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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Irish Red Setter need? Like all dogs, Irish Red Setters should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Irish Red Setter vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Irish Red Setter booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Irish Red Setter need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
