Irish Wolfhounds may be noble giants, but those big floppy ears can be a bit high-maintenance! Because their ears hang down, they can trap moisture and dirt, making them a cozy little hideaway for things like yeast, bacteria, or the occasional party-crashing ear mite. Sometimes, if they shake their heads too much (usually in protest of ear cleaning!), they can even end up with a swollen ear, called a hematoma—ouch! Thankfully, a little TLC goes a long way: regular ear checks, gentle cleanings, and the occasional “ear spa day” will keep your Wolfie’s ears happy and healthy.
Top 10 tips for maintaining Irish Wolfhound ear health
- 1. Check Weekly: Look for redness, odor, or gunk.
- 2. Keep Them Dry: Dry ears after baths or rain.
- 3. Use Dog-Friendly Ear Cleaner: Stick to vet-approved solutions.
- 4. Avoid Q-tips: Use cotton pads — no digging!
- 5. Watch for Head Shaking: It may signal irritation or infection.
- 6. Trim Ear Hair if Needed: Improves airflow and hygiene.
- 7. Wipe the Flaps: Clean outer ears gently with a soft cloth.
- 8. Treat Allergies Promptly: Reduces itching and inflammation.
- 9. Be Gentle and Positive: Make it a treat-filled bonding moment.
- 10. See the Vet for Concerns: Don’t wait on signs of infection.
🐶 How to Test If Your Dog’s Hearing Is Okay
🏠 At-Home Hearing Checks:
Clap Your Hands (Out of Sight)
- Stand behind or to the side of your dog (so they can’t see you) and clap loudly.
- A dog with normal hearing will usually perk up, turn their head, or flick their ears.
Jingle Keys or a Noisy Toy
- Make the sound when your dog isn’t looking. Look for any head tilt, ear movement, or curiosity.
Try a High-Pitched Whistle
- Dogs respond well to high-frequency sounds. If there’s no response, there could be partial hearing loss.
Call Their Name Normally
- If they don’t react but respond to vibrations or visual cues, hearing might be impaired.
Use Floor Vibrations
- Tap your foot or stomp gently — if your dog responds to the vibration but not sound, it might confirm a hearing issue.
🧪 Veterinary Hearing Tests:
- BAER Test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)
- This is the gold-standard test done by a vet or specialist.
- It measures brain activity in response to sound using tiny electrodes.
- Completely painless and super accurate — great for confirming full or partial hearing loss.
⚠️ Signs Your Dog May Have Hearing Loss:
- Not responding to name or commands
- Startling easily when touched
- Sleeping more deeply
- Excessive barking (can’t hear themselves)
- Lack of ear movement toward sounds
For the Proud Irish Wolfhound Lover
Here are the top 10 health issues commonly seen in Irish Wolfhounds:
- 1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- 2. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
- 3. Hip Dysplasia
- 4. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
- 5. Elbow Dysplasia
- 6. von Willebrand’s Disease
- 7. Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)
- 8. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- 9. Hypothyroidism
- 10. Megaesophagus
🐾 1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A serious heart condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened.
Common in large breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds.
Can lead to congestive heart failure or sudden death.
🦴 2. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
A very aggressive cancer, often found in the limbs.
Irish Wolfhounds are at higher risk due to their size and rapid growth.
🐶 3. Hip Dysplasia
Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis and pain.
Genetic and exacerbated by rapid growth during puppyhood.
🧬 4. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas.
Requires immediate emergency surgery.
🦵 5. Elbow Dysplasia
Affects the front limbs and can cause lameness or arthritis.
Less common than hip dysplasia, but still seen in the breed.
🩸 6. von Willebrand’s Disease
A blood clotting disorder similar to hemophilia.
Leads to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
🧠 7. Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)
A congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver.
Can cause neurological symptoms, poor growth, and digestive issues.
🩻 8. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A degenerative eye condition leading to blindness.
Often inherited, and no cure currently exists.
🧫 9. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Treatable with daily medication.
🐕 10. Megaesophagus
The esophagus enlarges and loses function, making swallowing difficult.
Can cause regurgitation and risk of aspiration pneumonia.
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Dog ears come in all varieties
Irish Wolfhound FAQs
- 1. Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Yes, they are gentle, affectionate, and great with children. - 2. How big do Irish Wolfhounds get?
Males can reach up to 35 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 140-180 lbs. - 3. Do Irish Wolfhounds require a lot of exercise?
They need moderate exercise, like daily walks and occasional sprints. - 4. How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
Sadly, they have a short lifespan of around 6-8 years. - 5. Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but can be independent, so consistent training is key. - 6. Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?
They have a rough coat that sheds moderately and requires regular grooming. - 7. Are Irish Wolfhounds aggressive?
No, they are known as gentle giants and are rarely aggressive. - 8. Can Irish Wolfhounds live in apartments?
They can, but they need enough space to stretch out and regular walks. - 9. What health issues do Irish Wolfhounds face?
They are prone to heart disease, bloat, and joint issues. - 10. Are Irish Wolfhounds good guard dogs?
Not really—they may look intimidating, but they are too friendly to be effective guard dogs.
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