NAIL CARE:

A Dremel Rotary tool.  My favorite model for dog nails ($69.99 at HomeDepot and includes the bits and sanding drums good for big  or small breeds, plus a bunch of extra useful bits), is the 10.8 V Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool Model 8000-02.  Do the keyword search on dremel 10.8v. 

And/or a Kurlash/DiamonDeb Foot Dresser file, available from beauty supply stores.

DENTAL & GUM CARE:

Nolvadent Oral Solution (8 oz.) item# 9N-1096 $13.99
AND Tartar Control toothpaste item# CA-9501 $4.99
A cat or human baby toothbrush.

Toothpaste and Nolvadent are both available from: Doctors Foster & Smith or phone for catalog: 1-800-826-7206

DOG KIBBLE:

AVOID KIBBLE THAT IS PRESERVED WITH ETHOXYQUIN, which is a pesticide, herbicide and rubber stabilizer.  Many major pet food companies, such as Hill's Science Diet, have used or still use Ethoxyquin.

Innova brand dog food is an excellent, natural food kibble. Here is the link to find a dealer near you: Naturapet

Other great natural pet foods are by Solid Gold  (their new Beef/Barley Performance Diet, with lots of fish oils and flax, is getting rave reviews) and Canidae.

Ask your local pet store which brand they sell the most of which could be an indication of freshness.

EASY BATH:

Mix 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. Sponge on, no rinse necessary.  Towel dry.  This deodorizes, cleans and makes the coat shiny and dander free.

SLEEPING QUARTERS & BEDDING:

# 200 Vari-Kennel, not Kennel-Kab brand. <KK's are too short and too long,perfect for dachshunds> Available from  Doctors Foster & Smith  (Traditional Vari-Kennel #200 <medium> item #CS-979, $37.99 plus $7.99 shipping.  

Excellent quality dog beds and crate pads are available from Cat' N Dog CoZies, (831) 475-1103:

For IG's special order the 15" round travel bed in all tapestry (fake fur pills and doesn't last as long) and request double batting in the bottom. The colors and subtle patterns are quite elegant.  Durable and reversible without unsightly seams.  Machine washable. I use a #200 Crate Mat AND the round travel bed in the Vari-Kennel. The round travel bed also works great in the Sherpa Pet Bags for traveling.  Many IG's also love the the Hide-a-Pet, igloo style bed. Tell Judy we sent you!

A very good and inexpensive exercise pen, AKA ex-pen, is made by Precision Pet Products. The model type is Pro-Handler, 30" high. The top is sold separately, don't risk a leg break, get the top! These pens come in gold tone or silver and set up to make a 4 foot square.  Order from:
Cherrybrook

TRAY FOR PAPER (POTTY) TRAINING:

Also available from Cherrybrook is a durabable plastic pan for paper training.  Order 42" L x 27.5" W Replacement Pan,  Item number 15-231.  $28.95 + $18.00 shipping to California.

TARPS FOR MAKING A POTTY AREA IN YOUR YARD:

Tarps At Wholesale - 1-888-702-6082

STAINLESS STEEL CRATE DISHES:

These have a ring that clamps to the crate and the bowl is easily removable.  For IG's order the 20 oz. size.  Order from J & B Pet Supply  (do a product search on "clamp on", without quote marks)

COLLAR & LEADS:

The leashes we HIGHLY recommend are the "martingale" type.  They are the safest we have found and have a wide collar which is easy on their necks.  They are pretty too.

Order from Marial - (414) 355-4776 or email - marial@wi.rr.com, website - http://marial.netfirms.com/

Collar Safety:

If you want to leave a collar with ID on your dogs use a break-away buckle, safety collar.  These breakaway if the dog hooks them on something while climbing or playing. Avoid the ones that are made with elastic as dogs are not as flexible as cats when it comes to getting out of a collar in an emergency.

A (3/4") dog break-away buckle collar is available from KeepSafe in a wide  range of colors.  For IGs, I prefer to remove the two D-rings that allow you to use this collar with a leash and use a non dangle ID plate.

Non-dangle brass pet ID plate "tag" Doctors Foster & Smith

COATS:

These are all companies that make really nice coats and/or sweaters fitted to the greyhound shaped body.  They will send brochures and price lists and the great thing is they have been very supportive of Italian Greyhound rescue efforts.

1. Hound Togs  Several styles of coats and rain slickers some with fleece lining.

2. Cloak and Dogger (616) 866-4694. Real pretty styling with waterproof outer and quilted Thinsulate lining. Address: 26 Gibraltar Dr., Rockford, MI 49341

MORE COATS:

Toastie Coats & Paws  Makes Polarfleece coats with a thick, fleecy lining, and are custom-fit to your iggie, whippet or GH.

Chris Stolpe's Chrisanthemums Makes cozy Polarfleece (with or without Ultrex shell) coats for GHs, whippets and IGs.

BOOKS & MAGAZINES:

The most complete breed book is by Lilian Barber titled "The Italian Greyhound, 21st Century".  It is available from Joan and Bill Cooper who also publish the IG magazine in partnership with Annette (Tink) Norton.  To order:

The Italian Greyhound, 21st Century ($29.95 + $4.50 s&h)
Send check to: IG Productions,
8410 Kingsgate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854.

Breed Magazine:

The Italian Greyhound
Editors and Publishers
Joan M. Cooper & William J. Cooper
301-299-6269
Subscription Rate: $23.00 yearly, 7 issues (as of 10/09/99)  Send check to:

The Italian Greyhound
8410 Kingsgate Road Dept. WWW
Potomac, MD 20854

1.)  Dog Owner's HOME Veterinary Handbook by Drs. Carlson and Giffin from Howell House.  The "HOME Vet Handbook" is a must for all dog owners.  It isn't something you necessarily read cover to cover, but rather keep as a reference for when you dog is ill.  The information is listed by symptoms, so you look up what's happening with your dog and read what you can do and when to go to the vet. It's a great money and worry saver.

2.)  Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Newsletter, Cornell Dogwatch (800) 829-5574.

3.)  Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Heath for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Richard Pitcairn. He discusses the dangers of over-vaccination and has outlined a recommended shot schedule.  Also has healthy dog food recipes.