Greyhounds are naturally trusting and curious. They need careful attention to ensure their safety in all sorts of situations.

Walking your Greyhound

Your Grey should always be walked using a harness on a relatively short lead in urban areas. This is to prevent the possibility of them being surprised by any number of potential risks. These include other dogs, cats, cars, and people.

They should also be kept on the lead in off-lead dog parks. This is to ensure their safety. Whilst a Greyhound will defend itself if attacked, they are lovers, not fighters and their thin skin will shred like tissue if torn.

Yards & Fences

All barriers should be at least two meters tall to prevent your Greyhound from escaping. Gates should be self-closing and padlocked to prevent unintended release. Greyhounds have poor recall and no road sense. Whilst tempting to see them run, be aware that you risk them running away from you as part of a game.

Sleep Startle

Most Greyhounds have lived largely alone after whelping and under training. They are housed in individual kennels and don’t get a lot of interruptions. As a result, they can get frightened if awaken suddenly from sleep (if you accidentally touch them or get too close) and they may growl or snap at you.

If approaching a sleeping Greyhound you don’t know, call their name and wait for them to open their eyes and focus.

Floor Surfaces

Smooth floor surfaces may also present risks for a Greyhound who aren’t used to running on them. They may also struggle to get up off a slippery surface. The use of rugs and blankets is great help.

Stairs

Greyhounds are rarely exposed to stairs and, as such, may have no idea what they are, how to use them and be frightened of them. Most can be taught to use chairs with gentle encouragement.

Storms and Loud Noises

If your Greyhound is frightened by loud noises or storms, ensure they have a small, quiet space to rest in. Stay calm and distract them with toys or treats

First Aid

It’s a good idea to keep a well-stocked first aid kit. Not just for you but for your pets. Gauze, bandages, sting cream and irrigation fluid are all good items to keep handy.

Car Kit

It is always a good idea to keep certain items in a car kit. Things we find handy are:

• Towels
• Wet wipes
• Spare lead
• Poo Bags
• Snacks
• Water
• Torch
• Cash