I’m a vet nurse & these are the ‘struggles’ Meghan Markle may have with her £1.1k dog from ‘blowing coat’ to health woes
MEGHAN Markle lives in a lavish £12million mansion with Prince Harry – but it’s also home to her adorable pet dog Guy.
The Duchess of Sussex adopted her sweet beagle from a dog rescue centre and although the breed is said to be “even-tempered” and “social”, they can come with some struggles.
According to experts from Petplan: “Beagles are considered a moderate shedding breed.
“They are prone to shedding all year round, but this can be particularly heavy in the spring time when a Beagle loses its thicker winter fur – something known as ‘blowing coat’.
“There’s nothing you can do to stop shedding, but brushing your dog regularly will help to remove some of that loose hair and keep your Beagle’s coat in tip top condition.”
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing added: “As a breed, the Beagle can be more prone to developing health conditions such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism and meningitis.
“There are also a number of genetic conditions that you should make sure the parents have been screened for before taking on a Beagle.”
Average annual vet visits cost £527.02 with the typical cost to insure being £405.44, according to ManyPets.
Typically beagles cost £1,188, but Meghan picked Guy up as a rescue.
Despite any costs, the breed is recommended by many vets.
Nina added: “Beagles are loving and sociable dogs who enjoy nothing more than being involved in everything that is going on around them.
“The breed has historically been used as scent hounds for tracking, but due to their size and adaptability they have more recently become a popular family pet.”
The former Suits actress brought the brown and white pooch over with her from Toronto to London when she moved in with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace.
While in the UK, Guy lived in the lap of luxury in the royal household.
He had his own Union Jack coat, ate only organic food and enjoyed regular walks in the extensive grounds of Kensington Palace.
Meghan also previously owned Labrador-German Shepherd mix Bogart, which she adopted from a dog rescue centre in Los Angeles while she was with her first husband, film producer, Trevor Engelson.
Before moving to the UK, Meghan shared numerous pictures of Bogart and Guy, describing them as “my loves”.
While Guy was flown to the UK, Bogart was thought too old to make the long plane journey and was then looked after by Meghan’s friends.
Guy has a new dog pal to keep him company, as Meghan and Prince Harry adopted a black Labrador called Oz.
It is not known if Oz is a rescue dog but it seems likely, given Meghan’s past pets and the fact that Harry’s stepmum, Queen Camillal, is patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
According to The American Kennel Club, the beagle is a “playful” and “merry” breed, but they will require some patience and “positive reinforcement” during the training process.
These active dogs also require at least one hour of exercise every day to release their energy.
And most importantly, don’t leave them alone.
Bred to work in packs, beagles are “happiest when they have company.”
When left by themselves for extended periods, whether indoors or outside, the breed can even become “deconstructive.”
Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Californian home
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have lived in their luxury Montecito mansion since they splashed out £11.93m on it in June 2020.
The sprawling nine-bed, 16-bath home in Santa Barbara sits on 5.4 acres of land and features a library, office, spa, gym, game room, wine cellar and five-car garage, it’s believed.
The estate also boasts sweeping lawns, tiered rose gardens, tall Italian cypress trees, blooming lavender, olive trees, a tennis court, tea house, children’s cottage and a pool.
The couple have treated fans to glimpses of their multiple living spaces on several occasions – showing off a minimalist vibe.
It is said to have more than doubled in value since the former royals bought it.