Adapting to the winter cold for an Italian Greyhound

An Italian Greyhound can adapt quite well to a variety of environments, but they are not natural winter dogs. They are not a double-coated breed, which means that their hair is not meant to retain body heat in the same way that a Siberian Husky does.

An Italian Greyhound also maintains a lean body weight without excess body fat, and the fat is part of what helps keep the dog warm. This does not mean creating a fat puppy! It simply means that the IG’s natural body structure is not made for cold weather.

For those IGs who live in colder climates or where there is even snow, certain things should be done to ensure the dog stays as warm as possible during those cold months of the year.

Here are some tips to keep your Italian Greyhound warm during the winter:

clothing! This is not a fashion statement, but dogs with close coats should always wear a fleece coat or warm sweater when outdoors. Many of these dogs also appreciate wearing the sweater around the house. Helps trap body heat close to the Italian Greyhound’s skin and body.

o Give your dog plenty of warm beds in the house. Some dogs like snuggly dog ​​beds, which help the dog stay warm by snuggling inside. You can also purchase dog beds with built-in heaters or you can purchase a special electric heater that can be placed inside any type of dog bed.

If you prefer not to use an electric blanket or bed, you can use microwaveable human body wraps or create your own. Fill a small square of cloth or a pillow with rice or beans and sew them together. This pillow can be heated in 30 second intervals up to 1 ½ minutes.

o Remember to try to locate your Italian Greyhound’s bed away from drafts or cold spots like concrete or tile. Instead, find an area that gets warm natural light through a window every day, as dogs love to bask in the sun.

o Don’t leave your Italian Greyhound outside. These are not outdoor dogs, especially in cold winter weather.

o Sometimes it is advantageous to feed your IG a little more food during the winter, especially if it shivers frequently. Adding a little extra gives you extra calories and fat so you don’t lose any of your current weight. It’s okay if you gain up to 2 or 3 pounds during the winter, but no more than that!

An Italian Greyhound, while not a natural cold-weather breed, can learn to adapt well to its environment as long as it is an indoor dog, has plenty of warm clothing and bedding, and is given a little extra food.

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