Greyhound health problems

Greyhounds are renowned for their love of cuddles – but also for their grace, agility, and intelligence!

Snuggling on the sofa with their pet parent is one of a greyhound’s favourite pastimes. Despite their love of snoozing, however, greyhounds still require around an hour of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

In terms of coat care, greyhounds usually have short, smooth coats that only need to be brushed a couple of times a week to stay in tip top condition. Though don’t forget to double-check your greyhound’s paws after every walk, in case they develop corns on their paw pads and need to see a vet for treatment.

Explore our greyhound breed guide for more information about this gentle breed!

Potential health conditions linked to the greyhound breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in the greyhound breed, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by greyhounds. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your greyhound for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Dental disease

Some dog breeds, including the greyhound, are prone to dental disease.

Most dogs have their full set of 42 permanent adult teeth by the age of around six months, so dental disease could start to develop at any time after this.

Pet parents may prevent dental disease by following vet advice to brush their dog’s teeth, provide dental-care toys, and offer dry dog biscuits as part of a balanced diet. However, certain dog breeds, like greyhounds, are at higher risk of dental disease.

Signs of canine dental disease can be easily missed, since some dogs won’t display symptoms – so, it’s essential to take your greyhound to a vet for regular dental check-ups. For greyhounds who are suffering from dental disease and do show symptoms, you might notice:

• Bad breath.
• Tartar build-up around their teeth.
• Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums.
• Excessive drooling.
• Repeatedly head shaking or rubbing their face.

In more advanced dental conditions, like periodontal disease (a bacterial infection of the gums and teeth caused by the build-up of plaque), you may notice additional symptoms, including:

• Difficulty eating and/or lack of appetite.
• Swelling around their face.
• Behavioural changes, e.g. refusing to play or irritability.
• Loose teeth.
• Tooth loss.

A vet can diagnose dental disease by examining your greyhound’s mouth. Sometimes, vets recommend dental x-rays (under general anaesthetic) to assess the health of your greyhound’s teeth in more detail.

Usually, canine dental disease is treated by a vet through a scale and polish performed under general anaesthetic. Following a dental procedure, your vet may prescribe pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, alongside a long-term aftercare plan for your greyhound.

Gastric dilatation (GD)

Gastric dilatation, or ‘GD’, is more commonly referred to as ‘bloat’ and is a life-threatening condition that can impact dogs of the greyhound breed.

Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, then twists – causing severe pain, while putting extra pressure on the lungs, spleen, and liver.

Symptoms of bloat include:

• Excessive drooling.
• Retching or gagging.
• Swollen stomach.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Restlessness and/or wobbliness.

If you suspect your greyhound is suffering from bloat, please rush them to the nearest vet immediately.

In cases of bloat, vets usually have to provide emergency treatment, which could include surgery, putting your greyhound on a drip, and giving them strong painkillers.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that’s considered malignant, meaning cancerous cells grow in an uncontrolled way and spread to other parts of the body. In dogs, osteosarcoma is most commonly found in leg bones – though it can develop in other bones, like the jaw or ribs, as well.

Symptoms of osteosarcoma in dogs include:

• Limping that varies from mild to severe.
• Painful, hot, hard swelling on the leg.
• Weakened bones that can fracture.

The diagnosis of osteosarcoma in dogs might involve:

• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• X-rays.
• CT scans.
• Bone biopsies (taking samples of bone tissue).

Since each dog’s situation is unique, the treatments for osteosarcoma will depend entirely on their individual situation. However, osteosarcoma treatments in dogs can include surgery (e.g. leg amputation) and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.