As my two older Treeing Walker Coonhounds are getting older and starting to grey, I worry that the day will come that they will no longer be with us and hope that we can extend their life as much as possible and free of health complications. This has led me to finding out more information on Treeing Walker Coonhound life expectancy and how we may enhance their life.
Characteristics Of Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a very intelligent breed and learns extremely fast with the correct training. Hunting is a major focus of this breed and generally comes out on top for endurance, speed and competitive nature. With that said, a Treeing Walker Coonhound can display traits of stubbornness due to the drive and competitive nature.
When a Treeing Walker Coonhound catches the scent, there is no turning back the hunt is on, until they are satisfied with the outcome. Most likely this breed will be the first to get on scent, first to the prey, and continue the hunt to the end. This makes the Treeing Walker Coonhound a great choice in hunting competitions.
What many people do not understand about the Treeing Walker Coonhound is the interaction that is required with humans to make him a healthy, happy and well-adjusted hound. Treeing Walker Coonhounds love their humans and are very good with children.
When not hunting, this breed is very loving and prefers to be included in the family dynamics. In other words, they make a very loyal and loving house pet and need human interaction to prosper.
What Is A Treeing Walker Coonhound – Click to find out here
Exресtеd Lіfеѕраn –
How Long Will Your Hound Live?
So, taking into count that they say the average dog ages 7 years to each human year. This information gathered from my research would lead us to believe that the Treeing Walker Coonhound, if human, would live to the ripe old age of 84-91. With this said the Treeing Walker Coonhound Life Expectancy is an average of 12-13 years.
I would say this theory is a bit off as we know that the first two years of a dog’s life they mature more rapidly than that of a human.
Looking into some of the statistics we find that in reality, the dogs first year is more like 15 years to that of a human year and there are many more factors to figure in to include size of dog, breed, and hereditary. We have seen throughout the years that many times a smaller size breed will live longer where you larger breeds seem to age faster.
Does Reputable Breeding Help?
Reputable breeders registering their lineage with UKC and now AKC work to mаіntаіn the hіghеѕt brееd standards for both show and competition. A reputable breeder knows their hounds and able to discuss freely any health issues that may occur within the lineage.
Breeding with higher standards the Treeing Walker Coonhound is less likely to inherit health conditions. Just know that sometimes on a rare occasion, ѕоmе hеrеdіtаrу hеаlth problems may оссur in the brееd, despite everything they do to combat the issue.
Now with all the talk of reputable breeders it brings us to the wonderful people that rescue these poor babies as they need love too. When rescuing a Treeing Walker Coonhound, it is very hard to determine what health issues you may encounter. Not knowing what to expect, the best way to determine any health problem that may occur is to know the signs and symptoms.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppies
Common Hеаlth Problems
In Treeing Walker Coonhounds
A Treeing Walker Coonhound is most likely going to be healthy as they do not seem to have much in the way of health issues compared to many other breeds of dogs. The life span for any breed of dog heavily relies on genetics, history and environment.
In most all the statistics I have found regarding Treeing Walker Coonhounds, they are not known for many specific illnesses аѕ we find with оthеr brееdѕ. There are ѕресіfіс іllnеѕѕеѕ that may аrіѕе in the Treeing Walker Cооnhоund; however, there are no typical or frequent health problems that seem constant in this breed. Health issues most common in the Treeing Walker Coonhound are generally avoidable with proper care, health care, and supervision.
The following are some conditions to watch for:
Hip or Joint Dysplasia – It has been known that Treeing Walker Coonhound may develop Hip Dysplasia; however, more common is Joint Dysplasia. With Hip Dysplasia this is normally hereditary and often shows up when young, it is normally an abnormality in the hip joint. X-rays may reveal this as early as 3 weeks old or by the time the hound is 6 months old you might notice a bit of a different stride.
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Joint Dysplasia or osteoarthritis is not so much an abnormality as the wear and tear or trauma within the body throughout the lifetime and generally shows up later in the life-cycle. One of the major contributing factors is weight. When it comes to Joint Dysplasia, your hound may deteriorate the joints, this is more commonly seen in overweight hounds.
