Greyhound General Info

Greyhounds, The Most Unique Dogs On The Planet

Posted by stevepryor on February 10, 2015
Posted in: Benefits of Owning A Greyhound, ex racing greyhounds, Greyhound Facts, Greyhound General Info. Tagged: , , , , .

Greyhounds, those tall elegant hounds with incredible speed and big hearts have been capturing human affections for longer than just about any other breed of dog. References to Greyhounds in art and literature date back thousands of years, including a mention in the Bible. Everything about the Greyhound, ancient or modern, says “speed.” Long legs, slim head, deep chest, fine coat, a unique “hinged” spine, all contribute to the Greyhound’s status as second fastest accelerating land animal in the world. However, the Greyhound has another secret edge: his heart really is huge. Relative to body size, the Greyhound heart is not only larger and more efficient than any other dog’s, but outperforms that of a thoroughbred racehorse. Due to the power of the Greyhounds “double suspension gallop” stride and flexible “hinged”
spine and also despite their difference in size, the stride length of a Greyhound at a gallop is approximately the same as that of a thoroughbred horse running the Kentucky Derby!

Vlad sleeping, greyhounds have this down to a science!

Vlad sleeping, greyhounds have this down to a science!

Matt Groening, creator of the animated series The Simpsons and a Greyhound enthusiast, had Homer and Bart rescue a former track Greyhound in the show’s first Christmas special and the dog became a permanent member of the cast. With the show airing in more than sixty countries, “Santa’s Little Helper” is now arguably the world’s most famous Greyhound. Due to the breed’s sweet natured, gentle temperament, Greyhounds can also be excellent therapy dogs, visiting hospitals, seniors’ care homes, and other facilities, where their long legs make them just the right size to lay a head on a hospital bed or nudge a hand.

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The Greyhound is built for sheer speed rather than endurance and doesn’t require hours of exercise. These are the fastest of all dog breeds, the “drag racers” of the dog world and once he has exploded into his powerful driving gallop for a short time, he is content to sleep for the rest of the day.

Greyhounds are nonaggressive (they tend to freeze when challenged or attacked)  Because they are so docile, they must be trained with a very light hand and much more praise than correction. Greyhounds are docile animals who need to be treated gently at all times. They are never aggressive, and, as mentioned before, freeze up when another dog postures towards them – they have absolutely no fighting instinct whatsoever. Treating a Greyhound harshly can cause them psychological harm, as they are incredibly sensitive. Gentle consistency and lots of praise and treats are all you need to train a Greyhound. Though they are independent, they pick up on tasks fairly quickly. They are naturally well-behaved so training is usually quite easy, even for first time dog owners. Greyhounds have often been compared to cats. They are quiet, well mannered, regal and independent.

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Ex racing greyhounds have lived a very regimented life, becoming a pet is almost like being “reborn”. Even though most former racers are over two years old when they leave the track, most have not been exposed to daily sights and sounds commonly found in your home and surroundings. Car rides, toys, televisions, children, stairs, kitchens, street noises, and almost everything else you consider normal are all strange to a former racing greyhound. As a result, they will be curious, awestruck, and a little frightened as they enter their new lives. They need time to adjust to these new surroundings and each one does so at a different pace. With a little understanding and love, they adjust and blossom very quickly into loving and well-mannered pets.

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Some Greyhound behaviors (may apply to other breeds) but most will not.

Nitting:

Another behavior trait of some Greyhounds is called “nitting”.  When a Greyhound is very happy, and loves their “person” they may nibble at their arm or side (or any available skin) with their front teeth.  It’s actually an expression of great happiness but it might be misinterpreted as aggression.  The nibble is hard enough to easily leave a bruise, so, although it’s actually meant as a true compliment, it’s wise to be careful.

A variant of this is chattering and air snapping.  When some greys are happy, they may chatter quite loudly, clicking their lower jaw as though they were cold.  You may see a greyhound do this at meal time or when their “person” comes home.  Air snapping is similar to nitting but instead of nibbling at your skin, they snap at the air.  Again, this could easily be misinterpreted as aggression when it’s not.  The “snapping” is not aimed at you – it’s aimed at the air.

Grinning (not snarling):

A facial expression shared with other breeds but also frequently misinterpreted.  Grinning is usually a submissive expression although it looks very much like a snarl.  The clue is in the rest of the Greyhound’s body language and the circumstances that you see this. ometimes, however, these traits don’t appear til the greyhound has been in their new home long enough to be settled and relaxed.

If you're happy & you know it.....

If you’re happy & you know it…..

Trancing: 

Some greyhounds seem to go into a trance when they brush their back against low hanging branches or bushes.  They may actually stand motionless for several minutes with their eyes glazed over as they seem to be feeling the touch of the branches. I’ve never seen Vitali (our ex racing grey) “trance” but he will take every opportunity he can get to walk through our cedar trees and have the branches rub across his back. Our other ex racer, Vladimir, has never shown an interest in it.

Wolfing:

Greyhounds sometimes show affection as a wolf does with mouth agape, gently grasping your hand or arm.

