News, items of interest, and other tidbits pertaining to Italian Greyhounds and dogs in general
4/11/13
Heartworm Preventative Recall
Six lots of Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables by Virbac were voluntarily recalled.
3/16/13
Is an Italian Greyhound the Right Dog for You?
One person's take on the good and bad of sharing your life with an Italian Greyhound.
3/1/13
The Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act
If passed, this bill will "require all breeders who sell more than 50 dogs annually -- whether through pet stores or online -- to undergo inspections and meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for caring for the dogs. The licensing and inspection requirements in the current law do not apply to online sellers." For information on puppy mills and choosing a reputable breeder, go to Where to Get an IG within Italian Greyhound Place's website.
2/28/13
Dog Food Stamps
With the goal of enabling more dogs to stay in their homes as opposed to going to shelters, this program will provide free, monthly delivery of pet food to qualifying applicants.
2/21/13
Dr. Robb Speaks (following his arrest)
This is an interesting case because Dr. Robb is against over-vaccinating pets. Although his arrest focuses on the fact that he administered half-doses of a vaccination (and whether all his clients knew that or not), it raises awareness of t...he risks involved with over-vaccination. This is perhaps especially important for toy breeds such as our Italian Greyhounds. Rabies is the only state mandated vaccination, so research the risks/benefits of any vaccination and consider titering instead of revaccinating. For a following News 12 segment, click here.
2/15/13
Dog Spots the Dog
This study demonstrates that dogs are able to recognize other dogs visually.
1/29/13
What do You Know about Bully Sticks?
An nteresting article on bully sticks based on a study published this month by researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the University of Guelph.
1/22/13
Common Ways for Dogs to be Stolen
The number of stolen dogs has increased, and this article highlights the top five scenarios as well as why thieves steal dogs.
1/19/13
Fish Protein
This article, by Dr. Becker, provides excellent information on fish and fish meal as a source of protein for dogs and cats. If your dog food contains fish or fish meal, or you plan of feeding this protein source, read this article!
12/29/12
Increase in Stolen Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club, there has been an increase in stolen dogs. Do all you can to keep your dog, or dogs, safe!
12/27/12
Italian Greyhound Clothing Tutorials
If you want to try making coats or coveralls for your Italian Greyhound, this website will get you sttarted. With short fur and a low fat to muscle mass ratio, these guys need to be dressed for the weather!
11/15/12
Architecture for Dogs
A new website featuring architect designed, unique, dog structures with build-it-yourself blueprints.
11/11/12
A People Magazine "Hero Among Us"
Theresa Strader, who founded National Mill Dog Rescue in honor of Lily, a seven-year old puppy mill dog, has been chosen by People Magazine as a "Hero Among Us."
This past October, I contacted National Mill Dog Rescue regarding two Italian Greyhounds in Missourii who were rescued from a back-yard-breeding facility by a woman who needed assistance with them (somewhere for them to go, and vet care). Within hours, I heard from Theresa and within a few days, she retrieved both dogs and brought them to Colorado into the care of National Mill Dog Rescue. A "Hero Among Us!"
Theresa is featured in the the November 19th issue of People Magazine.
8/17/12
Sterilizing Male Dogs by Injection
Initially, this procedure will not be commonly available in private veterinarian practices, but the article contains good information to be aware of.
8/15/12
Chinese Imported Treats
Could irradiation and glycerin be the reason for the illnesses and deaths?
8/11/12
Coyote Roller
When mounted to the top of a fence, this product stops coyotes and other animals from scaling the fence (the fence does need to be sufficiently high for the animal to not clear the fence without grabbing the top).
7/20/12
Don't Purchase or Feed Sweet Potato Treats
Now, in addition to chicken jerky treats, sweet potato treats made in China have been linked to illness in dogs. Do not allow your dog to eat any treats made in China. When shopping, check the bag carefully for "made in China."
7/12/12
Nature's Variety has Issued a Voluntary Recall
Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs by Nature's Variety is not contaminated, but is not remaining fresh for the product's shelf life.
7/6/12
Bronze Greyhounds in England
7/2/12

Many dogs do not like fireworks and, along with many other animals, might experience fear and confusion, sometimes while they are home alone. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for dogs, frightened by fireworks, to run away. Complicating matters, fireworks tend to go off for a few days prior to the 4th of July, making it difficult to know when your dog might be subjected to the noise of them. Here are some suggestions:
- Be mindful of how acute a dog's hearing is, and how loud fireworks are to them.
- Even if you have a fenced yard and tend to allow your dog to be outside unsupervised, do not do so on, and for a few days prior to, July 4th. A scared dog is more apt to escape from a confined area.
