Irish Setters are high-energy dogs.They are good with children and other pets, and make great family dogs.It's important that your Irish Setter gets plenty of exercise and that you mix it up.It is important to know your dog's normal behavior, be aware of warning signs, and take it for regular vet exams since the breed is prone to a few health issues.Making grooming your Irish Setter's gorgeous coat part of its regular care routine is one of the things you'll need to do.
Step 1: It's important that your dog gets at least one to two hours of exercise a day.
Irish Setters need at least one brisk 30 to 60 minute walk per day.Irish Setters were bred as hunting dogs so it is important to play fetch and other energetic games frequently.Make sure you live an active lifestyle if you want to get an Irish Setter.If you are looking for a lap dog, look for another breed.Irish Setters do best if their owners have a large yard.Make sure you have the time and energy to give your dog the exercise it needs if you live in an apartment.Irish Setters need to spend a lot of time with their owners.They can be prone to destructive behavior if they spend a lot of time alone.
Step 2: You should vary your dog's activities.
When you take your Irish Setter for a walk, expose him to different smells and sights.Take it hiking, swimming, to dog parks, and do other special activities as often as possible.If you have a yard, try hiding treats and toys where your dog can dig.Irish Setters love new activities and exercises.If they do the same thing every day, they can get bored.
Step 3: Be aware of overexertion.
Irish Setters, especially younger dogs, will often let out a big, quick burst of energy when playing, then suddenly get tired.If your dog needs to rest, try not to push it.Irish Setter puppies let out a lot of energy and get tired.Take special care not to overexert your Irish Setter puppy by jogging or running for long periods of time because their joints are still forming.Irish Setters act like puppies when they are two or three years old and wear themselves out quickly.Fenced dog parks allow your dog to play and rest as it pleases.
Step 4: Train your dog.
Irish Setters benefit from training.When their owner is their alpha, they need lots of mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained.You can teach your dog commands like sit, come, and heel.Say the word and then guide the dog to do the command.It becomes automatic if you give it a treat as soon as it is in the correct position and repeat the process ten to twenty times.Training sessions should be fun and positive since they have relatively short attention spans.After fifteen or twenty minutes, they will become distracted and less trainable.
Step 5: Know your breed's health risks.
Irish Setters can be prone to stomach and bone cancers, hip problems, and other health issues.Before buying or adopting a dog, you should ask the dog's owner if their parents were tested for genetic disorders and breed specific health problems.Screening both your dog and its parents can detect warning signs for some health issues, but make sure you also get to know your individual dog.If you don't have access to the dog's parents' health records, being familiar with its normal behavior will help you know if something is wrong.One of the best ways to stay on top of your dog's health is to take it to the vet at least once a year.You can find a good vet by contacting your local shelter or asking friends and family.You can find breed clubs for recommended vets on the internet.You can find the Irish Setter Breed Club in your city or county.
Step 6: Your dog shouldn't become obese.
Talk to your vet about the right amount of food for your dog.If your dog's hips become less noticeable, take measures to improve its diet.If your dog is gaining weight, give it less food and less treats.Depending on the activity level of the dog, one to two cups of food twice a day is a good amount.If decreasing a half cup will help maintain your dog's weight, ask your vet.Multiple daily feedings are the best for your dog's health.There are brands marked for medium sized breeds.It's affordable to go with the best quality brand.
Step 7: If you notice signs of hip problems, keep an eye out.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that Irish Setters are prone to develop.Knowing if either of your dog's parents had it will help you maintain his health.Whether or not its parents had hip dysplasia, be on the lookout for symptoms such as limping, hesitation when jumping, and loss of thigh muscle mass.Hip dysplasia can be prevented by keeping an eye on your dog's weight, avoiding overfeeding, and giving it regular exercise.Hip dysplasia can occur at any time during a dog's lifespan, including when it is a puppy.
Step 8: Irish Setters are at a higher risk of having a seizure.
When a dog is between one and three years old, it is normal for it to have an inherited trait of frequent seizures.Falling over, stiffened limbs, twitching excessively, or other uncontrollable movements are some of the signs of a possible seizure.Take your dog to the vet if it seizes.You can describe the symptoms of the seizure to the vet by observing it.
Step 9: Symptoms of bloat can be seen.
Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach twists.Irish Setters are at a higher risk than other breeds, so it is important to be familiar with your dog's behavior in order to recognize symptoms.Dehydration, dry heaving, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, and stomach swelling are the first signs of bloat.If you want to take your dog for an exam, give your vet a call.Keep a fact sheet with symptoms, action steps, and your vet's emergency contact number handy, since Irish Setters are prone to developing bloat.Talk to your doctor about preventative surgery.The risk that your dog's stomach will twist in the future may be reduced or eliminated by your vet.
Step 10: Your dog should be groomed.
Irish Setters need regular maintenance on their coats.Give your dog a bath monthly and brush its fur at least two to three times a week in order to prevent matting.Work your way down the dog's body.It's a sensitive area, like its belly.If you see mats or tangles, use a fine comb.Give your dog breaks when you comb them out.If it gets overwhelmed or uncomfortable, give it a treat.It is optional to have your dog groomed or trimmed regularly, but it will help keep it looking its best.
Step 11: Your dog has nails, teeth, and ears.
Irish Setters' nails grow fast, so trimming them regularly using clippers or a grinder will help prevent overgrowth and break.You can brush your dog's teeth with either toothpaste or water.You can clean its ears with a cotton ball or a cloth wrapped around your finger.When your dog is calm and relaxed, you should brush his teeth and trim his nails.To get used to hygiene care, try to develop a routine.When brushing your dog's teeth, don't use regular toothpaste or use water to clean its ears.Don't place anything.Your dog has an ear canal.
Step 12: Keeping up with flea and tick care is important.
Irish Setters have coats and flea and tick prevention is important.After each walk, check your dog's coat and skin for ticks, fleas, and other pests.If you live in a wooded area, you should be thorough.Flea and tick preventatives can be prescribed by your vet.As directed by your vet, use this and other pet medications.