Tips for Finding the Best Greyhound Vet Near You

Choosing the Right Greyhound Vet for Your Pet

As a greyhound owner, finding the right veterinarian for your pet's specialized needs is crucial. Greyhounds have unique health considerations that not all veterinarians are familiar with. Choosing a vet with experience treating retired racing greyhounds can make all the difference in your dog's quality of life.

In this article, we'll go over some tips on how to select the best greyhound vet near you. We'll also discuss what to look for during your vet visits and key health issues these sleek hounds are prone to.

Tips for Picking the Ideal Greyhound Vet

Here are a few things to keep in mind when researching vets in your area:

• Search for vets who specifically mention greyhound experience or list sighthounds as one of their specialty areas. These are the ones most likely to be knowledgeable about the breed.
• Ask fellow greyhound owners in your area for vet recommendations. Check greyhound adoption group forums or Facebook pages.
• Make sure the vet clinic follows AAHA standards and guidelines for equipment sizes and staff training.
• Tour the facility to make sure they can accommodate larger dogs like greyhounds who may exceed standard exam table weight limits.
• Consider a vet who offers specialized services like animal rehabilitation or acupuncture that can benefit retired racers.

What to Expect at Your Greyhound's Vet Visits

Greyhound vet visits will involve a full physical exam, vaccinations, heartworm test, and discussion of any health concerns specific to your dog. Your vet should also provide guidance on proper nutrition, weight management, dental care, parasite prevention, and exercise.

Key things the vet will check include:

• Teeth - Greyhounds are prone to periodontal disease.
• Muscle tone and joints - For any muscle atrophy or arthritis.
• Cardiovascular health - Using a stethoscope to listen for heart murmurs.
• Eyes and ears - To identify any vision or hearing issues.
• Skin and coat - Looking for sores, rashes, or evidence of parasites.

Your vet will also ensure your greyhound is up to date on all core vaccinations, including rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and distemper. They can advise you on other optional vaccinations as well.

Common Health Issues in Retired Racing Greyhounds

Some conditions greyhound vets routinely screen for include:

• Dental disease - Gum recession and fractured teeth are common due to the soft diet fed at many race tracks.
• Gastric torsion - Greyhounds are prone to this life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself.
• Osteosarcoma - Bone cancer frequently seen in larger breeds like greyhounds.
• Hypothyroidism - A hormonal deficiency that can cause lethargy, obesity, and hair loss.
• Whipworms - Intestinal parasite that can cause bloody diarrhea.

Stay alert for any changes in your dog's appetite, activity level, weight, stool, urine output, or behavior between vet visits. Report concerns right away since retired racers are masters at hiding illness until it becomes severe.

Caring for Your Greyhound's Teeth

One of the most important aspects of health maintenance for greyhounds is regular dental care. Their teeth are prone to rapid plaque and tartar buildup. Daily toothbrushing and professional cleanings under anesthesia every 6-12 months are usually recommended.

Signs your greyhound may need a dental cleaning include:

• Bad breath
• Red, inflamed, or receding gums
• Excessive drooling
• Loose or broken teeth
• Difficulty eating due to mouth pain
• Loss of appetite

Make sure to alert your vet to any oral health issues at your dog's exams so they can check for periodontal disease. Your vet can also show you the best tooth brushing technique for your hound.

Choosing the Right Greyhound Vet Matters

Having a knowledgeable greyhound vet you trust makes a huge difference in keeping your dog healthy and happy in retirement. Prioritize choosing a vet with specific experience with sighthounds. Ask trusted greyhound resources for recommendations.

Schedule regular vet visits even when your dog seems well so you stay on top of preventative care. Keep an eye out for any changes in between annual exams. With the right vet overseeing your greyhound's healthcare, you can focus on enjoying the companionship of this lovable breed.

FAQs

What health issues are common in retired racing greyhounds?

Some common health issues in retired racers include dental disease, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and whipworms. Greyhounds are also prone to muscle atrophy and arthritis as they age.

How often should greyhounds have their teeth cleaned?

Veterinary dentists typically recommend professional dental cleanings under anesthesia every 6-12 months for greyhounds. Their teeth are prone to rapid buildup of plaque and tartar.

What vaccinations do greyhounds need?

Core vaccines greyhounds need include rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, leptospirosis, and distemper. Your vet may also recommend other non-core vaccines.

What should I look for in a greyhound vet?

Look for a vet who specifies experience with sighthounds/greyhounds. They should follow AAHA standards, accommodate larger dogs, and offer rehabilitation services.

How often should I take my greyhound to the vet?

Annual vet exams are recommended even when your greyhound seems healthy. This allows your vet to catch any issues early before they become more serious.