Ongoing Health and Hygiene Care
Bringing a greyhound home is the beginning of a wonderful adventure, and like any great adventure, a little preparation goes a long way. Greyhounds are wonderfully low-maintenance companions, but they do have a few specific health and hygiene needs worth knowing about.
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.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Ollie
Murphy ARP
Murphyis a handsome, laid-back boy with a sweet and affectionate nature. Murphy is friendly and personable, he enjoys spending time with people. Murphy loves food, and is very food motivated, treats are sure to be the quickest way to win him over. Murphy may be suitable to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 and over.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
George
Crippa
Scooby
Audrea
Sonny ARP
Sonny is a most dashing and spirited gentleman of the greyhound world. Handsome, charming, and impossible to ignore, Sonny carries himself with the confidence of a true gentleman while still embracing a delightfully puppyish enthusiasm for life. Friendly and outgoing, he seeks connection with eager eye contact and a desire to please that is most endearing. Known to be quite the conversationalist, Sonny enjoys "speaking his mind" with cheerful chatter, all while his signature waggy "helicopter" tail ensures no entrance goes unnoticed.
With his lively and excitable nature, Sonny would be best suited to a home that can indulge his active spirit and zest for play. His enthusiasm can make him a little erratic on the lead at times, but with guidance and patience, he will shine as the perfect companion. Sonny may suit living with or without a canine friend of similar size and would do well with children aged 10 years and older. A home with a backyard would suit him splendidly, offering the space he needs to frolic and burn off his boundless energy.
Sonny is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Xandi ARP
Sweet Xandi is a pretty and gentle soul who is looking for a patient, understanding home where she can build her confidence at her own pace. Having previously lived inside and even enjoyed sleeping on her owner's bed, she is familiar with home life and appreciates the comfort and security of being close to her people. Quiet, sweet and personable, Xandi is easy to handle and forms lovely connections through soft eye contact and her affectionate nature. While she can be timid and a little anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and responds beautifully to kindness and reassurance.
As an introverted and submissive girl, Xandi will likely take a few days to come out of her shell in a new environment, but once she feels safe, her loving personality begins to shine through. She would thrive with an owner who can give her the time, patience and encouragement she needs to settle in and feel secure. Xandi may suit living with or without a canine companion of any size and could be well suited to a home with children aged 15 years and older who can respect her gentle and sensitive nature.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Eddie ARP
Lovely black Eddie is a calm and easy-going gentleman who takes everything in his stride. Quiet, sweet and laidback, he has a friendly and confident nature that makes him a pleasure to be around. Having previously lived inside a home, Eddie is familiar with household life and is ready to settle into his next chapter with ease. He enjoys spending time with his people and has a personable charm that helps him make friends wherever he goes. With his gentle temperament and relaxed outlook, Eddie would make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether joining you for a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing by your side, he is happiest when sharing life's everyday moments with those he loves. Eddie may suit living with or without a canine friend of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Intex ARP
The lovely Intex is a delightful girl with striking white markings and an equally beautiful personality to match. Social, friendly and confident, she enjoys meeting new people and charms everyone she encounters with her affectionate and outgoing nature. Intex loves being involved in whatever is happening around her and is always ready to share a cuddle, leaning into family life with enthusiasm and grace. With her personable temperament and easy-going outlook, Intex is sure to make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether she's spending time with her people, making new friends, or simply relaxing by your side, this sweet girl is happiest when she is part of the action. Intex may suit living with or without a canine brother of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.