How to be a Responsible Dog Owner
- Keep your dog leashed in public at all times - this will prevent your dog running away or jumping on other dogs or people. ALWAYS ensure you have effective control of your dog at all times and abide by leashing legislation.
- Provide your dog with healthy food and clean water - There are a variety of feeds available for your dog. Do your own personal research and find a high quality feed that meets your dogs nutritional requirements.
- Clean your dogs water and food bowl daily - this is important to help your dog stay healthy.
- Make regular stops if you take your dog on a long road trip - so that he can get out for some exercise and have a drink of water.
- Ensure that your backyard is secure when your dog is outside - check for holes in the fences or gates and make sure your dog cannot access any electrical wires or cords. Additionally, make sure that there are no items next to fencing that your dog may be able to climb up onto and use to jump the fence.
- Brush your dog regularly - to remove dust and loose hair.
- Bathe your dog regularly - to keep him clean.
- Pick up after your dog - dispose of your dog's waste in a proper way. Always bring 'doggy bags' with you whenever you are out for a walk or trip with your dog.
- Take your dog for a regular walk - he will enjoy the exercise and so will you. This will also help prevent boredom and give your dog an opportunity to socialise with other dogs and people.
- Vaccinate and worm your dog regularly - Seek advice from your veterinarian for appropriate vaccination and worming schedules that best suit your whippet or greyhound. There are a variety of options available including chews, tablets, topical ointments and injections.
- NEVER leave your dog unattended inside a car on a hot day. Temperatures inside a vehicle climb to dangerous and deadly levels very quickly, even with the windows cracked. Heat stroke is fatal and dogs die quickly in hot cars.
Tips
- Responsible owners proactively protect their dogs and prevent them from being placed in situations where the dog needs to protect itself. Respect your dogs individuality. Some dogs do not enjoy meeting new people or dogs whereas others thoroughly enjoy it. Assess your dog and advocate for them to ensure their safety and enjoyment.
- Remember to clip your dogs nails - dont rely on pavement to keep them short.
- Know your dog's fears and dislikes and do your best to prevent the fear from developing into aggression.
- Obedience train your dog to ensure a well-mannered family member. Training will also strengthen the bond with your dog, prevent or correct unwanted behaviour and create a well balanced happy pet.
Helpful Hints
- A whippet and greyhound head is commonly smaller in circumference than their neck, meaning they can slip out of and escape a normal collar with ease. Additionally, their long and slender necks leave their fragile windpipe open to potential damage from thin collars. If a collar is utilised, a wide width, properly fitted martingale style collar is recommended for both a whippets and greyhounds.
- Whippets and Greyhounds are naturally sleek and athletic dogs with minimal body fat. To ensure comfort and prevent pressure sores always provide your dog with thick and comfortable bedding.
- Due to low body fat, Whippets and Greyhounds commonly require rugging during colder months. Well fitted dog rugs provide your whippet or greyhound with the extra warmth they need to stay healthy. Specifically designed Whippet and Greyhound rugs are available through various online stores and small business'.
- Whippets and Greyhounds are prone to developing corns (a hardened area on the dogs pad causing lameness and pain). If you notice your dog becomes lame, this may be a consideration. Always seek veterinary opinion and diagnosis.
- Some plants can be poisonous / toxic to dogs. It is a good idea to find out what those plants are and remove them.
- Other common household items are also poisonous to dogs - these include, but are not limited to raisins, grapes, mushrooms, onions, macadamias, chocolate (especially rich chocolate and baking chocolate) avocado and caffeine.
- Xylitol, a sweetner found in a variety of human foods, is highly toxic to dogs. If you believe your dog has ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic for advice.
- Prescription drugs can kill your dog. Whilst some medications can be given to dogs under veterinary guidance, it is always recommended to contact your vet, emergency clinic or poison control centre if your dog has consumed, or suspected to have consumed medications.
- Always keep your dog hydrated with access to fresh clean water and provide shade in the warmer months
- Keep garabage containers either out of reach or impossible to get into. Not only is it dangerous for your dog to consume food and items from the garbage, dependant on what they eat, it can also lead to possible obstructions in the intestinal tract and emergency surgery.
Examples of whippet and greyhound coats:
Examples of whippet and greyhound martingale collars: