Arizona Adopt A Greyhound, Inc.

There are a few things that should always prompt you to call your veterinarian.
Some of the less obvious include a sudden change in your pet's appetite, your big guy (or gal) seems unusually short of breath, a cough that persists for more than 24 hours, or you find a lump anywhere on your dog. You should not put off talking to your vet about things like your dog losing weight, or their drinking often and urinating more frequently than usual, or signs of the possibility of internal bleeding: blood in vomit, blood in urine, pale or white gums and listlessness. If you suspect blood loss, press your finger against the dog's gums. The gums should turn pink after just a momentary whiteness. If they don't, take the dog to the vet immediately.

If your dog hasn't been drinking the usual amount of water, which could indicate illness, check for dehydration by gently lifting a large pinch of skin on the dog's back. It should snap right back into place. But if the dog is dehydrated, the skin will stay up in a ridge. A dehydrated dog is in serious trouble; take it to the vet right away.

Your dog's breath can also be a clue to illness. If your dog has been drinking and urinating more than usual and also has a sweet, fruity scent to its breath, diabetes could be indicated. If the dog's breath smells like urine, there could be a kidney problem. And if your pet's breath is downright foul, especially when accompanied by vomiting, a swollen abdomen, loss of appetite or yellowish eyes or gums, you should suspect a liver disorder. All of these are reasons to consult your veterinarian.

Build a good relationship with your vet so that you feel free to call when you have a concern about your pet's health. Your vet is always your best source of information about your dog(s).

Thunderstorm Relief

A tip from D.V.M. Alfred J. Plechner for dogs who suffer during thunderstorms. "A small amount of mineral oil placed in the ear will coat the tympanic membrane of the inner ear and muffle the vibrations caused by loud noises. Mineral oil is a good ear cleaner, and will wear off on its own in a few hours."

(Reprinted from "Speaking of Greyhounds")

Health Check

Three areas to look at today while you're reading this:

Your Greyhound's Teeth
Lift up your greyhound's lip and look at its teeth. Are they gray around the canines and molars? It's time for some scaling. If the gums are red, it's time for some Antirobe antibiotics. Call your vet, as it's important that your greyhound's teeth stay in good condition.
Overweight Greyhounds
If you can't see your greyhound's ribs your dog is probably overweight. You have to cut down on the food you feed it, and perhaps change to a light food diet. Of course more exercise will help also. Overweight greyhounds are not healthy.
Check for Growths
As your greyhound gets older, it may be getting growths on its body. It's time to let your fingers do the walking. Check your dogs body and coat, if you find anything take your dog to your vet to get checked.

A Healthy Greyhound Is a Happy Greyhound!

(Reprinted with permission from the National Greyhound Adoption Program newsletter)