Those ears:

Greyhound ears are truly amazing. Most breeds of dogs have an ear set that is predictable. Cockers have ears that flop. Shepherds have erect ears. But Greyhounds! Anything can be expected here. The average Greyhound has ears that hug the head for aerodynamic reasons. Their ears do, however, do many tricks. They stand straight up like the Shepherd or Doberman; they go out like your average mixed breed; they go back tight to the head like a normal Greyhound. And, often one ear will go one direction and the other in a totally different direction and position. I took some photos once at the dog park of Vitali and the different positions his ears were in while we were there…sometimes both were standing straight up, sometimes one up and one down, sometimes one forward and one back, sometimes both laid back, sometimes one straight up and one flopped over. I think I counted 9 or 10 different variations of ear placement.

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Roaching:

Many dogs roach, but I doubt there is another breed who does it so often and with so many variations.

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ETS:

(Escaping Tongue Syndrome) Usually this happens when the dog is upside down roaching, but can also happen while lying down and most often while sleeping.

planetgreyhound032

Leaning:

Many Greyhounds excel at this.  People who have never met a Greyhound before and are leaned upon by a dog they don’t know are usually entranced, It’s the Greyhound version of hugging!

Stuffy Hoarding:

Most Greyhounds love their stuffed toys.  Many gather them up and hoard them on their bed or where ever they sleep. Some are safe with squeaky toys, others first task with a new squeaky toy is to desqueak it. Then there are those Greyhounds that will hoard practically anything. Both of our boys are good with their stuffies and are not destructive with them, and neither one is a hoarder.

Chattering:

It’s when their teeth chatter, it can be quite loud, and means they’re happy.  Some dogs will do this at at Meet ‘N Greets when they’re being petted and given lots of attention.  They will also do it when they are anticipating something good like getting fed or going for a walk or just your undivided attention. Some may chatter quite loudly, clicking their lower jaw as though they were cold and many people do mistake this as the dog being cold, but I have, after a chattering episode inside, taken the boys outside where it was much, much colder and there was no chattering to be heard.

Rooing:

Lots of dogs howl, in greyhound circles, it’s called rooing. Hard to describe, but you can find youtube videos of it I’m sure. Neither of our boys truly “roo”

Chipping:

This is a Greyhound owner thing!  There’s a well known saying among greyhound adopters…  “Greyhounds are like potato chips, you can’t have just one”  and with all their quirkiness, their absolute ease to have around, the pleasure you get from just enjoying their company, the joy of watching them run, and more things than I can adequately put into words here, I know I’ll never have another breed.

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2013 Busch Pet Products – Pet Fest

Posted by stevepryor on October 13, 2013
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, GPA, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics. Tagged: , , , .

It was a “greyt” time today at Pet Fest sponsored by Busch Pet Products in Cape Girardeau, Mo. There were lots of exhibits, pet related services and adoptable dogs of (all breeds).

The greyhounds made a good showing today as there were probably 9 or 10 there soaking up hugs.

To see photos of some “happening hounds” click on this link… Busch Pet Products – Pet Fest 2013

Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.

Health Issues and Your Greyhound

Posted by stevepryor on September 6, 2013
Posted in: Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound Facts, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Health, Sight hounds, thunderstorms and greyhounds. Tagged: , , , .

With the increasing number of Retired Greyhounds being placed in
homes, it is important to be knowledgeable in the unique medical
conditions that can and do occur in this breed.
Some of these conditions are unique to the racing Greyhound, but
most are diseases present due to poor management and lack of general
medical care

 

ALOPECIA

The “Bald Butt” syndrome seen in many Retired Greyhounds, is in
most cases due to “cage rub.” Hypothyroidism is often blamed as the cause,
however, this is seldom true. Many dogs regain their haircoat with time, others
do not.

ANEMIA

The normal hematocrit of a healthy Greyhound is significantly higher
than other canines. A PCV of 55-60% is considered normal; a PCV of 45% may
indicate anemia. Greyhounds often normally have a moderately low WBC. A
WBC of 5,000 – 6,000 may be a consistent finding, sometimes even lower levels
are found in dogs with Babesia or Ehrlichia.

BABISIOSIS

This is a relatively common disease found in Retired Greyhounds.
A blood parasite, transmitted by the bite of a tick, a positive titer is found in
approximately 75-80% of retired racers. Even dogs brought in from more
Northern states are at risk due to the constant travel and shipping from track to
track, with most tracks located in Southern states. A low titer, indicates exposure
to the disease, whereas a high to moderately high titer may indicate active
disease (even without clinical signs). Treatment consists of one or two
treatments with Imizol (Imidocarb), based on the recheck titer. Failure to treat,
even while asymptomatic, may result in a hemolytic crisis.

BLOAT

Amazingly enough, bloat is not that common in the Greyhound.
However, due to their deep-chested conformation, bloat and Gastric Dilitation –
Volvulus can occur.

BROKEN TOES

Many Greyhounds come off the track with broken toes or
amputated toes. These are often old injuries that are beyond repair.

CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI

Due to the poor diet fed these dogs at the track,
Campylobacter jejuni is an extremely common parasite found in the stool. They
are often fed raw, diseased meat, which may be the origin of this parasite.
Certain antibiotics are more effective at eliminating this parasite; constant
sanitization is essential to prevent spread.

