Shopping List

FOOD:  Your puppy is currently eating Diamond Puppy. Obviously, I have a lot at stake when I choose a food to feed my dogs, and, I have to choose very wisely! I did a TON of research in making my choice, and  I love, this particular food, for many reasons.  The dogs LIKE it. If they don’t like it and won’t eat it then what’s the point??  It’s a small company so very little risk of recall due to outsourcing of manufacturing. The larger a company gets, the more likely it’s manufactured in less than ideal facilities to limit the cost. The consequences can be in the form of contamination. I won’t risk that with my dogs. This food has limited but balanced ingredients, three sources of protein and is grain free and it will satisfy your dog in lower amount because of the absence of fillers. The main reason and what sets it apart from other options is that it is low in phytoestrogens. You hear all about soy being bad for hormones. About how much hormones in our chicken and other foods are affecting us humans. Phytoestrogens are components that can harm your dog in a myriad of ways over time.  You can read all about that on the Flourish website. I ask …that for at least this first bag…PLEASE DON’T CHANGE THE FOOD!! You are welcome to change it later (although I don’t recommend) …but it’s essential for your puppy to undergo the least amount of stress possible entering a new home… and changing food is stressful! It can cause diarrhea and they may not eat what you buy…which can be a nightmare!  

CAN FOOD: Note:  To ensure that your puppy will eat for the first 24 hours…I recommend a can food that can be found at most retailers like Petco/PetSmart or online at chewy.com. You should only need a can or two…as you don’t want to continue on this…but it’s great to get them to eat if they are stressed! It is made by Royal Canin and it’s their puppy appetite stimulating formula. I use it to wean puppies, so they are used to it and love it! You can spoon a little on top of the kibble…or mix with warm water to make a gravy for the kibble. 

 SUPPLEMENTS: I highly recommend NuVet Supplements to your puppy’s daily regimen. I am often asked what you can give your puppy as a treat. My number one recommendation for the first couple of months would be NuVet Immune system supplements. We start the puppies on this as soon as they have teeth, and offer a quarter of a tablet while shaking the bottle so they know it is coming, and saying "TREAT".  They absolutely LOVE them, and they are extremely important while your puppy goes through the stressful process of going to a new home, shots, and teething. You have to have my breeder code to be able to order them. I have attached more info to this email. Here is the link you can use: http://www.nuvet.com/38094 

OR CALL (1-800-474-7044) and your unique order code 38094 

SHAMPOO:  The only shampoo I use on my dogs is  Monat Pet.  I love it because it is non-toxic, naturally based, non-drying, smells divine and leaves them ohhhhh so soft and shiny!!  LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!  Please let me know if you order, and I will send you a free gift!  The pet freshening spray is amazing as well for in between baths and it leaves a lasting fragrance.  All of it is super concentrated and you don't have to use much to be effective.  You can order the shampoo here:   https://beccahuff.mymonat.com/monat-pet/  

On the rare occasion that I need a medicated shampoo for a skin issue...this is the shampoo that I use that seems to work best for me on IG's.   Davis Sulfa Benz Shampoo  https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sulfur-Benz-Shampoo-Pets/dp/B008ET95IM/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=davis+pet+shampoo&qid=1571284247&sr=8-11 

BRUSH: Typically, when I bathe my IG's I like to use a gentle exfoliating mitt. They seem to enjoy the gentle scratch and it also eliminates old skin cells so that any oils or conditioners you use will be more effective. I like to use oils on my Iggy's to keep away dry skin and to keep coat shiny. This is especially important in colder climates, and in winter. Coconut oil works well but there are a lot of good products out there.  For regular brushing I would recommend a soft brush for short coats or even just wipe them down with a washcloth and coconut oil.  

TEETH:   I keep a plaque breakdown supplement in their water, and it helps keep teeth clean and breath fresh.  There are several brands, and I don't have a preference really.  You can also begin early with brushing your Iggy's teeth...and done regularly will make a HUGE difference in the long run ...even if regularly only means once a week.  Feeding dental bones also helps. These simple things will help regular vet dental cleanings to a minimum.  It's important to take care of their teeth.  We introduce all of our puppies to dental care by rubbing on their gums even before they have teeth!

TREATS: One of the first questions I am always asked is "what kind of treats do you use". You have to be careful! Treats need to be healthy, fresh, made in the USA (risk of contamination otherwise), and something that won't upset a small puppy's stomach.

I have always loved the idea of feeding raw to my dogs, but the risk of salmonella or some other organism in raw making my dogs sick FREAKS ME OUT. So... I searched for a way to try and add meat to my dogs/puppy's diet without adding risk. And it needed to be convenient, because I am busy ...I'm sure you are too! I found a solution and my dogs ADORE it! Stella and Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties. It's not cheap...but...if you break the patties up into several pieces it lasts a long time! 

You can order on Chewy.com

Below are links to some other products we have found useful with our iggys!  

FOR ANXIETY:  I use straight CBD oil 4 drops under the tongue.  Just human CBD.  and if that doesn't help, I will give an extra dose.  You really can't overdose them with it!  It's great if your baby is scared of storms, riding in the car, or has separation anxiety.  If you are not comfortable just giving CBD, there are plenty of CBD treats for dogs out there that I am sure work fine! I also recommend the Thundershirt and the Shed Defender shirt for short term anxiety solutions.  You can also just try a regular doggy T Shirt often that works and it's an inexpensive and long-term option.

More coming soon!

TOYS…variety is the spice of life!!! I recommend lots of different sizes, textures, some that squeak… some that don’t. Soft and fluffy are good for shaking and tugging. Rope, nylon, hard rubber etc are good for teething. I used to sell a Nylabone puppy wishbone that was great in my shop that was a favorite with the puppies for teething.

CRATES: If you wish to purchase a crate …typically a 30” will fit for most of my puppy's adult life. The hard plastic ones work great for travel and for the home. Some people prefer the wire kind for inside the home because they can see the puppy and the puppy can see you.

CLOTHING:    Obviously, IGs have a unique shape to them.  The best clothing including collars I have found on etsy.  Just go to etsy and type in Italian greyhound whatever you are looking for, and you will find some cute stuff made specifically for sight hounds :-)