greyhounds, racing and beyond....

    Whenever greyhound racing is mentioned, cruelty to the dogs is foremost in everyone's mind and a touchy subject for all.
No one wants cruelty to animals. All animals deserve respect and care,  greyhounds certainly do. They are beautiful, sensitive and intelligent beings.
All states should have enforced stricter regulations and inspections, not only at the tracks, but inspections for greyhound breeders as well, to ensure the well-being of the dogs.
   Growing up on a farm, the reality is, if you do not take care of your animals, you do not have a farm.  Wouldn't this prove true for greyhound owners who raise and race greyhounds.
   What about horse racing. Even when a horse breaks down, breaks a leg at a track, little is said. The Kentucky Derby and other big races draw thousands of people each year. There have been numerous horse injuries recently at one track in California. Nothing has really been done. They continue to race and horses continue to break down on that track.
No animal should ever be treated as though they are simply expendable.
   I own an adopted greyhound and am thankful everyday that the owner(s) who raced her, put her up for adoption when they retired her, as they did with all of their retired racers.  My beautiful retired racer was from Florida and I am thankful everyday for her and for her owners who put her up for adoption and cared enough to see she went to a forever home.
   With or without racing, what happens to the breed now. What happens to the breed standards. What happens to bloodlines and confirmation and the health of the breed which has remained true for centuries.
 I pray our beautiful and gentle greyhounds do not go the way of puppy mill breeding.
   Look at all of the health problems in so many of the popular breeds of dogs that ' breeders' have ruined. The dogs look little like their ancestors and have a host of health issues. My worry is, what if this is what is in store for the greyhound.  Has anyone looked at the confirmation of the German Shepard recently, or the breathing and health problems of many of the dogs, who over years of breeding practices now have such shortened noses. These are just a few problems of mismanaged breeding and there are many more breeds with problems. Is anyone jumping on the band-wagon demanding a stop to the cruelty of breeding dogs purposely and knowingly to have health issues.. is that not cruel?
    I hope the many greyhounds who are now going to be placed for adoption, end up in a safe home, homes that are commited to caring for the dog, for life. My greyhound was adopted and then returned to the shelter, where she stayed for quite some time, until she found us and is now in her forever home.
    When the time comes for me to adopt another greyhound, I hope  healthy greyhounds are there to adopt. Not just over-priced  greyhounds bred by any breeder, wishing for nothing more than profit from a sale, that would be a  real tragedy for such a beautiful, strong, healthy breed of dog.
   While not everyone involved in racing did so with the right intent,  it is wrong to place all breeders and owners who care about their dogs into the same category.  There are breeders who have great deal of knowledge about greyhounds, that we all could have learned from and shared.
   I hope that greyhound breeders who truly love and care for their dogs can find support and other ways to promote this beautiful animal, that allows these beautiful athletes to be athletes.
My greyhound loves to run, that is what her blood-line is. THERE has to be safer options, events.
 Lets all hope in the future the greyhound breed is still the beautiful animal we know.
    All of us who love dogs and want to see a healthy future for the greyhound breed, should have taken time to suggest and discuss and support positive change, to hear all sides and have an open mind and from there, put the right people in place to ensure all greyhounds were being cared for in a humane way. To ensure in retirement, all dogs went to loving, forever homes.
   There should be standards for all dogs, all breeders and all dog breeds, education and changes are needed for the betterment of everyone and every animal.
   Now and in the future, anyone who loves or admires greyhounds, needs to ensure the integrity of the breed is maintained.

( quotes: Communication leads to community and understanding.
When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.)

Kennel cough. HERB- Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)

   Marshmallow root is a demulcent, meaning it works to soothe and coat parts of the body, while acting to relieve irritation and inflammation.

     With its abundance of mucilage it soothes and moistens inflamed and irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tract and is also used as an external poultice.
    Marshmallow root for humans has healing properties for sore throat, mouth ulcers, irritation. It is also equally helpful for dogs.
    Having some antimicrobial properties it also provides a kick to the immune system to help fight off infection.

For your dog:
   Powdered marshmallow root can aid in helping to deal with kennel cough, infections, gastrointestinal issues- along with constipation, and for bladder and kidney issues. ( provide plenty of water while using marshmallow root)  It may be used externally as a poultice for itchy skin, sores or wounds.

