Irish Terrier (detailed introduction)

　　Raising an Irish Terrier follows the same process as other dogs. Annual vaccinations should be done on time, and regular internal and external deworming is required. Irish Terriers grow rapidly during their early stages, so nutrition must be kept up during feeding.
　　Care Knowledge
　　Vaccination Notes
　　Before injection, observe the dog’s health condition to ensure it is good; it is best to deworm first. Vaccination is not suitable if the dog is ill or malnourished; be sure to note the vaccine’s validity period and choose a reliable brand. The injection must be carried out by a licensed veterinary hospital with the vet stamping and noting the vaccine type in the health record. Resistance develops 2-3 weeks after injection; during this period, take good care by avoiding baths and protecting the dog from cold drafts. If discomfort occurs, take the dog to a hospital for diagnosis. After vaccination, provide adequate multivitamins (especially folic acid and pantothenic acid). A rise in temperature, lethargy, decreased appetite, and pain after vaccination are normal and usually subside within 24 hours. However, if there is whole-body itching or facial swelling, this indicates an allergy and requires hospital treatment with desensitizing injections.
　　Care
　　Feeding the Irish Terrier appropriate food is very important for its healthy growth. The food it eats greatly affects its coat’s color, thickness, and overall health.
　　Improper food can stunt the Irish Terrier’s development and growth, which is often irreversible later. Starting from the puppy stage, feed nutrient-rich, balanced food, preferably dry dog food. Generally, dry dog food contains all the nutrients required, including protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals, sufficient for the dog’s growth. Therefore, additional snacks are unnecessary.
　　Supplementary feeding: Normal Irish Terrier mother dogs’ lactation peaks about 21 days after delivery, while puppies grow rapidly and require increasing milk quantities. Therefore, starting from the 10th day after birth, supplementary feeding measures should be taken. Supplement water from 10 days of age; around 15 days, supplement with rice soup placed on a small plate for puppies to lick; around 20 days, use porridge; at 25 days, add feed to the porridge, increasing the feed from 20-30 grams gradually to 200-300 grams, three to four times a day.
　　Artificial nursing and foster mother care: For litters with many puppies, or if the mother has no milk or dies after delivery, artificial nursing or foster mother care is necessary. Puppies in artificial nursing should be kept in the birthing room lined with straw or old cotton to maintain proper temperature. Milk for artificial feeding should be given with a bottle. Within 10 days after birth, feed every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4-6 hours at night, with daily intake not less than 100 ml. Milk quantity increases from 200 ml to 300 ml in 10-20 days. From 20 days onward, besides 300 ml of milk, other types and quantities of food should be added.
　　The foster mother dog should be gentle, maternal, and have a good milk supply. Foster puppies should be of the same age or only a few days difference. If a mother dog refuses foster nursing, wipe the puppies with the foster mother’s milk or urine to unify their scent and promote nursing. If fostered at birth, wipe the puppies with amniotic fluid for better acceptance.
　　Irish Terrier Bathing
　　First, bathe the dog in the morning or noon; avoid bathing in high humidity or rainy days. After bathing, immediately dry with a hairdryer or towel. Never dry the dog in direct sunlight.
　　Second, always brush the coat before bathing. This detangles matted hair and removes large dirt particles, facilitating cleaning. Pay special attention to brushing around the mouth, behind the ears, underarms, inner thighs, and toes — areas dogs dislike being brushed but must be clean. To reduce pain, hold the base of the hair with one hand and brush with the other.
　　Third, the bathwater temperature should not be too high or low; around 36-37°C is suitable in spring.
　　Fourth, prevent shampoo from getting into the dog’s eyes or ears during bathing. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue that may irritate the skin and cause dermatitis.
　　第五，After bathing and drying, clean the dog’s ears thoroughly. If there is ear hair, pluck it out completely.