Do you have an Irish Setter as a family dog? If so, you may be wondering how long do Irish setters live? The answer to that question depends on several factors, including diet, exercise, and Irish Setter health care. In this breed info, we will take a closer look at the lifespan of an Irish Setter. We will also discuss some things you can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Irish Setter Characteristics
The Irish Setter dog is a beautiful dog breed known for its reddish-brown coat. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercises. They are also known to be friendly and good with children. Irish Setters typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and stand 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
The overall impression of an Irish Setter is one of a gentle, loving dog that is eager to please. They are very intelligent and easily trained. However, they can also be stubborn at times.
The Life span of an Irish Setter
The average life span of an Irish Setter is about 12 years. However, some Irish Setters are known to live as long as 15 years or more. Proper diet, exercise, and healthcare are the keys to your Irish Setter living a long and healthy life.
While there is no guarantee that your Irish Setter will live to be 15 years old, you can take several measures to help them live a long and healthy life. Several factors can affect the lifespan of an Irish Setter. These include:
👉Diet
Maintaining appropriate weight is essential for all dog breeds, but it is significant for Irish Setters since they are more prone to weight gain. Irish Setters are known to love food and will eat just about anything you give them. It is essential to feed them a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level.
Feed Irish Setter with dog food that is high in protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Avoid giving them table scraps as this can lead to obesity.
👉Exercise
Irish Setters dog is known to be very active. This dog breed needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit. A daily walk or run is an excellent way to get them the training they need. You can also take them to the dog park or play fetch in the backyard.
Irish setters require 1-2 hours of moderate to vigorous daily activity. However, these exercises should be broken into smaller daily sessions to avoid overexertion.
An Irish Setter without much-needed exercise can become bored, leading to destructive behaviors. Furthermore, lack of exercise can also lead to weight gain, which can shorten their lifespan.
👉Health Care
Providing your Irish Setter with routine care is essential for their overall health and longevity. A good starting point of general health care for Irish Setter includes:
- Vaccination: Vaccinating your Irish Setter against common diseases is vital for pet health. Vaccinations help to protect them from diseases that could make them sick or even kill them.
- Deworming: Having your Irish Setter dewormed regularly is essential for pet health. Deworming helps prevent them from getting worms, which can cause them to become sick.
- External Parasite Control: External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can cause your Irish Setter to become sick. A monthly preventative can help keep your Irish Setter healthy and free of these parasites.
- Regular vet check-ups: Regular vet check-ups are essential to catch any health problems early. When you take your Irish Setter in for their routine check-up, the veterinarian will look for any symptoms of illness or disease.
👉Genetic Conditions
Genetic conditions can also affect the lifespan of an Irish Setter. Irish Setter’s life expectancy can increase if they are bred only from dogs that do not possess specific genes.
The good news is that this is possible, provided the breeders take responsibility. It is vital to purchase Irish Setters only from reputable breeders who health test their dogs.
At this time, there are screening tests available for inherited eye problems and hip dysplasia in addition to testing mainly designed for CLAD. All of these characteristics have a chance of being handed down from one generation of Irish Setters to the next.
👉Neutering/Spaying
Neutering or spaying is a surgical operation that removes the reproductive organs. The Irish Setter is ready for this surgery between the ages of six and nine months with older setters.
Neutering or spaying your Irish Setter can help to improve their lifespan. It is because it can help prevent them from getting certain diseases, such as testicular or ovarian cancer.
Health Issues That Can Affect the Lifespan of an Irish Setter
Some Irish Setter health issues can shorten their lifespan. These include:
❕Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
This life-threatening condition can affect dog breeds with deep chests like the Irish Setter. GDV occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas. It can cause the Irish Setter to go into shock and die if not treated immediately.
GDV is lethal if not treated within hours. As a result, minimizing bloat is a critical component of increasing Irish Setter life expectancy. Among the ways to prevent bloat are to:
- Feed your Irish Setter several small meals daily instead of one large meal.
- Avoid giving them food or water immediately before or after exercise.
- Eliminate table scraps from their diet.
- Add dry dog food to their diet gradually.
- Don’t let them eat from raised food bowls.
❕Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a condition that can cause the hip joint to deteriorate. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and pain in the hips. This condition is common among large dog like the Irish Setter.
There are several ways to prevent hip dysplasia, including:
- Choose the parents of your Irish Setter that have OFA or PennHIP certification.
- Feed your Irish Setter a diet appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level.
- Provide them with routine exercise.
- Avoid letting them get overweight.
