How to Care for a Greyhound

Greyhounds are gentle and loyal dogs. In caring for yours, remember that it will function better on a regular daily regimen and likes to be walked at the same time everyday. Also, be aware that this breed is extremely sensitive to medications and pesticides.

Things You'll Need

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Conditioner
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Grooming Sprays
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• High-quality Dog Food
• Nail Clippers For Dogs

Instructions

1. Feed your greyhound high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent; crude fat no less than 20 percent. Fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

2. Teach your greyhound at a young age not to chase cats and small pets. Remember that this is a hunting dog and could try to kill your cat. About 10 percent of greyhounds are not trainable in this area.

3. Be aware of your greyhound when near water - until you see that it knows how to swim. Some greyhounds cannot swim.

4. Note that greyhounds are very sensitive to cold weather and will need to wear a sweater or coat when they are out in the cold.

5. Know that greyhounds are prone to bloat and will require two or three small meals a day instead of one or two large ones. They are also sensitive to medication and pesticides (a flea collar can actually kill a greyhound). Avoid vaccinating your dog or using any flea, tick or worm-killing products until you talk to your veterinarian.

6. Brush your greyhound's coat with a firm bristle brush only when needed. The same applies for bathing. Their short coats remain clean for long periods of time; they are medium shedders.

7. Trim nails every two to three weeks.

8. Get your greyhound a lot of chew toys. This breed will chew household items when it does not get sufficient exercise or attention.

9. Buy a very soft dog bed for your greyhound. They can develop pressure sores if they sleep on hard floors or beds.

10. Be prepared to enjoy a full 10 to 12 years with your greyhound, as this is the greyhound's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that male greyhounds will reach heights between 28 and 30 inches and will weigh between 65 and 70 pounds by the time they reach maturity. Females will grow to between 27 and 28 inches and weigh 60 to 65 pounds.

• This breed does not bark often.

• Greyhounds are intelligent and quick learners.

• Greyhounds can be willful.

• Though they are fast runners, greyhounds don't have much endurance and tire easily.

• Greyhounds may nip at other dogs if they become excited.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish