Greyhounds have a life expectancy (as a pet) of between eleven and fourteen years. They have, for millennia, been bred for athletic perfection, which is why they don’t need a lot of veterinary care. They do, however, have fine bones, thin skin, and light fur. All key considerations when caring for your Grey.

Fine Bones

Grey’s can move very quickly. They are not always able to negotiate obstacles due to speed or excitement. Given their fine bone structure, they can break easily. Always manage your Grey when it is excited or Zooming (see Quirks).

Thin Skin

Greyhounds have very thin skin which is easily torn. This can occur because of a dog attack or by hitting sharp objects while running. Always consider obstacles or building corners (particularly brickwork).

If you live in a cold climate, you also need to consider their ability to regulate their temperature and clothing may be required.

Dental Hygiene (A Grey’s Achilles Heel)

Greyhounds are often mistaken for vicious and aggressive dogs. This is due to their impressive set of long and sharp teeth. Ironically for a breed that has been bred for athletic perfection, their teeth are their main point of weakness.

Whilst their jaws and teeth are long, their jaw muscles don’t support chewing of big and heavy items. As a result, their teeth often don’t get enough abrasion to keep the plaque from building up on their gums. This can lead to gum infections and the loss of teeth.

Dental hygiene can be achieved by regular brushing or by supplementing their diet with raw chicken frames, necks and bones.

Sensitivity

Greyhounds are notoriously sensitive and will often sulk if scolded. Avoid using a raised voice or disciplining your Greyhound. A cold shoulder can achieve the same goals. Like all dogs, they respond to rewards and praise to encourage the right behaviors.

Bathing

Greys are generally good with having a bath. Ensure warm water and towel dry them if in a cold climate. Use washing products for sensitive skin.

Fleas, Ticks and Parasites

Ensure your Grey has regular doses of treatment for fleas, ticks, and parasites. There are several commonly known, and available, brands, that do a ‘complete treatment’ in a monthly dose.

Nails

Greyhound’s nails grow quickly, and they have notoriously long nail beds. Ensure their nails are clipped regularly and ensure you don’t cut off too much at a time, as the blood vessels in their nail beds are very long.

Sunscreen

If your Grey has light-colored, or thin fur it may also have patches of pink skin visible on the abdomen or nose. Be aware that they can experience sunburn so be aware in hot, sunny climates. Commercial sunscreen for dogs is available.

Brushing

Greyhounds love being touched and patted. They also shed their fur so a soft bristle or rubber-fingered brush will serve well to ensure you don’t hurt them. Regular brushing will minimise their shedding and provide valuable one-on-one time to connect with your hound.

Exercise

Your Greyhound will not need a lot of daily exercise, and the amount of daily exercise they need or want will vary based on several factors. Age, condition, weight, environment, temperament, and health all contribute to the type, amount, and frequency of exercise your dog needs.

Let’s consider the options.

Daily Walks – Length, frequency, and pace (considering temperature). Most Greys will want at least one, or two, walks a day. They appreciate 15-30 minutes at a moderate pace to allow them to sniff and toilet. Social sniffing is incredibly important for a dog’s mental health so allow them time to do this.

Dog Parks – present a good option and you will need to keep your grey on its lead (even in an ‘off-lead’ dog park). The value of a Dog Park is the sniff factor, and your Grey will thoroughly enjoy the mental stimulation.

Hydrotherapy – is excellent for many situations, old, and arthritic dogs, injury rehabilitation, and fun. Not all Greyhounds can swim so introduce them gently and safely.

Zooming – the best and safest in an enclosed yard with few obstacles. They will generally self-regulate and stop when hot or tired.

NOTE: If over-stimulated and allowed to sprint in an uncontrolled way, a Greyhound is capable of serious injury or death from overheating and chemical poisoning.

Food and Water

A greyhound’s height will necessitate them being fed and watered on a raised platform. Leaving bowls on the ground will cause the hound to develop neck issues over time.

Greyhounds prefer smaller meals more frequently and their hunger diminishes with age. Refer to the article on Food & Feeding.