Ongoing Health and Hygiene Care

The good news? Once you’ve got a routine down, it’s simple and straightforward, and even enjoyable bonding time with your new best mate.

Dental Care: Keeping Those Pearly Whites Sparkling

Greyhounds are prone to tartar build-up, so dental hygiene is something to stay on top of from the very beginning. The easiest way to keep their teeth in great shape is through what they eat, large raw bones and raw chicken frames are brilliant natural teeth cleaners, and dog chews can also help keep plaque at bay between vet visits.

At your first veterinary appointment after adoption, ask your vet to check your greyhound’s teeth and set up a dental care plan that suits them. Getting into good habits early makes a real difference to their long-term health and comfort.

Tips for great greyhound dental health:

• Offer large raw bones or raw chicken frames regularly
• Use vet-approved dog chews between meals
• Book a dental check at your first post-adoption vet visit
• Ask your vet about professional cleans if needed

Coat Care: Bath Time Made Easy

One of the joys of owning a greyhound is their short, smooth coat, it’s genuinely one of the easiest to care for of any breed. A wash every few weeks (or as needed) using a gentle dog shampoo or eucalyptus wool wash is all it takes to keep them clean and fresh. Your greyhound should be washed no more than once a month.

A quick heads-up for new greyhound owners: some greyhounds become so deeply relaxed in warm water during a bath that they appear a little wobbly or unsteady on their feet. Don’t be alarmed, this is a perfectly normal greyhound quirk! Simply get them up and lead them around gently for a few minutes and they’ll be back to their usual selves in no time.

Coat care basics:

• Wash as needed, but no more than once a month
• Use a gentle dog shampoo or eucalyptus wool wash
• If your greyhound goes wobbly in the bath, just walk them around gently afterwards, they’ll be fine!
• A quick brush between baths helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat looking its best

Parasite Prevention: Staying on Top of Worms and Fleas

Regular worming and flea control are essential parts of keeping your greyhound in great health, and importantly, protecting your household too, as some intestinal worms can be passed on to humans.

There’s a wide range of products available that tackle intestinal worms, heartworm, fleas, and mites, and many combination treatments cover several of these in one easy dose. The best approach is to speak with your vet about the right parasite control protocol for your greyhound based on their age, lifestyle, and health history.

Parasite prevention reminders:

• Regular worming is essential, speak to your vet about frequency
• Flea and tick prevention should be part of your routine year-round
• Combination products can simplify things, ask your vet what they recommend
• Keep a simple calendar reminder so treatments never slip through the cracks

Nail Care: A Small Job That Makes a Big Difference

It might seem like a small thing, but keeping your greyhound’s nails at the right length is genuinely important for their comfort and joint health. Nails that are too long can put pressure on the toes and affect the way your greyhound walks, which over time can cause real discomfort.

A handy trick to check if your greyhound’s nails need a trim: stand them on a hard, flat surface and try to slide a piece of paper between their nails and the ground. If the paper won’t fit, it’s time for a trim. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, your vet or a groomer can take care of it quickly and easily.

Nail care know-how:

• Check nails regularly and trim when needed
• Use the “piece of paper” test to gauge nail length
• Ask your vet or groomer to show you the right technique if you’re unsure
• Most greyhounds tolerate nail trims well when introduced calmly

Vaccinations: Keeping Up With the Schedule

When you adopt through GAP, you’ll receive a full record of your greyhound’s vaccination history. This is a great starting point for a conversation with your vet about what ongoing vaccinations they’ll need and when.

Vaccination requirements can vary depending on your greyhound’s age, health, and lifestyle, so it’s well worth discussing a personalised schedule with your vet at your first visit. Staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your greyhound’s long-term health.

Vaccination checklist:

• Review your greyhound’s vaccination records (provided by GAP at adoption)
• Book a vet appointment early to discuss an ongoing vaccination plan
• Keep your vaccination records somewhere safe and easy to find
• Set reminders for upcoming boosters so nothing gets missed

Your Vet is Your Best Resource

Building a great relationship with a local vet who understands greyhounds is one of the best things you can do for your new companion. Don't hesitate to ask questions, that's what they're there for! And if you ever have concerns between appointments, the GAP team is always happy to help point you in the right direction.

Your greyhound has chosen you for their next great chapter and with a little love and the right care routine, they're going to thrive.

Have questions about caring for your greyhound? Reach out to the GAP team on (03) 5799 0166, we’re here to help every step of the way.