Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and intelligent.They need a moderate amount of exercise because they love to sprint and play.Companion dogs love spending time with their owners so make sure you have time for both snuggling and playing.Maintaining a healthy diet, regular vet visits, and the right amount of exercise are all important parts of caring for an Italian Greyhound.Their care routine includes brushing their teeth and trimming their nails.
Step 1: You should spend a lot of time with your dog.
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle, and love to spend most of their time with their owner or family.They get along well with children and other dogs, but they might shy away at first.If you want to get an Italian Greyhound, make sure you have plenty of time for snuggling and other activities.Don't leave your Italian Greyhound alone for more than a few hours.If you can, take a walk during your lunch break.If you work during the day, spend nights and weekends giving it a lot of affection.
Step 2: Provide your dog with the right amount of exercise.
Italian Greyhounds need a moderate amount of exercise, even though they love to nap and sit on laps.A couple 15 to 30 minute brisk walks a day is all you need.Strengthening their legs is one of the benefits of daily running or sprinting.Their size makes them great apartment dogs, and they don't have any specific space requirements.They benefit from being able to sprint and exercise their legs in an enclosed area.There are situations that could cause your dog injury.Young Italian Greyhounds are particularly vulnerable, so be careful with your puppy's playtime.
Step 3: Donate your Italian Greyhound toys.
It's important to have balls and toys for this breed to chase prey.Give it toys that it can chew and play with so it doesn't get bored.It's important to make sure it has toys to chew on.A bored Italian Greyhound can chew up your belongings.It's important to make sure it has its own toys.
Step 4: Train your dog.
Italian Greyhounds enjoy the mental exercise that comes with training.Sit, stay, and come are some of the basic word commands.When your dog is just starting to train, gently guide him into the proper position when you hold a treat out.Make it automatic by repeating ten or twenty times, and give your dog a treat when it follows the command.Since Italian Greyhounds have short attention spans, keep the training session short and fun.Incorporating treats into playtime is a good way to make training rewards based.Italian greyhounds are sensitive, so it is important that you never hit, swat, or yell at them.
Step 5: Take care of your Italian Greyhound.
Italian Greyhounds are difficult to housetrain.If you get a puppy, get it on a regular food and potty schedule immediately.Feed your dog the same times every day if you take him out 15 to 30 minutes after eating.It's a good idea to take it out a few times a day, including the first thing in the morning and a half hour before bed.Consider using the crate method.Purchase a small crate that allows free movement.If possible, leave the dog in a crate at work or at night.If you come home to find a mess, don't scold your dog.The connection between being scolded and going to the bathroom will not be made if the dog had an accident hours earlier.If you don't want to use a crate, leave paper mats out.To prevent the dog from being attracted to one particular spot in the home, clean up any accidents immediately with an enzyme cleaner.
Step 6: Feed your dog twice a day.
Two or three smaller meals a day is better for your dog than one large meal or leaving food out all the time.How much food is best for your dog depends on his age and activity level.Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help prevent problems.If you gently press your hands down your dog's spine, it might be overweight.Talk to your vet about how much your dog eats.Between meals, cut down on giving your dog treats.You should look for brands marked for toy dog breeds when buying food for your Italian Greyhound.You should buy food marked for puppies.A good amount of food for a small dog is three-fourths to one cup a day.Depending on your budget and preferences, you can decide what to feed your dog.You might prefer to make your own dog food or use a store bought brand.Either way, make sure your dog is getting a balanced diet.If you want to make your own dog food or give your dog a raw diet, consult with an animal nutrition expert first.The dog may become sick.
Step 7: Know the breed's health risks.
Italian Greyhounds are prone to a few health issues, like hip, and eye problems.Knowing if its parents were screened for genetic disorders or breed specific issues will help you keep your dog healthy.If your dog's parents' health records are available, ask the shelter or breeder where you got it.Many of the health issues Italian Greyhounds are prone to are detected with blood tests your vet will provide, so regular exams are important.
Step 8: Look for signs of illness.
Understand your dog's normal behavior.Dry heaving or vomiting can be a sign of unusual behavior, such as excessively restless, pacing, difficulty walking or hesitating to jump.If you're concerned about an issue, call your vet.When your dog is a puppy or juvenile, pay special attention to his legs.If your dog doesn't put weight on a limb, note limping.Italian greyhounds are prone to leg injuries.
Step 9: Take your dog to the vet.
Your vet can give you screenings for potential inherited disorders.They will check your dog's hips and legs and make sure it is up to date with its vaccinations.To maintain a healthy weight, talk to your dog's vet about its diet and activity levels.Italian Greyhounds are prone to strain their legs and hips.Ask your vet if they recommend flea and tick treatment.
Step 10: For cold weather, get a sweater.
When going outside during cold months, keep your Italian Greyhound warm with a coat, jacket, or sweater.It should be form fitting, with a curve to match their backline, but still allow for natural movement.Don't wear full sleeves since they restrict movement.Knit sweaters fall down the dog's back and aren't the warmest option.When shopping for dog attire, look for products that are specifically designed for your breed in order to pick the best form and material.
Step 11: Look for signs of hip problems.
Italian Greyhounds are more likely to develop a condition called hip dysplasia.You should look for symptoms such as limping, hesitation when jumping, and loss of thigh muscle mass.Knowing if either of your dog's parents had it will help you maintain its health.Keeping an eye on your dog's weight, avoiding overfeeding, and giving it regular exercise will help prevent or manage hip dysplasia.It's a good idea to consult your vet to figure out how much and how often you should feed your dog.Hip dysplasia can occur at any point in a dog's lifespan, including as a puppy.
Step 12: You should brush your dog's teeth every day.
Italian Greyhounds are prone to gum disease and need to brush their teeth daily.It is better to use a small dog toothbrush instead of using a pad.It is an essential part of keeping your dog well cared for.Do your best to avoid scaring or overwhelming your dog, but be confident and decisive about brushing.If you keep up with brushing your dog will eventually accept it.
Step 13: Your dog's nails should be trimmed.
Hoof problems in dogs with fragile bones can be caused by overgrown nails.If you notice a clicking sound when your dog walks, you should clip your Italian Greyhound's nails every two weeks.The floor shouldn't be touched by the dog's nails.Check the way your dog walks to make sure it doesn't put too much weight on the back of its paws.The risk of removing too much nail is reduced by using a nail grinder or hand file.
Step 14: Keep your dog clean.
Italian Greyhounds don't have a lot of maintenance other than tooth and nail care.If you have a sink, basin, or tub, you can bathe your dog in it.It's a good idea to keep an eye on its coat for dust or dander.It's a good idea to check its ears a couple times a week to make sure they're sound.Don't use water to clean ears.Over-bathing can strip the skin of natural oils, which can lead to dry and/or damaged skin.