Read my advice on daily health care so your Italian Greyhound lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet... [read more], 3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food Should your female Italian Greyhound be spayed? 12. Since it's a cosmetic condition, there's no treatment required other than adding supplements that are good for the skin and coat, such as fatty acids. Maine About Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue. Any website that you cannot verify the breeder, cannot video chat, are requested to wire money, send via money gram, or gift cards then IT IS LIKELY A SCAM. Broken legs are one and Perindontal Disease and Epilepsy are two of the others that are causes of concern. The breed embodies the same qualities that enable the full-sized Greyhound to run at top speed using the double-suspension gallop: a curvaceous outline with a … Health problems that can be found in the breed: The Italian Greyhound is a dog that has relatively good health without any real major health problems. Find out what some vets aren't telling you... [read more], Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons General Health Information for your Italian Greyhound Dental Disease. Better yet, switch your Italian Greyhound to a real-food diet, which will provide all those essential fatty acids. It's not itchy and the skin and coat are otherwise normal. The one health issue that this dog does have is with their teeth. But the joint problem to worry about the most is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which affects the hips and can be very serious. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. This is basically a healthy breed. You should never let these dogs off-leash at the park! Ohio Arkansas They are small and thin, however, and are at a higher risk for broken bones as a result. The survey also reported that the most common health problem in Italian Greyhounds is dental disease. Watch Out For These Potential Health Concerns. West Virginia Without question, the biggest health problems involving Italian greyhounds involve the teeth and gums. Ear & Nose Mites; Digestive System. [read more], Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons Don’t let the list below scare you! A cataract when the lens of the dog’s eye becomes cloudy and makes it difficult for a dog to see. Kentucky Color Mutant Alopecia: This inherited skin condition causes dryness, itchiness, and loss of hair in my dog breeds. Indiana Italian greyhounds could be affected by the following (but not limited to) health conditions and diseases, some of which are hereditary. Vermont Some health problems are inherited. Select One... Iggys have relatively large teeth for such a small mouth which can result in crowding of the teeth. The most common health problems in Italian Greyhounds are periodontal disease and tooth problems. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House, 3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food, Should You Buy Pet Insurance? Behavior Cats: the chances of an IG intermingling with a cat while walking on the road randomly someday are less. Current research says, "The AGE at which you spay can be vitally important to your dog's future health." Seizures and Causes. A health survey of over 700 Italian Greyhounds revealed that 15% have broken a leg. Your Italian Greyhound will love real chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, yogurt, broccoli.... this is not just "people food" and I'll tell you why... [read more], 5 Best Kibble and Canned Dog Foods Here are my concerns... [read more], Feed Homemade Dog Food Without Needing To Make It IGCA Rescue is an AKC breed club sponsored re-homing service provided for Italian Greyhounds that have been abandoned at animal shelters, taken from abusive homes or surrendered to Rescue for various reasons. Italian Greyhound Common Health Issues. An eye disease called vitreous degeneration is also common in Italian Greyhounds. Does your Italian Greyhound suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis? A sighthound who can't stretch his legs and gallop off-leash will not develop proper muscle tone for good health. Colorado Some Italian Greyhounds have pattern baldness, a gradual thinning of hair around their temples and ears and under their neck and stomach. By jetcitywoman, July 8, 2011 in Health and Medical discussion. I have a solution for you... [read more], Should You Buy Pet Insurance? New York And, it can also provide Italian Greyhound owners helpful information to discuss with a veterinarian upon diagnosis of similar issues. Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? are common when slender sighthounds race about. About once a week, he will start avoiding food, his stomachwill make very loud noises, and he gets gassy. Utah Since, Italian Greyhound live only up to 11 – 15 years they go through various burdensome health issues which would cost you minimum $100 – $500 USD. Box 30644, Seattle, WA 98113-0644. Illinois My italian greyhound has been going through upset stomach cycles for nearly a month. Texas In relative terms Italian Greyhounds are a healthy breed but there are also some key health issues that owners need to be aware of. