| Finding a Greyhound Vet:
The GPA-Louisville encourages all greyhound owners to find a
veterinarian with experience dealing with the unique veterinary needs of
these dogs as they have special requirements with respect to anesthesia,
flea/tick control, grooming, etc.
If you are not sure if your local veterinarian is experienced
with greyhound, don't be afraid to ask him/her about how many greyhounds
he has treated in the last several years or to quiz him/her about greys'
special veterinary needs.
When they are brought to Louisville from the track at
Wheeling Downs in West Virginia -- prior to placement in a foster home,
which precedes permanent placement -- all GPA-Louisville dogs are initially treated
(including spaying/neutering, teeth cleaning, nail trimming, vaccinations
and de-worming) by Joyce Fuchs, DVM of Shively
Animal Clinic.
"Dr. Joyce" (as she is affectionately known in the local
greyhound community) and the wonderful staff of Shively
Animal Clinic have been important partners in our efforts to provide
healthy adoptive greyhounds to our members and we heartily endorse them
to care for your pets.
Visit the Shively
Animal Clinic website at www.myvetonline.com/shivelyac
to learn more about their facility, staff, directions and extended hours
(open 7 days a week; see their website for office hours).
|
Understanding
Greyhounds' Special Veterinary Needs:
Many excellent and well-advertised dog care products are not
safe to use on greyhounds! Please, consult with your veterinarian before
using over-the-counter flea control, grooming and similar products on your
greyhound.
| Anesthesia: |
Because they have so little body fat, greyhounds are more susceptible
to anesthesia, requiring only a fraction of the anesthetic used on another
breed of the same size, and taking longer to recover from it. This
is one critical area in which a vet having greyhound experience is essential. |
Fleas and Ticks:
|
 Flea
collars and internal flea preventive medications are
NOT safe for
use on greyhounds. The GPA-Louisville recommends the use of Frontline or
Frontline Plus. |
|
 Be
careful using flea shampoos on greyhounds! If the label on a medicated
shampoo says, "Not for use on sighthounds", DON'T USE IT!!!
The GPA-Louisville recommends Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo for routine bathing
of greyhounds. For immediate relief of fleas and ticks, you can also
use Adams Flea & Tick Mist. |
| Worms: |
 De-wormers
should be used only on the advice of a veterinarian. Take a fecal sample
so that it can be analyzed. DO NOT use over-the-counter wormers
on your greyhound!!!
Greyhounds should be tested once a year for heartworms, preferably when
they receive their annual vaccinations. Dogs adopted through GPA-Louisville
have already been tested and have received their first dose of Heartgard. |
Dental Care:
|
 Greyhounds
have notoriously bad teeth when they come off the track, as they have been
fed a lot of soft food. Teeth cleaning is part of the pre-adoption
medical care all GPA-Louisville greyhounds receive, but their teeth get plaque
build-up just like humans. The GPA-Louisville recommends at least annual
teeth cleaning for most greyhounds, but, again, we suggest you follow your
veterinarian's recommendations for your dog.
Between professional cleanings, we recommend regular brushing of greyhounds'
teeth -- at least several times a week. There are several canine
toothpastes and brushes on the market today. One is Petrodex, which
makes a fingertip tooth brush and canine toothpastes in both beef and chicken
flavors. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog! |
| Nail Care: |
Greyhounds are used to having their nails trimmed and failing to trim
them regularly can lead to health and safety problems as long nails can
be like putting a greyhound on roller skates, especially on tile, vinyl
or hardwood floors. Ask your vet to show you the proper way to trim
your dog's nails or have the vet do it for you.
 Consider
using your Dremel
rotary tool to give your dogs a pedicure! It's easy, quick,
effective and inexpensive. Check out Dawn Garrett's detailed,
step-by-step instructions (with close-up photos) at www.DoberDawn.com
|
|