Ear Infections – Due to large floppy ears possessed by the Treeing Walker Coonhound ear infection may become an issue. Dirt and moisture collects in the folds of the ear and if not cleaned regularly become infected.
Checking ears frequently gives early detection to irritation in the Treeing Walker Coonhound ears. An irritation may be a sign of an allergies, either food or environmental, if the condition persists or gets worse a trip to the vet may be in order, to find out what is the cause.
Intоlеrаnсе/Sеnѕіtіvіtу To Grаіnѕ – Talking with many Treeing Walker Coonhound owners, I have found that intolerance or sensitivity to grains is a common health issue. Many of the symptoms to watch for include dry itchy skin, ear issues, soft stools, low immune system and runny eyes and nose. Feeding your Treeing Walker Coonhound food he can tolerate will definitely help alleviate these health issues.
Pаrаѕіtеѕ – All dogs are susceptible to parasite and especially in hounds such as the Treeing Walker Coonhound, that may have a tendency to eat something other dogs would not even consider. If your hound is true to this nature regular fecal exams might help keep this health risk at bay.
Obеѕіtу – Considering Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a sporting breed and built to be athletic and lean, the extra weight may cause many health issues. Most Treeing Walker Coonhounds should weigh between 45-70 pounds depending on their height and build with females normally smaller than males. Keeping their weight to a reasonable amount and plenty of exercise will definitely help to keep down health issues and give them a better quality of life.
Allеrgіеѕ – Allergies any more are common in many dogs and humans alike. Allergens may consist of environmental, food, or seasonal. The Treeing Walker Cооnhоund may develop many allergies over the course of their life, lowering their immune system and reducing their lifespan.
Personal Complications – With the Treeing Walker Coonhounds curious nature and sometimes an underestimated intelligence, the hound itself may be a contributing factor to their own life expectancy.
How To Еnhаnсе The Life Expectancy
Of Your Trееіng Walker Coonhound
- Know the signs for Dysplasia
- Regular weight сhеck
- Prореr Diet
- Lооkіng out for allergies and рuttіng them under соntrоl
- Kееріng them frее of Pаrаѕіtеѕ
- Gеnеrаl mеdісаl сhесk-uрѕ
- Knowing signs and symptoms of possible health issues
- Keeping them out of danger
- Lots of Love and interacting with humans
My Thoughts On Treeing Walker Coonhound Life Expectancy
Through my research I am happy to report that the Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally a healthy breed living on the average 12-13 years with little health complications. Even though the Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred for hunting and absolutely loves the hunt they still need lots of love and family interaction in order to be truly healthy, happy and well-adjusted.
Giving your hound the best possible life may enhance Treeing Walker Coonhound life expectancy; however, we still will only have them for a short time. I seen a post the other day that I really took to heart it said, “he might only be here for part of your life, but for him, you are his life”.
How long did your
Treeing Walker Coonhound live?
Please let me know in the comments below
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I rescued my escape artist Hokey 2 years ago . I had just lost my Shiba Inu. And decided to rescue a furbaby. I came across Hokey aka Hoksila and instantly fell in love. Though he has proven to be a handful we love him. He gets along with our Chesapeake Bay Retriever. And the kittens. He thinks they are his. Just wish he would stop escaping. He now has a record with our local police. If he gets loose and is spotted they call. I have since got him a tracker device. So it is easier to find him. I am glad I found your site. Maybe I can get some advice on training him. He is a stubborn hound that is for sure. Keep up the food work. And yes all our furkids are family. And loosing them does hurt. I just know when I am missing any of my “kids” I just reach down and pet their spirit. Then I am OK.
I adopted a TWC from PetSmart, through a rescue group in GA 10 years ago. They said she was three, but the vet said more like 2.
So now she’s either 12 or 13, she has Cushing’s disease, but couldn’t tolerate the meds, so I adjusted her diet to help, and she gets supplements to help her liver functioning.
Wondering if any one else had / has a TWC with Cushing’s and what they did to help.
She’s a happy dog, just starting to slow down and sleep more.
