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Promoting
Health and Safety
• See our list of veterinarians
• Check out the articles on health by Suzanne Stack, DVM, and by the Ohio State University's Greyhound Health and Wellness Program.
Get to know your veterinarian as you would your family
doctor. Be sure your he or she is familiar with the special needs
of greyhounds. The greyhound’s low fat and high muscle content
causes it to react more readily to anesthesia, flea sprays, and
some medications.
Most greyhounds will usually devour medicine with
gusto if you simply hide the pill in a bit of peanut butter, hot
dog, or cheese and give it as a treat. Having the dog do a “trick”
such as sitting or bowing increases the anticipation they tend to
down the pill without even noticing it.
Below you'll find information on the following (click on a name to go to that section):
Recommended Vaccinations
Poisonous Substances
Helping a Poisoned Dog
Parasites
Foxtails
Bloat
Heatstroke
See also the information and advice on the following sites:
Greyt Health website articles by Dr. Suzanne Stack, DVM
Resources for Greyhound Owners and Veterinarians at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Poisonous Plant Guide for People and Animals on the Flower Delivery website. Click on the Poisonous Plants tab. We thank Mrs. Hughes and her students at Monument Charter School for the tip about this site!
Recommended Vaccinations
 As
with humans, it is easiest to maintain the health of a dog through
preventive measures rather than reactive measures. Dogs face the
common diseases Distemper, Parvovirus, Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis,
Coronavirus, Rabies and Kennel Cough, all of which are now almost
totally preventable with annual vaccinations.
The DHLPP-C vaccine protects against Distemper, Hepatitis,
Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus and
Coronavirus. Contact your veterinarian for specifics, but the following
vaccinations are required or commonly recommended in Southern California:
• Rabies (required)
• DHLPP/Corona (highly recommended)
• Bordetella (recommended)
Depending on your area, you may want to also put your
dog on a formula to protect against fleas, intestinal worms, or
heartworm.
Distemper
Distemper is a contagious viral infection which affects all organ
systems (especially the nervous system) and is frequently accompanied
by bacterial infections. It is widespread, often fatal, and can
cause permanent impairment in dogs who survive.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine Hepatitis is a virus which attacks the liver. Although
less dangerous than distemper or parvovirus, it is extremely debilitating.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys
and is transmittable to humans and other animals.
Parainfluenza/Canine Adenovirus 2
Parainfluenza and Canine Adenovirus 2 are both related to infectious
tracheo- bronchitis. This highly contagious respiratory disease
is characterized by coughing.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is another highly contagious, often fatal, viral infection.
Fecal waste from infected dogs is a major source of transmission.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is very similar to parvovirus. The symptoms of this
highly contagious viral infection include vomiting and diarrhea.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus transmitted in the saliva by a bite from an
infected animal and attacks the central nervous system. The virus
is commonly carried by skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. It is
transmittable to humans and is generally fatal.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a term which refers to certain contagious respiratory
infections whose primary symptom is a dry, raspy cough. Sneezing,
runny eyes, and a moderate fever may also be present.
The Bordetella inoculation is given to prevent one
of the causes of kennel cough not covered in the DHLPP vaccination.
Bordetella requires an initial series of 2 vaccinations, 3-4 weeks
apart; after which, an annual vaccination is needed. Unlike the
above mentioned vaccines, the Bordetella vaccine for kennel cough
is often considered optional, although most boarding facilities
require this vaccine in order to board your dog.
Poisonous Substances
• 10 Tips for Preventing Poisoning in your pet - Dr. Jill A. Richardson, DVM
Things for dog owners not to put in the garden:
Cocoa mulch – highly toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shell mulch products have an attractive odor and smell. Some dogs will eat large amounts of the mulch.
Pesticides –not safe for greyhounds. Snail bait is very
enticing to dogs, looks like kibble, and is a common poison problem
seen at veterinary offices. See the article on Snail bait and Jake,
Our "Forever Great"
Herbicides –including “Weed & Feed” type
fertilizers.
Plants with thorns or spikes - palms, roses, bouganvilla, cactus
plants. Keep these fenced off or pruned well to prevent injury.