- Be aware that even a dog who has not previously reacted to fireworks, could attempt to take off due to them, especially if the sound is close to their location.
- If possible, stay with your dog during fireworks. Although the noise might still frighten him, your presence will likely be comforting to your dog.
- If your dog has an area inside that he goes to in order to feel safe, make sure that he has access to it.
- Normal household noise such as that from a television show or music can help to blunt the sound of fireworks.
- If a firework display is visible from your home, keep window coverings closed while the fireworks are going off.
- Items such as a thundershirt or dog appeasing pheromones can also be utilized. (No thundershirt? - try wrapping your dog snugglyin a towel).
- Although this should always be the case, make sure that your dog has an identification tag on.
6/9/12
States with Laws on Restraining Pets while Driving
Check out what states require cats and dogs to be safely restrained in cars.
6/8/12
Pet Buckle Law in New Jersey
Dog and cats traveling by car in NJ need to be buckled in with harnesses or in a buckled down crate. If not, the driver can be fined. Whether or not you agree with the law, pets are safer when buckled and so are the human passengers. Information on car restraints can be found here.
6/16/12
Quite a contrast to what has been circulating:
President of the NJASPCA Explains Unrestrained Animal Law in this Audio
5/8/12
Parasite Prevalence Maps
Check the prevalence of parasites such as heartworm and ticks throughout the USA, and by state and county.
5/3/12
"Dogs in the City"
This new CBS television, which is currently filming in Manhattan, will begin airing later this month.
4/28/12
Greyhound Sculpture
This sculpture was made by Chris Williams
4/22/12
Metal Sighthound Statues, Stockton UK
4/13/12
Please print the flyer and put in on the windshield of cars with dogs (or other pets) inside and, if there is any chance that the temperature warrants it, notify store managers or call the please - don't let the dog (or other animal) suffer. Also consider posting the flyer in public places.
4/10/13
An Italian Greyhound named Summer won a contest and is on an actual (not e-greeting) Hallmark card. You can order it online and have it addressesed, stamped, and sent. The text can be customized to what you want!!!
3/2/12
Not an Italian Greyhound, but could have been! Your Italian Greyhound might enjoy products such as those from DoodleBug Duds and White House Designs.
2/21/12
These televison shows are scientifically designed for, and to appeal to, dogs. If you have a dog who likes to watch TV, he will probably enjoy these shows even more. The shows are also directed at owners whose dogs are lonely when left alone i.e. leave the dog television channel on for your dog. Test it out while you are home first to make sure that your dog is not scared by them - all dogs are different.
1/2/12
This information, although not too surprizing, is important to the health of all pets.
11/23/11
I would recommend checking the package information before purchasing any dog treat product. If the product is made in China, do not purchase it! Be sure to read carefully - a company can be a USA company, with their product, or products, made in China.
11/15/11
This is proving to be a great blog by the UK Italian Greyhound Breed Club. To access previous blogs in the series, go to the bottom of the current blog.
9/15/11
Queen Gracie book by Judy Longhouse
Not your usual Italian Greyhound, or dog, book - this book contains stories about Queen Gracie, a small Italian Greyhound, written by Judy Longhouse. Don't miss out! Click here to order Outrageous Tails of a Canine Queen.
8/18/11
Although the focus is on Puget Sound, this is a message that applies to dogwalkers everywhere.
6/23/11
It is very heartwarming to see this dog able to run and play with the benefit of four prosthetic paws, and a testiment to what is possible.
6/12/11
Suffolk County in New York state might be following in the footsteps of cities elsewhere in the United States that are banning the sale of puppies, either completely or from puppymills, in petstores. Although these bans are certainly controversial, it is one way to impact the profitability of puppymills. Italian Greyhound Place posted a link in May of 2010 (on this site's Where to Get an IG page) to an article that pointed out the success of a ban in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
6/7/11
A video of a Chinese Crested and an Italian Greyhound learning "speak" and "growl." If you decide to teach your dog either, or both, of these commands, try eliciting the vocalization by presenting a situation/stimulus that naturally results in your dog producing the desired vocal sound. When your dog makes the desired sound, say the cue word i.e. "speak," "growl," so that, with enough repetitions, your dog will learn to vocalize to your cue word.
5/31/11
How your dog actually drinks water might not be something that you have given much thought to, but this short article and video demonstrates the technique quite well.
5/25/11
These breed specific door hangers are a great way to alert visitors to the presence of your Italian Greyhound (s) or other dogs, and to convery the need for caution at entry/exit doors and gates. Of course, this is only recommended in addition to other security measures that you take!