CHRONIC INFECTIONS

Due to the lack of adequate medical care in many
instances, dogs may suffer from chronic untreated infections. Otitis, Cystitis,
Prostatitis, and Conjunctivitis are examples of common infections.

CLITORAL HYPERTROPHY

Many female dogs suffer from clitoral hypertrophy
due to the steroid injections received on the track. This may become less
prominent over time. This may lead to vaginal infections, or show no obvious
signs of problems. Surgical resection is not usually recommended.

CORNEAL DISEASE

A relatively uncommon immune-mediated corneal disease
is found in some Greyhounds. This condition can result in total corneal opacity and blindness without proper, aggressive treatment.

CUTANEOUS HEMANGIOMA

Dogs with thin or patchy hair may develop small bloodblister like lesions on various areas of the body. Most often appearing on the
belly and thighs, these small raised lesions are exacerbated or even due to
sunlight. This is the benign precursor to a cancerous condition, so it is
recommended that dogs that develop this condition be protected from sunlight
with skin block and protective clothing.

DERMATOLOGIC DISEASES

Due to the poor sanitary conditions they are kept
in, many Retired Racers suffer from Pyoderma or Allergic Skin Diseases.
Comedones are common on the ventrum (Biore’ patches may be helpful).
Seborrhea is also common, and is often responsive to diet alone. Other products
may be helpful for topical (Resisoothe, EFA Bath Oil) or parenteral (DermCaps,
EFA Caps, 3V Caps) assistance.

DIETARY INTOLERANCE

Many Greyhounds show extreme sensitivity to dietary
changes, and many suffer from constant diarrhea if not fed the appropriate food.
Most thrive on premium lamb and rice diets. If chronic diarrhea in the absence of
parasites persists, a change in diet may be warranted.

EHRLICHIOSIS

A blood parasite transmitted by the bite of a tick, Ehrlichia canis
is the most common form to infect dogs. This disease tends to have a chronic
relapsing nature. Many dogs have an elevated titer without showing symptoms;
others may have multiple symptoms. Low titers indicate exposure, however, any
elevation should be treated. Imizol is often very helpful in treatment, antibiotics
don’t often control the disease or the symptoms. A hemolytic crisis is a real
possibility with this disease.

FRACTURES

Fractures may occur on the track, which often result in the
euthanasia or retirement of the racing dog. However, fractures can occur in the
retired racer. The Greyhounds bones are slim, and hence are more susceptible
to fractures, even when they’re only racing around their back yard. Some of the
more common racing fractures are those of the calcaneous/talus and tarsal
bones. Fractures of the metatarsals and metacarpals are common in the pet
Greyhound.

GIARDIA

Another extremely common parasite in Retired Greyhounds.
Approximately 75% may carry Giardia upon adoption. Giardia often causes
diarrhea in people too.

HEARTWORM DISEASE

Due to their often lack of preventive medication,
Greyhounds are often exposed to heartworm disease.

IDIOPATHIC CUTANEOUS AND RENAL GLOMERULAR VASCULOPATHY

This is a disease unique to the Greyhound breed, which may manifest itself as an
ulcerative dermatosis, which can also progress to a serious renal disease leading
to severe renal compromise and often death. Treatment can be successful,
however the disease can be rapidly fatal.

IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISEASES

A somewhat conspicuous increased frequency
of immune-mediated diseases has been seen in these dogs.

LACERATIONS

Greyhounds have very thin skin and are extremely susceptible
to lacerations. Many simple lacerations result in degloving due to the thin skin
and virtually non-existent subcutaneous layer.

LYMES DISEASE

Another tick-borne parasite, Lymes is more likely found in
Retired Racers from the Eastern states. Chronic arthritis and renal disease may
be sequelae of this disease.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Probably the most common problems seen
in racing dogs and often even in backyard racers, are musculoskeletal injuries.
Strains, sprains, ruptured muscles, and avulsions and tears of tendons and
ligaments are frequently found. Some of the more common injuries are those of
the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons leading to a “dropped toe” or the
gracilis muscle, known as a “dropped back muscle.”

PARASITES

Most Greyhounds on the track suffer from chronic parasitism.
Fleas, ticks and every possible intestinal parasite are common occurrences.
Giardia and Campylobacter are frequently seen.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Due to the poor diet and the constant muzzling, many
Greyhounds suffer from dental decay, worn and broken teeth, abscesses and
gingival recession. Owners should be instructed that constant dental care may
be necessary. Multiple antibiotics, metronidazole, and Stomadex patches are
often of assistance in controlling the disease.

REGURGITATION

Usually not a pathologic condition, many dogs eat their food
so fast that they regurgitate it immediately. This problem can often be alleviated
by elevating their food or using a larger bowl with a thin layer of kibble, so that
they do not gobble their food.

REVERSE SNEEZING

Often due to eating too fast or minor throat irritation, reverse sneezing often sounds like gasping for breath.

Occasionally a parasite called Paragonimus can be the cause of chronic, frequent reverse sneezing. 

