Beagle health problems have been very well studied, perhaps more so than any other breed of dog. Beagles have may attributes than make them an ideal breed for laboratory studies. Because they are relatively small, have good dispositions and get along well with humans and other animals, Beagles are easy to study. They are also generally healthy and easy to handle, which contributes to their popularity in studies.

A few health problems that are common among Beagles include obesity, back problems, ear and eye problems, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Some of these problems are genetic and can be avoided by carefully selecting a breeder who screens her stock responsibly (in the case of hip dysplasia, some back problems, and some other disorders), or minimized through proper care (in the case of obesity, and most eye and ear problems).

Obesity can be a problem for Beagles. As with humans, obesity increases the likelihood of developing an array of other health problems. Feeding your Beagle high quality dog food, using appropriate portion control, and ensuring he gets sufficient exercise can all help prevent an overweight dog. Monitoring your Beagle's weight on a regular basis and preventing him from becoming overweight can greatly improve his overall health.

Beagles can be prone to epilepsy, which causes the dog to have seizures. While epilepsy is a genetic disease, it is difficult to screen for because it often does not show up until the dog is several months or even several years old. It is important to ask your breeder is there is any history of epilepsy in your dog's bloodline. If you adopt or rescue a Beagle and do not know her history, have her checked by your vet at the first sign of seizures. Although epilepsy can be controlled through medication, seizures can be very frightening for a dog owner.

"Cherry eye," is a condition in which a third eyelid emerges in the corner of the dog's eye, making it look like the dog has a cherry in his eye. Beagles are susceptible to this genetic eye disorder that usually manifests itself between two and six months of age. Surgery to tuck and stitch the eyelid can correct this. Removal of the eyelid is not advised, since this can cause a permanent problem with dry eyes.

Beagles are susceptible to ear infections because their pendant ears hang down and can create a warm, moist environment. Since these are the conditions in which yeast thrives, yeast infections can be especially common. Check your Beagle's ears several times a week to prevent infections. Wipe the inside of the ear gently and ensure the ears stay as dry as possible. Ear infections are usually readily apparent, either visually or through a distinctively bad odor. With early detection and proper treatment, ear infections usually clear up quickly. Even better, proper ear care can often prevent this problem entirely.