Trusted sources
Health and wellbeing
Trusted veterinary and breed-club sources on Weimaraner health, until vet-reviewed guides are ready.
This section is for Weimaraner owners and future owners who want reliable health information. We are preparing health guides, and none will appear here until a qualified veterinarian has reviewed them.
Until then, this page lists the sources WeimLife relies on itself: veterinary charities and colleges, breed clubs, and the health screening schemes breeders use. Each link goes to the organisation's own page.
These are independent organisations, grouped by what you might need. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet or your nearest emergency vet straight away: no website can examine your dog.
Emergencies
Bloat (GDV) is an emergency. The PDSA and Royal Veterinary College pages below explain the signs. Know where your nearest emergency vet is before you need one.
- PDSA
GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) in dogs
Owner guide to bloat and twisted stomach: the warning signs, which dogs are most at risk, how vets treat it and why speed matters.
Read on pdsa.org.uk: GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) in dogs - Royal Veterinary College
Gastric bloat: survival of surgical cases shown in RVC VetCompass study
Summary of a UK emergency-practice study on how often bloat is seen, which breeds are most affected, including the Weimaraner, and how dogs fared after surgery.
Read on rvc.ac.uk: Gastric bloat: survival of surgical cases shown in RVC VetCompass study - RSPCA (UK)
How to recognise and treat heatstroke in dogs
The signs of overheating in dogs, which dogs are most at risk and the first aid to give while you get to a vet.
Read on rspca.org.uk: How to recognise and treat heatstroke in dogs - RSPCA Australia
How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?
Australian guidance on heatstroke in dogs: the signs, the risk factors including exercise and hot ground, and first aid on the way to the vet.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: How can I protect my dog from heatstroke? - RSPCA (UK)
Common dog poisons and poisoning symptoms
Household foods, medicines and garden products that are poisonous to dogs, the signs they can cause and why to contact a vet rather than wait.
Read on rspca.org.uk: Common dog poisons and poisoning symptoms
Breed health and screening
Screening schemes record the results of health tests. A good result lowers risk; it does not guarantee a healthy dog.
- Weimaraner Club of America
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
The breed club's explanation of the CHIC programme and the health tests it asks for in Weimaraners used for breeding in the United States.
Read on weimaranerclubofamerica.org: Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) - Weimaraner Club of America
Canine hyperuricosuria
Background on hyperuricosuria, an inherited trait linked to bladder stones, and the DNA test breeders use to identify carriers.
Read on weimaranerclubofamerica.org: Canine hyperuricosuria - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Hip dysplasia
What canine hip dysplasia is, how hip X-rays are graded by the OFA and what each grade means.
Read on ofa.org: Hip dysplasia - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Browse by breed: CHIC programs
Look up the screening each breed club asks for before a dog receives a CHIC number, including the Weimaraner profile.
Read on ofa.org: Browse by breed: CHIC programs - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
How to interpret OFA numbers
A key to reading the OFA certificate numbers that breeders quote, so you can check a result for yourself.
Read on ofa.org: How to interpret OFA numbers - Dogs Australia
CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme)
How the Australian hip and elbow screening scheme works, who reads the X-rays and where results are recorded.
Read on dogsaustralia.org.au: CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme) - British Veterinary Association
BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme for dogs
How UK hip scoring works, what the score measures and how breeders are advised to use breed medians.
Read on bva.co.uk: BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme for dogs - Royal Kennel Club
Weimaraner: breed information
The UK breed profile, including the hip, elbow and eye screening the Royal Kennel Club lists as best practice for Weimaraner breeders.
Read on royalkennelclub.com: Weimaraner: breed information
General care
- PDSA
Weimaraner
A veterinary charity's breed overview covering temperament, exercise, grooming, feeding and the health problems the breed can face.
Read on pdsa.org.uk: Weimaraner - PDSA
Hip dysplasia in dogs
Owner guide to hip dysplasia: the signs, how vets manage it and the ongoing care affected dogs need.
Read on pdsa.org.uk: Hip dysplasia in dogs - RSPCA (UK)
How to keep your dog healthy
Everyday health care for dogs, with links on vaccination, parasites, neutering and common illnesses.
Read on rspca.org.uk: How to keep your dog healthy - RSPCA (UK)
Common dog illnesses and prevention
An overview of infectious diseases and other illnesses in dogs and how routine care helps prevent them.
Read on rspca.org.uk: Common dog illnesses and prevention - RSPCA Australia
Caring for my dog
The RSPCA Knowledgebase collection on day-to-day dog care in Australia, from feeding and treats to heat, ticks and car travel.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: Caring for my dog
Finding a vet
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Find a Vet
The UK regulator's search tool for veterinary practices, showing which are accredited under its Practice Standards Scheme.
Read on rcvs.org.uk: Find a Vet - RSPCA (UK)
Find or call a vet
Why every pet should be registered with a vet, how to find your nearest practice and where to look for help with costs.
Read on rspca.org.uk: Find or call a vet