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Health

Exercise and Housing

 Daily exercise contributes to good mental and physical health. Teach him to retrieve a ball for days when weather or time don't permit a walk. He needs a fenced yard where he is safe from outside dangers, and can establish his territory. Keep your puppy on a leash when out of the yard. Airedales do not adjust well to being tied up and are better off in a pen, crate or mesh run when unattended. He will be happiest being with you whenever possible.

             Gear:  Flat leather or nylon buckle collar or rolled leather collar.

                        Six foot leash or flexi.

                        Baggies for "picking up" on walks.

Airedales generally are a healthy breed of dog; however they can experience the following conditions:

1.      Panosteitis, or growth-related lameness, is similar to growing pains in children.  It is not uncommon in medium and large breeds between 4-15 months of age.  See the attached excerpt from Canine Orthopedics by Robert Rooks and Connie Jankowski.

2.      Hip Dysplasia (hip and elbow).  This is an inherited disease affecting the normal functioning of the joint.  Dysplasia can cause mild to severe pain and varying degrees of crippling in the affected dog.  Treatment is usually aimed at pain control.  Surgery may also be an option.  The parents of your puppy have been certified clear of hip dysplasia.

3.      Cancer is a common disease in dogs, and the risk increases with age.  Veterinarians recommend neutering pets as a proven means of reducing the onset of cancer.

4.      Thyroid disorders

Keep your dog lean until maturity, at about 2 years of age. Obesity will stress growing limbs.  Neutering your pet does not mean he will become overweight; proper diet and exercise will keep him healthy.