Fun facts about 9 dogs from the Emerald Isle
By Kim Campbell Thornton
Andrews McMeel Syndication
When Irish eyes are smiling, they might be the eyes of one of these nine iconic dogs of Ireland. Here’s what to know about them as you prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
-- With a wiry topcoat and soft undercoat, short-legged Glen of Imaal terriers look a little scruffy, a little scrappy and full of fun. They hail from County Wicklow, hence their other name, Wicklow terrier. Glens love to chase furry critters; they were bred to hunt silently, but that doesn’t mean they don’t bark at all.
-- If the dog with the glorious red-and-white coat were creating a profile for an online dating site, she’d express an interest in long walks or hikes, running, and rambunctious games with kids. The words tireless, enthusiastic, devoted and good-natured are frequently used to describe the Irish red-and-white setter, a two-tone cousin of the Irish setter. Fun facts: The IRWS and the Irish setter are separate breeds, and the IRWS is considered the older of the two.
-- Rambunctious, rowdy, rollicking: the redhaired Irish setter has a reputation for rocket-launcher energy and a carefree attitude toward life. The stunning medium-length coat of mahogany or rich chestnut red attracts attention, but there’s more to this dog than looks. Joyful and boisterous, they love attention. A running Irish setter is the logo for Irish Bus, Ireland’s national bus company.
-- Attitude marks the breed with the heart of a rogue, a spring in his step and a twinkle in his eye. You may have first encountered him last year in the Tom Hanks movie “Finch,” a post-apocalyptic flick in which Irish terrier Seamus plays the titular character’s dog, Goodyear. Like so many breeds from Eire, Irish terriers sport a red coat, although it can also be red wheaten or wheaten-colored. They’re sometimes nicknamed D’Artagnan for their smooth style, as well as Daredevil, a nod to their utter contempt for danger.
-- This curly-coated dog is often mistaken for a doodle, but he’s actually an Irish water spaniel, quirky and engaging with a “strong head and soft heart.” Active and outdoorsy, they are nicknamed the clown of the spaniels thanks to their inventive brain and fun-loving nature. Bred to hunt in marshy areas, they were originally known as “bog dogs,” and they still love water today. Inexperienced dog owners can find these complex thinkers challenging to live with.
-- These giant dogs look as if they stepped out of a medieval tapestry, and indeed their original purpose was to run down wolves. They’re one of the tallest dog breeds, topping out at 32 to 35 inches. Although their size and name make them seem fierce, Irish wolfhounds have a quiet, gentle nature. Does that mean they won’t use their great height to swipe those rib-eye steaks off your counter? Not at all; they are unrepentant food thieves, but otherwise calm and dignified.
-- Kerry beagles aren’t beagles -- being longer and larger -- but they are hounds and thought to be one of the older breeds in Ireland. How did they come to be? Legend claims that when Noah’s ark passed by Ireland, two black-and-tan hounds caught the scent of a fox, leapt off the ark in pursuit and were never seen again. Speaking of disappearing, they nearly went extinct in the 19th century but were saved by the efforts of their fans.
-- Blue beard? That might be your first thought when you see this midsize dog with soft, wavy blue-gray curls on his body and a long head distinguished by dark, intense eyes, a long beard and mustache, and abundant eyebrows. But he won’t be locking you in a room. Kerries would rather you come out and play. Born black, they develop a blue-gray coat by the time they’re 18 months old.
-- Kiss your Wheaties! Not the cereal box, but soft-coated wheaten terriers, well described by their name. They’re known for seemingly having springs on their feet and a lively, affectionate personality.
Q&A
Giving fluids
aids kidneys
Q: My veterinarian has recommended that I start giving my pet subcutaneous fluids to help with her kidney disease. How hard is it to do, and will it really help?
A: It’s common for older dogs and cats to develop renal disease. The kidneys are real workhorses, filtering waste and extra water from the blood and transporting it out of the body as urine. When kidneys start failing, their function can be aided with proper hydration -- that's where subcutaneous fluids come in.
Giving thirsty kidneys a boost can help keep them on the job, allowing them to continue their vital work. By administering fluids at home, you can help keep your pet’s kidneys happy. Fluids in, toxins out.
If your veterinarian thinks home fluid therapy will help your pet's kidneys, they’ll provide you with fluids, IV lines and needles, along with training on how to set up the equipment and insert the needle. In case you forget something, you can find instructional videos such as these from Dove Lewis on YouTube for giving fluids to dogs (youtube.com/watch?v=GoakjbI3adg) and cats (youtube.com/watch?v=ZVQ5mjg7sfY); the process is similar for both.
After you've set up the IV bag (hanging it from a standing lamp often works well) and prepared the line and a new needle, put your pet on a soft blanket or towel on your lap or a table, and let them get comfortable before you start. A helper can distract your pet by offering a special treat such as squeeze cheese or Churu to lick from a wooden spoon while fluids are given.
Choose a time when your pet is relaxed, such as in the evening. If you do it at the same time each day, it will become a routine that your pet may look forward to, especially if it’s accompanied by a treat or followed by a meal. -- Dr. Marty Becker
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.
THE BUZZ
Pharma for humans
helps pets, too
-- Many of the drugs used in veterinary medicine come from human medicine. This so-called "off-label" use of human drugs allows veterinarians to treat medical conditions (and species) that might not be priorities for big drug companies when it comes to developing and selling medications. The reasons for prescribing the medication may not be the same in people and in pets, however. Veterinarians have used sildenafil (Viagra) for canine heart problems, for example. More routinely prescribed are “human” antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications and many other drugs that pretty much treat the same issues both in people and in pets.
-- Health problems of older birds don’t necessarily start at an advanced age. Birds are defined as “older” when they’re past the age of sexual maturity, and that varies from one species to another. Bad health habits can start coming home to roost at this time. Common nutrition problems in birds include chronic malnutrition, aka poor eating habits; obesity, which stresses bones, joints and internal organ systems; and undernutrition -- a deficiency in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D and calcium. Other problems seen in birds as they get older are cataracts, arthritis, heart disease and chronic pain. Work with your avian veterinarian to help get your bird on the flight path to a long and healthy life.
-- Watch cats, and you’ll see that they have a grooming pattern. It starts with licking the lips and wetting the side of the paw. Then they run the damp paw over the side of the face and behind the ear, repeating on the other side. Next, they lick the front legs, shoulders and flanks, followed by one leg up and then the other to get at those personal spots. Grooming wraps up with the tail, all the way to the end. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
ABOUT PET CONNECTION
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.