Greyhound Care and Maintenance

Greyhound care and maintenance is up to you.

Adopting through a rescue group assures you that your greyhound will be neutered, bathed, have a dental, dewormed and have their shots before you receive them. This is all part of the adoption fee. You must take your greyhound for annual visits to the Vet to maintain their inoculations.

Greyhounds are very low maintenance. With routine care you will have a happy healthy greyhound.


greyhound bath
Bathing

The lack of body fat and undercoat means there is no need for frequent bathing. Once a month or less is adequate for bathing, more often tends to dry out their skin causing flaking and itching. I love telling people that greyhounds don’t smell like dogs.

Brushing

In most cases once a week grooming with a soft bristle brush or grooming glove is enough to remove the little bit of loose fur from their coats. Depending on the climate you are in, there may be a bit more shedding in the spring. Greyhound skin is very thin, like an old person, therefore very stiff bristle brushes can be painful even harmful.


Dental Care

The most important aspect of greyhound hygiene is good dental care. It is so important to maintain dental cleaning. A toothbrush and canine toothpaste is all that is needed. There are also products which help to break down the tarter making the removal of tarter easier. They adapt to regular oral hygiene very quickly, and it does not take much effort on your part. This part of greyhound care is essential.

Ears

Since their ears do not flop over they are not prone to ear mites. But that said you should not ignore cleaning their ears. A moist paper towel is sufficient to clean the ear and to check for the possibility of a tick.

Nails

Regular grooming should include nail trimming. If you are not comfortable with this task, find a good groomer and have the nails trimmed regularly to prevent the quick from growing too long. I walk my greyhounds every day on pavement which helps keep the nails at a reasonable length, but still, I have them professionally trimmed on occasion. In extreme cases when nails are allowed to grow too long it can cause a toe to break.

Worms

Dogs can contract intestinal parasites from several sources, fleas, ticks and other dogs. When coming off the track a rescue group will administer medication to eliminate intestinal parasites prior to adoption, have them checked again once you bring them home. Make sure when you make your first Vet visit that your greyhound is tested for heartworms also. This is a blood test which should routinely be done every year. Heartworms are carried by the mosquito and depending on your area can be very prevalent. Monthly regiment of heartworm preventative assures that your greyhound is safe from this disease.

Fleas

Fleas are a fact of life with dogs and other animals. They are a parasite which can carry several diseases and parasites. I have always used a flea comb on my greyhounds and cats. This is non-toxic and very reliable, but other flea preparations are often needed. Topical preparations, flea shampoo, flea spray or powder are the most recommended. Adding supplements to their food also helps to make the animals less “tasty” to the flea is another good way of discouraging fleas. Brewers yeast is a good additive to discourage fleas as well as a little garlic powder in their food. Keeping their bedding clean is a must.

Pet Insurance

I would advise that you look into Pet Insurance when adopting a greyhound or any new pet. The cost of the insurance can make routine greyhound care much easier on the budget.



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