Owning Greyhounds: Understanding Their Needs and Care

Lifespan and Stages of Life

Throughout their lifespan, Greyhounds go through several key stages:

• Puppyhood (0-12 months): During this stage, Greyhound puppies are energetic, curious, and playful. They undergo rapid growth and development, requiring proper nutrition, socialisation, and training to set a solid foundation for their adult years.
• Adolescence (1-2 years): As young adults, Greyhounds may exhibit increased independence and testing of boundaries. They may still have high energy levels but begin to mature physically and mentally. Consistent training and socialisation are crucial during this stage to reinforce positive behaviours and prevent unwanted habits.
• Adulthood (2-8 years): Adult Greyhounds typically reach their peak physical condition during this stage. They are generally calm, affectionate, and adaptable companions. Greyhounds may enjoy regular exercise, but their energy levels may decrease compared to their younger years.
• Senior Years (8+ years): As Greyhounds enter their senior years, they may start to show signs of ageing, such as decreased energy levels, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. Senior Greyhounds may require adjustments to their diet, exercise routine, and veterinary care to accommodate their changing needs. Despite these changes, many senior Greyhounds remain loving and loyal companions, enjoying their golden years with their families.

Exercise Needs and Activities

Signs your Greyhound isn't getting enough exercise

• Restlessness: Your Greyhound may display restlessness by pacing back and forth, unable to settle down, indicating a need for physical activity or mental stimulation.
• Destructive behaviour: This may be a sign of pent-up energy or boredom.
• Weight gain: Weight gain in a Greyhound can be a result of insufficient exercise and overeating, leading to health issues such as obesity and decreased mobility.
• Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity in a Greyhound may manifest as excessive running around, jumping, or frantic behaviour, indicating a need for more exercise or structured activities.
• Excessive excitement: Your Greyhound may become overly excited, jumping, barking, or whining excessively when presented with opportunities for exercise or outdoor activities, suggesting a pent-up need for physical exertion.

Socialisation Needs

• Early exposure: Introduce your Greyhound puppy to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences from a young age to build positive associations and confidence.
• Positive interactions: Encourage positive interactions with people and other dogs by rewarding calm and friendly behaviour with treats, praise, and affection.
• Puppy classes: Enrol your Greyhound in puppy socialisation classes where they can learn appropriate social skills and interact with other puppies in a controlled environment.
• Supervision and guidance: Always supervise interactions with unfamiliar dogs and ensure they are positive and non-threatening. Provide guidance and redirection if your Greyhound displays inappropriate behaviour.

Grooming Needs

• Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt to brush your Greyhound's coat once a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. This helps keep their coat shiny and reduces shedding.
• Bathing: Greyhounds typically only need occasional baths, such as when they get dirty or develop a "doggy" odour. Use a mild dog shampoo and lukewarm water, and rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
• Nail trimming: Trim your Greyhound's nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or issues with walking. Use dog-specific nail clippers and be cautious not to cut into the quick, which can cause bleeding.
• Ear cleaning: Check your Greyhound's ears regularly for signs of wax buildup, debris, or redness. Use a damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe the outer ear, avoiding the ear canal.
• Dental care: Maintain your Greyhound's dental health by brushing their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, provide dental chews or toys to help reduce tartar buildup and promote oral hygiene.
• Skin care: Keep an eye out for any skin issues, such as dryness, irritation, or hot spots. Regular grooming can help remove dead skin cells and prevent matting, which can contribute to skin problems.
• Coat protection: Greyhounds have thin skin and may be prone to sunburn, so consider applying dog-safe sunscreen or providing shade when spending time outdoors, especially during sunny days.

Training: Intelligent and adaptable

• Start early: Begin training your Greyhound as soon as you bring them home, using positive reinforcement techniques to reinforce desired behaviours.
• Use rewards: Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your Greyhound for performing desired behaviours, such as sitting, staying, or coming when called.
• Keep training sessions short: Greyhounds have relatively short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and conduct them several times throughout the day.
• Be patient: Greyhounds may take time to learn new behaviours, so be patient and avoid becoming frustrated if progress is slow. Keep training sessions positive and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
• Use positive reinforcement: Focus on rewarding your Greyhound for good behaviour rather than punishing them for mistakes. Positive reinforcement helps build a strong bond between you and your dog and encourages them to repeat desired behaviours.

Shedding and Hypoallergenic Considerations

Energy Level and Living Situations

Greyhounds: Eager to please and affectionate

Health Considerations and Common Conditions

• Dental problems: Greyhounds may be prone to dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including brushing your Greyhound's teeth and providing dental chews or toys, can help maintain their oral health.
• Bloat: Greyhounds are at risk for bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas.
• Osteosarcoma: Greyhounds have a higher incidence of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, compared to other breeds. Early detection and treatment are key to managing this condition, so regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring are important.
• Hypothyroidism: Greyhounds may develop hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
• Skin issues: Greyhounds may be prone to skin conditions such as dryness, allergies, or dermatitis. Regular grooming can help maintain healthy skin and coat.

Costs of Owning a Greyhound

• Food: High-quality dog food tailored to Greyhounds' nutritional needs typically costs around £20 to £40 per month, depending on the brand and whether you choose wet or dry food.
• Veterinary care: Annual veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and other routine healthcare expenses can total around £200 to £500 per year, depending on your dog's age and health status. Emergency veterinary care and unexpected medical expenses can also add to the cost.
• Grooming: Greyhounds have low grooming needs, but you may still incur expenses for grooming supplies such as brushes, combs, and dog-specific shampoos, which may amount to around £20 to £50 per year. Additionally, occasional professional grooming sessions or grooming tools such as deshedding tools may add to the expense.
• Toys and enrichment: Budgeting around £50 to £100 per year for toys, chew toys, puzzle toys, and other enrichment items can help keep your Greyhound mentally stimulated and entertained.
• Insurance: Pet insurance can help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills due to accidents, illnesses, or injuries. The cost of pet insurance premiums can vary depending on factors such as your dog's age, breed, and coverage level, but you can expect to pay around £10 to £30 per month for basic coverage.
• Other expenses: Additional expenses may include training classes, dog accessories such as collars and leashes, bedding, and occasional boarding or pet-sitting fees.

Greyhounds: Gentle giants for every home