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As a proud owner of a Patterdale Terrier, you will no doubt be aware that they are an excitable and energetic breed prone to getting up to mischief. Like the Jack Russell was bred for ratting, the Patterdale Terrier was bred for hunting foxes and badgers on farmland. They come from a village in the Lake District called Patterdale where farming is big business. Farmers needed a small and energetic breed to keep out foxes and badgers. Due to this breeding Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. Today’s blog is all about maintain Patterdale terrier health.
Patterdale Terrier Heath
Common Patterdale Terrier Health Problems
They are also susceptible to certain health problems, most commonly with their eyes and joints. They are also at risk of developing Hystiocytomas, small lumps usually found around their armpits or down their legs. Generally, these lumps are not harmful and eventually heal themselves, however, it is important to get a vet’s opinion to rule out other causes.
Patterdale Terriers are also at risk of a condition called Hypothyroidism. This is where the body does not produce enough of a hormone called Thyroxine, which controls metabolism. A decrease in this hormone causes weight gain along with flaky or itchy skin, ear and eye infections and lethargy. It is, however, easily diagnosed and treatable with medication.
Eye problems in Patterdale Terriers
Keep a close watch on your Patterdale’s eye condition. As a smaller breed they are at risk of developing glaucoma, conjunctivitis or lens luxation. If your Patterdale is a working dog it is vital that you also keep watch for corneal ulcers. Speak to your vet for advice on which signs to look out for and organise regular check-ups.
Vaccinations and Boosters
It is also important to ensure your Patterdale gets his yearly inoculations against Leptospirosis, an infectious disease that can be caught from water or warm, wet soil. Every three years, your dog’s booster vaccinations will also cover distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis.
Patterdale Terrier Diet
The best way to reduce the risks of such ailments is with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. As with humans, the quality of dog food can have a direct effect on health. Most branded pet foods will bulk out their recipes with cheap fillers such as grain. Unfortunately, grain has no health benefits, so these foods are not going to be much good for your dog. The best foods are those where the meat content is at least 15%, the recipe is grain-free, and the majority of the ingredients are natural. Brands such as Lily’s Kitchen and Pooch&Mutt create bespoke recipes designed to target certain conditions such as sensitive stomachs, delicate skin or joint problems.
- Give your dog a variety meal plan with this wet dog food containing: Cottage Pie, Chicken and Turkey Casserole and Lamb Hotpot tins. Made for adult dogs 4months+, each balanced recipe is made with natural food and freshly prepared ingredients
- Complete and balanced, all three natural food recipes are made with freshly prepared meat and offal, vibrant vegetables and all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals your hound needs. No artificial flavourings included
- Discover more natural dog food. We cater to all tastes, from wet and dry suppers to biscuits and chews. All made with wholesome, natural ingredients
Exercise for your Patterdale Terrier
Thanks to their origins and breeding, Patterdale Terriers have a high exercise need. Like other working breeds they need at least an hour of hard running every day to burn through their energy and work their muscles. Not getting enough energy release can cause health issues such as vomiting and anxiety.
Patterdales love agility and flyball. These pursuits are high intensity and also lots of fun, while also providing them with plenty of mental stimulation. They also love hiking and hill-walking, but it is important to keep away from areas where foxes and badgers live so your Patty isn’t tempted to explore the tunnels.
Grooming
Depending on the coat type of your Patterdale Terrier, you will need to ensure his coat is kept in good condition. Smooth coats need little attention, but a quick brush with a wire brush once a week will help get rid of any loose hairs.
- DE-MATTING TOOL: Our Soft Protection Slicker Brush is specifically designed to effectively de-matt long fur coats, keeping your pet's coat healthy and tangle-free
- ERGONOMIC SOFT GRIP HANDLE: The slicker brush features an ergonomic soft grip handle, ensuring comfortable and easy use while grooming your pet
- REMOVES MATTS, TANGLES & LOOSE HAIR: This versatile brush eliminates matts, tangles, and loose hair, promoting a well-groomed appearance for your pet
Broken Coated Patterdales need a little more attention since their coat is slightly longer and bristly. They generally require only a quick tidy up but leaving it too long can cause matting or clumps.
Rough Coated Patterdales have longer and thicker hair that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Both Broken and Rough coats are best combed through using a slicker brush. There are brushes available with various bristles thickness depending on the coat type your dog has and there are also easy-clean options with retractable bristles to make removing hair quick and simple. Your dog may also need a monthly trim. This can either be done at home or by a quick visit to the groomer.
You might find this article on Patterdale terrier grooming helpful.
Fleas and Worming
As with any dog breed, Patterdales can catch fleas and worms. Preventing flea and tick infestations are an important part of patterdale health, because they love to run through long grass and hedges, where it is easy to pick up fleas, ticks and worms especially in the summer. There are plenty of excellent flea and worm treatments for dogs available online and through stores and your vets.
There are several types of preventative treatment for fleas. The most common is a spot-on treatment such as beaphar that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Most flea spot on flea treatments will also work against ticks. We use frontline for small dogs on Blake, our rescue Patterdale.
- Kills fleas, ticks and lice
- Available without a prescription
- Kills fleas on your pet within 24 hours
Due to dogs’ love of snooting about in the dirt, worms are relatively easy to pick up. The most common are tapeworms and roundworms. These parasites can cause lots of health issues including weight loss, diarrhoea and vomiting. Luckily, preventative treatment is easy, given in the form of a small tablet every 3 months such as Johnson’s.
- Size 4Multi-pack size or for homes with more than 1 dog
- A single dose treatment to kill both roundworms and tapeworms
- For large dogs from 6kg-80kg. 8x500mg Tablets
Dogs in Hot Weather
Remember to keep an eye on dogs in hot weather. If concrete floors or pavements are too hot for you to touch with your hand, they are likely to be unsuitable for your dogs paws which could get burnt. Also keep your dog hydrated and in the shade when temperatures are high to avoid heat stroke. A dog water bottle is a great thing to carry at all times.
- ✅Ideal Travel Water Bottle - 12oz capacity fresh water,quickly provide your thirsty pets with fresh water when outdoor walking, hikes, travelling.A perfect travel water bottle for pets.
- ✅Unique portable design - This Water Bottle is great for walking and travelling with you dog or cat,And it include bottle carabiner can be attached to your backpack, pet crate, stroller or glovebox.
- ✅Leak proof + No waste -One key open/Lock water,Press button for water to flow in and out of the reservoir, at a sufficient rate to prevent spillages.
The best way to ensure you have a healthy Patterdale is to make sure they are happy! Make sure to provide plenty of exercise, play-time and opportunities to work their minds, alongside a good quality diet and regular grooming. Patterdale Terriers are a low maintenance breed with a few limited health risks and many of these can be prevented or quickly treated if your dog is healthy and happy.
Further Reading
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