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title: "Kerry Blue Terrier - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
description: "Lifespan (12-15 years), common diseases, vaccines and vaccination schedule, and prevention tips for the Kerry Blue Terrier: the complete health guide."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Health
# The Kerry Blue Terrier's health
Ireland
Rather resilient and endowed with generally robust health, the Kerry Blue Terrier must nevertheless be subject to targeted monitoring due to several hereditary conditions and predispositions associated with the breed.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. A suitable diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
Its robust build gives it generally good overall resistance. This sturdiness does not eliminate the need for screening for joint and eye disorders, nor for attention paid to the skin and ears.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
Regular veterinary monitoring is recommended, particularly for the joints, eyes, skin, ears, thyroid and patella.
- Hip dysplasia: Hereditary joint disorder that can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: Developmental abnormality of the elbow that may cause lameness and osteoarthritis.
- Cataract: Clouding of the lens that can gradually impair vision.
- Entropion: Inward rolling of the eyelid that can irritate the cornea.
- Progressive neuronal atrophy: Progressive neurological disorder reported among the breed’s minor concerns.
- Hypothyroidism: Hormonal insufficiency that can notably affect weight, skin and vitality.
- Patellar luxation: Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause intermittent lameness.
- Cancer: Major concern mentioned for the breed and warranting a consultation if any unusual persistent sign is present.
- Occasional eye conditions: Pigmentary keratitis and other eye disorders require veterinary monitoring.
- Skin conditions and allergies: Allergies, keratoses and skin cysts may occur and require appropriate management.
- Otitis: Monitoring and regular ear care help detect inflammation early.
- Patent ductus arteriosus: Congenital heart defect cited among predispositions to monitor.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
He tolerates cold well and has an average tolerance to heat. During hot periods, exertion must be adapted and permanent access to shade and fresh water must be ensured.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and its activity level, with regular monitoring of its body shape.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and eyes checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Clean the area around the eyes daily.
- Check and clean the inside of the ears each month.
- Brush the teeth frequently to limit tartar.
- Consult in case of lameness, skin irritation or eye discomfort.
Vaccination
## Kerry Blue Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Kerry Blue Terrier need? Like all dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Kerry Blue Terrier 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 Kerry Blue Terrier 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 Kerry Blue Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=kerry-blue-terrier)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier
The recommended screenings focus primarily on the hips and the eyes. Veterinary monitoring can be supplemented depending on the lineage history and the clinical signs observed.
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.
## The best prevention starts with a good breeder
Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-glen-of-imaal-terrier)
[Irish Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-terrier)
[Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/soft-coated-irish-terrier)
[Airedale Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/airedale-terrier)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
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