About kennel cough
    Kennel cough is often caused when a dog inhales bacteria or virus particles. The respiratory tract is lined with a mucous coating that traps infectious particles, but factors such as exposure to crowded kennels, shelters, crowded grooming areas, dog parks and play areas, dust, cigarette smoke and travel stress, can all lead to exposure and inflammation.

    Because a cough can be a symptom of a more serious illness, have your dog checked by a vet. Your vet may recommend a dog cough syrup, or an antibiotic for severe cases of kennel cough, especially if the dog has a weakened immune system.
   There is a vaccine for kennel cough, but it may not prevent every instance of the disease. Though, the vaccine may lessen the symptoms and decrease the amount of time of the illness and  the amount of time a dog is shedding the disease.

    Symptoms of kennel cough may include a persistent, forceful cough. Some dogs may also have sneezing, runny nose and eye discharge. Many dogs lose their appetite and energy level.
    Often the dog will develop a cough 5-10 days after exposure to another dog who has it.
Kennel cough often appears extreme, with a dry, hacking cough, typically running its course from a few days to a week or so. Though sadly, it is not uncommon to last 3-6 weeks in some dogs.
It is highly contagious, but rarely fatal and becomes serious only if other complications arise, such as pneumonia.
    Avoid letting other dogs share your dog's belongings, such as water and food bowls. Disinfect toys, bowls and crates, esp if other dogs have shared them. And always wash your hands if you have touched other dogs.
    Because marshmallow root is soothing and coats irritated membranes, it may help soothe your dog's cough and provide relief.
   It is generally recommended that 1/2-1 tsp. of powdered marshmallow root be added to your adult dog's wet food and 1/4-1/2 tsp. for puppies, twice a day.


The information provided here is not meant to be used as a diagnosis or medical advice. Always consult a vet and/ or a trained herbalist.


  

Whippet keeping warm in soft blanket.

Photo taken by Tamara Bauer

                               HAPPY BIRTHDAY
   It has been one year this month since we adopted our greyhound and this month she also celebrates her birthday.
Meaning extra belly rubs from anyone who walked past her today, because of course, it was her birthday. Belly rubs are a treat she cannot get enough of.
 There are now wild blackberries that she and the Whippet pass on their walks, both of them always expecting a berry or two as a snack.
  Tonight after their final walk of the evening, with full moon and crickets chirping, the greyhound is stretched fully out on her large and well padded bed and several blankets. The Whippet is in her 2nd favorite spot, which is the couch, watching out the window for any suspicious activity in the backyard.  ( her favorite 1st choice spot, is on the bed, under the blankets.)

Happy Birthday Greyhound.

 https://www.etsy.com/search?q=voyagers%20k9%20apparel

'Saving one dog may not change the world, but surely for that one dog the world will change forever.'

http://www.helpinggreyhounds.org/

                   YARROW

      Heals skin wounds and stops                        bleeding.
           Uses for people and dogs.
   
Yarrow  has many uses and benefits, in this article we will discuss use of yarrow for minor cuts, scrapes and wounds.

 To identify wild yarrow, which is the type most commonly used for medicinal purposes, look for aromatic, fern like foliage. Wild yarrow flowers are often white or pale yellow and often arranged in a clump- like cluster.
( do not mistake yarrow for Queen Anne's Lace, which may look similar, but has distinctive differences.)

Called soldier's woundwort, it was used on battlefields to stop bleeding and disinfect wounds, not only for the soldiers, but their horses as well.

The aerial part of yarrow is generally used. Dried yarrow leaves in powdered form is the common use for wounds, but the fresh leaves will work just as well.

 Yarrow is antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory  and pain relieving. Thus making it a good choice for healing  'minor' scrapes, cuts and wounds. 
 Gather a handful of the leaves and place in a cool, dry area. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, make a powder by grinding the dried yarrow leaves into a fine powder. Store in a small jar. When you need to stop bleeding for small cuts or wounds, you can reach for your jar of trusty yarrow powder.

* note below

Garden stores often sell cultivated yarrow in colors such as pink, red, or yellow.
Yarrow in the garden helps improve soil and get rid of pests.  In the meantime, it attracts helpful pollinators.