I found my walker at the local pound at about 10 months old with a pig bite in her ear. She was scheduled to be euthanized. It took a lot of talking but I convinced them to allow me to adopt her. They said she was too abused to be a good pet. Long story short. She’s 16 & still with me. Best dog I’ve ever had! Very few health issues. Wonderful personality a bit stubborn but in a cute way. I just love her.
My Honey Bear is 16 years and going on to 17. We are blessed to have her .. she loves her family.
I stumbled upon your site and found it interesting. It is evident how much you love your fur babies. My husband and I have had dogs our entire married life. All adopted from shelters or sanctuaries….all beloved family members. Our current dog is a beagle/treeing Walker coon hound. She was formerly a hoarding dog. The Humane Society rescued her from the south. She had ticks completely covering her body -only her eyes and feet were visable. She had infections and bad teeth, some of whom had to be pulled. They did a fantastic. job on her. She is about 9 or 10 now, and a lovely looking lady. And very strong and healthy. In the three years, we have had her and despite her older age, she has had no problems at all. Every year the vet says you have one healthy dog! It was so funny, when we adopted her and we were walking out the door of the Humane Society with her, she yanked the leash and walked back inside, and gave the biggest loudest bark. All the employees and volunteers were clapping and cheering her on, they were so glad she got a forever home but at the same time they would miss her. She was one of their favorite “residents”.
We rescued our Walker and the vet thought she was about 4 years old. That would put her coming up on 15 years old this summer. She has slowed down, sleeps a lot, is hard of hearing, and shows some signs of doggie dementia. We have had to put her in a crate at night for her safety and our sanity. She also is deathly afraid of thunder, rain, and fireworks. She shakes like crazy, pants, and sometimes drools during her worst episodes. We have given her a good life, she is the the princess of the house, a definite alpha around other dogs, and she will be dearly missed as she shows signs of rapidly slowing down.
We adopted a TWC rescue Abby from KY on New Years Eve 2011. She taught us so much about life and she WAS our life. Sadly, she developed GI lymphoma which went undetected due to lack of consistent symptoms, and ended up getting 2 GI perforations and passing away from peritonitis and sepsis. Her illness was extremely sudden and traumatic. We made the hard decision to have surgery to repair her GI tract which she survived, but the sepsis was too much for her. We are devastated beyond belief and will miss her forever. TWC are so special – super intelligent, goofy, loving and beautiful. If we ever get another dog, it will be a TWC for sure.
Thank you for the comment. “I believe” we rescued a “Coonhound” on 11/17/20, not sure on the type. I’m really interested in learning more about her, especially her health as we’ve discovered she does have seizures. Being a Beagle Mom, I was a little worried about her and how she would react to our two. I think her size alone scares them. Lol. November was a crazy month with our new rescue, but I am starting to learn she is one of the smartest dogs I have ever had. She hasnt even so much as had an accident in the house since the day I brought her home. She doesn’t seem to care for others dogs besides our two, but I’m chalking that up to how she was raised prior to us rescuing her. This poor dog had lived in 5 different homes from 11/1-11/17. I believe that last owner threw her out. She was going door to door looking for someone to take her in from the snow. Once I learned of this, I immediately brought her home and into our family. She wasn’t in the best condition. She’s been pregnant several times, had a really bad case of fleas, and some of the longest nails I’ve ever seen on a dog. We’ve taken her to the vet, got her shots, nails clipped and tried to find a reason for the seizures. She goes at the end of the month for her spay. I’m really starting to fall in love with our new girl. Just trying to find out more about the breed and if there’s anything I can do to curb that enormous howl. Lol. Really not sure the neighbors are enjoying her 6 AM howling.