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it. BUT these dogs are instinctive chasers. Demodectic mange is regularly seen in Italian Greyhound puppies and adolescents. Color Mutant Alopecia: This inherited skin condition causes dryness, itchiness, and loss of hair in my dog breeds. Italian greyhounds have a small gene pool. We are a 501(c)(3) affiliated with the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation (IGRF) . The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years of age, but its body shape is a bit thin and fragile. This hereditary disease is called enamel hypoplasia (lack of enamel). An Honest Review. All rights reserved. The Italian Greyhound is easy to care for and requires moderate exercise. Alfheim frequently has Italian Greyhound puppies and Ibizan Hound puppies located in Western Washington not far from Seattle WA and Portland, Oregon. Arizona The Italian Greyhound can also be affected by any of the health problems common to toy dogs, such as a collapsing trachea, which causes respiratory problems and makes wearing a collar difficult. A: Health testing is a vital piece of a responsible breeding program when heritable conditions are present, but diet, exercise, environment, and genetics can all factor into whether a dog develops a health condition or disease. Dog Health Issues For Italian Greyhounds Below: The dog illness / illnesses or medical problems listed for the Italian Greyhound by various vets. We have several wonderful dogs including Sicilian Sight Hounds known in Italian as Cirneco dell’Etna, Italian Greyhounds, Lagotto Romagnolo, Spinone, Bracco Italiano and … Epilepsy is a serious concern in the breed, with up to 15% of the breed affected. State  While responsible breeders do their best to screen their dogs of problems, the risk is still there. Spinal Problems In Greyhounds Spinal Problems In Greyhounds. The Italian Greyhound Club conducted a health survey that included 2274 dogs. With regard to Italian Greyhound health issues in particular, you will want to see health clearances for hypothyroidism, hip and elbow dysplasia (from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), and Von Willebrand’s disease. Potential health problems. Sighthounds REQUIRE open space to run. My honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to reduce inflammation and pain. [read more]. Many reports of ongoing website scams selling Italian Greyhound puppies and taking deposits/fees are happening. Oklahoma Whether a dog is a pedigree or a cross-breed, there will always be certain health conditions to which they are more prone; either down to their conformation or genetics. While responsible breeders do their best to screen their dogs of problems, the risk is still there. The following is a description of some common problems encountered in senior Greyhounds, including diseases, available treatments, and measures that can be taken for early for screening and prevention of disease. Vitreous degeneration may predispose a dog to other eye diseases (retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, or glaucoma). Alopecia; Skin tags; Warts; Bloody Growths; Dry Skin; Hot Spots; Dull Coat; Skin Tumors and Cancers; Mange (Sarcoptic) Ear, Nose & Eyes. Italian Greyhound Health Problems Below is a list of the most common Italian Greyhound health issues. Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. The most typical joint problem in Italian Greyhounds is luxating patella (loose knees), which can cause pain and lameness. A sensitive breed that’s good with children, it thrives best in a quiet household. Missouri Find Local Italian Greyhound Rescue Reps By State, http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/canine-tick-borne-disease.html, Tumors (see this page related to resources to help pay for cancer costs... http://petcancerawareness.org/research-2014.html ). The most serious eye diseases in Italian Greyhounds are cataracts (appearing before 3 years old and often progressing to blindness), glaucoma (which can lead to blindness), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (appearing at 3-4 years old and always progressing to blindness). The vaccination guidelines have changed! So what's the best age? A skin disease called color dilution alopecia is common in blue (gray) Italian Greyhounds. But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog. Pet owners are not being told about some risks associated with neutering male dogs, especially neutering too early... [read more], Make Sure Your Vet is the Best! The IG Breed Health Coordinator and team members have extensive experience of living with the breed but they are not trained veterinary nor health … Many people don't realize how important it is to keep their dog's teeth clean. Some of the deteriorating health conditions are as follows: Cataracts: It is an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The best pet insurance company I've found is... [read more], Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not? Hip and elbow dysplasia are rare in this breed. Because of their low body fat, all