Poisonous foods
Certain foods which humans eat regularly, are very poisonous to dogs. Call your vet immediately if your dog eats one of these. See the Toxic Substances webpage above for other problem foods.
Food |
Portions |
The Danger |
Symptoms |
Chocolate |
With its high cocoa content, dark chocolate is the most dangerous – as little as 2 ounces can cause problems in a 10 lb. dog. |
Theobromine
(in all chocolate) is similar to caffeine, a stimulant that can affect the heart and central nervous system. |
Diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat or muscle trembling. |
Raisins or grapes |
Pets can get sick from a half ounce of raisins or a handful of grapes. |
Doctors still aren’t sure why, but grapes and raisins can make the kidneys fail within 48 hours. |
Stomach upset and vomiting. May lead to kidney failure and death. |
Gum, candy, breath fresheners |
Just a few pieces could be dangerous. |
Xylitol, a common sweetener, causes a sudden drop in blood sugar. |
Weakness, seizures, liver failure – and sometimes death. |
Spoiled or moldy food |
It depends on the food and amount of mold, but even
a mouthful of old cheese can cause illness. |
Tremorgens, a toxic by-product of some mold, interferes with normal nervous system functions. |
Vomiting, tremors, & seizures. Can be fatal in large amounts. |
Onions |
It takes just 3.5 ounces of minced onions (raw or cooked) to cause a reaction in a 25 lb. dog. |
A chemical in onions, n-propyl disulfide, breaks down red blood cells and prevents them from carrying oxygen. |
Can cause blood in urine, weakness, rapid breathing and fast heart rate. Serious threat to a pet. |
Salt |
As little as 1 teaspoon ingested by a 10 lb. dog can cause illness. |
Salt changes how the body holds fluids. In some cases it can trigger swelling in the animal’s brain. |
Tremors and seizures. May cause death. |
Poisonous plants
Below is a short list of common Western landscaping
plants that are poisonous to dogs. Chances are your
garden contains at least one of these plants. The key is to be aware of what your dog eats, which parts
of the plant are toxic, and the level of toxicity in the plant. For a larger list with photos of the plants, see the Toxic Plant Database of the Veterinary Medicine Library at UIUC.
Angels Trumpet
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Caladium
Calla Lily
* Castor Bean
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
* Dieffenbachia: all parts of the plant
* Dumb Cane: all parts of the plant
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Foxglove
Fig, Creeping
Foxglove
Heavenly Bamboo
Hydrangea leaves
Ivy
Lantana
Larkspur
Mother-in-law's Tongue
Morning Glory
* Oleander: all parts of the plant
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Pothos
Primrose
Rhododendron
* Sago Palm
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
Tulip (bulb)
Wisteria
Yew (American, English, Western)
* Very dangerous plants
See also Gardener Education: Plants Toxic to Pets.
Helping a Poisoned Dog
• PetEducation.com has a section on Dog First Aid that discusses what to do if your dog should ingest a wide variety of toxic substances.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Their website offers a lot of information and advice.
National Poison Control Hotlines
You can call the groups below for help if you think your dog has encountered a poison. Note the charges for your calls.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $65 consultation fee for this service.
National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC)
1-900-680-0000. $45 per case, billed to your phone.
NAPCC notes: "A dog is not a 4-legged human. The NAPCC staff is all veterinary health professionals who have been trained in animal toxicology. Because of their training, they are prepared to deal with the complexities of a poisoned dog. Assistance is provided to both veterinarians and pet owners. The center is staffed around the clock by veterinary professionals. In the case of certain chemical exposures, the manufacture of the chemical/product may pay the caller's NAPCC charges. NAPCC will make follow-up call(s) as needed. Watch for any changes in color (skin and in mouth) and respiration, excessive salivation or dryness, diarrhea, heaving, vomiting, extreme restlessness or lethargy. Do NOT try to induce vomiting or ingestion without first consulting a veterinarian or poison control center."
Signs of Poisoning
Pawing at the ears (indicates a ringing sound), eyes, or mouth. Watering eyes and/or nose. Increased thirst and salivation frequent swallowing. Dry mouth, numbness of tissues or pale tissues, dilated pupils, blurred vision (bumping into objects).