❕Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Irish Setter. Several cancers can be cured through surgical procedures, while others are treated through chemotherapy. It is imperative to perform early detection!
The best way to prevent cancer is to have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian. They will be able to detect any signs of cancer early and start treatment right away.
Cancer treatment can be expensive, so it is essential to have pet insurance. It will help cover the cost of treatment if your dog gets cancer.
❕Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus becomes enlarged and doesn’t work properly. It can lead to difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. Megaesophagus is common in Irish Setters.
Megaesophagus reduces the longevity of Irish Setters and can lead to life-threatening respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
There is no treatment for megaesophagus, but it can be controlled. The most important thing is to keep your dog from aspirating food or liquids into their lungs. It can be done by:
- Feeding them small meals several times a day.
- Elevating their food bowl so that they are in an upright position when eating.
- Give them soft or pureed dog food.
❕Gluten Malabsorption Syndrome
Gluten malabsorption syndrome is a condition where the Irish Setter’s body cannot absorb gluten properly. It can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Gluten malabsorption syndrome has no cure; however, you can follow a diet to manage the symptoms. The best way to prevent this condition is to feed your dog a gluten-free diet. Many commercially available foods are suitable for dogs with this condition. This diet must be adhered to avoid major health issues.
❕Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD)
CLAD is a rare genetic disorder that affects the Irish Setter. This condition causes a deficiency in white blood cells, making the Irish Setter susceptible to infection. CLAD is often fatal in young puppies.
There is no cure for CLAD, but it can be manageable with medication and a special diet. The best way to prevent this condition is to choose a parent of your Irish Setter that does not have the gene for CLAD.
❕Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. Hypothyroidism is manageable with medication, but it is incurable.
The best way to prevent hypothyroidism is to have your Irish Setter checked regularly by a veterinarian. They will be able to detect any signs of hypothyroidism early and start treatment right away. Treating hypothyroidism can be uncomplicated: giving your Irish Setter a daily pill to replace its hormones.
❕Laryngeal Paralysis
The larynx, or voice box, is affected by laryngeal paralysis. This condition makes breathing hard for the Irish Setter and can lead to respiratory distress. Laryngeal paralysis is common in older Irish Setters.
Keep an ear out for noisy breathing, especially while you’re working out or when the weather is hot and humid. When the condition worsens, an Irish Setter may become unresponsive and have trouble breathing. Non-severe cases are manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. Bring your Irish Setter to the vet if you think they may be showing signs of laryngeal paralysis.
❕Dental Disease
One of the most common health issues in Irish Setters is dental disease. It starts with a plaque build-up on the teeth and is followed by gums and tooth roots infection as the condition worsens. It can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, and be at risk of experiencing damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints if we do not take measures to prevent or cure dental disease.
If you notice your Irish Setter drooling or pawing at their mouth, it is a sign that they are in pain. Bring them to the vet to get relief from their dental disease.
Dental disease is preventable with regular brushing and dental check-ups. Be sure to brush your Irish Setter’s teeth at least once weekly. It would be best if you also had their teeth checked by a veterinarian every six months.
❕Cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition in older Irish Setters. This condition causes the eyes’ lenses to become cloudy, leading to vision problems. Cataracts are manageable with surgery, but they often come back.
The best way to prevent cataracts is to check your Irish Setter’s eyes regularly by a veterinarian. They will be able to detect any signs of cataracts early and start treatment right away. Cataract treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear one.
❕Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation occurs when the kneecap slides out of place. It can be painful and make it hard for the Irish Setter to walk. Patellar luxation is common in a small dog.
The best way to prevent patellar luxation is to choose a parent of your Irish Setter that does not have the gene for this condition. If you think your Irish Setter may be showing signs of patellar luxation, bring them to the vet to be diagnosed and treated early.
Medical Examinations and Evaluations for the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a relatively healthy breed, but there are some health conditions that they are more prone to. That’s why it’s crucial to have your Irish Setter checked by a veterinarian regularly.
Some of the tests and evaluations that your Irish Setter may need include:
- A physical examination
- A blood test
- A urinalysis
- An X-ray
Aside from the test mentioned above, your Irish Setter may also need other tests and evaluations depending on their age, health history, and lifestyle. It includes:
- Hip and Elbow Examination
- Eye Exam
- Thyroid Function Test
- DNA Testing for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
A regular check-up with your veterinarian will help your Irish Setter stay healthy and will help them live a longer life. It will help catch any health problems early and get them the treatment they need.
