Breed Health
Afghan Hound Health Issues
A generally hardy sighthound, though a few hereditary and breed-typical concerns are worth watching for over its lifetime.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation that can appear even in athletic, lean breeds; hip screening before breeding reduces the risk in puppies.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts can develop later in life, gradually clouding vision; annual eye exams help catch it early.
Anesthesia Sensitivity
Like many sighthounds, Afghans have very low body fat, which affects how anesthesia drugs metabolize — always mention the breed to a vet before any procedure.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain, coat thinning, and lethargy; a simple blood panel can screen for it.
Preventive Care
Requesting hip and eye clearances from a breeder before purchase is the most effective preventive step. Because of anesthesia sensitivity, always confirm a vet has experience with sighthounds before any surgical procedure. Routine annual bloodwork after age six helps catch thyroid issues early.
Did You Know?
Sighthounds like the Afghan process certain anesthetic and flea/tick medications differently than other breeds due to their low body fat — always flag the breed type to a vet.
Afghan Hound Gifts
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