We are on our 2nd walker mix. Petey lived 10 years before getting pneumonia and passing quickly. Always a very healthy boy. Very fit and very smart. Now we have Miss Belle. She just turned 2. So very smart. Very loving, when she’s not hunting for squirrels and bunny’s in the yard. She’s very vocal and sooo good with children and other dogs. They were both rescues and I would have no other kinda pup❤️
Thank you for your article, it gives me reassurance that we made the right decision. We were blessed to have our rescue for 13 wonderful years. A few days before Christmas this past year he develop ascites and was diagnosed with cancer in his belly. The last 4 months we did what we could to make his last time with us comfortable and meaningful with palliative treatments. My heart aches with pain in the loss of my best friend; but I knew I could not be selfish to extend his life through much more. WE=e were able to experience this gift at home with his family around him and see that one last glimpse of his spirit in his eyes. Our family was so blessed to have him; oh the stories we could tell. I think of my most cherished memories of our family and he was a part of each one. Thank you for this article as it helped me feel more at ease that we did give him the best life lived. I needed that reassurance .
It is so hard when we lose one of our fur babies as they do become family members and remain faithful and by our side for several years, unfortunately not long enough. I am so glad you have all the memories to look back on, I am sure you will cherish these throughout your life. I am so glad I was able to give you the reassurance that you needed at the time of losing your fur baby there are always questions and what-ifs. It sounds like you did everything you could throughout his life and for the last part of his life and I am sure he knew he was truly loved. It is hard sometimes to put our own feelings aside and do what is right for our best buds, thanks for being a responsible dog parent and letting your baby go to run and play in those fields across the rainbow bridge. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief.
Hi
I aGirl. I d Daisy a TWCat 3 1/2 in July 2009. I had just lost my 16 1/2 year old Greyhound/Lab a month before.
I had no knowledge about TWC, I adopted her because while looking at other dogs, I had seen pictures of Daisy. I asked if I could see her and she came out full of energy, had puppies already, was not bathroom trained, and was returned to the shelter twice. She had now been a resident for 6 months. She was beautiful, she also had no fur under her neck, and red hot spots. I didn’t feel she was a good fit for me. But she kept hanging around me and I told them I will think about it. I was told she is leaving the shelter tomorrow and heading to another shelter 200 miles North to see if she could find a home there. I asked what happens if she does not? I was told she would be euthanized. My heart dropped to the floor!
I said I want her!!! They did reference checks and I took Daisy home. She was different than any dog I ever had, I read up on her TWC breed and realized I have my work cut out, and I loved her still.
I had her taken off Prendizone steroids within a year by an Integrative Vet, replacing drugs with acupuncture. She became his posture child, she responded so well. For the remainder of her life, she would have routine acupuncture instead of long term steroids.
As the years went on and she became an adult dog, she cared less about trying to escape our yard through fences and got closer to our home environment. Her and I became daddy and Daisy. We connected, we loved each other so much. Her vet was her next closest friend she trusted.
Her Senior years, and with me retiring in 2016, we connected and got even closer. I loved her so much.
This January 2021, she turned 15 years old. And I knew time was against her, but she remained trusting me and her vet for acupuncture. In mid May, she started losing her appetite and drinking so much water. Tests came back looking good, but she began to only eat foods like a meatball, refusing all her food and even favorite treats. Additional tests showed pancreatitis. Finally, we knew. I put her on a bland diet and she got fluid treatments so she would not dehydrate. In 4 days her pancreas shrunk half its inflammation. Daisy started eating more and drinking, but she still seemed different. I was at the vet often, puzzled as were her doctors.
A Reike nurse he we would see on occasion was in the office, and I said my wife says Daisy is in hospice and dieing. The nurse who knew us well said, I’m glad you said it first, because unlike a month ago and for the past decade or so, everytime you two were together and I saw you, I could feel such strong positive energy between both of you, an incredible connection and bond. Today, I do not feel that energy. She said I feel Daisy is physically transitioning, but mentally fighting it. She senses the sadness in you, and she knows you adopted her, saved her from hunting with an owner who gave up on her after her puppies, and possible euthanasia. She will do everything she can to please you. Eventually, her body will win this struggle. That was her opinion and my wife’s.
