Real Questions From Real Owners
Real questions. Real answers. Real hounds.
These are the questions that land in our group chat again and again, usually at 11pm and usually with a photo of something on the carpet. We're not vets and every hound is different, but between us we've asked most of these ourselves at some point, often in a mild panic.
Here's what we've learnt, and where to read more.
The group chat, in four stops
New hound, new questions
Health and the vet
Kit, tags and escapes
Seasons and sittersNew hound, new questions
My new hound's poo is loose. Is that normal?
Very. New home, new food, new everything, and a sighthound gut takes all of it personally. In our experience it can take weeks, sometimes months, to settle. Change food slowly and keep treats plain. If it comes with vomiting, blood or a flat, quiet hound, ring the vet that day: They can dehydrate fast.
My greyhound turns their nose up at dinner. Should I worry?
Plenty go off their food for the first day or two. Stress will do that. Others treat plain kibble as a personal insult. A splash of warm water, a little plain cooked mince or some grated cheese usually wins them round. (Cheese is the greyhound mic drop.) Not eating after a couple of days, or seeming unwell? Vet.
Read more: Feeding Your Greyhound: The Basics
My hound howls when I leave. What can I do?
Most greyhounds from the racing industry have rarely, if ever, been alone, so this one's very common. Start with tiny absences, five minutes at a time, and build up slowly. Keep goodbyes boring and leave a food puzzle behind. Still howling after a few weeks? A behaviourist is worth every penny.
Read more: G is for Guilt
Why does my hound steal shoes and cushions?
Collecting is a sighthound hobby. Soft things that smell of you top the list, and the loot often turns up neatly arranged on their bed like a very small museum. It's mostly harmless unless they chew. Some of us keep a basket of approved treasures. The shoes still go missing.
Read more: Q is for Quirks
Health and the vet
How do I find a hound-savvy vet?
Ask local owners who they use, then ask the vet. Do you see many greyhounds? Do you know their blood results can run differently? How do you approach anaesthetic in sighthounds? A good vet won't mind being asked. A great one will have a biscuit ready.
Read more: Questions to Ask Your Vet
There's a hard lump on their paw pad and they're limping. What is it?
It could well be a corn. They're tiny, rock hard and perfectly capable of turning a full-grown greyhound into a limping drama queen. They're common in retired greyhounds, but glass or a splinter can look similar, so get the vet to take a proper look before you try anything at home.
My hound cried for hours after an operation. Is that normal?
It's surprisingly common in greyhounds. Many wake from an anaesthetic crying and restless, and it usually eases as the drugs wear off. Keep them warm, quiet and off slippy floors. A soft onesie can cover stitches instead of a cone. Still crying the next day, or seeming sore? Ring the vet.
They've broken a nail and there's blood everywhere. Help?
Nails bleed dramatically, and the screaming is usually the loudest part. Press a clean cloth on it until it stops, then keep it clean and dry, with lead walks only while it heals. If the bleeding won't stop, the nail is hanging off or the toe swells up, it's a vet job.
Read more: N is for Nails
My hound ate a squirrel. Now what?
(Yes, this gets asked more than you'd think.) Check their worming is up to date and ring the vet for advice, especially if it was a rat or anything that might have been poisoned. Most hounds with up-to-date vaccinations and parasite treatment are fine. Expect some interesting poos.
Which foods are dangerous for hounds?
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones and xylitol (a sweetener in some sugar-free sweets and peanut butters). Never give human painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen unless your vet tells you to. If your hound has eaten something on this list, ring the vet straight away. Don't wait for symptoms.
Kit, tags and escapes
Can I put an ID tag on a martingale?
You'll need to: In the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, the law says a dog in public wears a collar with the owner's name and address. Martingale rings can be too thick for tag clips, so a slide-on tag or a collar with your details stitched on is easier. Keep anything dangly off the part that tightens.
Read more: T is for Tags
Does my greyhound really need a coat?
In winter, yes. In the rain, usually. Indoors on a mild day, not so much. Thin skin and next to no fat means they feel the cold far more than a well-padded Labrador. If you're reaching for a jumper, they want a coat.
Read more: Clothing and Kit
My hound slipped their harness and ran. What do I do?
If they're missing right now, take a breath. Don't chase: They'll always be faster, and a chase can send them further. Call their name, crouch down or even move away, which can draw them back. Then contact your microchip database, the dog warden, the Gardaí or police and local vets. Post in local groups too. Once they're home, check the fit of everything they wear. Our Clothing and Kit page has what's worked for us.
Seasons and sitters
Who can mind my hound when I go away?
Book early, because the good ones fill up fast. A home sitter with no other pets suits a nervous hound, and some owners swap minding with other hound people. Ask anyone you're considering whether they've had sighthounds, and whether they'll use the martingale, keep them on lead and remember the coat. Kennels will want proof of vaccinations.
How do we get through the fireworks?
Walk before dark. Close the curtains, turn the telly up and build a blanket den. Comforting a frightened hound is fine: You won't make it worse. Keep tags on and doors shut, because fireworks are when hounds bolt. If it's bad every year, talk to your vet well before October.
How do you keep a greyhound cool in summer?
Walk early and late, when the pavement is cool enough for your own bare hand. At home, shade, water and a cooling mat wrapped in a cot sheet (so they'll actually lie on it). Two words: Paddling pool. Most of ours stand in it looking confused. That still counts.
Read more: Summer and Sighthounds
"Every question on this page has been asked at least twice. Usually after midnight."
Got a question we haven't answered? Ask away.