Health Issues

Italian Greyhounds are generally very healthy when responsibly bred, but like all purebred dogs, IGs have specific health considerations. 

We have taken as many steps to prevent health issues for our puppies and have our parents tested both physically and via DNA through UC Davis for eye issues, luxating patellas, hips and bad teeth. They are also certified for the OFA and CERF health standards for Italian Greyhounds or they are not considered for breeding. 

Italian Greyhounds have a specific inherited dental issue called Familial Enamel Hypoplasia (FEH), an autosomal recessive condition affecting enamel formation, leading to discolored, small, pointed teeth, though surprisingly, usually not severe cavities. They are also highly prone to periodontal disease due to their narrow jaws, requiring diligent daily brushing to prevent serious systemic health problems like heart, kidney and liver damage. 

Dental issues are also common due to their small, dry mouths. Unlike many dog breeds, IGs don’t have slobbery, wet mouths, and thus can have quicker build-up of tartar resulting in dental disease and noticeable bad breath. Regular brushing and professional dental care are important throughout their lives to prevent tooth loss and bad breath. 

Young Italian Greyhounds, especially puppies, can be prone to broken legs. Careful handling, supervised play, and avoiding high jumps while they are growing are essential. You can also supplement their food with calcium supplements for the first 9 months of their lives to help ensure solid, sturdy legs.

IGs are truly miniature Greyhounds, which are all part of the sighthound class of dogs. Sighthounds are bred to chase and catch things they see, so much like their larger cousins, Italian Greyhounds often have longer nail beds than most other breeds because they need those nails to grip the ground as they run like little maniacs. Occasionally, no matter how often you trim their nails, you will find the nail beds getting too long which can damage not only furniture and floors, but you as well. We lovingly refer to those longer nails as the "daggers of death." 

To keep the daggers of death in check, during times when they are under anesthesia (for example, getting their teeth cleaned), it is a wise choice to have your vet cut their nail beds back and then cauterize to slow them from getting too long and accidentally hurting someone. They wake up no worse for the wear.

Their short fur and thin skin can lead to allergies or irritation. Gentle dog grooming products and a clean environment help prevent issues.

Italian Greyhounds can struggle in extreme cold. Providing warmth and avoiding prolonged exposure to low temperatures is important for their comfort and health. They are indoor dogs, not meant to be kept outside, for housing.

Sighthounds must have specific anesthesia, so if you ever need to have your dog operated on or sedated, be sure to clearly tell to your vet that your dog is a sighthound and to use the proper anesthesia for sighthounds. Write it on any procedural intake paperwork as well, as often technicians are the ones that give the anesthesia and may not be aware that your dog needs something special.