Longevity
Life expectancy
With a stable weight, regular activity and joint monitoring, the Italian Pointer often lives 10 to 14 years. Subjects that are too heavy or too much stressed when young age less well.
Build
A robust breed?
The Italian Pointer is a robust and resilient dog, despite predispositions to certain diseases or anomalies mainly of a dermatological nature.
Watch points
What to watch for
Monitor gait, ears after working in cover, appetite and recovery after exertion. Lameness, recurrent ear infections or bloating require prompt veterinary advice.
Hip and elbow dysplasia : Large pointing dogs are exposed to it; screening breeding dogs and reasonable growth are essential.
Otitis : Drooping ears and working in cover promote inflammation.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs is recommended.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Risk in large sizes: two meals and no strenuous effort afterwards.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its short coat offers little protection from damp cold and intense sun. Plan on drying it after working in water and providing shade in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Out of season, this pointing dog easily gains weight. The ribs must remain palpable: adjust the ration as soon as activity decreases.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Split meals and avoid exertion right after.
- Inspect the ears after working in cover.
- Maintain a lean weight, especially out of season.
Vaccination
Italian Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Italian Pointer? Like all cats, the Italian Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Italian Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Italian Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Italian Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Italian Pointer
Request hip and elbow evaluations, an eye examination and a clinical check-up. Annual follow-up with weight and ear checks is recommended.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
