Italian greyhound: Small, happy, low maintenance dogs

Italian greyhound lounges on white background. Play and physical exercise help keep Italian greyhounds fit and engaged. — Play and physical exercise help keep Italian greyhounds fit and engaged.

Different dog breeds will have varying care tips and procedures, with some higher maintenance than others. Luckily, Italian greyhounds are relatively low maintenance because they have short coats and few genetic conditions to monitor.

There are five areas of care for dogs, nutrition, grooming, health, play, and housing, with breed-specific tips you should follow to give your furry friend the best life possible.

Nutrition

Most puppies will need four smaller meals a day, with that number dropping down to one meal a day once the dog hits a year old. It is a good idea to adapt the feeding schedule to fit your pup; however, some adult dogs do better with two small meals a day versus one larger one.

It is a good idea to get meal suggestions from your vet or online breed-specific care sites. You can find ultimate pet nutrition discounts on foods designed for the age and activity level of your Italian greyhound through online coupon companies, your veterinarian, and some pet stores.

Grooming

An Italian greyhound, also called an Iggy, is a short-haired pup, so daily brushing or cleaning is unnecessary. Like all dogs, regular baths help cut down on the dog smell and keep dirt and mites from an Iggy’s coat and your home.

It is a good idea to trim your pup’s nails regularly and visually inspect paws for cuts or sores. Both baths and nail trims can be done at home or by a professional groomer; just make sure that the groomer you take your Iggy to has experience with the breed and an excellent reputation.

Health

Grey Italian greyhound puppy. An Italian greyhound is a relatively low maintenance dog with short hair and small stature; however, your Iggy will need frequent exercise, a safe place to sleep, and routine checkups for the best health. — An Italian greyhound is a relatively low maintenance dog with short hair and small stature; however, your Iggy will need frequent exercise, a safe place to sleep, and routine checkups for the best health.

It is a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a yearly checkup for many of the same reasons you visit your physician each year. This is an excellent opportunity to make sure all shots are up to date, address any problems you may have noticed, and check for early signs of severe conditions.

Your vet also can microchip or tattoo your dog with important information such as registration and identification if your pup goes missing and loses his or her collar and tags. Your puppy will need regular dental cleanings to avoid damage or infections to the teeth and gums; however, you can find products like doggy toothbrushes and paste at your pet store.

Play

Play and physical exercise help keep Italian greyhounds fit and engaged. It can also be a good bonding activity or stress relief for you. It is crucial to keep the timing and level of exercise in-tune with your dog’s age and health; too little, and you may find your pup digging couch cushions or chewing on shoes, too much, and you can put a strain on the dog’s body.

Most Italian greyhounds need more than a couple of rounds around the block and a thrown ball, however, so plan a couple of 15- to 20-minute sessions throughout the day for play and a leash when you are outside of a fenced yard.

Housing

While housing your dog inside the house is a good idea, you will also need a place outside for playing with shade and water for resting.

An Iggy will want a peaceful place away from wind and sun to sleep, and a bed off the ground will help keep the short-haired dog warmer, whether inside or out. When building a dog run or buying a bed for your pet, it is essential to keep in mind your pup’s size now and typical adult sizes. Your Iggy is a small dog breed who needs plenty of room to run and play.

Italian greyhound care tips

Care tips for a dog largely depend on the breed you have, with some needing highly specific products, foods, and health care.

An Italian greyhound is a relatively low maintenance dog with short hair and small stature; however, your Iggy will need frequent exercise, training, a safe place to sleep, and routine checkups for the best health.

You will also need to find a dog food designed for Italian greyhounds or smaller breed dogs and home dental care products.

Emily Burton has loved dogs since she was young. She now enjoys adventuring in the Colorado Rockies with her Australian Shepherd and her two kids.