All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Needlenose's body, inside and out. For this reason, exercising in a contained area is important, as once the chase instinct has kicked in, it can be hard to regain their attention so bear this in mind when training, as even basic training and especially recall will not always be easy. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Greyhounds. They make excellent house pets. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Early detection leads to a happier pet and an easier, more affordable treatment plan. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. The showing of teeth is generally considered a smile, which is a common trait of the Greyhound. Just as humans can have extra teeth, usually called wisdom teeth, some breeds of dog can have extra chompers as well. Dont worrywell show you how! Retired racer Greyhounds should also be given a complete tick disease panel, because many retired racers have had infections at some point, or may even currently be infected. Email Greyhounds are good with calm children and most family dogs. Osteosarcoma is a. Pannus is like a suntan on your dog's eyeball. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. Your Greyhound, however, is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer that can appear at a younger age. Your dog will appreciate the TLC they receive from living in a loving family home but are used to ripping down the racetrack, so youll need to make sure you find time for your dog to run! It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Extra teeth that cause problems, however, should be removed during an anesthetic dental procedure to avoid the loss of more important teeth. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. This sighthound is a popular racing dog bred for sprinting rather than endurance. Call right away if you notice that your dog is limping. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy, but for all types, early detection is critical! Our recommended growth rate for Greyhound puppies is no more than four pounds per week. If you ever notice your dog developing a limp, become stiff, or seem reluctant to go up and down stairs or move around, there is most likely something else bothering him, so bring your dog into the vet to get checked out. When getting a puppy, the first thing you want to do is make sure youre getting your dog from a reputable breeder. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Beyond obesity, the main symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, droopy eyelids, low hormone levels, mental slowness, and irregular heat cycles. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. But sadly, nothing is guaranteed, and even despite your best efforts, any animal can still get sick. Healthy Greyhounds may also have lower-than-normal thyroid readings, so your veterinarian should be familiar with Greyhound health anomalies. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Greyhounds have lived with other Greyhounds all of their lives, so they also love to socialize with other four-legged friends. Sometimes the dogs fur will also become coarse and brittle and even fall out, revealing tough, dark skin. Because greyhounds have been raised in kennels, a careful introduction into a suitable home environment is a must for successful placements. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with yourCentral Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital medical team if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Because the Greyhound seldom barks and wants to be everyone's friend, it does not make a good guard dog. Unfortunately, Greyhounds can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Any dog that goes through the process, even those that do not pass or receive good scores, will receive a number. If you notice any unusual eating behaviors or vomiting after eating, be sure to let us know. They should be able to produce documentation that proves the dog is healthy and comes from a line without a history of developing any major hereditary conditions. Copyright 2022 National Greyhound Association. When it occurs, gastric torsion will strike suddenly, and the dog can go from perfectly fine one minute to dead just a few hours later. They have a short coat which requires weekly grooming to keep it in good condition. They have very short coats, with little to no body fat which makes them ill-equipped for life out-of-doors. They can cover many miles very quickly and will ignore your recall if they are in the middle of a chase. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. Breeders should carefully screen their Greyhounds and only breed their healthiest and best-looking dogs. Well test his blood pressure on a regular basis and prescribe blood pressure medication if needed. For this reason, they must be kept on a leash unless they are in a fenced area, and must NEVER be placed on a cable-run or other type of tether. If you see these symptoms, dont wait! Greyhounds and other sighthounds are more sensitive to chemicals and anesthesia than other breeds of dog. Greyhounds are gentle, sensitive and very affectionate dogs, usually forming very close bonds with their owner. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. Greyhounds often have serious problems with their teeth, so youll need to brush them at least three times a week! Unfortunately, dogs with megaesophagus commonly inhale bits of food while eating and can develop severe pneumonia. One of the best things you can do for your Greyhound is to have her spayed (neutered for males). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your name and email to get exclusive offers and updates from Canna-Pet! If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Keeping a Greyhound at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Thankfully, Greyhounds with hypothyroidism can still live a full and happy life if they are treated. Greyhounds love riding in cars and are very social animals; they want to be with you as much as possible and will enjoy learning all about their new world. Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Greyhounds in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. 2022 Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. Regular production is vital to a dogs health because it controls their metabolism. The symptoms to watch out for in your dog include drooling, an inability to purge, signs of pain, abnormal restlessness and pacing, pale gums and licking its lips. Greyhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. As with balding men, the hair gradually falls out and does not grow back. This means your Greyhound is more at risk than other breeds. The Canine Health Schemes allow breeders to screen for a range of inherited diseases, so its a good idea to check the parents of any puppy youre looking to rehome have been screened under these schemes. Early detection is critical! Since they were racing dogs, your pup is used to more activity than your typical dog, so you will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your champion athlete. Receive 25% off your next order when you share your testimonial with us! Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). In fact, your Greyhound's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! Remember that after youve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. All dogs are susceptible to some form of a heart condition, but Greyhounds, in particular, are prone to developing minor heart murmurs. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. Dont let your pet become overweight, and save him a huge strain on his joints. