April is Adopt A Greyhound Month! As you may know, these sweet, wonderful dogs have a special place in our hearts. We work closely with GPI, a greyhound rescue. If you’re ready to bring a new pooch into your home, you may want to consider a greyhounds. A Bellevue, WA vet offers some information on the breed below.

Temperament

Greyhounds really are very sweet. They’re also intelligent, affectionate, playful, and lovable, and are usually pretty good with kids and other pups. Keep in mind that these dogs are very sociable, and can get lonely easily. If Fido is going to spend a lot of time alone, you’ll want to get him a buddy. One thing that surprises many people about greyhounds is the fact that they are actually couch potatoes … at least, when they aren’t sprinting at full speed. Fido will need a good daily walk or run. However, once he’s burned off his zoomies, he may nap for the rest of the day.

Running

Greyhounds are renowned for their speed. Fido can get up to 45 mph! Microchipping is a definite must. It’s worth noting that many greyhounds, especially former racers, aren’t very traffic-savvy. You’ll need to keep good control over your four-legged buddy, especially if you’re walking along the side of a road. Your furry pal will also need a specific type of collar, called a Martingale, as he can easily slip out of regular collars. Ask your vet for care tips.

Health

Every breed has their own specific care needs. Greyhounds are no different! They are very sensitive to cold weather. Your pooch will need a jacket or sweater when it’s cold out. A good bed is also a must, as many greyhounds are quite bony. There are a few health issues to be aware of. They’re prone to developing bloat, which can be life-threatening. They are also highly susceptible to certain cancers. You’ll need to be careful not to expose Fido to chemicals, as he is very sensitive to any type of toxin, such as pesticides. It’s also worth pointing out that greyhounds have a few characteristics that mean their bloodwork will look a little different from that of other dogs. It’s very important to get a vet that is experienced with them. Do you have questions about greyhound care? We can help! Contact us, your local Bellevue, WA animal clinic, today!