Italian Greyhound
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Mar 23, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 23, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
The Italian Greyhound is an older breed that has been around since the middle ages.
The breed was originally found to be from Turkey and Greece and was not only a companion to its owners but a hunter of small animals.
The Italian Greyhound then found its way to the southern portion of Europe where it was known to be popular in Italy, particularly among the aristocracy. Many were immortalized and found in famous paintings.
The Italian Greyhound than populated England in the 1600s and was known to be owned by many different royals: Princess Anne of Demark, Queen Victoria and even Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Today, Italian Greyhounds are merely known as quick runners, agile little athletes and great companions.
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FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Italian Greyhound Breed Characteristics
The Italian Greyhounds are smaller dogs that usually range from 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds. There are some larger Italian Greyhounds that can weigh up to 15 pounds.
Their longer wiry legs are solid muscle and with their little bodies, these guys move fast!
The Italian Greyhounds are renowned for their short, glossy coat that almost feels like satin. Their coat comes in blue, cream, black and red with either white markings or just the solid color.
Their coat is very easy to maintain and doesn’t shed much. A regularly brushing is all you need unless your dog rolls in something. Then, it’s bath time!
The Italian Greyhound is considered a hypoallergenic dog, which means they are well-suited for owners with allergies.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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The Italian Greyhound Personality
The Italian Greyhound is a smart, sensitive and playful companion. He loves to stick by your side all day and is very affectionate with the family.
Guests and strangers might see a more reserved pup than how he acts when he is with you.
Their temperament is usually upbeat and a playful fun pup but can depend on early socialization and what his parents are like. For the most part, Italian Greyhounds are happy, loving dogs.
Just like any other dog, the Italian Greyhound requires early socialization to become a well-rounded dog. Training as a puppy can really help your Italian Greyhound thrive.
Take your dog out and about to make sure he’s comfortable meeting new people and is comfortable with the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
The Italian Greyhound can become snappy when treated harshly.
To train your pup, motivational and positive reinforcement is the best assurance to get your desired results in learning new tricks or for proper behavior. Praise and encouragement are always the best way to handle your pup and, really, any other dog!
Some say that Italian Greyhounds are a challenge to house train.
Read more: Positive Reinforcement Training With Dogs
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Common Health Issues In Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy but similar to all breeds, they’re predisposed to certain health issues.
Not all Italian Greyhounds will get any of the below or all of them, but it’s important to know:
Cataracts
A cataract when the lens of the dog’s eye becomes cloudy and makes it difficult for a dog to see. Cataracts usually become an issue in older dogs. They can be removed to help improve the dog’s vision either in one or both eyes.
Learn More: Why I Wish I Bought Pet Insurance When I First Got My Dog
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both of the dog’s testicles fail to descend properly. This is common in many small dogs. The testicles should descend completely by 2 months old. If it doesn’t hang properly, it can become malignant. The treatment is to neuter your dog and correctly align it before removal.
Epilepsy
Some Italian Greyhounds will suffer from epilepsy which is a condition that causes seizures in a dog. While epilepsy is not fully curable, it can be treated with medication. A dog can still live a full healthy life with proper care and treatment.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition when the femur doesn’t fit correctly into the socket of the hip joint. While not all dogs show signs of hip dysplasia, some will have lameness in one or both of the legs and others will clearly be in pain. Arthritis can result and dogs with hip dysplasia are not supposed to be bred.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition when there is an abnormally low level of the thyroid hormone which is produced by the endocrine gland. Some of the symptoms include a dog’s fur becoming brittle and falling out and the skin can become tough.
Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication that is to be given daily for the rest of a dog’s life. Dogs with hypothyroidism can still live a long, happy life.
Legg-Calve’-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve’-Perthes Disease is a lesser-known ailment that is usually found in smaller breeds. The condition is a deformity of the ball that is at the base of the hip joint and is sometimes misdiagnosed as hip dysplasia.
This condition can cause the joints to wear down and become arthritic. The usual treatment is surgery and the prognosis is positive with rehabilitation therapy following the surgery.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is a condition that is common in smaller dogs and is when the femur, knee, and calf are not line up properly. This condition can cause lameness or an abnormal gait for the pup.
It is a genetic disease that can be present in puppies but the misalignment does not occur until much later in life. In severe cases of patellar luxation, surgery is required to repair the affected knee.
Portosystemic Shunt
A portosystemic shunt is when the flow of blood between the liver and the rest of the body. The liver, which is responsible for detoxifying a dog’s body and metabolizing the important nutrients that the dog might need.
