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. New Jersey Adult Italian Greyhounds are not as fragile as they look, but musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, pulled muscles or ligaments, broken toes, paw injuries, etc.) 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. Hip and elbow dysplasia are rare in this breed. Most IG’s will develop severe periodontal (gum) disease at a relatively early age, if their teeth do not receive proper care. Montana If the vitreous develops an inflammation, it may become cloudy or liquefied, and vision may be impaired or lost. About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Louisiana Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. Italian Greyhound Common Health Issues. 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 ). If you bring an Italian Greyhound home, you will likely encounter dental issues at some point. 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. Skin. My italian greyhound has been going through upset stomach cycles…. I have a solution for you... [read more], Should You Buy Pet Insurance? You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. West Virginia [read more], Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons Does your Italian Greyhound suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis? Illinois About Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue. Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Italian Greyhound are... [read more], A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food And, it can also provide Italian Greyhound owners helpful information to discuss with a veterinarian upon diagnosis of similar issues. Rhode Island New Hampshire A true Greyhound in miniature, the elegant Italian Greyhound is an alert, playful, and highly affectionate toy companion. This is basically a healthy breed. Hawaii New Mexico Health problems that can be found in the breed: While responsible breeders do their best to screen their dogs of problems, the risk is still there. Alaska 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. It's not itchy and the skin and coat are otherwise normal. The breed is also susceptible to thyroid and autoimmune issues. 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. We appreciate donations of any amount and … We have several wonderful dogs including Sicilian Sight Hounds known in Italian as Cirneco dell’Etna, Italian Greyhounds, Lagotto Romagnolo, Spinone, Bracco Italiano and … 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. And unfortunately, your Italian Greyhound is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. State  heart disease (especially persistent right aortic arch) blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand's) inherited deafness; hypothyroidism; liver shunt; Italian Greyhounds are prone to harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Miscellaneous health problems. Color Mutant Alopecia: This inherited skin condition causes dryness, itchiness, and loss of hair in my dog breeds. Alfheim frequently has Italian Greyhound puppies and Ibizan Hound puppies located in Western Washington not far from Seattle WA and Portland, Oregon. The long slender legs of puppies and adolescents are frequently fractured due to their reckless leaping. 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. South Carolina My italian greyhound has been going through upset stomach cycles for nearly a month. The survey also reported that the most common health problem in Italian Greyhounds is dental disease. 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. The Italian Greyhound is a dog that has relatively good health without any real major health problems. The vitreous is a clear jelly-like material within the eye that provides shape to the eye. A health survey of over 700 Italian Greyhounds revealed that 15% have broken a leg. Wisconsin Potty Training. 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. The vaccination guidelines have changed! Colorado The Italian Greyhound Club conducted a health survey that included 2274 dogs. Dog Health. Injuries lead the list, from fractured legs and toes to torn ligaments. And, it can also provide Italian Greyhound owners helpful information to discuss with a veterinarian upon diagnosis of similar issues. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. Dental problems are the one health issue that affects the Italian Greyhound the most. General Health Information for your Italian Greyhound Dental Disease. Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way 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 … Spinal Problems In Greyhounds Spinal Problems In Greyhounds. Texas The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. Florida Guidelines if choosing a kibble or canned dog food for your Italian Greyhound So what's the best age? An eye disease called vitreous degeneration is also common in Italian Greyhounds. 12. Massachusetts They are small and thin, however, and are at a higher risk for broken bones as a result. 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 A skin disease called color dilution alopecia is common in blue (gray) Italian Greyhounds. District of Columbia About once a week, he will start avoiding food, his stomachwill make very loud noises, and he gets gassy. The Italian Greyhound hopped (nimbly, we assume) over to the UK around the 1600s. Potential health problems. Content can not be copied, reproduced or duplicated without prior written consent. German Shepherds also have an inherited predisposition to pannus. It's easy and if you're interested, take a look and you'll see what to do. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. Seizures and Causes. Italian Greyhounds are prone to harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. 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. Maine If they see something moving in the distance, they take off. 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. Virginia The Italian Greyhound is easy to care for and requires moderate exercise. Reply to this topic; Start new topic ... as well as increasing the health of cartilage covering each vertebral. A health survey of over 700 Italian Greyhounds revealed that 15% have broken a leg. 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. But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog. Nevada The information on this website is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the UK Italian Greyhound community. 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. The most typical joint problem in Italian Greyhounds is luxating patella (loose knees), which can cause pain and lameness. Potential health problems. Washington Italian greyhounds could be affected by the following (but not limited to) health conditions and diseases, some of which are hereditary. California The information on this website is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the UK Italian Greyhound community. Contributions benefit IGRF. Watch Out For These Potential Health Concerns. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > Italian Greyhound > Health & Feeding, By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. Nebraska Some of them are environmental illnesses so can be easily avoided by giving Italian greyhounds proper care and attention. Arkansas Since many IGs do live well beyond age 9, that means many others must be dying younger than 9 – mostly from accidents. 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. The Italian Greyhound (also referred to as the IG) is a slim, fine boned dog. While responsible breeders do their best to screen their dogs of problems, the risk is still there. 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. Sighthounds REQUIRE open space to run. Epilepsy 3 refers to recurrent seizures arising from a nonprogressive intracranial (located within the skull) disorder. They do not like being left alone for more than a few hours and tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Many reports of ongoing website scams selling Italian Greyhound puppies and taking deposits/fees are happening. Injuries lead the list, from fractured legs and toes to torn ligaments. Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy but similar to all breeds, they’re predisposed to certain health issues. North Dakota It is well documented that most Iggys will develop periodontal disease at an early age. If you prefer, you may also donate by mailingl a check to: IGRF-NW, P. O. Current research says, "The AGE at which you spay can be vitally important to your dog's future health." 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? Alabama Better yet, switch your Italian Greyhound to a real-food diet, which will provide all those essential fatty acids. are common when slender sighthounds race about. New York Epilepsy is a serious concern in the breed, with up to 15% of the breed affected. 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. Georgia Alopecia; Skin tags; Warts; Bloody Growths; Dry Skin; Hot Spots; Dull Coat; Skin Tumors and Cancers; Mange (Sarcoptic) Ear, Nose & Eyes. If you’re looking for a low … A cataract when the lens of the dog’s eye becomes cloudy and makes it difficult for a dog to see. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems. Italian Greyhounds are a relatively healthy breed if given routine care, and any issues are addressed in a timely manner. Gradually a dog’s coat will begin to thin out, and eventually, it … 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 They do not like being left alone for more than a few hours and tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing. Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? Kentucky Allergies; Bleeding Ear Tips; Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc. Diarrhea Iowa Chronic allergies cause itchy skin and often lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. An Honest Review Dental disease is a serious health issue in Italian Greyhounds, as it can so easily lead to abscesses and infections. Utah Idaho BUT these dogs are instinctive chasers. Italian greyhounds have a small gene pool. There are, of course, a number of health issues, which we should be on the lookout for. Pennsylvania Color Mutant Alopecia: This inherited skin condition causes dryness, itchiness, and loss of hair in my dog breeds. You should never let these dogs off-leash at the park! Michigan Indiana An Honest Review. Italian Greyhounds have very large teeth that don't fit well into their narrow jaws. Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not? Some health problems are inherited. The Italian Greyhound has a median lifespan of 13.5 in a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey. 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. 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