The Rescue Scheme has a wealth of experience and sometimes re-homing may not be the only option – you are welcome to talk to a Rescue Committee Member about any problem with your Irish Setter. To view contact numbers please Click here The ISBC has produced a HELP MY DOGS AT HOME card to help owners who have left dogs at home, that might be at risk if they did not return at the appointed time. the reverse side has space for a personal contact, and lists two Rescue contact numbers.
CARE OF THE NEUTERED COAT
Spaying a bitch or castrating a dog has advantages but can result in damage to the coat - which may become somewhat woolly and lighter in colour. The coat starts to lose quality about four months after neutering and if an owner is aware of this damage limitation can start as soon as the operation is carried out.
GROOMING
It is necessary to pay more attention to a neutered coat and we advise grooming daily. This involves a good all over body brushing with a wire brush, then combing with a metal comb, paying particular attention to the ears, particularly under the ears where hair easily tangles and the leg and tail feathering. When you have combed the dog once, weave an elastic band through the teeth of the comb and go over the dead hair bits again, this will help strip the dead hair out. Finish with a good bristle brush. Keep the ears, throat and feet trimmed. If you find this difficult use a professional groomer two or three times a year at least. Consider using a coat preparation - Wupi Oil or Shaw’s Coat Oil are excellent, there also products on the market to help with tangles.
ADDITIVES
It is important to add extra oils to the diet - Cod Liver Oil or Evening Primrose Oil is best (Olive Oil is not suitable). As a guide use a good full teaspoon daily in food for a dog weighing 25 kg. One of our rescue owners with a castrated dog achieved excellent results with Vitamin B12 (1 tablet per day). The above additives are readily available in super markets, health food shops and Chemists. Wild Yam Tablets ( Dioscorrea Villosa) can be obtained from Chorella Products Ltd, Draycote Foliat, Swindon Wilts, SN4 0HX. Tel 01793 741122. This product is said to help the body balance itself and comes highly recommended by one of our members.
VETERINARY HELP
It has also been reported that Vets have prescribed Incurin (usually used for incontinence) to help with coat care in the spayed bitch. This drug is oestrogen based and would presumably help to keep the coat in good condition. I understand that an Incurin tablet was given once a week for this purpose, but the weight of the bitch and the strength of the tablet may vary this. Incurin is a prescription Drug and this will need to be discussed with your Vet. We advise consulting your vet before adding supplements to make sure there is no conflict with any medication being used.