Do's and Don'ts NEVER ALLOW YOUR GREYHOUND TO EVER RUN LOOSE IN AN AREA THAT IS NOT COMPLETELY ENCLOSED!!!! This includes you front yard. Never use a flea collar on a greyhound.  His skin is too sensitive. If your grey must have anesthesia, the vet must be careful as to the type and dosage.  Due to the high muscle content and low body fat, drugs are absorbed quickly.  Do not assume that your vet knows this.  Some vets have never treated greyhounds and may not know about their "quirks".  Isoflurane is a safe anesthesia for greyhounds. If you have glass doors or low windows, place markers or masking tape at the dog's eye level to prevent him from running into the glass. If you absolutely must leave your grey outside during hot weather, be sure he has plenty of shade and fresh drinking water.  A child's wading pool with a few inches of water will help to keep him cool and will also give him something to do.  In cold weather, a dog house with plenty of warm bedding in a protected area is needed.  But when you are home he is to be in the house with you. In foster care our greyhounds are fed a high quality food.  You will be informed as to what brand he was on.  We recommend mixing some canned food and water in with the dry.  Avoid large chunck food.  The total amount of dry should be four to six cups a day depending on the size of the dog.  Try to feed at about the same times every day. For house training, treat your new grey as you would a new puppy.  When he wakes up - let him out.  After eating - let him out.  If he is pacing and/or sniffing - let him out.  Because of his natural curiosity, he will look around and sniff a lot, don't mistake a curious sniff for a looking for a place to potty sniff.  It will not take long to learn the difference and for him to learn to tell you.  Always let him out before going to bed giving him plenty of time. NEVER close a grey in a room alone!  Not if you value the room. Always watch out when closing doors.  Greys move very quietly and are usually closer than you think.  Avoid injuries to noses, toes and tails by looking before you slam a door.  The same goes for car doors.  Be sure the whole dog is in or out before closing a door. Raising his food and water bowls will make it easier for him.  You can use a low chair, upside down box, or milk crate.  Whatever you have handy.  Or you can purchase a raised bowl at your pet supply store. NEVER use products containing organophosphates or carbamates on a greyhound!  These can cause severe illness and even death to you grey.  Products contain PYRETHRINS are greyhound safe.  Pyrethrins are the least toxic and are a natural substance derived from the chrysanthemum flower.  Pyrethroids (such as permethrins, allethrin, and resmethrin) are man made equivalents.  They are strong enough to kill fleas, but have a very low toxicity to mammals.  Lemon scented Joy dishwashing liquid for bathing is the same pH as a greys skin and will also kill fleas.  Even with greyhound safe products, you still must use care.  DO NOT OVER DO!!!!! Brushing your grey daily for the first couple of weeks will serve two purposes.  First, it is a wonderful bonding time for both of you.  Second, he has never really been brushed in the racing kennel and will probably shed a considerable amount of loose hair in the beginning.  After a "break-in" period and his skin and coat are in better condition, he will hardly shed at all.  But he will always love to be brushed. NEVER tie you grey to anything or put him on a chain or a trolley run!  Greyhounds are sighthounds and sprinters.  One stray cat running across the yard - and he's off!  When he reaches the end of a tether at full speed he could easily injure himself or possibly break his neck. Your grey has had a good bath befor adoption and was gone over for fleas and ticks.  But keep an eye out for anything that may have been missed. A greyhound's head is very narrow in relationship to his neck.  Subsequently, a scared grey can "back out" of a collar that is made for other breeds and be gone before you can react.  For your grey's safety, a "Greyhound safety collar" must be worm.  This can be the difference between life and death for your grey.  You never want to wind up walking an empty collar.  The safety collar and matching lead can be purchased from GAL. No animal (or human) likes to be disturbed while sleeping.  Greyhounds are no exception.  Never let children (or anyone) "pounce" on any pet while he is resting.  Since some greys sleep with their eyes open it is always a good idea to call your pet's name or speak to him so he will know you are there.  None of us likes to be startled out of a sound sleep. Exercise is important to keep your grey happy and from getting bored.  Your back yard is fine, but a walk whatever possible is wonderful.  Do not over do in the beginning.  Give him time to get into condition and the pads of his feet to toughen up. The best thing for your grey to chew is not your furniture, but a marrow bone(at least 5' long), a knuckle bone or a Nyla-bone.  Any of these can be purchased from your pet supply store.  Watch out for any pieces that are chewed off that are small enough to be swallowed and throw these away. Your greyhound will have an ID tag with Greyhound Adoption League and our phone number on it.  You are also required to purchase an additional ID tag with your name and telephone number on it.  Both of these tags must be worn at all times. It is very important that you notify us immediately if your grey becomes lost!  By having this information we can be ready to respond when the dog is found.  Sometimes people that find dogs can't or won't hold them very long.  This is one reason it is important that your grey wear both ID tags.  Any greyhound that has not been reported lost would hint that the owner is unconcerned.  In some cases this would allow the adoption agency to exercise the right to reclaim that greyhound. A few greys may experience a mild stomach disorder the first few days.  This can be cause from anything to the stress of changing homes to the change in food.  Even from the change in water.  Adding plain cooked rice to his food should take care of the loose bowels.  But if it persists for more than a few days, you should consult your vet. Heartworms are a very serious problem in some areas. If you live in one of these areas we strongly advise you to have your vet perform a heartworm test as soon as possible. If the test is negative, start a heartworm preventive.  Your vet can advise you as to which one is best for you and your pet. NEVER EXPECT YOUR GREY (OR ANY NEW PET) TO WALK INTO YOUR HOME AND KNOW EVERYTHING THAT YOU THINK HE SHOULD KNOW!!!!!! If you do not intend to keep your greyhound as a house pet and a member of your family.......please return him to us now.

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