 |
|||
See the Events Calendar for our monthly Meet and Greet events and for more details on the special events below. 4/20-22 America's Family Pet Expo 4/21 GreySave Spa Day in Pasadena 5/19 GreySave Race to the Park! Picnic Search GreySave Navigating this site from a touch-screen device
Check out GreySave Greyhound Adoptions on Facebook
Support GreySave when you shop at Amazon by clicking below. How this works. (866) Grey-Save 866-473-9728 |
 |
||
     |
|||
 |
|||
|
Feeding
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. 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.
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.
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.
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).
|
|||
 |
 |
||
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. 
Exercise
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.