Breathing: difficult or labored; change in respiration rate such as reduced, rapid, irregular, shallow or very deep.
Temperature: sudden variations either high, low or irregular
Heart: weak or irregular beat: rapid or slow; fleeting pulse
Digestive: diarrhea (usually foul smelling), foul breath odor, vomits, pain on defecation or palpation. Cramps, constipation, blood in feces or vomitus.
Nervous system: shivering, unusual and uncoordinated movements, shock, coma, paralysis, convulsions.
Urinary tract: increased urination, blood in urine, increased or reduced volume, pain or urination.
Blood: A sample may be drawn to see if there or any irregularities in the blood chemistries and/or the complete blood count (CBC)
Emergency First-Aid Kit
The ASPCA recommends that you assemble the following kit in case your dog encounters poison:
- A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
- A turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
- A can of your pet’s favorite wet food (to dilute the poison when it's a caustic substance that should not be vomited out)
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
- Forceps (to remove stingers)
- A muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
If Your Dog is Poisoned
- If you know what your dog ingested (it should be listed on the container), take it with you to the vet.
- Call your vet to say that you will be bringing your dog in. He or she may want to contact the poison center for more information.
- Bring in a zip-lock bag anything your dog has vomited or chewed.
- Before leaving for the vet it may be necessary to begin treatment at home, but call the vet first to get instructions.
- To purge poison you induce vomiting. Use hydrogen peroxide, 3% soluttion. Never use syrup of Ipecac, which can be toxic to pets. However, never induce vomiting if a caustic substance (such as bleach or pool treatment acid) was swallowed. Caustic poisons need to be neutralized.
- If an acidic poison (like bleach) has been ingested, Milk of Magnesia can be given or activated charcoal. If an alkaline poison has been ingested, vinegar or lemon juice is needed. Sometimes you can dilute the poison by giving your dog milk to drink.
- If the toxin is on the coat give your dog a bath and rinse him for 10 minutes before going to the vet.
Parasites
Worms
The most common parasites found in dogs are worms, fleas and ticks.
If at any time you see worms in your dog's stool or if your dog
shows signs of anemia, weight loss, lethargy, intestinal irritation,
diarrhea or vomiting, these could be indicators of worms and you
need to made an appointment with your veterinarian.
Heartworms
Veterinarians tell us that Heartworm is spreading at an alarming
rate in Southern California and its prevention is probably even
more important to the health of your dog than some vaccines right
now.
Heartworms entwine themselves around the arteries
of the heart, lungs and sometimes the liver. They block the flow
of blood causing jaundice, anemia, and eventually heart and lung
failure.
Your GreySave greyhound has been tested for Heartworm
and placed on Interceptor or Sentinel Heartworm preventative (in
a chewable pill that they love). It is vital that this preventive
continue to be given monthly. You can obtain it from your vet.
Fleas
 During
the summer and fall months, Southern California fights an ongoing
battle with fleas. Your two alternatives are to use chemicals or
to use a more natural approach.
Natural alternatives include the following: daily flea combing,
frequent baths, cedar chips and/or oil in the stuffing of bedding,
and sprinkling of borax powder lightly on carpeting after vacuuming
(allow to remain until next vacuuming when the process is repeated).
Although chemicals are not always the most desirable
option and may be hazardous to the health of both humans and non-humans
in your household, you may find they are sometimes necessary to
control fleas. Read the product labels and take precautions when
using any flea control chemicals on greyhounds. New flea control
products such as Program®, Frontline®, and Advantage®
involve giving your pet a monthly pill or liquid.
Before using any flea control chemicals, read the
information from Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia
Branigan and talk with your veterinarian.
All flea treatments must be done in conjunction with
flea control directed at the animal’s immediate environment.
This involves treating the house, dog bed, and yard. We recommend
that you also discuss this topic thoroughly with your veterinarian.
Ticks
Ticks live in shrubs and undergrowth, dropping onto animals (including
humans) as they pass. They attach themselves and feed, filling their
bodies with blood until they look like shiny beads. These insects
may be carriers of diseases and can cause serious infections.
Inspect your dog for ticks after walks and during grooming sessions.
