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.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Italian Pointer is a robust and resilient dog, despite predispositions to certain diseases or anomalies mainly of a dermatological nature.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
Out of season, this pointing dog easily gains weight. The ribs must remain palpable: adjust the ration as soon as activity decreases.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Italian Pointer need? Like all dogs, Italian Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Italian Pointer vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Italian Pointer booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Italian Pointer need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
