GREYHOUND CARE 

Exercise

Two or three 20 minute walks per day are usually sufficient. Dogs that are elderly or who are not in perfect health may need less exercise. Fleecy jackets are a good way to keep your dog comfy and warm; in wet weather a fleece lined waterproof coat is a good idea as Greyhounds don't have an undercoat or much fat on their bodies! Greyhounds normally walk really well on a lead. Always use a collar suited to a Greyhound, and a harness especially for walking. Greyhounds have long necks and very little protection. Never use an extending lead, your Greyhound may run up to speeds of around 40miles per hour, meaning you may well sustain injuries and so could your dog if he/she unexpectedly spots something interesting, and tries to take off.

Any dog that's in a new home should be settled in for a minimum of around 6 weeks before even considering taking them off the leash. Using a muzzle until you know your dog's temperament is wise, only use basket type muzzles (non wire) as this will allow your dog to breathe/pant properly allowing them to cool themselves down, as well as being able to drink fluids through the muzzle to stay hydrated as greyhounds can quickly overheat in warmer weather.

Never let your dog off a lead near a road, try to find enclosed areas to keep your dog safe. If your dog does not respond to a recall then do not let him/her off the lead in open areas. Get to know your dog and make sure he/she will respond to a recall before letting them loose in an open field, also watch out for uneven ground, potholes, tree stumps and wire fencing as your dog may get injuries. Greyhounds have long thin limbs which can easily fracture at speed, and their thin skin can easily tear wide open from even the smallest of cuts.

Beware as greyhounds running at great speed can knock into smaller dogs causing them serious or even fatal injuries.

Prey Drive

Greyhounds fresh out of the dog racing industry have generally been conditioned to chase the lure. It's always best to rescue a greyhound from a reputable greyhound rescue centre; one that will give you ongoing advice on your new dogs health and behaviour, and offer a policy where you can return the dog if there are any serious issues where you can no longer keep him/her, 'bearing in mind that it is unfair to have dogs leave their family environment unless absolutely necessary'. They are dogs for life and should not be treated as anything other than family with a lifelong commitment.

A reputable rescue will temperament test dogs and will rehabilitate them as best as possible whilst in their care. This does not mean that you have a ready made pet dog. Greyhounds are usually kept in a kennel environment and will likely need you to have patience in helping them to learn how to live in a domestic home. Make sure that you tell the rescue if you have small children or other pets so that you can be certain to give you a dog that matches your family and pets.

Some greyhounds have a higher natural prey drive than others and may not be able to live with other animals or run loose in a park. Advice would usually be given if a greyhound needs to stay muzzled longterm outdoors due to high prey drive.

Feeding

Greyhounds don't need any more food than an average size dog; always check the feeding guide on your dogs food. Holistic diets are usually the best as they do not contain meat derivatives and have all natural ingredients.

Food ingredients to avoid:

- Meat derivatives (are the waste produce of any meat, beaks, etc).

- High protein (will give your dog too much stamina).

- Large amounts of Ash (Ash is a bulking agent used in cheap commercial food).

- Your new dog may be tempted by food that is within reach, so keep all food out of reach until feeding times.

Greyhounds are more prone to gastric torsion (bloat). This is a serious condition and would require immediate veterinary attention. It can be caused by dogs eating too quickly, drinking in between eating, or exercising too close to feeding time.

Avoid feeding your greyhound within 2 hours of exercise and avoid large meals. 2 or 3 smaller meals per day can help reduce the risk of bloat in larger dogs.

Around the Home and Garden

Your new greyhound has most probably never lived in a home environment and therefore will not be house trained, the advantage is that they tend to learn quickly. If you find your dog has an accident, clean it up without any fuss or eye contact, telling your dog off will prolong the house training as your dog may become anxious without you even realizing. Anxiety can cause anticipation which will be likely to cause further accidents. Do not use products containing ammonia when cleaning floors.

Your garden should be well enclosed, with at least 6ft high fences. Even a garden cane can prove hazardous to a greyhound, so it's important to keep your garden free from any dangers. Remember that you have a dog that can run up to high speeds even in a small enclosed area. Some plants are poisonous to dogs, so please ensure any shrubs or plants are non poisonous. NEVER allow your greyhound to run in the area of a greenhouse. Fence off any dangers to prevent fatalities.

Danger of patio doors: a good rescue will NOT home a dog to you if you have 'clear' glass patio doors or windows at ground level. Greyhounds have been known to run through glass doors resulting in fatalities!! If you have low level windows or clear glass doors, be sure to cover them with window decals so that your dog does not confuse it with an open space that they can race through.

Collars

Greyhounds have small skulls and long slim delicate necks. Beware of collars that could slip over your dogs head easily and avoid walking a dog using a collar if the dog even slightly pulls. Collars restricting the movement of a dogs neck can cause long term irreversible injury and serious health problems. NEVER jerk a lead. Find a good quality padded harness that is non restrictive.

Greyhounds and Anaesthetic

Use a veterinary surgeon that is knowledgeable in Greyhounds. Greyhounds can have problems after anaesthetic. Never refrain from seeking veterinary treatment, an experienced vet will know how to deal with any problems.