5 Common Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Concerns

These Irish farm dogs are sturdy, cheerful pups who make loyal companions for life. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for its silky coat, playful energy, and affectionate nature.

However, like all purebred dogs, Wheatens are associated with a few breed-specific health concerns that every prospective or current owner should be aware of. Understanding these conditions early on and learning what preventive care looks like is key to helping your Wheaten live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Below, we take a closer look at five of the most common Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health problems, what causes them, and how you can support your pup’s wellbeing through every stage of life.

1. Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Addison’s disease in dogs occurs when the adrenal glands—small organs located near the kidneys—don’t produce enough essential hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones regulate electrolyte balance, metabolism, and the stress response, so when levels drop, it can affect the entire body.

Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite

An ACTH stimulation test is required for diagnosis, and while the condition can’t be cured, it’s very manageable. Dogs with Addison’s typically live full lives with lifelong hormone replacement therapy, often through monthly injections and oral medications.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are genetically predisposed to Addison’s disease, which means that responsible breeding, combined with regular veterinary monitoring, is essential. If your dog ever seems unusually tired or unable to tolerate stress, it’s worth asking your vet whether an adrenal function test might be appropriate.

2. Renal Dysplasia

Another inherited concern in Wheatens is renal dysplasia, a developmental abnormality of the kidneys that typically appears in puppies or young dogs. The condition is caused by improper formation of kidney tissue during fetal growth. Essentially, the kidneys don’t mature as they should, leaving them less capable of filtering waste from the bloodstream.

You may notice that your Wheaten puppy is drinking or urinating excessively, not gaining weight, or appears smaller than its littermates. In severe cases, the condition can lead to chronic kidney disease, which requires careful long-term management.

While there’s no cure for renal dysplasia, early diagnosis can make a significant difference. Your veterinarian may recommend:

• Specialized kidney diets are low in phosphorus and protein
• Regular bloodwork to monitor kidney function
• Plenty of fresh water and close observation for signs of dehydration

Since this condition is hereditary, it’s crucial to work with breeders who conduct genetic testing and don’t breed affected dogs. Asking questions about your puppy’s lineage isn’t just good practice—it’s one of the best ways to protect the breed’s long-term health.

3. Protein-Losing Nephropathy

Few conditions have shaped the conversation around Wheaten Terrier health as much as protein-losing nephropathy, often abbreviated as PLN. This severe kidney disease occurs when the glomeruli—the kidney’s filtering units—start allowing valuable proteins to escape into the urine. Over time, that protein loss disrupts the body’s balance and can lead to weight loss, swelling, fatigue, and even kidney failure.

PLN most often affects adult female Wheatens, usually appearing between two and six years of age. Because early symptoms can be mild—maybe your dog just seems less energetic or hungrier than usual—the disease is sometimes missed until it’s advanced.

There’s no single cure, but with early intervention, the progression can often be slowed. Veterinarians may prescribe:

• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce protein leakage
• Omega-3 supplements for kidney support
• Low-protein, kidney-protective diets
• Regular urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) tests

Breed clubs and researchers continue to study PLN’s genetic roots, and DNA screening is helping breeders make more informed choices. For owners, routine wellness testing remains the best defense.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their enthusiasm, especially when it comes to food; however, some are prone to chronic digestive issues, often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD isn’t a single disease, but a term for persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It interferes with nutrient absorption and can cause long-term discomfort. Dogs with IBD may have frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite and weight.

Because symptoms overlap with other digestive disorders, diagnosis can require several steps: bloodwork, fecal testing, X-rays, ultrasounds, and sometimes intestinal biopsies. Treatment plans are highly individualized, depending on which part of the GI tract is affected and how severe the inflammation is.

Management often includes:

• Novel-protein or hydrolyzed diets
• Probiotics and anti-inflammatory medications
• B12 supplementation or, in some cases, corticosteroids

The good news is that once the right diet and treatment plan are in place, many Wheatens with IBD go on to live completely normal lives. Close communication with your veterinarian and attention to small changes in your dog’s digestion are key to long-term success.

5. Cataracts and Vision Problems

Cataracts, a common cause of vision loss in older dogs, are also seen in younger Wheatens due to hereditary factors or diabetes.

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, scattering light and blurring vision. Signs of cataracts in dogs:

• Cloudy or bluish eyes
• Bumping into objects
• Reluctance to go out in dim light
• Vision changes noticed by the owner

Veterinary ophthalmologists can confirm the diagnosis and, in many cases, remove the cataract surgically, restoring vision. Not all cataracts require immediate surgery. Some remain small and stable, but routine eye exams are essential to detect changes early.

Since diabetes can contribute to cataract formation, maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet helps minimize risk.

Keeping Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Healthy

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 15 years, and most dogs enjoy long, active lives with proper veterinary care. Routine vet visits, a balanced diet, and early health screenings go a long way in preventing complications from these conditions.