Recommended Supplies for When You Adopt Your Greyhound

Feeding and watering bowls—size at least 2-3 quarts.  Some prefer elevated feeders, but it’s not mandatory. Greyhounds will drink ½ to 1 liter a day in most cases.

A good quality dry dog food.  Avoid feeding your Greyhound from the table—unless you’re prepared to set an extra place!  Be sure your dog does not have access to chocolate, artificial sweeteners, raisins, grapes, or avocados. Most Greyhounds will need at least 3-4 cups (not scoops-use a measuring cup) of kibble a day and if they seem to be hungry increase their feeding by ½ cup per day—rarely will they require amounts of 6 cups daily—of course, this depends on the size of your dog. The last 3 ribs showing while standing is a good way to gauge if your dog is the proper weight. Most dogs in a home situation will gain a few pounds from their “racing weight”.  We are feeding the dogs Purina ProPlan Sport 30/20.

Avoid grain-free foods since they have been associated with a heart condition that develops only in large dogs that were fed grain-free diets. This type of food was found to be missing an important nutrient. Greyhounds rarely have food allergies.

A sturdy crate—opinions vary as to whether to purchase the wire or plastic model.  The advantages of the wire version seem to win-out---they are more portable and afford the “sight hound” an unlimited view of their surroundings.  Size does matter.  For the largest dogs—usually the males—the 48 x 30 x 33 inches is the right size---many of the females could use a size smaller—42 x 28 x 30 inches. Plan ahead where to place the crate in your household and never isolate your Greyhound in a room alone. This could cause separation anxiety and they will break out of their crate or cause damage to the room.  Draping a nice cloth or blanket over the top and sides of the crate makes it less ugly and gives it a den feel to the dogs. Plastic crates are sturdier and the dog is less likely to break out of them.
A comfy dog bed—or two!  Gently-worn comforters also work well.  Some Greyhounds like to dig and fluff up their beds.  Be sure your bed is large enough—42 x 30 inches is a good guideline or 40-inch round. They like the bolster beds—it makes them feel cozy and secure.

We highly recommend that the Greyhound sleeps in your bedroom at night—not on your bed but in a crate or bed nearby. Never let your Greyhound sleep with a child.

A personalized id tag—your dog will have a tag with the group’s phone number on it and you’re welcome to keep this tag or recycle it for others to use. BE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR DOG’S MICROCHIP IMMEDIATELY—THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

If your Greyhound gets loose—please contact me immediately so I can alert local volunteers and help organize search parties.

An enzyme-based carpet cleaner—keep the receipt---you may never use it!
If your dog has runny poops remember that Diarrhea should be a short-term and transitional symptom.  Try to figure out if you may have overfed them or maybe gave them a new type of treat, etc. If they eat too much, they may have runny poops. Uncontrollable, foul-smelling, or bloody poops may indicate an infection and they should see the doctor if this persists for longer than 24 hours. If your Greyhound is very “gassy” try a couple of generous tablespoons of plain yogurt with meals.   Also, if your dog is eating too fast—get a larger, flatter feeding bowl or consider the specially designed ones.  Two tablespoons of canned pumpkin per meal might help solidify stools that are mushy and loose-formed. Brown rice is also a good additive to help firm up stools. Add ½ cup per meal. But, remember—if this is some sort an infection and the pumpkin and rice won’t help.

If you live in an area where ticks and fleas present a problem, remember that most flea collars are toxic.  Frontline, monthly applications, are completely safe-but their reliability has waned and it may only last for 3 weeks. If treat your lawn—keep the Greyhound off the treated area until the chemicals have dried.  Do not use cocoa mulch for your garden—it has the same properties as chocolate.
Suitable oral tick/flea preventatives include-Nexgard and Simparica-which work for 4-5 weeks..  Bravecto, lasts 3 months)
Choose toys, and chewy bones designed for large dogs-smaller ones could be a choking hazard.

DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE—WE CAN ONLY PROVIDE ONE DOSE  FOR YOUR NEWLY ADOPTED DOG. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, WE CAN PURCHASE A 6-MONTH SUPPLY AT THE TIME YOU ADOPT AND WE WILL ADD THAT COST TO YOUR ADOPTION FEE.  

In our experience—it is easier to transport your Greyhound if you have a sling or hammock that fits into your backseat. The hammocks attach to the headrests in your car and prevent the dog from falling between the seats if you stop suddenly. Every dog is different about riding in the car. One precaution is to be sure they are not prone to jump out as soon as the door or hatch opens. You may need to train them or take some measures to prevent them from jumping out and running off. One idea is to temporarily tether them whenever the door(s) are open or if someone is riding with you-ask them to hold the dog’s leash when you open the door or hatch. They rarely need to be crated for car-rides.  Just use some caution about opened doors and windows.

Hookworms, etc. We are checking their fecal exams at least once and sometimes more often to figure out if they have worms. Hookworms have been harder to treat in the Greyhounds that were bred to race. Iverheart Max has ingredients that treat hookworms. If your dog’s poops have changed and are mushy and stinky—be sure you get them checked for worms and treat accordingly. The Greyhounds are tolerating the Proheart 6/12 shots, but in our experience-the long-term injections are not working as well on the hookworms as Iverhart.

PLEASE CONTACT ME ABOUT ANY ISSUES OR CONCERNS—I WANT TO HELP AND HAVE SEEN LOTS OF MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND EMOTIONAL ISSUES OVER THE PAST YEARS! LINDA DUNN, PHONE 806-787-8530

If your Greyhound isn’t eating well whenever they first move in. Be sure they have access to water. I have added chicken broth, small amounts of chicken or raw hamburger, an unseasoned scrambled egg, or Freshpet kibble mixed in. The Freshpet is sold in most petfood departments. It is refrigerated and the dogs seem to like it. I mix it with their dry kibble—otherwise they eat it off the top and leave the dry kibble. Eventually, you can wean them off the extras or at least keep in mind that kibble is high in calories and should be their mainstay. Canned food has less calories and is not good for their teeth.