This parasite is also known as a lungworm, and lives in the air passages leading 

to the lungs, thus causing irritation and coughing or reverse sneezing. This
parasite rarely shows up on routine stool exams, so treatment is often
recommended if any symptoms are present.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

A tick-borne parasite, Rickettsia
rickettsii, that can produce serious disease in humans and animals, this disease
is more commonly found in dogs from the Western states and also near the
Appalachians.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

This is a condition seen quite frequently in the Retired
Greyhound. Excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, and inappropriate
elimination are the classic signs often seen. Retired Greyhounds often become
extremely attached to their new owners, frequently following them around the
house constantly. Clomicalm (Clomipramine) is often very useful, along with
behavioral conditioning, in the elimination of these frustrating destructive
behaviors. Some of these or similar type issues may be seen in doga suffering from storm phobias

SESAMOIDITIS

Many Retired Racers suffer from chronic or recurrent
sesamoiditis. Some show periodic lameness, possibly requiring non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications and rest.

SPLIT WEB

This is a term used to describe torn interdigital tissue. This
condition can occur on the track and in the backyard. This injury is best treated
by debriding and suturing together the two portions. Bandages must be kept on
for at least two weeks. If this is not successful, the dog can manage with the tear
as long as it heals properly.

TAIL INJURIES

Like other large-breed, long-tailed dogs, Greyhounds often
sustain injuries to the ends of their tails. Proper bandaging, (syringe cases work
great) is usually sufficient to allow healing. Amputation is rarely necessary
except in long-standing injuries.

TICK DISEASES

Besides Babesia, Ehrlichia, Lymes and Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever, there are other more recently discovered diseases transmitted by
ticks, which can affect many dogs. Bartonellosis and Hepatazoonosis are two
tick-transmitted diseases which can elude the most extensive diagnostician.
These diseases require specialized diagnostic tests only performed in limited
facilities. Chronic, persistent disease despite treatment of other tick diseases,
and chronic mucoid ocular discharge are two prominent features of these
recently discovered conditions.

WEATHER-RELATED DISEASE

Hyperthermia and Hypothermia are both very
common diseases in the Greyhound due to their minimal level of insulation.
Owners should be cautioned that this breed is more susceptible than most others to hot/cold extremes.

Other Important Information

ANESTHESIA

Greyhounds, being sighthounds, are susceptible to severe side
effects from certain anesthetics. It is not recommended that barbiturate
anesthetics be used, due to the Greyhound’s commonly idiosyncratic reaction.
Tranquilizers may be used, but the dose should be decreased by about half
when used as a pre-anesthetic. Ketamine/Valium, as well as Propofol as
induction agents are recommended, as is Isoflurane or Propofol for maintenance.
Malignant Hyperthermia has been seen in Greyhounds, thus dogs should be
carefully monitored during any anesthetic procedures. Local anesthetics are
often helpful in the repair of minor lacerations, as most Greyhounds will
cooperate

FLEA PREVENTIVES AND INSECTICIDES

Be aware that Greyhounds are very
susceptible to toxicities due to insecticides. Organophosphates are often lethal
to the Greyhound. Compounds with pyrethrins or flea pheromones are preferred.
Examples of safe products are: Adams products, VetKem products, Mycodex
products, Frontline, Program, Sentinel, and Advantage. Examples of unsafe
products are: Zodiac products, Blockade, Raid, Flea collars, Proban, Breakthru
and Biospot (the latter two have too high a level of pyrethrin).

Greyhound Musings…

Posted by stevepryor on December 4, 2012
Posted in: Benefits of Owning A Greyhound, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, greyhound videos. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

Hi

If you want to meet people when you’re out on a walk with a dog, there is no other dog I know of that gets the amount of attention a greyhound does. Everywhere you go people point and stare and hope you pass by them so they can ask questions or find out more about this gorgeous creature. As the fastest dog on the planet and the 2nd fastest accelerating land animal on the planet, people are always curious about this regal breed that can attain a speed of 45 mph from a standing start its first 3 strides. What allows the greyhound to reach that type of acceleration, is its lean but extremely muscular build, biggest heart, and greatest area of fast-twitch muscle associated with any breed as well as the double suspension gallop and also the extreme versatility of the spine.

Walking one of these “lightning bolts on a leash” is like walking with a celebrity, almost everyone you meet wants to know more about them and for most it is the first time they have actually had a chance to see one up close and personal. Common remarks are; they’re so soft or they’re so gentle and placid.

Some people ask about the tattoos in the ex racing greyhound’s ears. There are 2 numbers, one in each ear. One is the track number, the other is the year they were born and the order in the litter. With these, you will find the whole pedigree all the way back to the end of the 1800’s. Some people say the number does not prove birth order as most owners do not mark them in order. I don’t know, maybe some do and some don’t. In any event, to find that dogs pedigree, log on to http://www.greyhound-data.com, type in the number and presto…there it is!

Another question I hear from people is about the size of the greyhound’s heart…a  greyhound’s heart weight ranges from 1.18 to 1.73% of their body weight, which is higher than an elite racehorse at 1.0-1.3% of its body weight.  Other types of dogs have a heart weight equal to 0.77% of their body weight, and compare those to 0.5% for humans. So you can see the greyhound has the highest blood volume of any athlete, relative to its body size. All this means that the Greyhound heart is not only larger and more efficient than any other dog’s, but outperforms that of a thoroughbred racehorse.