Tips in Bringing Home a Healthy Irish Setter Puppies
When looking for an Irish Setter puppy, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy puppy. A healthy Irish Setter puppy means one that is free from genetic health problems. Furthermore, this will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of Irish Setter temperament, size, energy level, and average lifespan.
Here are some guides on how to find a reputable breeder and bring home a healthy Irish Setter puppy:
- Ask around for recommendations from friends, family, or your local veterinarian.
- Do your research online and look for reviews of breeders.
- Once you’ve found a few breeders, visit their facilities and meet the Irish Setter pups and their parents. It will give you an idea of their environment and how they are being cared for.
- Make sure that the breeder can provide you with health clearances for the parents of the Irish Setter puppy.
- Ask the breeder about the health problems that are common in Irish Setters. Be sure to ask about the puppies’ and their parents’ tests and evaluations.
- Get a written contract from the breeder stating that the Irish Setter puppy is healthy and free from genetic health problems.
- Ask about the breeder’s guarantee and return policy.
- Bring your new Irish Setter puppy to the vet within the first week of bringing them home. It will help you get started on the right foot regarding their health and care.
When you’ve found a reputable breeder, you still need to do some things to ensure that your Irish puppy is healthy.
- Ensure the Irish Setter puppy has been seen by a veterinarian and given all the necessary vaccinations.
- Ask for a copy of the Irish Setter puppy’s medical records.
- Observe the Irish Setter puppy for any signs of illness or injury.
- Take the Irish Setter puppy to your veterinarian for a wellness check-up.
By following these guides, you can be sure you’re bringing home a healthy Irish Setter puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are supplements beneficial to my Irish Setter?
While supplements are not necessary for all Irish Setters, they can be beneficial for some. If your Irish Setter is healthy and has no medical problems, supplements may not be necessary. However, if your Irish Setter has a medical condition or is taking medications, then your veterinarian may recommend supplements. Supplements can help improve your Irish Setter’s health and extend their lifespan.
Q. Is it safe to feed my Irish Setter raw food?
There is no conclusive answer to this question as there are pros and cons to feeding Irish Setters raw food. Some people believe that raw food is the best diet for Irish Setters as it is closest to their natural diet. However, there is a risk of bacteria and parasites in raw meat, so it’s essential to ensure that the meat is fresh and from a reputable source. You should also speak to your veterinarian before starting your Irish Setter on a raw food diet.
Q. How can I compute the age of my Irish Setters in human years?
There are a few different ways to compute the age of your Irish Setter in human years. One method uses the formula of one dog year being equal to seven human years. It means that a two-year-old Irish Setter would be approximately 14 years old in human years. Another way to compute the age of your Irish Setter is to use their size as a guide. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, so a small Irish Setter would be older in human years than a large Irish Setter.
No matter which method you use, keep in mind that these are only estimates and that your Irish Setter may age differently depending on their individual health and lifestyle.
Q. Do Irish Setters go through the same life phases as humans?
Yes, Irish Setters go through the same life phases as humans. They are born, they grow up, and they age. However, the timeline for these life phases is different for Irish Setters than for humans. For example, a human baby grows into a toddler within a few years. On the other hand, an Irish Setter puppy will take a few years to reach adulthood. And an Irish Setter that is considered a senior citizen in dog years may still have many good years left. So, while the life phases are the same, the timeline is different. It is why it’s essential to provide your Irish Setter with the best possible care throughout their lifetime. Doing so can help them enjoy a long and happy life.
Q. Are there any environmental elements that can affect the life expectancy of an Irish Setter?
There are a few environmental elements that can affect the life expectancy of an Irish Setter. It includes:
- Exposure to toxins – Irish Setters exposed to toxins, such as lead or pesticides, may have a shorter lifespan. Exposure to toxins can damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs, leading to illness and premature death.
- Living in a high-stress environment – Irish Setters that live in high-stress environments, such as shelters or puppy mills, may have a shorter lifespan. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to disease.
- Living in a cold climate – Irish Setters that live in cold temperatures may have a shorter lifespan due to the risk of frostbite and other health problems.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke – Irish Setters exposed to second-hand smoke may have a shorter lifespan. It is because exposure to second-hand smoke can damage the lungs and lead to respiratory problems.
Final Thoughts
An Irish Setter’s lifespan is affected by various factors, including genetics, diet, environment, and lifestyle. By understanding these factors, providing your Irish Setter with the best possible care, and ensuring they live in a healthy environment, you can help them enjoy a long and happy life.
Do you have an Irish Setter? What steps do you take to ensure your dog’s long and healthy life? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments section below.