sighthounds are extra sensitive to anesthetics and require an experienced vet who will follow a special Sighthound Anesthesia Protocol. New Jersey Contributions benefit IGRF. heart disease (especially persistent right aortic arch), blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand's). Nevada Kansas A 1993 US breed club survey gives an average lifespan of 9 years, but more than a quarter of the dogs had "accidents" recorded as the cause of death. Italian Greyhounds are clingy with their owners and need a great deal of companionship. The long slender legs of puppies and adolescents are frequently fractured due to their reckless leaping. Italian Greyhounds have very large teeth that don't fit well into their narrow jaws. Alaska Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. One of the most common problems faced by aging Greyhounds is arthritis which is caused by a breakdown of cartilage in their joints. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Wisconsin My best-selling book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to raise your Italian Greyhound in all the right ways that help prevent health problems. My italian greyhound has been going through upset stomach cycles…. And, it can also provide Italian Greyhound owners helpful information to discuss with a veterinarian upon diagnosis of similar issues. The IG Breed Health Coordinator and team members have extensive experience of living with the breed but they are not trained veterinary nor health care professionals. My italian greyhound has been... My italian greyhoundhas been going through upset stomachcycles for nearly a month. Epilepsy 3 refers to recurrent seizures arising from a nonprogressive intracranial (located within the skull) disorder. Some Italian Greyhound puppies can be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. A health survey of over 700 Italian Greyhounds revealed that 15% have broken a leg. Pannus, also called chronic superficial keratitis, is an eye condition common in greyhounds. Dental problems are the one health issue that affects the Italian Greyhound the most. The information on this website is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the UK Italian Greyhound community. Mississippi Some of them are environmental illnesses so can be easily avoided by giving Italian greyhounds proper care and attention. Idaho Common sighthound issues Louisiana italian greyhound, iggy IG, iggies, beezer , … South Dakota Therefore, a Greyhound is considered to be a “senior citizen” by approximately seven or eight years of age. Some families of IGs inherit bones that are especially brittle and prone to breakage. Dog training videos. Guidelines if choosing a kibble or canned dog food for your Italian Greyhound Below is a list of the most common Italian Greyhound health issues. Delaware It is indicated by an inflammatory disorder of the cornea, which is the outer most surface of the eye. While the breed is hardy – there are significant health problems that affect this breed, many of which do not show up until the dogs are between 3-5 years of age. It found the ultimate fame among Victorians as a toy dog, thanks to its elegance and sweet nature. North Dakota Become your dog's health care champion! While the breed is hardy – there are significant health problems that affect this breed, many of which do not show up until the dogs are between 3-5 years of age. Italian Greyhounds are typically healthy. It is well documented that most Iggys will develop periodontal disease at an early age. Tennessee It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Would you like to feed your dog homemade, but don't have the time to make it? Michigan Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems. Dog Health. Adult Italian Greyhounds are not as fragile as they look, but musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, pulled muscles or ligaments, broken toes, paw injuries, etc.) An Honest Review Nebraska There are, of course, a number of health issues, which we should be on the lookout for. Without proper, frequent dental care from a young age, IGs can develop severe periodontal or gum disease quite quickly. Theories abound about why this occurs and the answer probably lies in a combination of factors. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. Since many IGs do live well beyond age 9, that means many others must be dying younger than 9 – mostly from accidents. A true Greyhound in miniature, the elegant Italian Greyhound is an alert, playful, and highly affectionate toy companion. A raw, home-cooked, or fresh diet is especially worth considering if your dog has existing health concerns including allergies, skin issues, chronic ear infections, immune issues, and digestive issues. New Hampshire Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Italian Greyhound are... [read more], A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food Essentially a slender miniature Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound is exceptionally elegant and graceful. It causes patchy hair loss resulting in a moth-eaten look, along with chronic skin infections that require medicated