Keeping your Italian Greyhound in slim body condition throughout life will reduce the strain on their slender leg bones. However, they can be prone to injuries, such as fractures, or diseases including dental disease, epilepsy, eye conditions and hypothyroidism. At a glance
While much larger than their Italian cousins, Greyhounds are relatively low-maintenance pets and can also be suited to apartment living. Common health problems
Unfortunately Italian Greyhounds are very prone to developing dental disease. Italian Greyhounds are an intelligent, gentle and affectionate breed. However, like all sighthounds, they have a Whats in it for me? approach - so lots of praise and rewards are a must! For more information on dental home care, check out Dental care for dogs. Can have white markings. Pro Plan
Italian Greyhounds were bred to have a strong prey drive and will readily drop everything to chase a rabbit, cat - or anything else furry or feathered! Mummified remains of hounds similar to the IG have been excavated from the tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt. Today, Italian Greyhounds are popular apartment pets due to their affectionate nature, preference for indoor living and minimal grooming requirements. Glaucoma is a painful condition of the eye that causes rapid blindness when left untreated. There are many ex-racing greyhounds in need of adoption into a fur-ever home! Includes antioxidants for strong immunity plus nutrients that bind to salivary calcium for good oral health. Adult Essential Health Small & Mini. Australian-made, premium puppy food with a small sized rehydratable kibble great for tiny mouths. Glaucoma is a medical emergency, so dont hesitate to call your vet if you notice any of these signs in your dog. The Italian Greyhound has an ancient lineage, believed to have been introduced to the Mediterranean region around 600 BC by the Romans. This means safely introducing your puppy to a variety of people, pets and experiences. Cataracts can lead to vision loss however they can be removed surgically. Both male and female Italian Greyhounds weigh between 3.6 - 5 kgs. Keep your Iggy snuggly and stylish at the same time with these cute PJs!. Dental disease starts with plaque build-up on the teeth, which eventually hardens to tartar (calculus) and causes gum inflammation (gingivitis). Some common health problems in the Italian Greyhound are: Growing Italian Greyhounds are prone to accidental bone fractures, most commonly in the lower forelimb (above the wrist). Italian Greyhounds are not suited to being left alone for long periods, and may bark if they are experiencing separation anxiety. Another premium Australian-made puppy diet specifically formulated for small and toy breeds. The Italian Greyhound gets on well with small dogs and can even make a good cat companion. Your vet can assess your Iggys oral health during check ups and schedule a dental cleaning in the clinic when required. While any dog breed can break a leg, Italian Greyhounds are more susceptible due to aspects of their anatomy such as narrower bones. Italian Greyhounds can get along very well with cats in the same household. Over time, the eye itself will look swollen. Australian-made, premium diet for toy and small breeds with the inclusion of prebiotic fibres to help improve digestion. Premium puppy diet containing DHA for brain and eye development, plus antioxidants and vitamins to help support your growing Iggy puppys immune system. Contents:
Not only is dental disease painful and unsightly, its a risk factor for other conditions such as kidney and heart disease as the infection spreads throughout the body. Signs of glaucoma may include squinting, redness of the white part of the eye and increased tear production. Related Breeds
They also contain balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing. The number one way to prevent dental disease is by regular toothbrushing. A handy chew that combines flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm protection in one. Many of the factors predisposing dogs to fractures are inherited. History
Want to know more? Italian Greyhounds adore being with their family. They dont tolerate cold or wet conditions and should not be left outdoors while you are not at home. Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds are generally quite healthy and long-lived dogs. A puppy from a registered breeder will cost approximately $2000. While its impossible to stop your Italian Greyhound puppy jumping completely, try to minimise hazards around the home as much as possible. They are well suited to apartment living, as long as they are exercised regularly. This breed also has a sensitivity to the chemical group called organophosphates. Very high quality diet formulated to meet the high energy needs of toy and small breed dogs. We recommend finding a reputable breeder of Italian Greyhounds. Italian Greyhound puppies in particular need small, frequent meals - they may suffer from hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) if there is too long a gap between meals. Take a look at our Greyhound Breed Guide for facts and care tips about this beautiful breed. Check out our Whippet Breed Guide for more information. Italian Greyhounds make excellent companion and family pets. We recommend the following diets for Italian Greyhounds as they are premium, science based brands with highly digestible and consistent ingredients. The height at the withers is between 32 - 38 cms. Behaviour
