Some Interesting Facts About Italian Greyhounds

Art lovers are probably familiar with Italian Greyhounds— the dogs that are often depicted in centuries-old portraits of noble people painted by popular artists. Italian Wolfhounds are elegant, slender, and the smallest sighthound. They resemble their cousin Greyhounds.

Italian Greyhounds are athletic and agile, having small, muscular bodies and high-stepping gait. Also called the IG, these dogs have an instinct to hunt small animals, and they'll chase any moving objects. They can run 25 miles/hour, so they may be difficult to catch once lost. Although small, Italian Greyhounds are energetic and exercise a lot— making them excellent jogging mates.

They are affectionate and gentle with their families but can be shy/reserved with strangers. Despite their mildness, Italian Greyhounds have deep and big-dog barks. They make excellent watchdogs but are certainly unable to provide actual protection due to their small size.

Take a proactive approach to your pet’s health with regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary hospital Metairie, LA. 

Dog Grooming Basics: Basic Grooming vs. Full Grooming

 

Can’t decide what your canine companion needs? Let us compare the difference between basic grooming and full grooming. 

Basic Grooming – This is essential for all dogs to keep them clean and healthy. This usually includes the following services:

• Paw pad shaving

• Nail clipping/grinding

• Eye and ear cleaning/plucking  

• Anal gland cleaning

• Sanitary trim/shaving (anal fur, underbelly)

• Bath (with shampoo and blow-dry)

Full Grooming – will include all the basic grooming routines plus trimming/cutting of hair according to pet parent’s request or specifications. This is recommended for dogs that need a haircut and detangling or removing matted hair. 

Some key points to remember about grooming:

• Not all dog breeds require full grooming such as pugs or beagles. 

• Full grooming is recommended once every four to six weeks. 

• Brushing and combing your dog’s hair should be part of your dog’s routine as it is an essential part of pet care.

• If your pet has allergies that affect his coat or skin, you may need to adjust how often you have him brought for grooming. 

If you notice any signs of infection, parasites, and other skin and hair coat problems, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your animal hospital Metairie, LA so your pet can undergo a thorough checkup.

Medications Can Help Calm An Anxious Dog

In some instances, expecting something fearful or negative will eventually lead to a feeling of anxiety. When your dog is always anxious, he might have a better chance of managing his emotions by taking medications. The commonly used medications are I-theanine or I-tryptophan. These natural supplements help calm the animals. 

But when your dog’s anxiety has turned serious, it might be wise to bring him to the vet. For instance, if the dog keeps hurting himself or digging through the floor, don’t take these actions lightly. 

Be sure to get the vet's approval before giving any medication to your dog. When used properly, your dog can take the medication daily and be on the way to becoming calmer. Daily medication can also help improve his reaction during panic attacks. The daily medication may eventually lessen panic attacks.

When your dog keeps experiencing panic attacks, it is the perfect time to bring the pet for a check-up. An animal hospital Metairie LA will conduct a thorough physical examination to see whether your dog is suffering from any medical condition.