Caring for your Bracco Italiano

Quick answer

The Bracco Italiano is a loyal, intelligent, and affectionate companion that thrives on consistent, gentle training. While they are robust dogs, they are prone to specific joint and eye conditions, as well as a life-threatening digestive issue. By maintaining a lean body condition, providing stable flooring, and monitoring your dog closely for signs of discomfort or distress, you can ensure they lead a happy and active life.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear over time. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog struggling to stand up after a nap, showing a swaying gait, or appearing reluctant to jump or climb stairs. Your vet will perform a physical examination to check for joint laxity and will use X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Keeping your dog at a lean body weight is the most effective way to reduce stress on these joints. Providing traction on slippery floors at home helps prevent unnecessary strain.

Elbow Dysplasia

Similar to the hip, the elbow joint can develop abnormally, causing pain and stiffness. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. Owners often notice a subtle limp that may worsen after exercise or a visible stiffness when the dog rises. The vet will palpate the elbow to check for pain and swelling and will use imaging to identify the specific developmental issue. It is important to avoid high-impact activities on hard surfaces, especially while your dog is still growing.

Entropion

Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice your dog squinting, pawing at their face, or experiencing excessive tearing and discharge. If left unaddressed, this can lead to painful corneal ulcers. A vet will examine the eye under magnification to confirm the eyelid position. Surgical correction is often required to reposition the lid and prevent permanent damage to the eye.

Ectropion

Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, where the eyelid rolls outward, leaving the eye exposed and vulnerable to irritation. This is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. You may notice the lower eyelid drooping, which can lead to chronic redness, dryness, or debris collecting in the eye. The vet will assess the eyelid structure to determine the severity. While mild cases may be managed with lubricating drops, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to protect the health of the eye.

Gastric Torsion

Gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat, is a sudden and life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. How this passes down is not settled. This is the most critical emergency you will face. You must act immediately if you notice your dog's abdomen becoming hard and distended, if they are pacing restlessly, or if they are attempting to vomit but producing nothing. Do not wait to see if it passes. Your vet will need to perform emergency surgery to de-rotate the stomach and secure it in place to prevent recurrence.