Now that you've adopted an IG...

Sighthound Collars

A sighthound collar, also known as a martingale, is an important safety measure for your IG. Because of the IG's head shape, he or she can slip out of a standard collar easily. The vendors below will make a beautiful collar to fit your IG's measurements. Prices can range between $11 and $29 depending on the vendor and collar you choose.

Coats and Clothes

Just as you like to bundle up for cold weather, so does your IG. Since our IGs don't have a lot of fur or body fat to keep them warm, it is important to have a sweater and/or winter coat for them. These wonderful vendors will custom-make clothing to fit your IG's measurements and the unique sighthound shape.

Bellybands!

Pictured at right, Max the Great Dane is comfortable in his Doggie Essentials bellyband. For more information, visit the website or e-mail Linda!

Food and Treats

Your IG will thrive on a high-quality food that uses human-grade ingredients. We use Innova, but if this is too expensive and/or difficult for you to find, Nutro and Natural Blend by Sensible Choice are also very high-quality foods. Innova also has a less expensive sister brand called California Natural. Innova, California Natural and Sensible Choice foods are available in Pittsburgh at Leone Animal Supply locations, and Nutro is readily available at pet supply shops like PetSmart and Petco.

Dental Care

Don't forget to take care of your IG's teeth! IGs are prone to gingivitis and their teeth need special attention. Brush regularly with CET toothpaste; you may want to use the Dental Clens pads in between brushings or as an alternative if your IG doesn't care for having his or her teeth brushed. Give high-quality dental chews like CET chews as special treats each week; your IG will love them and they will go a long way in helping your IG go longer between dental cleanings. We also give a few kibbles of the Hills Oral Care food each day as treats.
[Want some incredibly detailed instructions, including pictures, on how to brush your IG's teeth? Check out http://www.littleluvigs.com/pages/09_care02dental.html ]

Travel Safety

-- IGs love to go everywhere with their person, and this usually includes car rides! Many owners believe in crating their dogs in a hard-sided carrier, such as a Vari-Kennel, while traveling in the car.
-- Vito and Bo really love to look out the windows, so we use a Canine Seat Belt system instead. Did you know that during a 30 MPH collision, your dog can exert a force of up to 20 times his body weight? The canine seat belt distributes pressure evenly on the strong areas of the dog's chest. It also makes sure that your opportunistic IG doesn't bolt out of an opened door or window -- please, don't open your IG's window too far! -- or try to sit on your lap while you are trying to drive.
-- If you and your IG are traveling by air, always use a soft-sided carrier, such as a Sherpa or Samsonite, in the cabin under your seat. Never fly your pet in cargo, where temperatures and limited oxygen can be extremely dangerous!

Obedience and Agility Training

After trying several training facililties, we are very happy and proud to train at this one -- we like it so much, in fact, that Angela now serves as the club's Publicity Director!

Veterinarians

Publications

Of course you'll want to know everything and everything about your new best friend. Here are the very best books and magazines we know of. Ask Angela if you'd like to know more about any of these publications before you order!

Italian Greyhound Items for Sale

Our breed is becoming more popular all the time, but it's still difficult to find specific IG-themed items. Usually, we have to settle for Greyhound items that resemble IGs, but here are some IG-specific items you and/or your dog are sure to love!