With pancreas still getting better, the next few day’s Daisy would eat ok one day, but not drink normal. But she and I were working closely with her vet and hospital hoping we could get her over the hump. I asked for more blood work, it came back excellent, with still some inflammation. I thought this was all great news. Only a few nights later, I woke up hearing her panting fast and deep. I thought she was dieing in the middle of the night. I sat with her and promised her I would not make her suffer. Her body was moving with this breathing. After about 30 minutes her breathing was normal. The next day in the morning she was breathing normal, but did not eat or drink again. A few hours later the breathing started again, I got her to the hospital, she did not want to go inside for the first time ever! Her vet was called in, her and I were put in a room waiting for him. She was breathing normal, her eyes staring at me as she kept going to the door, wanting out of here. Her vet came in, she went over to him, acting pretty normal. I was so confused on what to do with her. He checked her heart and lungs, they were fine. He spent time with us, Daisy staring at me the heavy breathing started, he saw it too.
I asked what is going on, and he said very sadly I believe she is entering another phase of transitioning. A Senior girl who is overall healthy, but transitioning from old age. I saw how the breathing was back, I looked at her crying, trying with all my might to hold tears back, which I couldn’t and said my goodbyes, laying with her, patting her, and said to her she has been a great friend, dog, girl and I know this breathing was my time to let her go to the Bridge, and how sorry I am if I am making the wrong decision. I suspected her body would start shutting down, her breathing getting difficult and suffering would kick in.
After I gave the OK, she passed seconds after the second shot resting with me, her eyes still staring at me until her vet closed them.
Writing this about Daisy and I has me in such tears, crying and sadness. I know I did the right think, and as the drs told me I did it at the right time. She was in slight discomfort but not in pain or suffering and she was not going to win this drive to stay with me, she would have died and under a much more stressful situation.
So here was this 3 1/2 year old baby who would have most likely been euthanized. She deserved to live and did for over 12 more years, passing just under 15 1/2 years old.
Even knowing that, I have been hurting over her loss so much more and longer than 3 other dogs I loved had. I don’t know why, but I pray her eternity is with other pets and I would love it, if in fact our dogs do reunite with us one day.
I’m sorry I went on so long. I hope the pain others feel too, like me subsides one day. And for Daisy, daddy will always remember you and love you. RIP Daisy girl.
I don’t know how to post a picture, or I would have.
John . I have TWH 12 years old, grey face my Daisy Girl.
I am crying like a baby reading her story.
I know I am facing …
Good night
Ela
Thank you for this helpful and loving site. My Blazer is 16 and now has an ulcerated tumor on his tummy. Trying to decide whether or not to undergo surgery. Still not sure but helps to know that he has exceeded the average lifespan. He still loves to go for walks and although mostly blind and deaf, he enjoys interacting and of course, his sense of smell! Thans again
Mine is a stray (dumped by hunter) years ago. Vet who raises Walkers put him at 4 yrs, which makes him 13 now. He survived initial heart worm infection, but now has a thyroid tumor. Love him but at that age a major operation is a hard choice to make.
That is a hard decision to make. I would talk with your vet if you have not already and see what they think and then make a decision. If you do decide to go for surgery make sure they run blood tests to see if your baby is even up to that kind of surgery. I wish you and your Walker the best.
It’s nice to know that a Treeing Walker Coonhound is an intelligent dog. I forgot how powerful their sense of smell is and how much they like to chase down a scent. I knew the quote about a dog aging around 1 year to every 7 of a humans. I had not heard that the first 12 months is closer to 15 years. So that is actually closer to 1 month = 1 year. At that rate, it is very surprising to learn that they can actually live to be 10 years plus. It’s good that they don’t have many standard illness and hereditary diseases compared with other dogs.
I was just wondering what do you do with your animals when you have to change houses / the human carer dies etc. What are your best tips for rehousing the animals when they outlive their human “parents”?
Hi Glenys, thanks for leaving a comment and you have a really great question.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are relatively very healthy and an intelligent breed and learn very quickly and most definitely love the hunt. The first year of a dogs life they mature quite fast and then aging slows down depending on the breed and heredity of the dog. We can go back to the average is 7 years to 1 year for a human.
Now to answer your question about if your dog out lives their human caretaker. This is a question I have spent quite some time thinking about as it would be very difficult to find some place for all of my dogs; however, to answer this I have had many conversations with family members and they have agreed to take them and care for them in the case of our death. This is something that always bothered me as I did not want them to end up in shelters of worse, being put down just because we were gone. It is important to plan ahead and know what will happen to your dog if something sudden may happen. Just as we plan caretakers for our children it is best to know what will happen to our fur babies as well.
