inflammation when exposed to allergens like dust mites, mold, or pollen. In 40% to 75% of cases, allergic skin disease can be seasonal but can progress to a year-round issue.¹

Signs of Allergic Skin Disease

• Excessive itchiness (scratching, licking, chewing)
• Hair loss and thick, dark skin
• Secondary infections, especially near the base of the tail, belly, and behind the front legs

Treatment for Allergic Skin Disease

Treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics
• Prescription anti itch medications
• Immunotherapy
• Immunosuppressants
• Medicated shampoos
• Medicated sprays or wipes
• Prescription diets
• Supplements

Secondary infections must also be treated. With proper treatment and management, allergic skin disease doesn’t affect life expectancy.

Prevention of Allergic Skin Disease

The best way to prevent flare-ups is to: 

• Avoid known triggers
• Feed a balanced diet, offer exercise, and keep stress low
• Bathe regularly and wash bedding often
• Use air conditioning instead of opening windows (if possible) and air purifiers 
• Avoid stuffed toys that may hold dust mites
• Vacuum and dust daily
• Use veterinary-approved flea and tick prevention year-round
• Supplement with omega-3 fatty acids

Predisposed Breeds to Allergies

Breeds predisposed to allergies, which can often lead to allergic skin disease, include:

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Labrador Retriever
• Shih Tzu
• Soft-coated Wheaton Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Weimaraner
• Mixes of these breeds²

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopedic genetic disorder in dogs. In fact, the rate of occurrence can be as low as 0% or as high as 74% depending on the breed.³ 

Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball-and-socket hip joint forms incorrectly as puppies grow, resulting in a loose or unstable joint. Over time, the abnormal movement of the joint leads to progressive degeneration. Genetics is the biggest risk, but rapid growth, weight gain, or injury can also contribute.⁴

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

Many dogs won’t show early signs, while others might. Over time, signs will become more severe. You may see:

• “Bunny-hopping” when running
• Decreased muscle mass in the hindlimbs
• Difficulty getting up
• Limping in the back legs
• Decreased activity
• Difficulty or unwillingness to jump
• Shifting weight to the forelimbs
• Swaying hips when walking

Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

The severity of the condition determines the course of treatment. Many cases respond well to medical management, such as:

• Maintaining an ideal weight
• Supplements to preserve cartilage
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Low-impact exercise
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine therapy, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells
• Laser therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Surgery may be needed for severe cases. With treatment and lifestyle changes, most dogs live a normal lifespan.

Prevention of Hip Dysplasia

Early screening may help detect hip dysplasia. With this knowledge, interventions can be made to help prevent fast progression of hip dysplasia in some cases. Based on physical exam, history and breed, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing (such as radiographs) to determine if your pet needs additional care. 

Predisposed Breeds

Breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia include:

• Bulldog
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Old English Sheepdog
• Saint Bernard⁴

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

If you love a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, you need to know about their most common genetic disorder, brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Abnormalities of the upper airway in flat-faced breeds can lead to restricted airflow and difficulty breathing. As these dogs work harder to breathe, the condition worsens.

The more common abnormalities include:

• Abnormally narrow trachea
• Elongated soft palate
• Everted laryngeal saccules
• Stenotic nares (small nostrils)

Signs of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

If your dog has this condition, you may notice:

• Gagging when swallowing food or water
• Exercise intolerance
• Labored breathing
• Noisy breathing such as snoring, snorting, or wheezing
• Open mouth breathing
• Collapse

If you are seeing any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian for care.

Treatment for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

For mild cases, conservative treatment may be possible, such as:

• Maintaining an ideal body weight
• Avoiding overheating
• Controlled exercise and play
• Minimizing stress 
• Use of a harness instead of a collar

For more severe cases, surgery is the primary treatment. Early intervention is key to a better outcome. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, but these breeds may have a shorter lifespan due to the disorder. 

Prevention of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Selecting a dog from a reputable breeder can potentially lessen the severity of the abnormalities that cause this disease, but there’s no way to prevent it altogether.

Predisposed Breeds

Dog breeds predisposed to brachycephalic airway syndrome include:

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Bull Mastiff
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu⁵

With a little knowledge, you can greatly improve your chances of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment for some of these genetic disorders in dogs. Be proactive. Talk with your veterinarian if your breed falls into any of the lists above.