---
title: "Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
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+5
Health
# The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer's health
Slovakia
The Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer is generally robust, hardy and rarely ill. Its double coat allows it to withstand cold and bad weather well. Targeted monitoring remains recommended for the joints, eyes and neurological disorders reported in the breed.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. Suitable activity, a balanced diet and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its condition over the years.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
The breed benefits from a robust and hardy constitution, suited to work on varied terrain and in bad weather. This good overall soundness does not rule out screening for joint disorders and monitoring of the eyes.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
Even if the breed is considered robust, regular veterinary monitoring makes it possible to detect early the problems to which it may be exposed, particularly in very active dogs or those intended for breeding.
- Hip dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: A developmental abnormality of the elbow that may cause lameness and osteoarthritis in an active dog.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: A degenerative condition of the retina that can lead to a progressive loss of vision.
- Cataract: An opacification of the lens that can reduce vision and require veterinary care.
- Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures that require diagnosis and veterinary follow-up.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its hard outer coat and its undercoat, it tolerates cold and bad weather well. Its tolerance to heat is also adequate, but intense exertion must remain adapted to weather conditions and the dog's condition.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and above all to its level of activity, with regular monitoring of its silhouette when outings or the hunting season decrease.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips checked, especially before breeding.
- Inspect and clean the ears after outings in vegetation or water.
- Brush the dog once or twice a week and more during shedding.
- Brush the teeth regularly and monitor the length of the claws.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, decreased vision, or a seizure.
Vaccination
## Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer need? Like all dogs, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer 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=slovakian-wirehaired-pointer)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
A hip screening is recommended, particularly for breeding dogs. The veterinarian may complete the follow-up depending on the history, activity and 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-slovakian-wirehaired-pointer)
## Discover other breeds
[German Shorthaired Pointer
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shorthaired-pointer)
[German Wirehaired Pointer
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-wirehaired-pointer)
[Braque d'Auvergne
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/braque-dauvergne)
[Burgos Pointer
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/burgos-pointer)
[Braque de l'Ariège
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/braque-de-lariege)
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