Irish Terrier Health Care & Feeding
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Jump down to this list of
Irish Terrier Health Problems
Or check out my advice for raising a healthy Irish Terrier puppy or adult dog:
Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your Irish Terrier lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet... [read more]
3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food
You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Irish Terrier are... [read more]
A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food
Your Irish Terrier will love real chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, yogurt, broccoli.... this is not just "people food" and I'll tell you why... [read more]
5 Best Kibble and Canned Dog Foods
Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. Here are my concerns... [read more]
Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not?
How many vaccinations does your Irish Terrier puppy really need? Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed! Find out what some vets aren't telling you... [read more]
Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Should your female Irish Terrier be spayed? Current research says, "The AGE at which you spay can be vitally important to your dog's future health." So what's the best age? [read more]
Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Have you been told that you must neuter your male Irish Terrier? Current research shows that the issue is not so simple. Pet owners are not being told about some risks associated with neutering male dogs, especially neutering too early... [read more]
Make Sure Your Vet is the Best!
Is your current veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? Here's how to tell... [read more]
Assisi Loop Review
Does your Irish Terrier suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis? My honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to reduce inflammation and pain. [read more]
Complete list of Irish Terrier health problems
I can't give you statistics on the incidence of health problems in this breed because the majority of Irish Terrier breeders have decided not to test their breeding stock for inherited diseases.
So all I can say is, "Be cautious." I myself wouldn't choose this breed because of its small gene pool combined with no health testing.
The following health issues occur in similar terrier breeds, so it's reasonable to watch for these issues in Irish Terriers:
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella (loose knee joints)
- Eye diseases that lead to blindness: progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
- Chronic allergies that cause itching, scratching, and skin infections
An inherited kidney disease called cystinuria is a real concern in Irish Terriers.
Digital hyperkeratosis is an inherited disease in young Irish Terriers, where the footpads become thickened and cracked/ulcerated. This condition is painful and usually persists for life.
Preventing health problems
Some health problems are inherited. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog.
FREE eBOOK! My free online health care program, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to raise your Irish Terrier in all the right ways that help prevent health problems. Become your dog's health care champion!
My best-selling books – now available FREE on my website