Carefully examine your dog’s head and neck area, the ears,
and between the toes. Use tweezers to carefully remove any ticks;
destroy them by dropping them into rubbing alcohol.
Foxtails
In some local areas we seem to have an over abundance of a weed
known as foxtail. These weeds can pose serious danger to your pets
and frequent grooming is the only simple solution to the problem.
Foxtails shed burrs which can work their way through your pet’s
coat and into the skin. The area between the toes is particularly
susceptible. They can also enter through the nose, eyes, ears, and
mouth. After walks and during grooming sessions, check your dog
thoroughly for foxtails.
Once a foxtail has penetrated the tissue, it can migrate
to cause infection and may have to be surgically removed. Vigorous
head shaking and ear scratching may indicate foxtails in the ears.
Sneezing fits and occasional blood discharge from nostrils may be
symptoms of foxtails in the nose. Should you notice any of these
symptoms, see your veterinarian immediately.
Bloat
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat) is a life-threatening abdominal
disorder that requires immediate veterinary attention. It's a growing problem for some reason.
While or just after eating, the dog's stomach swells from gas or fluid, sometimes causing it to twist. If it's just a mild dilation of the stomach due to gas, it can be treated at home. If the stomach twists, however, the dog is in a life-or-death situation and must be taken to a vet immediately. Large, deep-chested dogs
are particularly susceptible to bloat.
Signs of acute stomach swelling (but not a twisted stomach):
• excessive salivation and/or drooling
• extreme restlessness
• attempts to vomit/defecate
• abdominal pain (he whines and groans when you push on his
 stomach)
• abdominal swelling
If your hound is able to belch or vomit, his stomach probably is NOT twisted.
Signs that the stomach has twisted are similar to those above but more acute. The dog breathes rapidly, his mouth membranes are cold and pale, and he collapses. These signs are due to strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach.
Rush your dog to the vet. Surgery will be necessary to relieve a twisted stomach. The stomach is opened up and the twist is unwound. Sometimes a portion of the stomach or the spleen must be taken out. The vet may staple the stomach in such a way that it is less likely to twist again.
In nearly every case of severe bloat, the dog had a history of overeating, eating fermented foods, drinking excessively after eating, or vigorous exercise within 2-3 hours of a meal.
Measures that may help to avoid bloat include the
following:
• Some experts recommend raising food and
water dishes about 6
inches off the ground.
• Do not allow strenuous exercise immediately before or
after eating.
“The onset of bloat is usually sudden. Picking
up on common early warning signals can mean the difference between
life and death...One moment your dog may be pacing or acting somewhat
restless, and the next, he’s fighting for his life...”
(“As the Stomach Turns,” Southern California Dog
Magazine)
Some information taken from Delbert G. Carlson and James M, Giffin, Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Howell Book House, 1983.
Heatstroke
Dogs do not sweat as do humans. They dissipate heat by panting.
The more they pant, the harder their bodies work. This stress on
the circulatory and respiratory systems can bring on heatstroke. Look for the following signs of heatstroke:
• Heavy panting
• Red gums and/or tongue
• Thick saliva
• Dizziness
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Shock
Fortunately, you can prevent heatstroke in your greyhound:
• Don't travel with your dog on hot days unless you make sure he stays cool (and never leave him alone in the car).
• Make sure when you leave home that he has plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
Carefully choose where
your dog will stay. Remember garages and dog houses can get quite
warm. Shady spots under a covering can disappear as the sun moves
across the sky. One bowl can get knocked over; it is not a bad idea
to leave at least two water dishes.
Should heatstroke occur to your dog, take the following
steps AND get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Move the animal
to a cool place and attempt to bring his temperature down quickly
to prevent possible brain damage.
This can be done most effectively using a garden hose.
Beginning at the base of his neck, slowly run the water down his
back to the tail, then work it down under the belly and across his
feet. If that is not possible, apply cold washcloths or cold packs
to the dog’s head, neck, and paw pads. Get the dog to a veterinarian
immediately.
Warning!
DO NOT immerse a dog who is suffering from heatstroke in cold
water.
When body temperature is high enough to cause heatstroke, such
a dramatic change in temperature can send a dog into shock.
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