Some of the symptoms, as a result, are lack of appetitive, low blood sugar, stunted growth, and even neurological issues. Treatment usually includes a specialized diet and in severe cases, surgery can help.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic condition that is one of many eye diseases that causes the deterioration of the retina. It usually affects a dog gradually where, at first, it is the loss of night vision and then total blindness can occur.
There is no treatment which is why it’s always a good idea to find out if the parents of your Italian Greyhound had this condition.
Vitreous Degeneration
Vitreous degeneration is when the vitreous, which is a clear jelly that and a larger structure of the eye degenerates. It can liquefy, become cloudy or its’ position can move which can cause impaired vision or total blindness. This condition is also thought to be inherited.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a blood disorder that reduces the von Willebrand factor in the blood and can cause clotting. Some of the symptoms include bleeding gums, bloody noses, extra bleeding from surgery and/or after birth. Sometimes blood is found in the dog’s stool.
The disorder is generally diagnosed between 3 and 5 years old. There is no cure. However, the disease can be managed with some different treatment methods and include suturing, avoiding certain medications and even the transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before a dog has any type of surgery.
Should You Purchase Pet Insurance For Your Italian Greyhound?
When you decide to bring an Italian Greyhound into your home and become part of your family, it is very important to consider the value of purchasing pet insurance.
With certain breeds, particularly the Italian Greyhound, that are predisposed to so many potential health issues, it’s almost irresponsible not to purchase pet insurance! Pet insurance can be so incredibly helpful if your Greyhound even gets one of the above conditions.
When a pet insurance plan can pay up to 90% of your vet bill, this can be a huge saving for you and allow you to get your dog the best care possible.
It is not unusual for a vet bill for even the most basic illness or injury to cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. And with pet insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you can pay these bills.
There are many good, solid pet insurance companies like Healthy Paws and Embrace that will cover these breed-specific conditions and sometimes even for your pet’s life.
It is important to purchase pet insurance when your Greyhound is still a puppy and before any pre-existing conditions occur.
Make sure if you purchase an Italian Greyhound from a breeder that the parents are in good health and you get all the paperwork to make sure you have a healthy puppy.
And, of course, purchase pet insurance.
In fact, if you are looking for a new pet insurance company, our list of the top 10 pet insurance companies is a great place to start!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance necessary for Italian Greyhounds?
Yes, considering the breed’s predisposition to certain health issues, pet insurance is highly recommended for Italian Greyhounds. It can help cover significant veterinary expenses and ensure your dog receives the best care.
What health issues are common in Italian Greyhounds?
Italian Greyhounds may be prone to conditions like cataracts, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve’-Perthes Disease, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, vitreous degeneration, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
Can pet insurance cover breed-specific conditions?
Yes, reputable pet insurance companies like Healthy Paws and Embrace often cover breed-specific conditions. It’s crucial to choose a plan that includes coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions.
When should I get pet insurance for my Italian Greyhound?
It’s advisable to purchase pet insurance while your Italian Greyhound is still a puppy and before any pre-existing conditions occur. This ensures maximum coverage and financial protection throughout your dog’s life.
How much can vet bills cost for Italian Greyhounds?
Vet bills for Italian Greyhounds can range from $6,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the severity of the illness or injury. Pet insurance, covering up to 90% of vet bills, can significantly ease the financial burden.
Are routine check-ups covered by pet insurance?
Most pet insurance plans do not cover routine check-ups, vaccinations, or preventive care. However, they are designed to cover unexpected illnesses, accidents, and emergency treatments.
Can I choose my veterinarian with pet insurance?
Yes, many pet insurance plans allow you to choose your preferred veterinarian. Ensure the insurance company provides flexibility in selecting healthcare providers.
Are hereditary conditions covered by pet insurance?
Coverage for hereditary conditions varies among insurance providers. It’s crucial to review policy details and choose a plan that explicitly covers hereditary and congenital conditions.
Can I get pet insurance if my Italian Greyhound has pre-existing conditions?
Most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. It’s essential to purchase insurance while your dog is healthy to ensure coverage for potential future health issues.
What is the best pet insurance for Italian Greyhounds?
Choosing the best pet insurance depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like coverage for breed-specific conditions, reimbursement rates, and customer reviews. Companies like Healthy Paws, Embrace, and others are often recommended for their comprehensive coverage.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.