One other thing I am asked frequently and something that is very important to some people deals with dog odor. Well, due to incredibly small sebaceous glands, the short hair and very low body fat, Greyhound’s exude little or no characteristic “doggy odor”. You can have three or four greyhounds in your home and not notice them near as much as you will that one Lab or Shepard, Doberman, etc. This also transforms into more domestic tranquility as greyhound’s are very affectionate dogs towards those that they know and trust. For centuries different greyhounds have been allowed to hunt and race together, so aggressiveness towards other dogs and people has been almost totally eliminated from the breed. This also means that owning several Greyhounds can be a calmer experience than having those breeds listed above (and many others) that will engage in continuous  “pecking”  as puppies.

Look closely and you can see the ear tattoo

Look closely and you can see the ear tattoo

Greyhound Racing – From Nobility To Slavery

Posted by stevepryor on November 24, 2012
Posted in: anti racing, Greyhound abuse, greyhound exploitation, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

The Difference Between Greyhound Racing’s
Propaganda and Reality is like:
NIGHT AND DAY


Racing Industry Promotional Claims..


1) Greyhound racing is a humane, fun and harmless sport.

2) Racing greyhounds are prized athletes that receive the best of care. We treat our greyhounds better than most people treat their pets.

3) Cases of abuse and killing of racing greyhounds are rare isolated incidents.

4) Critics of the dog racing industry are wacko animal rights extremists who are opposed to the use of animals for any purpose.

5) Humane Societies euthanize thousands of unwanted dogs.

6) We would not have to euthanize greyhounds if more people would adopt them.

7) Racing greyhounds would not run if they were not well cared for.

8) Greyhound racing is a highly regulated sport with high standards of animal care.
 

The Reality..


1) The business of greyhound racing is responsible for the death of thousands upon thousands of greyhounds every year.

2) Greyhound adoption organizations routinely receive racing dogs riddled with external and internal parasites, open sores and untreated broken bones. Many are also covered with scars.

3) Over the last two decades, hundreds of cases of abuse have been documented including greyhounds that were shot, starved, electrocuted and sold for research. Industry insiders report that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

4) This statement is merely a public relations ploy designed to marginalize industry critics. The killing and abuse of greyhounds is a mainstream issue that has been taken to heart by the American public. Opposition to industry practices has been publicly stated in newspaper editorials, by government officials and mainstream animal welfare organizations.

5) Humane Societies do not breed dogs; make money off of them; kill them. Then repeat the cycle.

6) It is not the responsibility of private charities like adoption organizations or the American public to white wash the image of the dog racing industry.

7) Running is instinctual for greyhounds. In fact, it is not uncommon for a greyhound to finish a race in spite of having suffered a serious injury.

8) In most states, dog racing regulations are essentially concerned with gambling rules; breeding and training farm operations are virtually unregulated.

Where Do All Those Puppies Go..

Many greyhound puppies and youngsters are judged to be of inferior racing quality at birth or during the farm training process. Many owners elect not to continue investing in dogs that demonstrate little potential of making money; the vast majority of those dogs are destroyed on the farm before they ever start a racing career. In recent years the yearly disappearance of thousands of puppies is explained away by the industry spokesperson as death from “natural causes”. However, this same spokesperson admitted in an interview that puppies were, in fact, destroyed on the farms. Industry insiders confirm that large numbers of pups are destroyed. Young greyhounds that do show promise are individually registered and named before going to a track at about 18 months.

In the tenth century, King Howel of Wales declared that the penalty for killing a greyhound was the same as that of killing a person, death. In the days of the Egyptians, greyhounds were valued by the pharaohs for their grace, beauty and mild temperament. But in the 21st century, greyhounds in the racing world are prized for only one thing…speed. Every year thousands of greyhounds are killed in various inhumane ways simply because they are not fast enough. 

It’s an industry that exists solely for the entertainment of humans at the cost of animal lives. 

Because greyhound racing has little to do with dogs and everything to do with money, scant regard is given to the humane treatment of the greyhounds. This is an industry that places profits above the health and welfare of greyhounds, how else would you explain the culling of unwanted dogs, a general disregard toward animal injury, and the inhumane living conditions that the majority of the dogs endure?

Struggling to Survive….

Greyhounds are at a disadvantage even before they are born. Tens of thousands of greyhounds are bred annually, many more than are needed to race, in an attempt to create the fastest dogs. The greyhounds are then “weeded out “killed” if they are at any time determined unable to become racetrack stars.

“From the time they are born, they are judged for their racing ability,” says Laura Bevan, director of the Southeast Regional Office of The HSUS. “As puppies they may be killed, or culled, if they don’t have potential to be good racers. After that, any injury or slow down of speed can mean death. The dogs are a commercial product, and once it is determined that they don’t have value as a racer at a track, their days are numbered.”

Throughout their racing career, the dogs routinely endure inhumane conditions and have little human contact. Many greyhound farms are barely getting by financially, so the dogs are kept caged most of the time and fed low quality foods. Each dog is a major expense, which is why so many are killed in various, inhumane, ways when they are deemed unfit to race.

 Please consider adopting a greyhound. So many are waiting for someone like you and me to save their lives. And if adoption is not an option for you right now, they are always in need of people who are willing to foster. In fact, there are many ways you can help, so please do. Join the fight to stop  the racing and subsequent killing of these precious greyhounds. 