baths. In Italian Greyhounds, health problems that are known or suspected to be heritable include are a skin problem called color mutant alopecia; cryptorchidism or monorchidism — the retention of a testicle or the presence of only one testicle — deafness; hypothyroidism, a common hormonal disease in dogs in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone; epilepsy, a seizure disorder; juvenile … Current research shows that the issue is not so simple. The All Italian Breeds Dog Show will also go Virtual this year with video clips of each breed loaded here by their owners and breeders. The Italian Greyhound can also be affected by any of the health problems common to toy dogs, such as a collapsing windpipe, which causes respiratory problems and makes wearing a collar difficult. The Italian Greyhound (also referred to as the IG) is a slim, fine boned dog. Share Followers 0. The Italian Greyhound comes in a variety of colours including fawn, cream, red, blue, black or solid colour with white markings. Italian greyhounds have a small gene pool. Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. South Carolina Italian Greyhound Health Problems. Allergies; Bleeding Ear Tips; Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc. Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy but similar to all breeds, they’re predisposed to certain health issues. Minnesota Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - Use 250mg Cranberry Capsules Twice Daily to help prevent. Pennsylvania Florida Content can not be copied, reproduced or duplicated without prior written consent. This can slow the continued degeneration. Italian Greyhounds are prone to harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. To make matters worse, entire lines of Italian Greyhounds tend to inherit soft, pointy, yellowish teeth that are prone to "going bad" at an early age. Have you been told that you must neuter your male Italian Greyhound? Customer Question. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. Italian Greyhounds are a relatively healthy breed if given routine care, and any issues are addressed in a timely manner. Dental disease is a serious health issue in Italian Greyhounds, as it can so easily lead to abscesses and infections. Finally survey found that the average lifespan of this breed is 9 years – surprisingly low for a small dog. If the vitreous develops an inflammation, it may become cloudy or liquefied, and vision may be impaired or lost. Report of a Survey on Health Problems in Italian Greyhounds The questionnaire was specifically designed to avoid counting the same dog more than once, due to co-ownership, change of ownership, etc. New Mexico Cartilage functions as a cushion between the bones, so when the cushion is destroyed, the bones rub against each other which leads to inflammation and pain. Is your current veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. Skin. Oregon My advice on the pros and cons of pet health insurance. Chronic allergies cause itchy skin and often lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). Start your Italian Greyhound off on the right foot by feeding the right food, giving the right vaccinations, finding the right vet, and if you're going to spay or neuter, don't do it too early. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > Italian Greyhound > Health & Feeding, By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. This list does not indicate issues seen in the majority of Italian Greyhounds, nor is it comprehensive of every medical condition encountered, however it will help provide insight in to how our rescue helps dogs in our program. Maryland And unfortunately, your Italian Greyhound is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Click here for a full article. District of Columbia How many vaccinations does your Italian Greyhound puppy really need? Miscellaneous health problems. Potty Training. Eventually, he either goes back to eating and everything resolves itself or he vomits (anywhere from once to three times in relative succession) bile or just swallowed saliva … About once a week, he will start avoiding food, his stomach will make very loud noises, and he gets gassy. The breed is also susceptible to thyroid and autoimmune issues. Note that the term nonprogressive means that the cause is nonprogressive, not the severity or frequency of the seizures themselves. Gradually a dog’s coat will begin to thin out, and eventually, it … Hawaii Most IG’s will develop severe periodontal (gum) disease at a relatively early age, if their teeth do not receive proper care. Washington They do not like being left alone for more than a few hours and tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing. Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation (Body shape and physical characteristics) The Italian Greyhound is probably not as delicate as he looks but there is a danger of limb fracture with activities which are too vigorous. The information on this website is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the UK Italian Greyhound community. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Italian Greyhounds.