Caring for Your Sheltie's Health
Take care of your Shetland Sheepdog's health with these tips on grooming, diet, exercise, oral health, genetic disorders, de-sexing, and vaccinations.
How to Groom a Sheltie
The double coat of a Sheltie needs frequent grooming. Here's my guide to systematically de-shedding the undercoat and untangling mats.
Clean Your Sheltie's Teeth
Dogs get tooth decay just like us. Here's how to protect your Sheltie's teeth with brushing, dental chews, and water additives.
The Best Dog Food for Shelties
The best and worst dog food ingredients to look out for in dry kibble brands, as well as information on raw food diets and how to maintain good oral health.
Genetic Diseases in Shelties
While Shelties are a healthy dog breed, their particular gene pool can make them more prone to genetic diseases like Collie Eye and kneecap dislocation.
Should You Shave a Sheltie?
In hot weather, it may seem like shaving a Sheltie will keep her cooler, but remember the double coat is a finely tuned biological adaptation.
The Pros and Cons of Neutering
Neutering a male dog stops him from roaming to impregnate females and reduces the risk of reproductive diseases.
The Pros and Cons of Spaying
Spaying a female Sheltie prevents heat cycles and pregnancy, while reducing the risk of reproductive diseases.
Is Your Sheltie Fat?
Vets say 30% of dogs are overweight by 6 months old, leading to higher risk of cancer and heart disease.
Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
Fleas can live in the Sheltie undercoat, sucking blood, causing itching, and laying lay up to 4,000 eggs a time to perpetuate the havoc.
30 Foods Toxic to Dogs
Common human foods like grapes, onions, tomatoes, and avocados can cause serious complications in dogs.
101 Shelties in The Bath
I asked Sheltie Planet readers to share their funniest photos of dripping wet Shelties in the tub. This is what I got back. Don't laugh. (Okay, laugh a bit.)
Say No to Pet Store Puppies
Pet store puppies often come from puppy mills and backyard breeders who, unlike professionals, forego the cost of genetic testing and vet checks.
What Vaccines Do Shelties Need?
Puppies get their first vaccinations at 6-8 weeks. If you buy a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, take him to the vet on the following schedule to build up robust protection against common infectious diseases:
| Age | Essential Vaccines | Optional Vaccines |
| 6-8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus | Bordetella |
| 10-12 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) | Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
| 16-18 weeks | DHPP, Rabies | Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
| 12-16 months | DHPP, Rabies | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
| Every 1-2 years | DHPP, Rabies | Coronavirus, Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease |
Source: AKC Guide to Puppy Vaccinations
Whether you rescue a Sheltie or buy a Sheltie puppy, make sure you register her with your vet and sign up for reminders when her next vaccinations are due.
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The Shetland Sheepdog FAQ
Common questions about Sheltie temperament, intelligence, lifespan, health, grooming, puppies, breeders, adoption, training, and more.
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While early dogs evolved from wolves around 40,000 years ago, they do retain some aggressive instincts from their wild ancestry.
30 Foods Toxic to Dogs
Common human foods like grapes, onions, tomatoes, and avocados can cause serious complications in dogs.
The Best Sheltie Leashes
The best leash for a Sheltie is a standard five-foot nylon leash, with halter attachments becoming increasingly popular.