Greyhounds Make Excellent Pets

Posted by stevepryor on May 16, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Dog Rescues, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Health, Greyhound Pics, greyhound rescue. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

If you have had thoughts lately about pet adoption and possibly bringing a Greyhound into your family, then this post might help you to understand the breed a little more and help you decide if they would be the pet for you. The question often asked is “Do Greyhounds make good  pets?” Hopefully you will find the answer to this question in our look at this marvelous animal. Greyhounds have many great qualities as a pet, they are very easygoing, intelligent, sensitive to other dogs and to humans, very loyal to their owners, brave and have an incredible lust and devotion to life in general. This dog learns quickly and has a lot of respect for its owner and other members of the household – being very loving towards children and not over-forceful with them.

Greyhounds are “sight hounds” and are able to see something as small as a squirrel from up to a half mile away. They are also, without question, the fastest dogs on earth, reaching top speeds of over 45 miles per hour in under four seconds.  Don’t let this impressive fact fool you though, Greyhounds are generally considered by their owners to be gentle, 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. They thoroughly enjoy being “slackers” and are never high strung or hyper, and they rarely allow any other animals to get their goat. Cool as the other side of the pillow, these sprinters are happy with as little as a 20 minute walk each day as the proper amount of exercise. You can also read through some of the previous posts made here and come to a decision if this wonderful breed is the one you want to share your life with. To me, it’s a no brainer…they are very calm & collected, they are the super models of the dog world and get lots of attention wherever they go, they do not smell like other dogs, do not eat a lot for their size and rarely ever bark.

Greyhounds are bred for speed, health, intelligence, and sociability. This combination makes them excellent house pets. They are, as mentioned above, clean and odor free, indoor dogs that don’t eat a lot nor require extensive exercise. They are very quiet dogs and will spend much of their time sleeping.  They are very content to follow you around wherever you go and love to go for car rides.

Greyhounds live to be about 12-15 years old, barring any accidents or illness. Racing Greyhounds are bred for health and speed and as such are not predisposed to genetic disorders like blindness, deafness, hip dysplasia, etc.

While not all greyhounds suffer from separation anxiety, a greyhound has been raised in a busy kennel and racing environment that requires extensive handling and they crave human company. Some greyhounds may get nervous and afraid if left alone. A greyhound must learn by experience that you will return, and that being alone in the house is safe. Not every dog suffers when left alone for short periods of time, and your dog may never have any problems, but it does show up with some greyhounds and you should be aware of it so if it does arise you will be prepared.

If you have an interest in adopting  a greyhound as a pet, you’ll find that there are a great many devoted fans of the breed who have done an amazing amount of work to save, nurture, and re-acclimate these stunning dogs for the retired life in your home. They are not big chewers, and they will most likely doze peacefully on the sofa while you go about your day away, greeting you drowsily when you return. Your male will be tall, at about 28 to 30 inches at the withers, and usually weigh 70 to 85 pounds. Females, a bit smaller, will measure around 26 to 28 inches and are usually in the 55 to 70 pound range. These size ranges can vary somewhat as there are some instances of  “large females and small males” that will occasionally fall outside their normal size range.

In my personal experience, looking into the eyes of a Greyhound is like looking into an “old soul”, there is just something special there that is hard to explain. You need to experience it for yourself!

Greyhound Fun Facts

Posted by stevepryor on April 18, 2012
Posted in: Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Health, greyhound rescue, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , . 2 Comments

The Greyhound is an extremely powerful and muscular dog. The breed has a long, slim tail and legs. The chest is narrow and deep, while the waist is extremely slender. The breed also has a long and narrow head, neck and muzzle giving the Greyhound an extremely aerodynamic body. They have large hearts, lungs and muscles required for its famous double suspension gallop and incredible bursts of speed. The ears of a greyhound fold flat against its neck when running, similar to the wings on a departing bird or plane.

Tall and lean, the Greyhound is the worlds fastest breed of dog. As a sight hound, the breed pursues game using its vision and speed. Today, however, the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any color, including black, fawn and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. The Greyhound has been owned by many prominent figures in history, including President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer.

The greyhound has his eyes well positioned at the sides of his head giving him a far wider field of view than other dogs (270 degrees versus 180 degrees.) They can actually see things that are behind them. They are sight hounds and can spot movement up to half a mile away.

Greyhound racing became popular in the 1920’s as the aerodynamic build and size of the breed allows them to be the fastest dogs in the world. The Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds! Greyhounds are undoubtedly the best sprinters, not only in the dog world, but in any world, having the fastest acceleration of any land animal on earth, topped only by the Cheetah.

A Look Back
One of the most ancient breeds known to man, evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt dating back to 2900 B.C. Aristocracy and culture has always surrounded the Greyhound, and in early times, only royalty bred them. As hunters in England, they were used on practically all kinds of game from deer, stags and foxes, but the hare is the Greyhound’s natural quarry. In America, Greyhounds arrived with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s and were among the first dogs recorded at American dog shows.

Although the breed is extremely athletic and fast, they are surprisingly mellow. They are not as hyperactive as is commonly believed, nor do they require constant exercise. They are often referred to as 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. Greyhounds are one of the most common rescue breeds in the world, due to the fact that racetracks have in the past euthanized (killed) them in huge numbers after they are too old or slow to race any longer, or have been injured and are no longer profitable.  This still happens, however thanks to the determination of many rescue organizations, the tracks and breeders are watched more closely and it has become increasingly tougher for them to get away with such wanton acts of violence toward this gentle breed.