Your treeing walker coonhounds are so adorable! It is nice to know that their health problems are minimal. So many purebreds have issues because they are purebreds. I love the idea that they love the hunt but also love being with their family, especially children! What a great companion! I watched three baby coons climb into my apple trees about a week ago and they apparently ate every apple on the trees. Wish I’d had a treeing walker coonhound around! Thanks for sharing your research on their life expectancy. Great information!
Thanks for the comment and thank you for the compliment on the Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
I hate to hear the coons got your apples that was not very nice of them, if you had a Treeing Walker Coonhound they would protect your apples from them pesky little critters.
You are correct many purebred dogs having many health issues, fortunately the Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a fairly healthy breed. I do have one with hip dysplasia, but since I have been giving her CBD Oil it has really changed her quality of life.
My doggy friend passed at the age of 13. It is true that they are a part of our life, and we are their entire life. And during that time we were together, I received so much love. I only hope I gave back as much love as I received. I miss her.
Thank you for this article about life expectancy of a dog. The next time I have another doggy friend, I will be mindful of these points. They are really helpful.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I hate that your fur baby has passed.
Our dogs really are only a part of our life as they just do not live long enough; however, never forgotten and forever loved. I am sure you gave her back the love and attention she needed and yes we are their whole life as they depend on us so much for their needs and provide so much love while they are here.
Taking into consideration the breeding and commonly known health issues for your breed of dog can make a difference. Checking with the breeder to find out what problems that you might face down the road gives you a chance to possibly catch issues early and either combat them or slow the process.
Hello Dena,
I enjoyed your post about the Treeing Walker Coonhound. As I was reading it I kept thinking it would be an ideal dog both for therapy and as a family pet due it’s need to interact with humans. Also, it has no big health issues.
From the research that I have done not every dog is ideal as a therapy pet. Generally, dogs that have few health issues and are family friendly are considered the best candidates for therapy dogs.
Pet therapy for people suffering from pain is now a popular alternative to pills. I would be curious to find how much of the pet therapy population is represented by the Treeing Walker coonhound.
Thanks for leaving a comment and leaving a great question about Treeing Walker Coonhounds and Pet Therapy.
I did a bit of research and did not find anywhere that Treeing Walker Coonhounds are used as Pet Therapy; however, with the right family I think the Treeing Walker Coonhound could really make a wonderful support dog. I feel that the Coonhound would need a chance to burn up some energy when not working so if a family was able to provide that and with the learning capability of the Treeing Walker Coonhound I think they would make great support dogs. I am sure there are probably some out there, maybe just not on record.
I am always sad when even going to the vet I hear, :he is getting older. I know that the life expectancy is not what ours is and I have lost many dogs in my days. It doesn;t make it easier. These tips are great for knowing what to look for and help your dog get the best health out of their life expectancy.
Hi Christina, thanks so much for leaving a comment. It really is sad when we have to face that our fur babies are getting older and we know as they age there will be someday we will lose them. It really does not get any easier each time we send one across the rainbow bridge, each and every time they take a piece of my heart with them.
Trying the best we can to keep our dogs healthy, happy and well-adjusted will hopefully help them to live longer and most important, always let them know they are loved as we are everything to them.
Sadly mine died suddenly at 10 1/2 years. He had lung cancer and a tumor broke off , traveled to his brain and caused a stroke. I miss him beyond words.
Hi Laurie, thanks for leaving a comment and I am so sorry about the one you lost it must have been devastating. It is hard when they are taken from us suddenly, I know even when you think you are ready to let them go, it is still difficult. They really do become part of the family and it is hard when they are taken from us. We just have to love them dearly while they are here.
I love to visit your website and learn all about your fur babies, I have a fur baby of my own and I know how we want them to live a happy and long life as possible.
Jeff
Thanks for leaving a comment, I am so glad you enjoy my site.
It really is important to help them live healthy and happy lives as they are only with us a short time and to them we are all they know.
Thanks again for the comment and for visiting my site.