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Greyhound Pets of America
About Us Greyhound Care Questions & Answers
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Greyhound Pets of America |
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About Us Greyhound Care Questions & Answers |
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Questions & AnswersDo Greyhounds need a lot of exercise? Greyhounds should be walked three to four times daily. They should be taken to an enclosed grassy area where they can sprint once or twice a week (unless injuries prevent it). The walking is primarily so that they will empty themselves. A fenced-in yard is the best investment you can make for your Greyhound’s welfare, and your peace of mind. In our opinion, invisible fencing is totally impractical for use with a greyhound. These dogs must NEVER be trusted off- lead. Are they housebroken? Greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means that they know to go outside and keep their living quarters clean. Allow them access to the outdoors frequently at first, and they quickly learn that their new home is the place they keep clean, and outside is the place where they relieve themselves. How old are Greyhounds available through Greyhound Pets of America, and what is their life expectancy? They range from about two years old to five or six, and have a life expectancy of a dozen years or up. How much does it cost to own one? Greyhounds from our chapter arrive in their new homes with a heartworm check, DHLLPPC vaccination, a rabies shot, dental cleaning, and are neutered or spayed. We ask an adoption fee of $195.00 to cover these medical costs, and to help defray our daily expenses. Any donation beyond this initial adoption fee, of course, is gratefully accepted, and any contributions beyond the medical expenses are tax-deductible. Greyhounds cost about a dollar a day to feed. As is the case when adopting ANY kind of pet, you should be aware of the fact that emergencies sometimes occur, and you must be comfortable in the knowledge that your family finances can absorb the cost of an emergency. The daily care-and-feeding of any pet are only a part of the financial responsibilities involved. Are they good with children? The answer to this depends on the children (and their parents). It must be remembered that these are adult dogs, who may have never been exposed to small children and their high voices and quick movements. While Greyhounds are, as a breed, very tolerant and sweet-natured, and would usually rather walk away than snap, they have their limits, just as any other breed does. Children MUST be taught the proper respect for the dog, and must not become overbearing in their actions towards the dog. How are they with other pets? Greyhounds are friendly by nature, and socialize well as a result of their daily encounters with other Greyhounds in the racing kennel. Most can learn to accept indoor cats, but the introductory period must be closely monitored. A cat or other small animal running through your yard will be chased, more than likely. Remember always that these dogs have centuries of breeding to CHASE. Vigilance is essential. Interestingly, Greyhounds know their own kind, becoming very animated when they see another Greyhound. What are Greyhounds fed? A Greyhound’s diet at the racing kennel consists of a “stew” of high-protein dry food and pet-grade beef, mixed with warm water and a dash of vegetable oil for a shiny coat. There are many ingredients which can be added occasionally for variety and taste appeal; buttermilk, honey, vegetables (cooked or raw), cottage cheese, fish, even applesauce or V-8 juice. The diet of a Greyhound at home will be greatly different from a racing diet. You must feed a good quality dry food, mixed with a little good quality canned food or frozen food (i.e., Bil-Jac). Always have plenty of fresh drinking water available. Feed once or preferably twice a day. Bones can be very dangerous. Do not allow a Greyhound to have steak bones. They’re too small. Cooked chicken bones or pork chop bones (cook or uncooked) should NEVER be given to ANY dog. How big is a Greyhound? Greyhounds stand about twenty-seven inches at the shoulder. The females usually range from fifty to seventy pounds, and the males from sixty to eighty pounds. Do they shed? Being short-haired dogs, they shed only a little, more so in the spring and fall. Frequent brushing is recommended, especially during those seasons. It helps maintain a healthy coat, and Greyhounds enjoy being brushed (with a gentle brush, please). How are Greyhounds different from other breeds? Greyhounds are more susceptible to anesthetic, requiring only a fraction of the anesthetic used on another breed of the same size, and taking longer to recover from it. Flea collars and internal flea preventive medications are NOT safe for use on Greyhounds. All dogs may chase cats or rabbits, etc., but a Greyhound is fast enough to catch them. For this reason, they should always be exercised in a fenced-in enclosure, or on a hand-held lead. We do not approve of the use of flexible leads! Be careful of flea shampoo - if the label on a medicated shampoo says, “not for use on sighthounds,” DON’T USE IT II! Wormers should be used only on the advice of a Veterinarian. Take a fecal sample so that it can be analyzed. DO NOT use over-the-counter wormers!!! Do Greyhounds really make good pets? Every Greyhound which is raised properly - given attention and affection, especially early in life - will make a wonderful, loving, devoted pet. Greyhounds quickly become attached to their new owners, and thrive on pleasing them. Extremely enthusiastic greeters, they never tire of being petted. Greyhounds love comfort as much as they love to run, and will spend hours curled up on a soft blanket, or at their master’s feet (or, in bed with their masters, if they’re allowed!!!). Many people with whom we’ve placed Greyhounds say they’re the best pets they’ve ever had, and they’d never own another breed. Noble, sensitive, intelligent, beautiful --- no wonder they were once the pet of royalty!
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