Is A Greyhound Right For You?
Although a loving companion, the Greyhound possesses the typical independent spirit of the hound, so patient training is necessary. They enjoy the company of their families as well as other dogs. The breed’s short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Due to the Greyhound’s athleticism, they need daily exercise, although a short walk a couple times a day will suffice. They should be kept on leash or in a fenced area due to their tendency to run and with their acceleration they would be a football field away before you could get a word out of your mouth. Many greyhounds have a definite prey instinct and some will chase anything that moves quickly. Due to this, some are not suitable to live with cats or other small animals. The breed, however, is a pack animal and is happiest when there are people or other large animals around for companionship. Greyhounds can vary in degrees of their ability to get along with smaller pets. Our two boys, Vladimir & Vitali have no problem at all with any of our cats, either the inside ones or the outside ones, nor have they ever caused an issue with our little parrot (sun conure) when it is out exploring in the house.

When thinking about adopting one of these magnificent creatures, you can pretty much put your order in for one that suits your lifestyle. Want an older one, you got it, want one that’s cat friendly, you got it, want a certain color, you can get it. There are so many that need loving homes, you can just about “special order” your grey just the way you want him/her.

Contact your local greyhound rescue organization and find out what they can do for you!

Greyhound Info…

Posted by stevepryor on April 11, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Greyhound owners and adoption groups generally consider greyhounds to be wonderful pets. They are pack-oriented dogs, which means that they will quickly adopt humans into their pack as alpha. They can get along well with children, dogs and other family pets. Rescued racing Greyhounds occasionally develop separation anxiety when re-housed or when their new owners have to leave them alone for a period of time (the addition of a second greyhound often solves this problem).

Greyhounds bark very little, which helps in suburban environments, and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own family. The most common misconception concerning greyhounds is that they are hyperactive. In retired racing greyhounds it is usually the opposite. Young greyhounds that have never been taught how to utilize the energy they are bred with, can be hyperactive and destructive if not given an outlet, and require more experienced handlers.

Greyhound Adoption groups generally require owners to keep their greyhounds on-leash at all times, except in fully enclosed areas. This is due to their prey-drive, their speed, and the assertion that Greyhounds have no road sense. Due to their strength, adoption groups recommend that fences be at least 4 high, to prevent them being able to jump the fence and escape.

Greyhounds do shed but do not have undercoats and therefore are less likely to trigger people’s dog allergies (Greyhounds are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “hypoallergenic”). The lack of an undercoat, coupled with a general lack of body fat, also makes Greyhounds more susceptible to extreme temperatures, and most sources recommend that Greyhounds be housed inside.

Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. Many vets do not recommend the use of flea collars or flea spray on greyhounds unless it is a pyrethrin-based product. Products like Advantage, Frontline, Lufenuron, and Amitraz are safe for use on Greyhounds and are very effective in controlling fleas and ticks.

It is often believed that Greyhounds need a large living space, however, they can thrive in small spaces. Due to their temperament, Greyhounds can make better “apartment dogs” than many, if not most, of the smaller hyperactive breeds .

In the late 20th century several Greyhound adoption groups were formed. The early groups were formed in large part out of a sense of concern about the treatment of the dogs while living on the track. These groups began taking greyhounds from the racetracks when they could no longer compete and placing them in adoptive homes. Prior to the formation of these groups, in the United States over 20,000 retired greyhounds a year were euthanized due to track injuries or simply because they were no longer of use; recent estimates still number in the thousands, with about 90% (highly questionable) of National Greyhound Association-registered animals either being adopted, or returned for breeding purposes (according to the industry numbers upwards of 2000 dogs are still killed annually in the US while anti-racing groups and other advocates estimate the figure at closer to 12,000).

Dangers of Canine Cancer

Posted by stevepryor on April 5, 2012
Posted in: Cancer in Dogs, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Pet Health. Tagged: , , , , , . 2 Comments

Hi

Cancer can develop in any dog at any stage in life, but is found most commonly in dogs that are in their later senior years (10 and up). This means that owners should be aware of how cancer can affect their dog and be able to detect early warning signs to ensure the health of their four-legged friend.

Something that every pet owner should do is routinely inspect their dog both physically and mentally. That doesn’t mean that you sit your pup down in a psychologist’s chair and talk to them. Many cancers can affect their daily habits, such as eating and sleeping. Dogs love routine, so radical changes in their behavior should be taken seriously. Many dogs will begin to show behavioral signs that something is wrong, such as loss of appetite or repeatedly licking a single localized area that may appear irritated or swollen. The physical inspection is just as important, and in order to tell the difference in their bodies, you’ll need to consistently check them for physical changes such as lumps between their arms and chest area, swellings, unusual discharges, and difficulty breathing (when they’re awake).

