Greyhound Health & Care

Greyhounds are, on the whole, a healthy and easy breed to look after — their short coat needs little grooming and they are usually quiet, clean and undemanding at home. But the very features that make them such elegant athletes, particularly their leanness and thin coat, mean they have some specific care needs that set them apart from most dogs. Here is an honest, practical guide to keeping a Greyhound healthy and comfortable.

Thin skin and lacerations

Greyhounds carry very little body fat and have notably thin, delicate skin. This makes them prone to cuts, grazes and tears that would barely mark a thicker-skinned dog — a scrape on rough ground, a snag on a bramble, or a catch on a sharp edge can open a surprising wound. Many Greyhound owners become quite practised at first aid. To reduce the risk, be mindful of where your dog runs and plays, keep an eye out for hazards, and have a basic pet first-aid kit at home. Deeper cuts often need veterinary attention, including possible stitching, so don't hesitate to call your vet for anything more than a minor graze.

Sensitivity to cold

With so little body fat and a thin, single coat that has no insulating undercoat, Greyhounds genuinely feel the cold. In a British winter, on wet days, and especially as they get older, many need a warm, well-fitted coat for walks — this is a real welfare measure, not a fashion statement. Indoors, they appreciate a draught-free spot and a soft, supportive bed; you will often see a Greyhound seeking out the warmest place in the house or curling up tightly to conserve heat. Browse dog coats cut for a deep-chested, lean build, and a cosy bed or calming bed to keep them snug.

Sensitivity to anaesthetic

Because of their low body fat and breed physiology, Greyhounds can be more sensitive to certain anaesthetics than many other dogs. This is well known to vets, and an experienced practice will take a Greyhound's particular needs into account when planning any procedure that requires sedation or general anaesthesia. If your vet is less familiar with sighthounds, it is reasonable to mention the breed's known sensitivity before any operation.

Bloat (GDV)

As a deep-chested breed, Greyhounds are among those at higher risk of bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — a sudden, life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Signs include a swollen, hard abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling and obvious distress. This is a veterinary emergency: contact your vet immediately if you suspect it. To help reduce the risk, many owners feed smaller meals rather than one big one, avoid vigorous exercise just before and after eating, and discourage gulping — a slow feeder can help a fast eater take their time.

Dental care

Dental disease is common in Greyhounds, and retired racers in particular often arrive with significant tartar and gum problems. Left untreated, dental disease is painful and can affect general health. Establish a routine of regular tooth brushing with dog toothpaste, offer appropriate dental chews, and keep up routine veterinary dental checks — browse our dental care range. Good dental care is one of the most valuable things you can do for a Greyhound's long-term wellbeing.

Grooming: the easy part

In happy contrast to their other care needs, grooming a Greyhound is wonderfully simple. Their short, fine, single coat sheds modestly and only needs a quick brush or a rubber grooming mitt once or twice a week to keep it glossy and remove loose hair — see our grooming brushes. They rarely need bathing, and a wipe-down is usually enough. Use grooming time to check the thin skin for cuts or lumps, and to inspect ears and feet.

Nails and feet

Greyhound nails can grow long and may need regular trimming if they are not worn down naturally — take only the clear tip and avoid the quick, or ask your vet or groomer if you are unsure. Check the feet and pads regularly, especially given how easily the skin grazes. Our nail care range covers clippers and grinders suited to the job.

Diet and weight

Greyhounds are naturally lean and should stay that way — you should be able to see a hint of the last ribs and a clear waist. Feed a good-quality, complete diet in measured portions and judge condition by body shape rather than the scales alone. Because the breed is so slim by nature, even a little extra weight shows quickly. Our pet calorie calculator helps you get portions right, and browse food and treats for suitable options.

Routine veterinary care

Keep up vaccinations, parasite control (worming and flea/tick treatment) and regular check-ups, moving towards more frequent visits as your dog ages. Microchipping is a legal requirement in the UK, and lifelong insurance taken out while your dog is young and healthy is well worth considering — estimate cover with our pet insurance estimator and read the pet insurance guide. You can find local and emergency clinics through our vet finder.

The bottom line

Greyhounds are an easy breed to groom but have a few distinctive care needs: protect their thin skin, keep them warm, feed to avoid bloat, stay on top of dental care, and flag their anaesthetic sensitivity to your vet. Meet those needs and you will have a low-maintenance, healthy and contented companion. For more on the breed, see our guides on lifespan and health and adopting a retired racer.

*This is general guidance. If you find sore skin, a wound, dental trouble or any health concern you cannot easily manage, see your vet.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Greyhound breed information and care (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — bloat (GDV), dental care, skin and dog health (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — grooming and caring for your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dog welfare and health (rspca.org.uk).