Irish Wolfhound Health Problems

The Irish Wolfhound originated from sailors who brought greyhound-type dogs from the Middle East to Ireland, where they were crossed with native Mastiffs. This gave a dog of giant proportions,
which was very useful to protect livestock from wolves. Their combined speed and strength made them extremely attractive dogs to own at the time. However, by the end of the 18th Century,wolves became extinct in Ireland, which meant the number of Irish Wolfhounds also fell, as there was no longer a job for them to do. The breed was later revived by a British enthusiast in 1862, allowing us
to still enjoy this dog's company today.

Females are generally smaller than males, and there can be considerable size variation between individuals. 

Irish Wolfhound life expectancy is less than 10 years, with many only living 6-8 years. Like many giant breeds, they are unfortunately prone to several health issues, which we will cover next.

#Irish Wolfhound Health Issues

Irish Wolfhound health problems and their giant size mean they have a shorter lifespan than many other dogs. Potential owners need to be prepared for this when deciding whether to adopt this breed. These health issues include:

##Physical issues

Hip dysplasia -  Hip dysplasia is a developmental abnormality that occurs in the joint. This causes hip pain, mobility issues, and early-onset arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia - Similar principle to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joint.

Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition causing pain and inflammation in the joints. It is common in large breeds of dog and can be seen secondary to issues like hip and elbow dysplasia.

##Stomach issues

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) – Giant, deep-chested dogs like the Irish Wolfhound are more susceptible to this condition. The stomach bloats and twists on itself, which is a medical emergency.

Megaoesophagus – This condition causes swallowing issues leading to regurgitation of food. Affected dogs are at risk of inhaling food, known as aspiration pneumonia.

##Skin and allergy issues

Irish Wolfhound skin issues can occur. Like many dogs, they are susceptible to skin allergies. Environmental allergens or certain food proteins can lead to issues in allergic dogs, such as –

• Recurrent ear and skin infections – Dogs with skin allergies are more prone to yeast and bacterial infections
• Excessive paw licking and scratching – A dog with allergies will be excessively itchy, but it is important to rule out parasites as a cause.
• Dry, flaky skin – Poor skin and coat condition may be seen in dogs with allergies

##Medical issues

Pneumonia – Bacterial pneumonia is common in Irish Wolfhounds, causing symptoms like breathing difficulties, fever, coughing and lethargy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – DCM is a condition that causes the heart muscle to become weakened and enlarged. This can lead to heart failure and death.

Cancer – Cancer is common in this breed, especially osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

#Caring for an Irish Wolfhound

Purchasing your dog from a reputable breeder that has performed all the recommended health screens should increase your chances of owning a healthy pet. However, there is also a lot that you can do to keep your Irish Wolfhound as fit as possible.

##Diet and nutrition tips

The top Irish Wolfhound diet should focus on:

Correct feeding – Providing your pet with a good quality complete diet, which is appropriate for their age and size. This is especially important in young, giant dogs. The wrong balance of phosphorus and calcium could cause growth abnormalities.

Weight – Following feeding guidelines and avoiding too many treats is important. Maintaining a healthy weight is important in giant dogs that are already putting quite a lot of pressure on their joints through their sheer size.

Supplements – Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain joint health, as well as good skin and coat
condition. Giant breeds are more prone to joint disease than smaller ones, so they often benefit from joint supplementation.

##Training and exercise tips

Irish Wolfhounds are active dogs, built for work, so they will need an owner who can cater for this. A large house and garden are a must to give this breed enough space to move around freely. The Irish Wolfhound’s exercise needs are high. They need more than 2 hours of physical activity each day. It’s important to take things steadily while they are growing, but adult dogs will enjoy hiking, jogging and activities like tracking.

These dogs are intelligent, fast learners, so they should be relatively easy to train with the right consistent approach. Early training and socialisation are important, particularly in giant breeds. No one wants a 70kg dog pulling them around on the leash!

##Grooming tips

Do Irish Wolfhounds shed? The answer is yes, they do shed moderate amounts throughout the year, which means the Irish Wolfhound is not hypoallergenic.

Irish Wolfhound grooming is relatively straightforward. They have a wiry and slightly unkempt-looking coat that only needs brushing once or twice a week.

As with all dog breeds, daily teeth brushing is advised from a young age and nail trims as required.

#Conclusion

Despite their working past, the easy-going Irish Wolfhound temperament makes them an extremely attractive choice for many owners. However, these dogs are not suitable for everyone. They require plenty of space at home, as well as a large vehicle to transport them in. They are also very prone to health issues and will not live as long as many other breeds, so owners need to be prepared for this. However, a good quality diet and the right nutritional supplements will go a long way to help keep your dog fit and well for as long as possible.