These signs don’t always provide the needed time to treat cancer properly, which is why researching your dog’s breed and regular checkups with the vet are crucial to ensuring your dog’s health. Dog breed can play a part in their predisposition towards certain cancers. Many times, purebreds are at a greater risk because of genetic diseases that can lead to cancerous growths. This disease is one of the leading killers of pet greyhounds and there are some breeds even more predisposed to it than greyhounds, boxers come to mind. Regular checkups with the vet can greatly increase the chances that you will discover the cancer early on, and prevent any further growth or damage with the proper treatment.

But cancer isn’t just on the surface. Some of these cancers can affect various parts of a dog’s body, and aren’t always limited to the skin. This means that you can’t always detect all forms of cancer with a physical inspection. Just like humans, dogs can also get breast and testicular cancer, especially if genetic diseases such as Cryptorchidism are already present. These diseases will often have an effect on a dog’s habits and mental state since these areas affect their hormonal levels. Spaying or neutering your dog can greatly reduce the likelihood of these cancers if done early enough.

But, not all cancers are always dangerous. There are two types of cancer, one being benign, which is harmless and rarely interacts with the surrounding tissues, but results in growths or discoloration of the skin or even fur. The other is malignant, which are usually aggressive and attack the body and tissue, resulting in illness, pain, swelling, and discomfort. When you detect abnormalities in your dog, it is important that you take them to the veterinarian to get them checked out. The vet will normally analyze the growth through biopsy, blood tests, x-rays, and ultra sounds to confirm the purpose of the growth.

Some treatments can involve chemotherapy, just like in humans. This treatment is hard on the body because it attacks the cancerous cells to inhibit growth, but unfortunately will also affect the immune system as well. The positive side is that it can save your dog’s life, or at least extend it, even with severe cancers such as lymphoma (cancer in the lymph system which is part of the immune system). Dogs will usually suffer from vomiting, dizziness, and nausea, but rarely lose their fur.

Tumors and growths can also be treated with surgeries and operations, in which a surgeon would remove the tumor or cancerous tissues to prevent further growth or infection of nearby organs and tissues.

Of course, waiting to see if your dog will get cancer is no way to take care of your pup. An active, healthy lifestyle and the proper diet also play a role in the development of cancer. This is why it is so important to make sure that you take care of your dog’s health on a daily basis. Take your dog for a walk regularly, feed them the right diet (human food is not dog food), and ensure proper grooming to prevent infections that can result from ticks and fleas. Brushing and oral care will also help prevent gum diseases that can cause cancer of the mouth, which can be extremely painful for a dog. Take care of your dog’s health, and you can help prevent any unnecessary cancers later in life.

Early detection and treatment are vital for your dog’s health. If left untreated, even small cancers that affect the skin can spread to organs and even the lymph system. With early detection, many cancers can be treated and can save your best friend’s life.

 

Greyhounds – Super Charged Sight Hounds

Posted by stevepryor on March 14, 2012
Posted in: GPA, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, greyhound rescue, greyhound websites, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Greyhound is arguably the purest breed on Earth, appearing to have changed little from dogs depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.

Bred and prized for their keen eye sight, greyhound dogs are classified as sight hounds, and their build solidly indicates the intentions of the breeders for speed in this breed. They are the fastest dogs on earth, reaching top speeds of over 45 miles per hour in little under three seconds, but don’t let that impressive fact fool you. Greyhound dogs are vastly considered by their owners to be gentle, 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. They thoroughly enjoy slacking and loafing and are never high strung or hyper, and they rarely allow any other animals to “get their goat”. Cool as cucumbers, these sprinters are happy with a 20 minute walk each day as the proper amount of exercise. They are graceful dogs that are frequently compared to cats due to their calm and reserved behavior. They are not aggressive, which make them perfect companions for children and the elderly.

Greyhound dogs were the target of a horrible respiratory disease epidemic which found hoards of them dead and 1200 more of them quarantined during the year 2006. This greyhound flu also occurred in other breeds, however, it was so much more ferocious because of the spread of it around the tracks and kennels due to the close living proximity of greyhound dogs. The most prominent causes of death in greyhound dogs are track injuries and respiratory illnesses, but they tend to live long lives when enjoyed as pets or rescued from the racing industry. Unfortunately, in years past, there were huge numbers of these gorgeous creatures killed by track personnel just because they were too slow, had lost too many races, were injured beyond their capability to any longer race or any other reason they decided the dogs were no longer needed. The huge number of the dogs that were killed dwarfed in comparison the number that died from any type of natural death. Thankfully, with the rise of many rescue groups this number has dropped dramatically, however the issue still exists.

If you are interested in adopting or acquiring a greyhound as a pet, you will find that there are a great many fans of the breed who have done an outstanding amount of work to save, nurture, and readjust these beautiful dogs for family home life. They are great with kids and they need very little extracurricular games or projects to keep them busy. They are not big chewers, and they will most likely doze peacefully on the sofa while you go about your day, greeting you drowsily when you return. Your male will be tall, at about 30 inches at the wither, and weigh from 70 – 85 pounds. Females, a bit smaller, will measure around 28 inches and  from 60 –  75 pounds.

If you just happen to be in the Southeast Missouri or Southern Illinois area, there is a banner link for Greyhound Pets of America (GPA) at the bottom of the page you can click on to get an application to start the process.

Caution – greyhounds can be highly addictive. In most instances, once a greyhound owner, always a greyhound owner. Many times one greyhound pet expands to several at the same time!