Properly socialized and well-trained, the Irish Setter is a loving and loyal companion. It is often described as a people-friendly breed. Every Irish Setter has the potential to become an important member of the family. However, due to their boundless energy, these companion animals are mostly suitable for families where they have the opportunity to actively exercise and play happily.

The sociable nature of the breed allows these important members of the family to coexist harmoniously not only with people but also with other pets. Irish Setters are also considered to be good with children. However, to avoid unpleasant incidents, it is recommended that you never leave your furry friend alone with small children. Interactions between a child and a dog should, at best, always be supervised by an adult.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina and loss of vision. The mentioned disease is passed on to companion animals by inheritance. Regular eye exams and a diet rich in antioxidants can help maintain retinal health. Before purchasing a beloved companion, carefully research its genetics and make sure that your furry friend does not have a genetic predisposition to vision problems.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease in companion animals. This is an inflammatory process developed due to an overactive immune response to allergens. Atopic dermatitis causes skin inflammation, redness, and itching. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are often similar to those caused by other skin conditions, which is why it is important to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical term that refers to a partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals have hip dysplasia from birth. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones.

Although genetics play an important role in the development of this disease, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to reduce stress on the joints. Daily walking and swimming will help to form the muscles around the pelvis and maintain their strength.

Bloating

Bloating is considered a harmless problem for humans, however, in dogs, this condition can even be fatal. To prevent the problem, it is wise to pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, a full stomach, or excessive salivation. If you notice any symptoms, please get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

To avoid bloating, it is recommended to divide the daily ration of your faithful companion into at least 2-3 meals. We recommend that you also pay attention that your friend does not drink a lot of water after eating. To prevent bloat, competent parents often prefer special cups with a raised center. You can buy them at any pet store near your home.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer. The first identifying sign of this disease is lameness, so if you notice that an important member of your family, without any background, suddenly started having problems with movement, to rule out this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Osteosarcoma is usually treated with limb amputation and chemotherapy. Fortunately, however, our dear friends easily adapt to life on three legs and do not suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and hair loss, like humans.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease of the central nervous system, which causes disturbances in the activity of nerve cells in the brain. The episodes usually last for a few seconds or minutes. Epilepsy prevention measures include maintaining a consistent routine and minimizing stress. However, remember that timely veterinary attention and initiation of appropriate medical treatment are the best ways to manage this disease.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid is turned inward, causing the eyelashes to stick to the surface of the eye. If the edge of the eyelid is turned inward, the eyelashes will stick to the surface of the eyeball, which can lead to the formation of an ulcer. Entropion causes a sensation of something falling into the eye, tearing, and redness in animals as well as in humans. Vets often use artificial tears and moisturizing ointments to soothe irritation.

It is advisable to start competently caring for your important family member by choosing high-quality dog food. When making a decision, try to give preference only to those foods that contain meat as the main ingredient and are free of artificial additives.

When feeding your Irish Setter, try to eliminate foods high in fat from the diet and replace them with healthy alternatives such as Omega 3 and Omega 6. With their help, you will not only maintain the healthy weight of the companion animal but also ensure the health of its skin and coat. Carbohydrates in grains and vegetables will keep your furry friend’s energy levels up and have a positive effect on digestive health.

To prevent joint disease, pay special attention to calcium and phosphorus-containing food. Their presence in the diet of a companion animal is a guarantee of a healthy and long life. But, remember, healthy vitamins are vital to your companion animal’s health, however, they should be taken with caution and only under the advice of a nutritionist.

The history of the Irish Setter is closely related to Ireland’s cultural and sporting heritage. The origin of the breed dates back to the 18th century and is believed to have originated from the crossbreeding of spaniels and pointers. The Irish Setter was originally known as the “Red Setter”.

The development of the breed reached its final phase in the 19th century through the efforts of breeders, the Earl of Enniskillen and the Reverend Nob Houston. These people succeeded, and through a long process of selective breeding, they created a setter known for its exceptional speed, intelligence, and loyalty. Over time, the Irish Setter turned from a devoted hunting companion into a beloved family companion.