Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 12 to 15 years when exercise, diet and veterinary follow-up are well adapted. As is often the case with sporting dogs, the quality of lifestyle strongly influences ageing.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a rather sturdy breed, capable of sustaining significant activity when it is properly maintained. This robustness does not exempt one from being vigilant about managing exertion, diet and potential digestive disorders.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to unusual digestive signs, especially after meals or significant exertion, as well as to weight gain. Regular monitoring of weight, mobility and overall general condition is useful throughout its life.
Stomach torsion : Breed to monitor for this serious digestive syndrome, especially if meals, exercise and rest around food intake are poorly managed.
Obesity : Insufficient activity or poorly adjusted rations can promote weight gain that is detrimental to its health and performance.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its medium-length coat protects it adequately in moderately cool temperatures, but intense exertion in high heat should be avoided. In summer, the most athletic outings should be favored early in the morning or in the evening.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Red Irish Setter can gain weight if its physical activity decreases while the rations remain too rich. A measured diet, controlled treats and sustained daily activity are essential to limit the risk of obesity.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Split activity and avoid intense exertion just before and just after meals.
- Monitor weight regularly to spot any drift from the start.
- Check the ears and coat each week, especially after outings.
- Maintain regular veterinary follow-up throughout the active life and then the senior years.
Vaccination
Irish Red Setter vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Irish Red Setter? Like all cats, the Irish Red Setter receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Irish Red Setter is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Irish Red Setter vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Irish Red Setter?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Irish Red Setter
Veterinary follow-up must include monitoring of body condition, digestion, ears and the general condition of the active dog. In the case of a known line or clinical doubt, the breeder and the veterinarian can refer to appropriate additional examinations.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
