Health Matters>Key Facts
Key Facts on the Health of your Wheaten Terrier
On the whole the Wheaten Terrier is a healthy and robust dog but
does have genetic predispositions to certain diseases. Although it is
important that owners are aware of these, it must be remembered that the majority of Wheatens live long and active lives.
Why do you need to monitor your dog's health?
It is important owners learn to recognise the signs of the diseases that may affect their Wheatens. In this way the chances of catching a disease in its early stages are increased and therefore the opportunity to do something to prevent the situation from becoming any more serious or life threatening may present itself.
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Firstly educate yourself about your breed.
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Read the material available on Wheaten health and canine health in general.
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Learn the symptoms of those problems that could affect your dog’s health.
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Test your dog to establish the baseline and then test on a regular basis (annually, if possible).
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Learn how to monitor your Wheaten’s health i.e. the various tests you can do.
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Familiarise yourself with the purpose of each test and learn what each result means.
- Keep records of all testing in a file or by using WatchDog*(UK) Health Tracker*
*(Please contact us for details)
It is important for you to 'Know your Dog'
Every dog is an individual in its own right and what may be considered “normal” for one dog may differ slightly for another. If you were to compare any of your dog's test results, including temperature and respiration rates, with another owner’s results, you might find this was the case. Therefore there should be no cause for alarm, although any large discrepancies in values may need further investigation.
However, having done that first blood/urine test you will have established a baseline for your own dog! Each test you do can be seen as a "snapshot" of your Wheaten's health. So, in order to monitor your dog's health correctly, it is important to ask for a copy of the test results from your vet and to keep them on file or use WatchDog*(UK) Health Tracker, so that you can compare later test results with earlier ones.
In this way you will be able to identify any variations that may indicate a change, either up or down, in your Wheaten’s health. Again there is no cause for alarm, bearing in mind that your dog may just be having an “off” day at the time of the test. However, if later testing shows a developing trend, you would be wise to consult your vet.
The Animal Health Trust Testing pack provides a profile specifically for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, details are on Health Matters>Testing protocols>AHT Profile, or Publications>AHT Testing Pack.
You and Your Vet:
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Try to develop a good working relationship with your vet.
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When choosing a vet ask if they are familiar with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and its medical conditions.
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A copy of the AHT Profile or Testing Protocols should be taken to your Vet and you should ask if they are able to follow these Breed health protocols.
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If your vet is not familiar with the breed, ask if he/she would be happy to receive further information from you on Wheaten health issues.
- Keep clear records to ensure that testing takes place annually.
Provide your vet with a copy of the following to retain for his/her future information:
The average canine Gestation Period is approximately 63 days.
Body Height/Weight Ratio:
The UK Kennel Club Breed Standard for the SCWT states:
Point of Withers
 Height:
Dogs: approximately 18-19½ inches (46-49cms), i.e. measured
at the point of the withers
Bitches: Slightly less
Weight
Dogs: 35-45 pounds (16-20.5 kilograms)
Bitches: Somewhat less.
Note: The above is approximate; weight should be in relation to height.
Every dog is an individual therefore the following are approximations:
Normal Canine Body Temperature:
Usually - 38-39.2°C (100.5-102.5°F)
A dog's body temperature can vary between 37.2°C to 39.2°C (99°F to 102.5°F), this can be dependent on a number of reasons; emotional state, level of activity, environment and even time of day.
Please remember – Temperatures outside these values do not automatically indicate that a disease or disorder is present.
However, if your dog’s temperature drops below 37.2°C (99°F), or rises above 40°C (104°F), then this is cause for concern and you should contact your vet immediately.
What Your Dog’s Temperature may mean:
| Degrees Centigrade (°C) |
Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) |
Possible Cause |
| 36.6 |
98 |
Hypothermia -keep your dog warm |
| 37.2 |
99 |
Abnormal |
| 38-39.2 |
100.5-102.5 |
Normal temperature |
| 39.4 |
103 |
Moderate fever |
| 40 |
104 |
High fever |
| 40.5 |
105 |
Dangerous |
| 41.1 |
106 |
Heatstroke - cool down immediately |
Dogs do not have sweat glands, other than on their footpads, they have to pant in order to reduce their body temperature. However panting would not help in reducing the dog’s temperature if a dog is suffering from heatstroke.
You should remove your dog from the direct sunlight and use water to cool down the body, if you are able, immerse in water and wrap in wet towels and take to the vet as quickly as possible. Never leave your dog in a car on hot day. This link is to an appropriate article which provides more information (opens in a new page).
Pulse Rate – 70-120 beats/minute
Pulse rate is the number of heart beats per minute. Larger dogs have slower rates than small dogs, and dogs that are in good physical condition will have lower heart rates than dogs of similar age and size who are not physically fit.
Puppies typically have higher heart rates, up to 180 beats per minute is normal up to one year of age.
Respiration Rate – 18-34 breaths/minute
Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rates are assessed when the dog is resting. A dog that is in pain, having heart or respiratory problems, suffering from heatstroke, or simply excited, will usually have an increased respiratory rate. It is therefore important to look at the overall situation and condition to make a proper assessment.
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