Do you remember celebrating the mesmerizing beauty of Lady, the graceful and classy dog from Disney’s ‘Lady and the Tramp’? Well, as it turns out, Lady was based on a real-life dog breed known to us as a “Gordon Setter”. But as a potential Gordon setter owner, you might be wondering – is this glossy-coated and dreamy-eyed pet as healthy as it is beautiful?
That’s a great question! Because that’s what matters the most, isn’t it? The happiness of your future pet relies heavily on their health. So, let’s hop onto this knowledge journey and find out.
Unraveling the facts, Gordon Setters, similar to any other dog breeds, can live a healthy and robust life in the right environment. But, before I go any further, let me tell you a secret which will fix your strange relationship with veterinary bills. Cut back on them significantly by focusing on preventative care rather than curative. The majority of illnesses can be prevented with appropriate knowledge and regular health check-ups.
The longevity of a Gordon Setter, like other aspects, depends on the lifestyle it leads. On average, a well-taken-care-of Gordon Setter can live up to about 12 to 13 years. However, there are certain health issues that they may be more vulnerable to, compared to other breeds. Hence, it’s very important that we are aware of these health concerns.
Hip dysplasia is perhaps the number one health condition plaguing these dignified dogs. It’s an inherited condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit perfectly into the hip joint, causing discomfort and sometimes, pain. If they ever show signs of difficulty in rising or limping, take them to the vet immediately. Even better, choose puppies from parents who have a clearance certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the University of Pennsylvania (PennHIP).
Another disease that Gordon Setters may develop is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness due to the progressive deterioration of the retina. Before it gets severe, regular eye check-ups and tests can recognize the disease at an early stage, and measures can be taken.
Remember – as an owner, you aren’t alone in dealing with these health issues. Reputable breeders and vets can be your primary source of information and advice. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder can help you avoid potential genetic diseases as their dogs are more likely to have been inspected for such health issues.
One thing that we often tend to ignore while discussing dog health is, their mental well-being. Gordon Setters are bred for their intelligence and have notoriously sharp minds. They need both physical and mental activities to remain happy and healthy. Training games, puzzles, and interactive toys can be used to keep their minds active to prevent any development of destructive behaviors.
Another significant area to focus on would be their diet. Obesity is a serious problem for Gordon Setters. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are the best countermeasures against it.
Amidst all the potential health problems, there’s good news too! This breed is not associated with any specific heart conditions and they are less likely to suffer from cancer compared to other breeds.
With all that said, keep in mind that every dog is unique, and your Gordon Setter may or may not have these health problems. But have no fear, armed with this information, you can take proactive steps!
To sum up, does the Gordon Setter come with certain health risks? Yes. Is it still considered a healthy breed? Undoubtedly, yes! Like any other breed, they, too, come with their share of potential health issues. But what really matters is how informed you are and how promptly you can act on those early warning signs.
Isn’t that similar to life in a lot of ways? After all, bringing a pet home is a lifelong commitment and a relation of love and care. With adequate knowledge and swift actions, you can indeed ensure a healthy, joyful life for your Gordon Setter.