YARROW for dogs.
The dried powder of yarrow (or in an emergency, the fresh plant/ leaves) is used on minor wounds and even pad lacerations. Crush the herb as fine as possible and apply to scrapes, minor cuts or wounds. If your dog is one who will lick at the cut or herbal powder, put a bandage over the area until bleeding stops and healing begins.
Keep watch of the wound and CONTACT a vet for any serious cuts, wounds, scrapes. 
( my greyhound scraped her back leg on the porch step, a very tiny scrape, but it just did not want to dry and heal. Used crushed yarrow for two days on the wound, and the yarrow dried it up and helped it begin to heal)

A cool tea of yarrow may be used for itching and pain relief.
As a skin rinse it is believed to repel mosquitoes and flies.
A tea can be made using 1 teaspoon dried yarrow and 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and cool before using.
( Rarely there are dogs with allergies or sensitivities and if any irritation is noted. Do not use.)

* Can calm inflammation, soreness, and bruising in both people and pets.

  Yarrow as a medicinal herb has many varied and wonderful uses.  
  Please research further and speak with a qualified herbalist before use. The information provided here is from personal experience and is NOT meant in any way to be used for diagnosis or medical advice. 
       ERR on the side of caution and see a specialist for yourself and your pet if you are unsure.

good info on this site about herbs for dogs:
https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/herbs-dog-health.html

A Whippet and Greyhound

                                       Our adopted greyhound.                                                             

       WHIPPET. 

Best friend. She was the inspiration for us to adopt her pal, the greyhound. Our whippet stole our hearts and led us to share our home with another sighthound. 

We started our journey of owning a sighthound while looking for a dog who had the qualities of a loving family pet and generally, few health problems. We found a caring and conscientious whippet breeder. She answered all of our questions and concerns and had wonderful references. Before long, we were the owners of an adorable whippet puppy. 

Whippet puppies will have wonderful moments of energy, running through the house, playing with toys and being very zippy. They love to dig at bedding when little, so be aware and be ready.  By the way, it is impossible to feel cross, even when your blanket gets shredded.. whippets are just too dang cute. 

Several years later, we knew in our hearts we wanted to give a retired greyhound a home. Working through a greyhound rescue, we met many beautiful greyhounds. How to choose. The heart is saying, take them all home, help them all.  In the end, one of the greyhounds walked over to the couch we were seated on, asking to be petted.  She chose us.

Raising a puppy, you begin to bond from the moment you meet, as well as through daily training, walks, sharing your home and of course, nap time.  With the greyhound, we fell for her, but we all needed time to get to know each other and develop the same bond we had with our whippet.

They told us that the greyhound we chose, had been adopted for a brief time before, but because of changes in the owners life, she was returned to the shelter, where she waited for someone to love. Though our greyhound was unsure when she came to our home, she was also very willing to be part of our lives.
We slowly saw changes. When she first came to us, she would often startle and growl if we walked past her while she was asleep. Within 6-8months,, she was relaxing more amd more and would roll over demanding belly rubs when we walked past her.

(The greyhounds funny quirk is when the electric power goesoff due to wind or snow, when it comes back on, the appliances beep and she dislikes that type of noise completely)

  The greyhound seldom lets out a bark. If one of has been away too long, (for her, 2 hours is too long) and she is very happy to see us.  If she decides breakfast needs to be served and served now. Or when I am tired and try to nap, but she is ready to DO something else. Maybe then, a happy, quick, woof. The whippet doesnt bark often, but likes to bark if there is a strange car, or a person walking or biking on the road below our house. She gets great joy in barking an alert.

   We are fortunate to have woods nearby to walk in, as well as a large field.  The Whippet is alert, happy and on the lookout for the possible unsuspecting squirrel that she can scare up a tree, despite being on her leash. Her greatest joy on any walk, finding something to send scurrying up a tree.
  The Greyhound loves to walk off the trail, just the slightest bit, so she can run her nose through ferns and tall grass. We wonder if she is reveling in the smells and textures she had never had the chance to experience before.

Some things we have learned about Sighthounds.
1. They are super sensitive to noises and emotions. If you are a quiet person, sighthounds are a great choice. If you are upset, impatient or in a hurry, it affects them. They like calm and a calm owner.
 

2. From our experience whippets and greyhounds are accepting and want to please. Treat them with gentleness and caring, you will have a best friend for life. 
They are called  velcro dogs, because if you are 'their' pack, they want to be with you, a lot, always.

