Greyhound Health Issues & Care Guide
Comprehensive health guide covering common conditions, genetic testing, preventive care, and veterinary recommendations for Greyhounds.
Health Overview
Remarkably healthy for a large breed, but require a veterinarian familiar with sighthound-specific blood values and anesthesia protocols., but like all dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. Being aware of these and working with a knowledgeable veterinarian helps ensure your Greyhound lives a long, healthy life.
Responsible breeders screen for the most common health issues, significantly reducing the risk of inherited conditions. Regular preventive care—vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care—is essential.
Common Health Conditions
| Condition | Frequency | Severity | Treatable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteosarcoma | Occasional | Critical | Treatable |
| Bloat | Occasional | Critical | Treatable |
| Anesthesia Sensitivity | Common | Serious | Manageable |
| Neuropathy | Rare | Serious | Not Treatable |
| Corns | Common | Mild | Treatable |
Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer that can affect the long bones, more common in large breeds.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation-volvulus due to deep chest conformation.
Anesthesia Sensitivity
Low body fat means sighthounds process anesthesia differently than other breeds.
Neuropathy
Progressive neurological disease affecting some Greyhound lines.
Corns
Hard keratinized growths on the paw pads that cause lameness, especially in retired racers.
Recommended Health Tests
Recommended health tests for Greyhounds include:
- Hip and elbow evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (CERF/OFA)
- Thyroid testing
- Breed-specific DNA panel—particularly important given the Greyhound's susceptibility to Osteosarcoma
Remarkably healthy for a large breed, but require a veterinarian familiar with sighthound-specific blood values and anesthesia protocols.. Ask to see results before purchasing a puppy.
Preventive Care Schedule
Keep your Greyhound healthy with this preventive care schedule (estimated $345–717/year):
- First year: Vaccination series, deworming, parasite prevention start, microchipping, spay/neuter consultation—timing matters for large-sized breeds
- Annual (adults 1-8): Comprehensive exam, vaccine updates, heartworm test, weight management (60–70 lbs target), Osteosarcoma screening
- Biannual (seniors 8+): Full blood work, thyroid panel, urinalysis, joint assessment and mobility evaluation, Osteosarcoma monitoring
Life Stage Health Guide
Understanding your Greyhound's life stages helps you provide appropriate care (lifespan 10–13 years):
- Puppy (0-12 months): Rapid growth toward 60–70 lbs, socialization critical, high energy, frequent feeding
- Adolescent (1-2 years): Testing boundaries, continued training important, reaching adult size of 27–30 inches
- Adult (2-8 years): Peak health, 60+ minutes daily exercise, annual screening for Osteosarcoma
- Senior (8+ years): Slower pace, joint support critical for this large-sized breed, biannual vet visits
Insurance Recommendation
With Osteosarcoma and Bloat among the Greyhound's known health risks, pet insurance provides valuable financial protection. Expect premiums of $38–$86/month. The earlier you enroll, the fewer pre-existing condition exclusions you'll face.