Greyhounds: Helpful Hints

You’ve decided to adopt a greyhound

Congratulations!

The following is a list of helpful hints that will aid in the transition for you and your new dog.

1) FOOD: 3½ to 4 cups of good quality dry dog food ( Pedigree, Proplan, Purina One) in the morning, add no water. Give a dog biscuit after going out in the afternoon and evening. Canned dog food is not necessary and causes gas, diarrhea, not fun for you or your greyhound. If your greyhound does not want to eat, DON’T PANIC, but sometimes a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese scattered over food will help.

2) SCRAPS OR PEOPLE FOOD: Good once in awhile, for example plain pasta or rice, vegetables, yogurt, cottage cheese, even pizza crust is OK. NEVER give your dog pork or chicken bones, spicy or greasy food, onions or chocolate. Chocolate is toxic, and the other food groups listed will produce undesirable results! Remember - YOU are the one who gets to clean the carpet! If your dog does get diarrhea - no food 24 hours, and give 1-2 tbs. Imodium AD, generic or brand name.

3) GOING OUT: Minimum 3 times daily, morning, afternoon, evening. At first, take the dog back to the same spot-scent will tell him what to do. If your greyhound is eating his or her own feces, a half teaspoon Adolf Meat Tenderizer over food will not affect taste of food but will affect taste of results. This also works with litter boxes if you have cats. Sprinkle Adolf meat tenderizer over cats’ food.

If you are thinking of tying up the dog outside, DON’T! Run lines, chains, etc...are all a no-no. Greyhounds can hit 45 mph and can easily break their necks!

4) BATHING: Can be done outside with a free running hose. Use a washcloth and household dish soap. Don’t forget to wash the ears! This is a good time to clip nails. Grooming mitts are great and found at most feed stores, some pet stores and should cost no more than $5.00.

5) MUZZLE: Does not hurt or bother your greyhound. For the first few days put it on your dog when you leave him alone, or when you go to bed. They can drink, yodel, whatever, but it will keep them out of trouble, and can also be a good disciplinary tool.

6) DISCIPLINE: An old spray bottle, such as Windex, rinsed out and filled with water. Set on Jet or Stream. Effective, but doesn’t harm dog or house. Also, a Firm "NO" works very well.

7) DOG BEDS: Wherever your greyhound sleeps, put down an old blanket, scatter rug, or a dog bed with a washable shell. Cedar beds are expensive and not washable.

8) TEETH: Greyhounds have a lot of tartar buildup. Dry dog food and dog bones help as do cow hoofs and beef bones. Check with butcher for fresh or pet stores for dry. For serious cases of tarter build-up -consult with your vet about scaling or ultrasound cleaning.

9) COLLARS: The greyhound has a very narrow head. Regular collars can slip off. We recommend nylon choke collars or a "humane choke collar."

10) RACING BACKGROUND: Go to http://greyhound-data.com/index.htm and you will be able to find a pedigree for your greyhound.

or

Call N.G.A. (National Greyhound Assn.). 1-785-263-4660

Tell the operator you have a rescued greyhound. Give ear ID numbers. Hint, have the greyhound next to you - 3, 6, 8, 0 are easily confused.

If you have the racing name available you can go to this website: http://www.Rosnet2000.com . This website should show you their complete racing record, their siblings and even the other litter's their mom and dad have had.

11) COMMON HOUSEHOLD PET POISONS: It’s nearly impossible to rid your home of all plants and products that could be poisonous to pets.

But by knowing what’s toxic, you can prevent danger by keeping these items out of reach. If your pet seems weak or tired, has dilated pupils or is disoriented after possible contact with any of these toxins, take them to the vet immediately:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Antifreeze (appealing because it smells sweet)

Aspirin (OK for dogs, but deadly to cats)

Azaleas

Caffeine

Chocolate (cocoa is stronger, thus more toxic, than milk chocolate)

Fabric softener sheets

Household cleaning products

Insecticides

Mistletoe

Mothballs

Poinsettia

12) DO’S AND DON’TS OF PET FIRST AID:

DO pay attention to how much your pet is eating and drinking. Changes in diet can signal sickness and your vet is sure to ask for specifics.

DON’T call 911 in an emergency. They’re only trained to help humans. Ask your vet for a 24-hour emergency number.

DON’T keep human and pet medications together.

DO ask your exterminator and landscaper to use pet-safe products in your house and yard.

DON’T leave your pet in a parked car. On a hot day, even five minutes can be enough to cause heatstroke.

13) PET MEDICINE CHEST Some products made for humans are perfectly safe for animals. Stocking your house with the right items can save you time in an emergency. They can also save you money, since they’re often cheaper than fancy pet-specific goods.

Make sure you have the following:

Anti-itch cream, such as Benadryl, is ideal for allergic reactions and bee stings.

Aspirin can be an effective pain reliever for dogs but is fatal to cats.

Baking soda is great for making a soothing paste to treat insect bites and rashes

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting (contact your vet for the correct dosage) and for cleaning cuts, infected ears and larger wounds.

Eyewash ( a sterile saline solution) can rinse out debris or chlorinated water after a swim.

Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate or other soothers can help an upset stomach. Your vet’s office can give you exact amounts for your animal.

Triple antibiotic ointments help prevent infections from cuts and abrasions.

Tweezers, latex gloves and an assortment of gauze pads are good to have on hand. Don’t forget to replenish your stock after they’re used.

Greyhound Adoption Kennel

11551 Deal Road

North Fort Myers, Florida 33917

(239) 731-3187

http://www.greyhoundadoptionkennel.com