GREYHOUND CARE: Basic Care Tips
Understanding the relationships in your "pack"
Your greyhound, like any dog, needs to figure out his place in your "pack," which includes all of the human and animal members of your family with whom he'll interact. He needs to learn to treat all of the humans, including the children, with the respect that he instinctively shows to pack leaders. He also needs to work out his relationship witih the other animals.
The addition of a new animal to a pack causes adjustment for all of the members. For example, a formerly only dog now has to adjust to a second dog in the home, and the two of them have to figure out which is above the other. An older dog has to adjust to the presence of a new, younger, more active dog. A mellow dog has to adjust to a new, more dominant dog (or vice versa).
Your greyhound, like any dog, needs to figure out his place in your "pack," which includes all of the human and animal members of your family with whom he'll interact. He needs to learn to treat all of the humans, including the children, with the respect that he instinctively shows to pack leaders. He also needs to work out his relationship witih the other animals.
The addition of a new animal to a pack causes adjustment for all of the members. For example, a formerly only dog now has to adjust to a second dog in the home, and the two of them have to figure out which is above the other. An older dog has to adjust to the presence of a new, younger, more active dog. A mellow dog has to adjust to a new, more dominant dog (or vice versa).
Table scraps are not recommended as a major part of your dog’s diet. Such a diet does not provide the balanced nutrition of a good quality dog food. Some greyhound owners, however, do occasionally add cooked vegetables to their dogs’ meals. The dogs seem to enjoy this healthful treat.
If your dog is active and does not have a weight problem, you may choose to make dry food available at all times. Many greys, however, will become overweight this way, so it is necessary to feed them a measured amount twice per day (usually 1-1/2 to 3 cups depending on size and activity level).
Overfeeding can result in a weight problem which can lead to a shorter life span, an animal more prone to heart and respiratory disease, and an animal which is at greater risk during any activity or any necessary surgery. Generally, a greyhound is considered at good pet weight when you can see just a shadow of the last three ribs.
If your dog is active and does not have a weight problem, you may choose to make dry food available at all times. Many greys, however, will become overweight this way, so it is necessary to feed them a measured amount twice per day (usually 1-1/2 to 3 cups depending on size and activity level).
Overfeeding can result in a weight problem which can lead to a shorter life span, an animal more prone to heart and respiratory disease, and an animal which is at greater risk during any activity or any necessary surgery. Generally, a greyhound is considered at good pet weight when you can see just a shadow of the last three ribs.
Feeding
Dogs require a nutritionally balanced diet that considers the animal’s age, health, level of activity, and weight. In addition to food, fresh water must be available at all times. Both should always be offered in clean bowls in a quiet space. It is important to respect your dog’s quiet eating time.
Healthy adult dogs generally should be fed dry kibble. It greatly helps to keep the teeth clean and, if nutritionally balanced, can provide the bulk of the diet.
Moist dog food comes in a variety of enticing flavors; however, it can spoil if left for any length of time. Semi-moist foods tend to be the least advisable. They have a high sugar and preservative content and can cause plaque.
Dog Food Advisor is a great resource for high-quality food and has up to date information on food recalls.
Dogs require a nutritionally balanced diet that considers the animal’s age, health, level of activity, and weight. In addition to food, fresh water must be available at all times. Both should always be offered in clean bowls in a quiet space. It is important to respect your dog’s quiet eating time.
Healthy adult dogs generally should be fed dry kibble. It greatly helps to keep the teeth clean and, if nutritionally balanced, can provide the bulk of the diet.
Moist dog food comes in a variety of enticing flavors; however, it can spoil if left for any length of time. Semi-moist foods tend to be the least advisable. They have a high sugar and preservative content and can cause plaque.
Dog Food Advisor is a great resource for high-quality food and has up to date information on food recalls.
Exercise
Inside or outside, exercise is a commitment you make to the dog when you adopt. But just how much exercise is needed and how to best reach that level, you must determine. Make time every day to do something together–it will benefit the health and well-being of both of you.
Inside or outside, exercise is a commitment you make to the dog when you adopt. But just how much exercise is needed and how to best reach that level, you must determine. Make time every day to do something together–it will benefit the health and well-being of both of you.
Grooming and Handling
Grooming is to dogs what basic hygiene is to humans. The nails, ears, coat, and teeth all need to be properly maintained for your dog’s health and comfort. Consult your veterinarian, professional groomer, or GreySave adoption representative for a demonstration of tooth brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning.
Your greyhound’s teeth should be brushed at least weekly. Recent research has found good dental care to be vital in preventing many other health problems. If you do not keep tartar off your dog’s teeth, the vet will have to scale them. Because this procedure requires anesthesia, it can be dangerous for greyhounds and is rather expensive ($200-$400). Greyhounds are generally very compliant and often enjoy the taste of doggie toothpaste. (NEVER use human toothpaste; it will make your dog quite sick.)
A dog that is reluctant to be handled may have been treated roughly in the past; therefore, you need to be gentle, but firm, in your touch. Your confidence will help build your dog’s confidence. A daily “dog massage” is a pleasurable way to get your dog to enjoy being handled and will also allow you to work with generally sensitive (and ticklish) areas such as mouth, ears and paws.
Health and Safety Tips
Includes tips on vaccinating your grey, parasites in Southern California (worms, heart-worms, fleas, and ticks), avoiding and treating injury from foxtails and heatstroke. Owners of big dogs like greyhounds should pay special attention to the section on Bloat, a condition where the stomach can twist and cause death quickly. Knowing how to spot it and what to do is critical to saving your dog's life.
Includes tips on vaccinating your grey, parasites in Southern California (worms, heart-worms, fleas, and ticks), avoiding and treating injury from foxtails and heatstroke. Owners of big dogs like greyhounds should pay special attention to the section on Bloat, a condition where the stomach can twist and cause death quickly. Knowing how to spot it and what to do is critical to saving your dog's life.
Vaccinations
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Hot Weather Danger
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First Aid Kit
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Loud Noises
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Nail Trimming
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Fleas, Ticks & Worms
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Many uses of muzzles
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Dog Park Dangers
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Traveling with Greys
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The Multi Dog Family
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Gardens & Greys
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Disaster Preparedness
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When to Say Goodbye
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