Greyhound

The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog, able to sprint at almost twice the speed of most other breeds. The breed has been around for a long time and was often given as a gift to royalty. Greyhounds belong to the “sighthound” family, meaning they rely on their sight and speed to hunt, rather than their sense of smell.

Because of their speed, greyhounds are used at racetracks throughout the world. This is a hard life for them, with most retiring between two and four years of age. The lucky ones get rescued and adopted into loving families.

Caring for Your Greyhound

Greyhounds have a strong prey drive and will take off at a full sprint if something catches their eye. It is important to make sure they are in a confined and safe area when let off leash. While they are capable of short bursts of speed, Greyhounds are usually very laid-back and lazy dogs and are content with short walks.

Their short hair coat requires minimal maintenance and does not shed much. However, it also doesn’t provide much warmth. The short hair coat combined with a greyhound’s lower body fat percentage makes them more susceptible to cold. If you live in a colder climate, you should invest in a coat for your dog in the winter months. 

Dental disease is very common in greyhounds. Regular toothbrushing, ideally every day, can keep their breath fresh and their mouth healthy.

Common Health Issues in Greyhounds

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV): A GDV, or bloat, occurs when the stomach fills with air and twists. This causes severe shock and leads to death without treatment. Even with immediate and excellent treatment, some dogs won’t survive.  Afghan hounds are deep-chested dogs, creating more space in the abdominal cavity so that bloat is more likely.

Anesthesia Considerations: Most sighthounds, including Greyhounds, have a leaner body mass than other breeds. With less fat to absorb medications, sighthounds are more sensitive to anesthesia drugs and may require a lower dose than other breeds of a similar weight. They are also more likely to develop hypothermia under anesthesia, making it harder for the body to break down the anesthesia.

Delayed post-operative hemorrhage (DPOH): Some Greyhounds may develop bleeding hours after a surgical procedure. With DPOH, the blood clots normally during surgery, but the body breaks down blood clots prematurely causing bruising, seeping of blood along incision lines, or internal hemorrhage. Genetic testing can be done before breeding to determine if the parents carry either of these gene mutations.

Dental Disease: Greyhounds have a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. The gingival tissue around their teeth becomes inflamed and infected easily, causing tartar buildup and damage to the teeth. Regular dental cleanings under anesthesia by a veterinarian are advised to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Orthopedic injuries: If your greyhound is a retired racing greyhound, their bones and joints were put through a lot before they came to you. They may have orthopedic injuries that may worsen and cause arthritis pain as they age.

Nutrition for Greyhounds

There are no specific nutritional requirements for greyhounds. A well-balanced commercial pet food should be adequate as long as your pet is healthy. Raised food and water bowls reduce the amount of air swallowed when eating and may help reduce the risk of your dog developing a GDV.

Pet Health Insurance for Your Greyhound

If you are looking for pet health insurance for your greyhound, you should ensure that many health issues that are commonly seen in greyhounds are covered. You will also want to find insurance with short waiting times for treatment and surgery. If you prolong these procedures, your dog could have permanent health issues.

Many times, certain health conditions are considered genetic or are a pre-existing condition and they may not be covered for your greyhound. 

You could also consider enrolling in Mint Wellness. This pet wellness plan includes membership in Pet Assure, a low-cost pet insurance alternative and veterinary discount plan. This plan has no exclusions due to age, breed, or hereditary conditions. Even pre-existing conditions are covered! Get a quote today. It's perfect for a Greyhound.

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Shepherd, DVM