How to Care for an Italian Greyhound

Picture the tall, graceful Greyhound. Now picture a dog with similar looks and grace that only weighs in at about 9 lbs—and you have the Italian Greyhound. This toy cousin to the Greyhound makes a great companion and can live to a ripe old age with minimal—yet proper care. Here are some steps to caring for them properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Spay or Neuter your Italian Greyhound to prevent more Italian Greyhounds from winding up at rescues and shelters. Spaying your female before the first heat period will significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer and eliminate the chance of uterine infections. Neutering your male dog will prevent testicular cancer, help prevent prostate problems and curb aggression.

2. Take your “IG” in for regular medical checkups and stay current on vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative. You can also do your own monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums.

3. Brush your Italian Greyhound's teeth about once a week with a toothbrush/toothpaste made specifically for dogs, and have them professionally cleaned regularly. Ask your vet for a recommended schedule. Give them tartar-control dog biscuits as treats, because IG's are prone to tooth decay. Safe, tartar-control chew toys are also a good idea.

4. Maintain a proper weight for your Italian Greyhound. They are sleek by nature. Feed a quality, dry dog food, which is better for their teeth. If you like, you can mixed canned or moist food in for variety. Make sure that meat is listed as the first ingredient and it contains the proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, or you can feed a homemade diet.

5. Bathe your IG about every four to six months and brush the short coat with a soft bristle brush.

6. 

   Trim your Italian Greyhound's nails regularly so as not to interfere with walking or running. This breed's nails grow quickly and they like to run, so it's important to stay on top of it.

7. Clean your IG’s ears regularly with a cotton ball or Q-tip and a little baby oil, or use an ear cleaner made especially for dogs.

8. Avoid leaving your Italian Greyhound out in the cold. Their lack of body fat causes them to chill easily. They are basically indoor dogs. You might consider a dog sweater while walking your IG during cold weather.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your Italian Greyhound a lot of love and attention. They thrive on it.
• Take your IG for long walks and engage him in play.
• This breed is prone to broken legs and luxating patellas (slipped kneecaps).
• When in public, always keep your Italian Greyhound on a leash. Although you won't find their picture adorning the side of a bus or people betting money on them, don't think these guys won't haul butt at the drop of a hat.

[melmkeshlear]

on 7/30/2007 I've checked the stats on the La shelters. I am just giving a different opinion.
melk

[diggitydogg]

on 7/29/2007 Millions of dogs end up at shelters and rescues, including Italian Greyhounds. Yes, some breeds more than others, who said otherwise? In any case, it continues to be a huge problem in our country and our society. Anyone who says otherwise is completely misguided or in denial. Living, breathing, feeling beings are not our "property" and should not be disposable. Why not visit a few Los Angeles shelters and speak with director Ed Boks or do some actual research? That should stop you from arguing something pointless. I welcome comments when it's not just arguing for the sake of arguing.

[melmkeshlear]

on 7/29/2007 Very few Italian grayhounds end up in shelters- if they get there at all, they are scooped up and more than one family are there to claim it. Big black dogs are the ones that end up in shelters.