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Greyhounds Are Special Dogs!

Posted by stevepryor on August 13, 2012
Posted in: Benefits of Owning A Greyhound, Greyhound Facts, Greyhounds Health, Pet Health, special dogs. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Greyhounds are special dogs as they are a unique breed with life saving qualities. Greyhounds  have a special physiological trait in their blood that is so unique that it serves to help save the lives of other dogs.

There are eight different blood types in dogs, but approximately 70% of Greyhounds have the type that enables them to be universal blood donors. A greyhounds blood differs from other dogs in that it has a much higher red blood cell count, lower white blood cell count and lower platelet count. This trait has made Greyhounds very important as occasional blood donors at veterinarian hospitals.

Some veterinarians will even offer a Greyhound owner free services if they allow their Greyhound dog to be a regular blood donor. Of course the dog would need to be tested to see if it has the correct type of blood and this is not done if the dog is over 6 years of age or has certain illnesses or physical issues that would make it problematic for the dog to give blood.

It should also be noted that there are many other ways the dogs can have life saving effects. Several studies have shown that dog owners may get more exercise and other health benefits than those who do not own dogs and greyhounds, while not needing as much exercise as one might think, still love their daily walks.

Among married couples,  those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend. Studies suggest that our four-legged friends can help to improve our cardiovascular health. One study looked at over 400 adults who’d suffered heart attacks. A year later, the scientists found, dog owners were significantly more likely to still be alive than were those who did not own dogs, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.

Our dogs, no doubt, help us make more human friends too. Many studies have shown that walking with a dog leads to more conversations and helps you stay socially connected.  Those studies have clearly shown that people who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they grow older. “It’s hard to walk a dog and not have someone talk to you or interact with you, compared to walking alone and I’ve found out, that seems to be even more so with greyhounds.

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The Ten K9 Commandments..

Posted by stevepryor on July 1, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, dog loyalty, Dog Rescues, greyhound life, greyhound rescue. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Ten K9 Commandments..

1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from
you will be painful for me. Remember that when you obtain me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Give me your trust – it’s cruicial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry at me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have
only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I
understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.

6. Be aware of however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily
crush the bones in your hands, but that I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, stubborn or lazy,
ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not
getting the right food, maybe I’ve been out in the sun or in the cold too
long, or perhaps my heart is getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old…..You too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: ‘I can’t bear to watch it’….Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember, I love you

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!

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 at the Show Me Center

Posted by stevepryor on March 18, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, GPA, Greyhound - Important Information, greyhound meet and greets, greyhound rescue, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Below are a few pics taken at the “Show Me Center” in the Greyhound Pets of America “Meet & Greet” area. This event was in conjunction with the “Home & Garden Show”  held in Cape Girardeau, Mo. the weekend of March 16 – 18

As usual, the dogs were a big hit and several people picked up applications and brochures.

Ok, on to the photos!!

 

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!

 

Why Greyhounds Make Good Family Members

Posted by stevepryor on March 10, 2012
Posted in: Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics. Tagged: , , , . 1 Comment

Greyhounds are a breed of canine that happen to be slim, tall, very muscular and elegant-looking which have short hair and are available in colors of fawn, brindle, black, white, red, or grey and many combinations of those colors. With the ongoing help of rescue groups and dedicated volunteers, they are turning out to be unique and wonderful household pets. There are lots of amazing characteristics about greyhounds that make them appealing to pet owners.

Beneficial temperament

Greyhounds are very polite, gentle, sweet and loving dogs. They are really not recognized to possess any aggression concerns, which make them beneficial around any individual in your household including, other family pets, young children as well as the elderly. Owners really should socialize these dogs to prevent any timidity and fearfulness in to the future. With suitable training and proper care, greyhounds will turn out to be the dream household dog.

Do not require much physical exercise

Considering that greyhounds are bred for running, some people assume that they need several hours of physical exercise to discharge their energy. However, greyhounds only need to be walked a few times per week, like most other dogs. Permitting them to run around inside a fenced yard will probably be plenty of exercise for them. Just do not forget that greyhounds have to be on the leash when not in a fenced area because they can be prone to chasing smaller creatures. Indoors, greyhounds are often known as couch potatoes and therefore are not as hyperactive as you would possibly think.

