Greyhound Health and Information

Because Greyhounds are racing dogs, breeders have been especially careful when combining lines. As such, Greyhounds suffer from few of the inherited ailments many larger purebreds suffer from. Greyhounds are sensitive, and should be treated with gentleness and patience from an early age. They should be given soft bedding, and a comfortable place indoors to sleep, as their lack of an undercoat, high red blood cell count, and thin skin, make sleeping outdoors uncomfortable. Otherwise, Greyhounds are a generally healthy breed, and have a 13 to 15 year life expectancy.

Health Conditions of the Greyhounds

Greyhounds may develop esophageal achalasia, which will present with trouble swallowing and sometimes vomiting. Racing Greyhounds may have problems with their toes or joints. Some Greyhounds also develop osteosarcoma - cancer of the bones. Be sure to give your Greyhounds a soft space to rest, as hard floors can give a Greyhounds painful skin sores. Flea collars and sprays are not recommended, as Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. For the preventions of fleas and ticks, only pyrethrin based spot on treatments are recommended for Greyhounds. Gastric torsion sometimes occurs in Greyhounds, which is a painful and possibly deadly twisting of the stomach due to gas and bloat. If a Greyhound appears to be suffering from stomach problems, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

Greyhounds Exercise and Walking Needs

Despite their reputation as super fast racing dogs, Greyhounds are actually quite docile and even lazy at times. They’re content to sleep about eighteen hours of the day. One good run each day suits them well, paired with another couple of moderately paced walks. If allowed off leash in a secure area, they can exercise themselves - they’re sight hounds with a strong prey instinct, and they’ll run after just about anything small that moves, so enclosed areas are recommended. They were bred for sprints rather than endurance running; accordingly they don’t need or like to run for long.

Greyhounds Nutritional Needs

A racing Greyhound will eat a high protein and high carb diet, for muscle building, and bestow plenty of energy. If rescuing or adopting a former racer, they may urgently eat anything you give them, as racing dogs are often ravenous for more food from all the exercise. As a household pet, a Greyhound may eat any high quality food proportioned appropriately for their weight. High protein, low grain diets will help to prevent gastric torsion. Greyhound gas is known to be particularly foul. If a Greyhound suffers from gas, their food isn’t right. Slowly explore new options by changing a protein or a grain.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website.