“My greyhound doesn’t usually have diarrhea, but he did just now.”
Give this greyhound one teaspoon (5 ml) of Pepto Bismol (regular strength) on 1/4 of a slice of bread. The generic brand of Pepto is OK, but do not give Immodium or any other medicine. If you only have Extra Strength Pepto, give 1/2 the amount. Don’t feed him for 24 hours – His intestines need time to calm down.
After the 24 hours, feed him 1 cup of cooked rice with a Tablespoon of yogurt, and little chicken or hamburger, if you have some. If this doesn’t give him diarrhea, make his next meal consist of half his normal food and 1/2 cup of cooked rice, plus the yogurt. Withhold treats until his stools are back to normal. If your doggie is treat-dependant, you can give him a little scrap of bread in place of a treat.
On the third day, if he’s still doing OK, give him about 3/4 his normal portion of food, plus some rice and yogurt. If his stools are improving, but still too soft, you can mix 2 teaspoons of Metamucil into his food, or 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin or sweet potato.
High Blood Pressure
Greyhounds are more likely than other breeds to have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, which may occur independently or be caused by another disease. High blood pressure can cause blindness and strokes in dogs, just as it can in people. We’ll test his blood pressure on a regular basis and prescribe blood pressure medication if needed.
Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. 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! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern.
Just as humans can have extra teeth, usually called wisdom teeth, some breeds of dog can have extra chompers as well. If these teeth erupt through the gums properly and are not too crowded, they are not harmful and may even be considered normal in some Greyhounds. Extra teeth that cause problems, however, should be removed during an anesthetic dental procedure to avoid the loss of more important teeth.
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. The stomach and/or intestinal lining becomes thickened, affecting his ability to absorb nutrients properly. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control.
There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brains reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Greyhounds are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but dont try to control his mouth or tongue. It wont help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital.
The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach through downward contractions. If the esophagus isn’t contracting properly, food may remain in the esophagus, stretching it to “mega” size. If your Greyhound is affected, he may throw up tube-shaped portions of undigested food. Special feeding postures, dietary modifications, and medications may be needed to manage this problem. Unfortunately, dogs with megaesophagus commonly inhale bits of food while eating and can develop severe pneumonia. If you notice any unusual eating behaviors or vomiting after eating, be sure to let us know. A quick, painless x-ray can help us determine if your pet has this condition.
In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Greyhounds often have it. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions.
Glomerulonephropathy is an inherited disease that slowly damages your Greyhounds kidneys, causing them to fail, often at an early age. Because damaged kidneys leak protein, we may be able to diagnose this disease by annually testing your pet’s urine for excessive protein. Early detection leads to a happier pet and an easier, more affordable treatment plan. We may also recommend a special diet as part of his therapy.
Both male and female Greyhounds are prone to genetically patterned baldness. As with balding men, the hair gradually falls out and does not grow back. This hair loss does not cause itchiness, though the skin can sometimes become dry. Affected areas usually include the throat, chest, belly, and the insides of the legs. We’ll conduct tests to rule out treatable problems that present hair loss as a symptom, such as hypothyroidism, but if it is true pattern baldness, supplements or hormones may help although there is no cure.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Greyhound is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave (but little or nothing comes up), act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately!
Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. Your Greyhound, however, is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer that can appear at a younger age. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy, but for all types, early detection is critical! We’ll do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps on your pet at each exam.
There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Greyhounds. We’ll conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting times or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrand’s disease and other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery.
When Greyhound puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bones properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Our recommended growth rate for Greyhound puppies is no more than four pounds per week. To maintain this rate, don’t overfeed him and don’t supplement with additional calcium. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or regular puppy diet. And weigh your puppy every three to four weeks to make sure he’s on track.
Many older dogs have arthritis, and bigger dogs tend to have more pain and disability than smaller ones. Greyhounds are particularly prone to developing arthritis, but various treatments are available. The earlier we begin treatment, the better the results. Good nutrition and proper exercise are also very important to help reduce bone and joint problems as your pet gets older. Don’t let your pet become overweight, and save him a huge strain on his joints.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in Greyhounds. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. 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. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. If you see these symptoms, don’t wait! Call us at (610) 367-2572 or call an emergency clinic immediately! In many cases involving paralysis, we’ll recommend surgical removal of the ruptured discs (within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms for the best results). For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. 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.
