Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy remains shorter than that of many medium-sized breeds, which is common in giant dogs. Well-managed growth, stable weight, suitable activity and regular veterinary follow-up can help preserve its quality of life for longer.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed shows good overall hardiness, but this robustness must not make one forget several serious predispositions. Its large size notably increases joint stress and makes rigorous prevention essential throughout the dog's life.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to growth, locomotion, digestion and breathing. Any decline in condition, lameness, abdominal distension, respiratory discomfort or intolerance to exertion must lead to a prompt consultation.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, especially with age or excess weight.
Elbow dysplasia: This elbow condition can cause lameness and locomotor discomfort in a very large dog.
Gastric torsion: A life-threatening emergency in giant dogs, promoted by large meals and intense exertion before or after feeding.
Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition to monitor, which can impair exercise tolerance and overall condition.
Cataract and PRA: Certain hereditary eye conditions can progressively affect vision and warrant appropriate monitoring.
Sensitivity to anesthesia: The breed may react in a particular way to certain protocols, hence the importance of discussing it with the veterinarian before any procedure.
Osteosarcoma: This bone cancer is among the known risks in several giant breeds and should be suspected in case of persistent pain or lameness.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Irish Wolfhound tolerates the cold rather well thanks to its harsh coat, but copes less well with high heat. In summer, outings must be shifted to cooler hours and access to shade and water must be permanent.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight gain is not its main flaw, but excess weight clearly worsens the strain on the joints and the heart. It is therefore necessary to monitor body condition, adjust rations and avoid excessive treats.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Split the ration into 2 meals and avoid intense exertion around meals.
- Monitor any lameness, stiffness, or decrease in energy in this giant dog.
- Plan regular cardiac, orthopedic, and ophthalmologic follow-up.
- Control weight to limit overload on the joints.
Vaccination
Irish Wolfhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Irish Wolfhound need? Like all dogs, Irish Wolfhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound
Orthopedic and cardiac monitoring is recommended, with particular attention to the hips, elbows and eyes. Before breeding or in a dog showing warning signs, targeted examinations help to better anticipate conditions known in the breed.
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.
