Caring for your Greyhound
Greyhounds are bred for speed and athleticism and so are generally a very healthy and robust breed, having none of the inherent health problems which some of the larger breeds experience.
Below are some of the key things to be aware of to keep your Greyhound healthy and happy.
Heat and Cold - Greyhounds have relatively thin skin and little body fat compared to other breeds, this makes them more susceptible to both heat and cold. A Greyhound should wear a warm coat when outside on cold days, and during winter will need one at night. On hot days they must have adequate shade and fresh water. Better yet, bring your Greyhound inside the house whenever the weather is extreme.
Teeth - Like many other long jawed dogs, Greyhounds are prone to gum disease and tooth decay. This can be avoided by either cleaning the teeth or giving a suitable bone to chew. A yearly dental check is recommended.
Lacerations - Greyhounds have very thin skin and so are extremely susceptible to cuts and lacerations. If it's a small laceration you can bathe in a mild solution of salty water, but otherwise it may need veterinary attention.
Anesthetics - Due to their low body fat, Greyhounds cannot tolerate standard dog anesthetics. So make sure to ask your vet whether he is aware of this and has treated Greyhounds previously. Alternatively seek a specialist Greyhound vet if your Greyhound requires an anesthetic.
Nails - It is advised to make nail trimming part of the Greyhound's regular grooming routine to ensure they do not become too long.
Grooming - Greyhounds are clean dogs and generally have less 'doggie odour' than other breeds, so they do not need regular baths. Their coat is short and sleek, but they do shed hair. Like all dogs they shed their coats in Spring and Autumn, and regular brushing for a week or two will remove this excess hair.
Diet - This is very much a personal preference of the owner. When adopting a Greyhound, find out what the dog has been eating previously, if you are happy with that and feel that the dog is getting adequate nutrition, then stay with it. If you do wish to change the diet, make sure that it is done gradually.
The main things NOT to feed your Greyhound (or any other dogs) are grapes, onions and chocolate.
Annual Vet Check - As with all other dogs, Greyhounds need to be have an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations and a full health check-up. When you adopt a Greyhound from GSN, it has been vaccinated with C5 (Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Bordatella Bronchiseptica - the last two being forms of Kennel Cough).
Be aware that most boarding kennels will not accept dogs without a current C5 vaccination certificate.
Ensure you also have adequate flea and heart-worm control.
Heat and Cold - Greyhounds have relatively thin skin and little body fat compared to other breeds, this makes them more susceptible to both heat and cold. A Greyhound should wear a warm coat when outside on cold days, and during winter will need one at night. On hot days they must have adequate shade and fresh water. Better yet, bring your Greyhound inside the house whenever the weather is extreme.
Teeth - Like many other long jawed dogs, Greyhounds are prone to gum disease and tooth decay. This can be avoided by either cleaning the teeth or giving a suitable bone to chew. A yearly dental check is recommended.
Lacerations - Greyhounds have very thin skin and so are extremely susceptible to cuts and lacerations. If it's a small laceration you can bathe in a mild solution of salty water, but otherwise it may need veterinary attention.
Anesthetics - Due to their low body fat, Greyhounds cannot tolerate standard dog anesthetics. So make sure to ask your vet whether he is aware of this and has treated Greyhounds previously. Alternatively seek a specialist Greyhound vet if your Greyhound requires an anesthetic.
Nails - It is advised to make nail trimming part of the Greyhound's regular grooming routine to ensure they do not become too long.
Grooming - Greyhounds are clean dogs and generally have less 'doggie odour' than other breeds, so they do not need regular baths. Their coat is short and sleek, but they do shed hair. Like all dogs they shed their coats in Spring and Autumn, and regular brushing for a week or two will remove this excess hair.
Diet - This is very much a personal preference of the owner. When adopting a Greyhound, find out what the dog has been eating previously, if you are happy with that and feel that the dog is getting adequate nutrition, then stay with it. If you do wish to change the diet, make sure that it is done gradually.
The main things NOT to feed your Greyhound (or any other dogs) are grapes, onions and chocolate.
Annual Vet Check - As with all other dogs, Greyhounds need to be have an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations and a full health check-up. When you adopt a Greyhound from GSN, it has been vaccinated with C5 (Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Bordatella Bronchiseptica - the last two being forms of Kennel Cough).
Be aware that most boarding kennels will not accept dogs without a current C5 vaccination certificate.
Ensure you also have adequate flea and heart-worm control.
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