Greyhound Health Issues
Greyhound litters usually produce 4-10 puppies. Once weaned, puppies are placed in a fenced area to play and grow. Usually when they are around one year old they are kenneled and their track training begins. They are taught to chase a lure and race counter clockwise. It is usually at this time that it is determined whether they will become racers or not. When greyhounds are kenneled, they are kept crated for the majority of their time. Crates are placed one on top of another, side by side. Crates are usually 3 feet by 2 feet.
Trainers usually care for 20-60 dogs within a kennel. Greyhounds are let out, muzzled, with a pack of other same-sex greyhounds up to 5 times a day, depending on the kennel, to relieve themselves. A racing or training greyhound is also let out of the kennel to go to the track and run 5/16th of a mile up to twice a week. They are fed once a day with a variety of food — usually soft, high-protein and inexpensive. They are not neutered or spayed in case they will be used for breeding purposes. This is what a greyhound knows until you bring him home.
Greyhounds have a very small percentage of body fat, so when you ask them to swim, they sink. Most will valiantly dog paddle when you’ve taken them over their head, and then slowly sink or turn over on their sides in the water. Be very careful with your greyhound and pools. They have never seen one, and won’t understand instinctively that the blue stuff is water. They’ll be dashing around your yard, and suddenly — plop — right into the water. And they will sink, and you will have to jump in to save them. So introduce them to the pool and watch them carefully the first few times you’re in the yard playing near it. Some greyhounds love kiddie pools and will lie in one for a long time if given a chance. You may want to try taking your greyhound to visit a friend who owns a kiddie pool to see how he acts before you buy one.
Greyhounds have track names, but are not usually called by those names. Trainers don’t want them responding to someone yelling their name as they’re racing around the track. They usually have a kennel name. When you get your greyhound, if he comes with a name you don’t like, you can usually give him another name without a problem. You just have to use it continually until he gets the idea.
Greyhounds have no protection of fur or fat for injuries, so they tend to seem more accident-prone. But they are not babies. They will still run and play even with an injury. So just keep an eye on them when they are running and playing hard. Also, buy bentadyne and use it instead of peroxide to clean a small wound. Be sure to dilute it until it looks like weak tea. A triple antibiotic ointment is also used once you’ve cleaned out the wound with bentadyne. You should, of course, take your greyhound to the vet for big wounds.
Greyhounds are not guard dogs. Once in a while they will bark when someone approaches the door. But more likely they are fast asleep on something soft. They are not an aggressive breed and will not attack any person. However, most people will think twice about entering a home that has a dog the size of a greyhound, with that long of a nose and those long teeth. And if you get one that smiles at strangers, well, you’ve got your guard dog!
Some greyhounds like to collect your items and take them outside or put them in their beds. They seldom damage the items; they just collect them. So if you’re missing something, check with your greyhound!
Greyhounds sweat through their paws and nose. If your greyhound has overexerted himself while running, hosing down their feet only will help them get cool quicker.
Greyhounds loved to be massaged everywhere, but particularly on their necks and butts. Additionally, they like their noses rubbed — top and bottom. After they’ve eaten, they will often try to clean off their noses by rubbing them on your furniture, blankets or you. The more you pet them, the quicker they will bond to you.
Greyhounds are not barkers. If you have a barker, then you probably have a more insecure dog and he is barking because something has frightened him. Now, whining is another story. Greyhounds communicate with you by whining. Whining to be let in, to eat, to play, to get up on the bed — you name it and they’ll talk (whine) to you about it.
Beside counter tops, other dog’s behinds and anything else that smells good, when greyhounds approach people their noses are right about crotch level. So they have been known to stick their noses in people’s crotches. They’re not being bad, just friendly.
The Internet has so many greyhound sites, and they all have products and information. For items made especially for greyhounds check the Internet and use the search engines to do a search on greyhounds. You will be amazed at what you find!! Bookmark your favorite sites. Also, you can buy greyt collars and many other greyhound items on Ebay, etc.