Italian Greyhounds love basking in sunny spots or - even better - being snuggled under the blankets with you, making them the perfect companion dog. Hills Prescription Diet Td Small Bites Dental Care. Italian Greyhound are moderate barkers - they may bark to give warning to their owners, or simply to get your attention! Hear first about our exclusive offers and pet care advice. Nutrition
The longer handle on this small toothbrush enables you to reach the very back teeth in your Italian Greyhounds mouth! For more puppy tips, check out our New Puppy Guide. The Italian Greyhound is a toy-sized dog with a big personality! Further reading. Feed your Iggy pup a premium quality diet which has the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus to ensure strong and healthy bone development. High - Italian Greyhounds love to spend time with their close family, Minimal coat care, require regular toothbrushing, Black, fawn, red, cream or blue. They have a tendency to closely bond with their family members and can be somewhat shy or aloof with strangers. Many owners report that Italian Greyhounds can be more difficult to house train compared to other dogs. A secure yard with a high fence is a necessity, as is a leash when walking in a non-secured area. Personality
Adult Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental disease, therefore an oral care or veterinary dental diet may be best to help maintain clean teeth and healthy gums. Some Italian Greyhounds may experience strong prey drive, however it is debatable whether they would consider a cat of the same size as them as prey. Italian Greyhounds are an inquisitive and mischievous breed who love to play with toys well into their adult years. Early socialisation is important to ensure your Italian Greyhound becomes a happy, confident and well-rounded companion dog. Having visitors to your house is a simple way to introduce your pup to new people. Veterinary dental diet that uses unique kibble fibre technology to mechanically clean teeth during meals.. We recommend the following high quality diets for your Italian Greyhound puppy, as they contain the correct balance of macro- and micro- nutrients for healthy growth and development. Thats when theyre not in your bed of course! This means they can sometimes develop behavioural problems such as separation anxiety if left to their own devices. The following products can assist with maintaining your dog's dental health, and keep them protected against nasty parasites. With a thin coat and minimal body fat, Italian Greyhounds really feel the cold. As a toy breed dog with a small stomach and fast gut transit time, Italian Greyhounds need to be fed a diet that is both highly nutritious and digestible. Having a sparse coat and hardly any body fat, clothes and a snuggly bed are a must to keep them warm! Plush toys are a guaranteed favourite of the Italian Greyhound - even better if they squeak! Take care when introducing Italian Greyhounds to larger dogs, as rough play could result in injury. For instance, avoid letting other people or children pick up your puppy as your pup may choose to launch themselves from their arms, causing severe stress on the bones when landing. With their sweet, affectionate nature, preference for indoor living and graceful appearance, the Italian Greyhound makes an excellent companion dog. This article is written by Pet Circle's qualified veterinarian, Dr Kes Holliday, DVM, BSc. The best way to ensure success is to supervise interactions between your Italian Greyhound puppy and cat. Like other sighthounds, they have a very strong prey drive which can make recall training difficult. Italian Greyhounds live between 12 - 15 years with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Ensure to select a reputable breeder of Italian Greyhounds. A premium, highly digestible diet with the additional nutrients that bind salivary calcium which helps to reduce dental tartar formation. Have a look into fun lure coursing events which are a fabulous opportunity for your Iggy to chase to their hearts content! They may have white markings with any of these colourings. Small Breed Adult Dog Food includes many recommended brands that have smaller kibble to suit small and toy breeds. A supplement powder containing Ascophyllum nodosum, an algae which helps fight plaque bacteria. Italian Greyhounds can be black, fawn, red, cream or blue. Special dental diets and chews can be a helpful adjunct to brushing. Iggys need a moderate walk daily to keep their bodies and minds active. Whippets share many temperament traits with the Italian Greyhound and are a wonderful option for pet owners seeking a medium sized hound. Hounds like the Italian Greyhound were originally bred as hunting dogs, although became well-known as companion dogs with notable owners including Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria! Food-dispensing toys provide mental stimulation for your intelligent Iggy and keep them out of mischief. Greenies help to reduce plaque and tartar when fed daily. Start a brushing regime when your Italian Greyhound is a puppy so they learn to tolerate it. Italian Greyhounds are an intelligent breed and can be easily trained. It's very important that you feed your adult Italian greyhound a suitable diet that is age appropriate and meets all of their nutritional needs. True to their sighthound lineage, Italian Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 40 km/hour. Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy. Italian Greyhounds rose in popularity in southern Europe throughout the Middle Ages. A warm cosy bed is an essential for any Iggy. Cataracts occur when eyes have a cloudy appearance due to changes to the lens. 2011-2022 Millell Pty Ltd | ABN: 17 148 151 213 | S03(REL-1.2528.2).