Irish setters are energetic, rambunctious dogs with a sweet temperament. They’re a favorite family dog because of their loyalty and fun-loving nature. These dogs have been around for hundreds of years. In Ireland in the 1800s, they were used as companions on hunting trips to track down birds in a field and other prey throughout the countryside. Their excellent sense of smell, persistence and incredible speed has earned them a reputation as a superb hunting dog. Irish Setters are members of the sporting group of dogs.
Irish setters are moderate and seasonal shedders. During off-seasons, you’ll want to brush them once or twice a week. During heavy shedding seasons, you’ll need to brush them every day to avoid mats.
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Irish Setter Coat
Both Irish and English Setters have a medium to long haired coat that needs regular grooming to keep it well-maintained. Also, whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, Irish Setters have a lot of energy and require regular exercise. The common health conditions of this pet including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and Acral Lick Dermatitis must all be factored into the care of your Irish Setter.
Irish Setter Shedding Frequency
Irish Setters shed, and they shed a lot. So, be prepared for lots of vacuuming and sweeping. A good tip is to make sure to brush this breed as required. It will remove dead hairs before they end up on your floors and furniture.;
Outdoor activities simply mean more debris getting stuck on the coat. Brushing the dog is necessary at least three to four times a week to keep those pretty curls and locks tangle-free. Without proper grooming, the coat can get matted and lose its shine. This breed sheds a fair amount of fur. Mostly, after winter is over, they shed a lot and grow thinner and finer hair during the summer. This dog breed needs regular brushing but not bathing. Four to five times a year would be good provided the puppy does not play and roll in the sticky mud and slushy ground. Due to their long ears, Irish Setters are prone to ear infections. Their ears need to be checked frequently and need to be wiped with cotton to keep them clean and dry. Apart from that, like all dogs, they need basic dog care like brushing the teeth and clipping their nails.;
When Irish Setters Shed The Most
That long, fine hair is going to collect burrs easily and, if left unattended, will mat up quickly. Brushing at least three times a week will be a requirement. And you should still get used to having hair around your house, because shedding is a moderate concern for Irish setters, especially during the spring months when the dogs ditch some of that thick undercoat that serves them so well during the winter.;
Shedding Triggers
Absolutely dogs can shed more when they are angry, stressed, nervous, anxious, or scared. The exact reason is somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed that some stress can trigger the release of chemicals like adrenaline, which is linked to things like panting, sweating, shivering, and shedding.
Because they’re a larger breed with more surface area compared to a smaller breed, they do lose more hairs overall. This is not to say that larger dogs have a higher rate of shedding than smaller dogs, they don’t, there’s just more hair to go around.
Managing Your Irish Setter’s Shedding
There are a few things you can do to manage your Irish Setters shedding. Amongst the most common remedies are regular brushing, bathing, and using a de-shedder a few times per year. Diet can also play a role. Allergens in food can contribute to skin conditions, so this is something to keep an eye out for.
If your pup is allergic to wheat or gluten, there’s a chance a skin condition may break out. Once that happens, the skin condition is likely to contribute to some type of more-than-normal shedding, at least in my personal experience. If you do notice a change in normal shedding, it’s recommended you check with your veterinarian before starting any type of self-diagnosed treatment.
Brushing
Brush your dog’s teeth once a week to help prevent teeth and gum issues. Be sure to use toothpaste designed for dogs. Dental chews are a great option to help your pet maintain dental health.
A brush with boar’s hair bristles is another good tool to have for your Irish Setter’s grooming routine. The bristles clear away tangles and remove dead hair from your dog’s coat. Be sure to work from your dog’s head toward its tail brushing in the natural direction of its hair.
Shampoos
You can bathe them more frequently if they start to smell, and you will need to if you plan to show your dog. You will need to use a shampoo that is specifically made for dogs to avoid drying out their coat and skin.
The Irish Setter’s breathtaking red coat requires moderate grooming to look its best. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week with a pin brush or a soft bristle brush. A long-toothed metal dog comb will suffice to help work out any tangles or mats that may be starting to form. The nails should be trimmed at least once a month. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort as well as interfering with day to day walking and running. An occasional bath with a shampoo meant for dogs will help aide to keep the coat and skin clean and healthy.
Diet
A well-balanced diet is a must for any Irish Setter. You’ll want to make sure that they are eating dog food formulated for Irish Setters that’s rich in Omega Fatty acids. Omega fatty acids will help facilitate both skin and coat health. It will help keep their coats shiny and smooth, as well as potentially helping to alleviate skin conditions that your dog might have.
It’s also recommended that you mix in some natural ingredients with your dog’s food from time to time. Vegetables like Zucchini and cooked sweet potatoes can help contribute vitamins and minerals that will help keep your pup’s coat healthy.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Supplements
Supplements can also be a good way to help decrease shedding in Irish Setters. If your pup is already eating a dog food that isn’t rich in Omegas, it can be wise to add a fish oil supplement to their diet that will help. You can usually find fish oil supplements in both liquid and pill form.
There are also different chewable supplements that can help your Irish Setter’s coat. We are big fans of chewable supplements because they can improve coat health, as well as being used to train. Most coat and skin health formulas contain Omega Fatty acids, which will help your Irish Setter’s coat stay healthy and reduce shedding.
Even older dogs need exercise, and it can help fight symptoms of arthritis and other age-related conditions. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to your dog’s routine can give your dog the joint supplements they need to stay active well into old age
Deshedding Products
Deshedding tools are recommended for helping you manage shedding. This is especially important during the two times per year that your Irish Setter will “blow” their coats. Using a deshedding brush is different than just standard brushing. These tools are about the same cost as a brush, so it’s a budget-friendly way to keep annoying dog hair off your furniture and floors.
Deshedding brushes will comb the top of your Irish Setter’s coat to remove excess fur, while also digging into the second layer for any of that softer hair waiting to drop. Because deshedding brushes can be more abrasive, we do not recommend that you utilize de-shedding brushes more than a few times per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do Irish Setters shed?
Irish Setters shed an average amount of hair which increases or decreases during different seasons throughout the year. This dog’s beautiful coat of long, fine hair requires grooming about three times a week to keep it in good condition. A slicker dog brush is a useful grooming tool that reaches down into your Irish Setter’s coat to remove tangles and loose hair. A slicker brush has individual plastic pins as bristles. Plastic pins are gentle on your dog’s skin while stirring up natural oils and creating shine. - Why do Irish Setters shed in the winter?
Irish Setters shed year-round. It’s typically the worst right before the winter, and right before the springtime. - When do Irish Setters shed the most?
Irish Shepherds usually have a double coat, molting continually year-round, and having two heavy shedding periods seasonally in the spring and fall. For that reason, you’ll need to brush your dog several times a week and daily when the coat is shedding most heavily. - Do Irish Setters shed in the spring, summer or fall?
Irish Setters shed an average amount of hair. They shed more hair in the spring and fall than in other seasons. But, with regular grooming, an owner doesn’t have to deal with a lot of dog hair left behind on the furniture.
Final Thoughts
So do Irish Setters shed? That answer is a resounding YES. The grooming requirements to maintain the Setter’s gorgeous red locks are moderate. To maintain good coat condition, the Irish Setter should be brushed at least twice weekly. A good pin brush is the recommended tool for the job. Prevention of matting and knots is key to keeping the coat in impeccable shape.