3. They have little fat or padding and do need a soft place to lay down and sleep. Because they are short haired and in general have no odor, sharing your furniture with sighthounds is a pretty easy decision.
Our whippet makes use of any soft furniture in the house, though she also loves her own soft bed at night.  Many greyhounds too, love their humans furniture.  Our greyhound has never had the urge to climb up on the furniture, so instead, there are several soft beds throughout the house for her to use.

       4. If you dont have carpeting in your home, non-slip throw rugs are needed, especially in the places your greyhound walks the most. Our floors are too slippery for the greyhound.  Her paws slide and slip, which stresses her and scares her.  Scattered throw rugs may not win decorating awards, but hey, anything for the hounds.

5.  They are an indoor pet. They will need jackets for cold or rainy days. And if your home tends to be on the cool side, they may need a lightweight jacket or sweater for indoors. Going outside and potty trips may have to be done quickly in cold weather. Paws gets cold quickly too.  Ditto for hot weather. Be careful on hot days and too much time in the sun.  Do not leave them outside, ever.

( two great places to check out coats are Voyagers K9 apparel and Greyt Gear by MJ)

Booties may be needed in the winter. I have tried different types, but cannot keep them on the whippet. Thankfully she will go outside very quickly and BE ready to go right back inside. With the greyhound, she paces and paces. If anyone has a greyhound, they understand the amount of time it can take for a greyhound to find the perfect spot to go potty. Thus, if the greyhound's paws get cold, she gets frustrated and will not go potty.  I am putting the anti-slip dog socks on her, especially on very cold days, it helps. She is happier. By going a size smaller than I thought was needed, they are staying on the greyhound's paws. 

6. Many greyhounds coming off the track do not have great dental health. Many greyhound rescues will have the teeth checked and cleaned prior to the adoption being finalized.  But be prepared for daily brushing and any needed dental upkeep.
(Our greyhound's teeth were and are not the best, she had to have several teeth pulled before we adopted her.)  Most greyhounds when gently introduced to teeth brushing, will accept it easily. Brush teeth daily, gently, esp., if there are dental, gum issues. (update: greyhound recently went in for dental surgery to have a number of her teeth extracted. They had been in bad shape since the day we adopted her. Waited as long as we could, hoping to avoid surgery.. but for her health and well being, we knew it was time.

Hint: Have found a damp piece of gauze smeared with toothpaste works well for cleaning teeth and gums for the greyhound.  She has trouble with her gums getting inflammed and the gauze allows me to give them a good cleaning/ gentle massage. I have also had to use herbs to help with inflammation of her gums.

7. Don't scrimp on a good quality dog food. It will go a long way to good health for your sighthound.  (and with a good quality dog food you may not have to feed such large amounts.) Our greyhound's coat and condition improved greatly after we adopted her and she was put on a good dog food/ diet.
-TIP, we give a teaspoon of plain yogurt ( no sugar or artificial sweeteners) to our sighthounds each day.  It helps with good digestion and gut health, is good for fighting bacteria that leads to dental issues, helps with bad breath and tartar build up  and has a host of other health benefits. We also add small amounts of finely chopped fresh fruits or veg.,wth the dog food.

Check online for which fruits and vegetables are safe and in what amounts, to supplement your dog's regular dog food.

why feed liver:    http://petsnacks.com.au/  top-10-reasons-to-feed-your-dog-liver 

Check out Dogs Naturally. Consider using as many natural products as possible, really consider all vaccines and medications before agreeing to them.  Are they right for your dog, are they all necessary?

health.https://market.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/

8. Always keep them on a leash. Not only does walking your dog on a leash help with bonding and training, but sighthounds were bred to see prey and chase it in a flash.  Sighthounds can move quickly in just seconds.  Do not rely on any recall training at that moment.  When our whippet sees a squirrel or chipmunk, she is totally focused on just that.
 It is not worth losing your beloved dog, or having it accidentally hit by a car.  Choose a safe, fenced in area to let your dog run.  Sighthounds are sprinters, a quick run is all they need, followed of course, by a nap.

9.  Sighthounds make loving pets. Just be prepared before you bring one into your life. They attach quickly to their humans, it is cruel not to be able to make a firm commitment to them in return. Patience, love and humor are all needed when you have a sighthound in your life.  Sighthounds may need a bit more consideration for their care, but they give back a hundred times over.


The greatest antidepressant has 4 paws and a wagging tail. 

A dog might destroy your shoes, but it will never break your heart.

www.helpinggreyhounds.org/