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Greyhounds have all the advantages of breeding and training when it comes to being a good pet. Where you get a dog from can have a big effect on how healthy and happy it is for the rest of its life. This hair loss does not cause itchiness, though the skin can sometimes become dry. For more information on taking care of your dog please visit our puppies and dogs section. Toenail and pad issues are extremely common in racing Greyhounds. This is because they quite literally have big hearts, and often have high blood pressure. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. They should also have addition confirmations from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to certify that the dogs eyes checked out normal. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. Tags: greyhound health issues, greyhound problems, italian greyhound health issues. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. When possible, take your Greyhound with you wherever you go. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. These clearances will show you that the puppy has been tested and cleared for several health issues. Their puppies must pass heart evaluations and submit a blood sample before they can be given a CHIC number, however keep in mind that receiving a number is not a declaration of good health. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. Greyhounds are clean, odor free, and strictly an indoor dog. social@canna-pet.com Among the more serious Greyhound health issues is Osteosarcoma, which is an aggressive form of bone cancer. At first glance, you might think bloat is a minor condition and nothing to worry about. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Unfortunately, your Greyhound is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Their intelligence and breed make them perfect house pets, clean, quiet, and a loving companion. However, any dog, no matter how health its line, can encounter problems at some point in his life. Osteosarcoma in dogs will require aggressive treatment to keep it from being fatal, which will usually require the amputation of the affected leg and chemotherapy. This post will go over some common Greyhound health issues so that you may be prepared if your dog becomes ill. Not all Greyhounds will deal with these issues, but its good to be aware of these conditions if youre considering bringing home a Greyhound, or already have one. For starters, you should do everything you can to look into your Greyhounds health history before you bring him home. Get a coupon for 30% off a future order when you join our newsletter! Thankfully, the Greyhound is one of few breeds that is rarely ever affected by canine hip dysplasia. This goes for both puppies and retired racing dogs you should be able to check on the history for reach. We'll watch his eyes closely for early signs and start preventive eye medications if needed. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Good nutrition and proper exercise are also very important to help reduce bone and joint problems as your pet gets older. Take your adopted dog to the veterinarian to check for any dental issues, as they may be hard to detect. After all, weve all felt bloated before after a big meal, and the feeling passed after we had time to digest, right? Noses get into everything! The Greyhound is basically a quiet dog and will spend much of its time sleeping in the corner of the room or may even bid for part of the sofa, if allowed. She is well suited to apartment life as long as she is given daily walks and short play sessions. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. Despite their athletic appearance and ability, they dont require a substantial amount of exercise. You should still do everything in your power to ensure your Greyhound has a long, happy, healthy life. Well conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting times or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrands disease and other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery. The Greyhound is an ancient breed thought to have originated in Egypt. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Their temperament makes them wonderful around children and friends. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. It might be a good idea to have it done as a preventative measure should your dog encounter this serious Greyhound health issue. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. By knowing about health concerns specific to Greyhounds, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. The stomach and/or intestinal lining becomes thickened, affecting his ability to absorb nutrients properly. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Needlenose live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Tick diseases are usually easily treatable with antibiotics if caught early, so make sure to have your adopted dog tested right away just in case. The Hound group include breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or sight. Affected areas usually include the throat, chest, belly, and the insides of the legs. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both male and female Greyhounds are prone to genetically patterned baldness. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea (the clear part of the eye), which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Healthy Greyhounds may also have lower-than-normal thyroid readings, so your veterinarian should be familiar with Greyhound health anomalies. At home, the Greyhound is a gentle and laid-back dog that appreciates a comfortable place to sleep. There is no cure to completely eliminate Pannus once it has started, but its progression can be slowed through daily eye drops and cortisone injections. Progressive retinal atrophy gradual deterioration of the retina of the eye. For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. While it does very well on leash and doesn't require a lot of exercise, the Greyhound makes an excellent jogging companion. The first sign of osteosarcoma is lameness, so dont hesitate to bring your dog to the vet if he develops a limp. If caught early enough, the dog could live on for some time after amputation, but if not, this form of cancer is almost always fatal. When a Greyhound develops Pannus, the edge of the dogs cornea will seem more pigmented than it was before, almost looking like freckles on the edge of the eye, or a hazy-gray color. Information contained or made available through the Canna-Pet website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Greyhounds. And weigh your puppy every three to four weeks to make sure hes on track. Sometimes the dogs fur will also become coarse and brittle and even fall out, revealing tough, dark skin. But beyond that, what can you do? Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. First vaccinations and booster vaccinations, 5 Star Pet Insurance* - from the vet experts. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Greyhounds are a healthy breed and have no genetic difficulties, unlike many other pure bred dogs. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Among the more serious Greyhound health issues is Osteosarcoma, which is an aggressive form of bone cancer. Puppies can develop health issues even if they come from the healthiest of lines, but choosing a reputable breeder who is committed to proper breeding practices at least gives you the best foundation for a healthy dog.
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