Adaptable to any indoor setting

An incredible thing about greyhounds is the fact that they are able to adapt to any setting. You’ll be able to place these dogs in a major home or even a little apartment and they will do very well. These dogs are very sensitive to pressure, so it is important to keep their setting free of stress, which includes heated arguments or fights. As long as they are in a peaceful and loving environment, these dogs will thrive in almost any indoor setting. An added bonus is the fact that greyhounds usually do not bark often, so they are ideal to have around even if you have close-by neighbors.

Easy to groom

Grooming for canines can turn out to be a demanding job for home owners. Luckily, greyhounds, as a result of their short hair, tend not to have to have day-to-day grooming. These canines have one coat of hair, which means that they do not shed much and have little to no “doggy odor”. This can minimize the volume of work that house owners need to place in to their dogs. A bath every 6 to 12 months is sufficient to keep your greyhound clean and smelling fresh. (Try that with most other breeds and I guarantee your house will smell like an outhouse)

All round, greyhound puppies can make ideal companions for you personally and any fellow member of your respective household. These canines are incredible pets who have wonderful personalities to match their elegant looks. If these very good characteristics fit everything you want in a canine, then the greyhound would be the perfect addition to your home!

Greyhounds – Did You Know?

Posted by stevepryor on March 7, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Dog Rescues, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, greyhound rescue, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Did you know…
A greyhound is the second fastest land mammal accelerator, it has a natural acceleration that is second only to the cheetah. It reaches speed of 45 miles per hour in about one and a half seconds.   It can also shut down to zero just as fast as very happy couch potato on your couch. It is not a high-energy dog, but it can gallop very quickly due to its unique physical characteristics.

The greyhound has a larger heart and set of lungs than any other dog. This allows it to circulate more blood and oxygen through its system when running. The stride is often referred to as a double suspension gallop when running “full out”. This is because the dog’s paws hit the ground twice for every cycle of steps it takes. The spine is very flexible, allowing the dog to lurch and jump quite high too.

About 25,000 race dogs are retired every year. The dogs can live (on average) 12 to 14 years  (one ex racer lived to 20) and are one of the most long-lived big dogs around. Their racing careers span approximately two to four years of before they are retired, so you can see there are many years of companionship left in this wonderful breed.

The dog is very aerodynamic due to the thin fur coat it has. It is a short haired dog with a very thin skin that can be easily ruptured. This is the reason the dog is often muzzled in races, and not due to any aggression as most people think. The dogs are actually one of the most non-aggressive breeds around and most prefer to avoid any confrontations.

The dog’s thin skin means that it is highly susceptible to environmental poisons and medications. They can be toxic to the dog, even when the medication is a dog flea medication. The paws also can absorb lawn chemicals, which can kill it, so it should be kept off of any grass that has been treated.

The dog is more like a cat than a ferocious guard dog. Despite its size, it will sleep upside down on your couch (roaching) and likes to be close to its owners at all times. It can suffer from separation anxiety, particularly if it is a former race dog. They are not used to being without  people or other greyhounds around. Some will also collect small items to keep for itself and these can include your children’s toys, the remote control, or any food left out on the counter. The dog is so quiet and graceful, you may not even notice when it takes off with these things.

A retired greyhound can make an ideal house dog. The bark has been (for the most part) bred out of the dog, so it is usually very quiet. It loves to hang around the couch and be a part of a family. It easily adapts to its new life of leisure and needs no more than a couple of good walks a day and a nice place to run, full out, at least every couple of weeks or so…especially if they are still young.

Greyhound Coats – Don’t Be The “One”

Posted by stevepryor on October 28, 2011
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Dog Rescues, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Halloween is upon us and that usually means the weather is getting cooler (at least in this neck of the woods…Southern Illinois) and cooler weather means it’s time to start breaking out the greyhound coats and other gear to help our greyhounds stay warm and dry.

You may be saying, “I have had lots of dogs and I never put coats and things like that on them and they did just fine”.
That may be true, but greyhounds are not “regular dogs”, they have less fat to insulate them from temperature extremes and they also have very thin, light fur compared to other dogs, even other canines with short fur. As stated above, they have virtually no fat to insulate them, no undercoat in their fur, so give them a break and get them a coat for the upcoming winter months.
The breed, however, can vary in their sensitivity to temperature changes and coats made to fit your hound will ensure your dog is able to cope.

A good warm, waterproof winter coat is an absolute must have. To deny such a sensitive dog this basic item is cruel and granted your dog may not freeze to death when outside for short periods, but it will nevertheless be very uncomfortable without the appropriate attire.

Don’t be the one that’s seen out running around dragging your poor shivering greyhound(s) around in the dead of winter with no protection from the cold.