The Life Of A Racing Greyhound (Part 2)
So now that the Greyhound pups have grown and become adjusted to the schedule and life of racing, they race about two times in a week, until they are no longer suitable for racing. Usually, a dog's racing career is over when it no longer places in the top
four during a race, and at that time, they are either given up for adoption or euthanized.
A racing Greyhound’s diet usually consists of food that his high in electrolytes and vitamins, foods such as rice, vegetables, pasta, and meat. Males consume about three pounds of food a day, while females eat a little more than two pounds per day.
On the day of a race, the dog is first exercised in a turnout. Next, they are weighed and checked by the owners if they have any sore muscles, or any other sort of problems. Next, they are given their morning meals and wait till race time. About two hours
before the start of the race, the Greyhounds are examined again. This time under the observation of a judge, veterinarian, and other officials. The veterinarian observes the Greyhounds as they walk to their areas, and also walk the track to ensure the safety
of the dogs, looking for any irregularities. Any owners that have a concern about their Greyhound ask the veterinarian to do a check on their dog.
When it is time to race, the Greyhounds are led to a paddock, where they have their racing blankets fitted and their tattoos checked. The tattoos identify the different dogs and the jackets to tell which gate the Greyhound was released from. They also have
muzzles fitted to protect the Greyhound’s thin skin from nips from the other dogs. They are then placed in their starting “traps,” or boxes, and are ready to race.
After the race, the Greyhounds are cleaned in an area that is specially for cooling down the dogs, and is also equipped with showers. They then receive a rubdown to prevent sore muscles, and are inspected by a veterinarian for any injuries. After resting
in their kennels, they are fed and allowed to turn out.
A great number of Greyhounds were euthanized (over 25,000) after their racing careers, but animal rights groups have set up adoption centers for retired racers. They have drastically reduced the number of Greyhounds that are put down, but they are still
euthanized in the thousands.
After their racing life, a Greyhound is usually put up for adoption. Special adoption centers take great care of the dogs, even though it is a lot easier than wild animals, because they are already trained a bit. They are allowed out for exercise, and are
allowed to interact with the other Greyhound at the center. They are wonderful, gentle, quiet, and loyal pets. Most are able to get along quite well with all types of other dogs, children, and even cats. People who wish to adopt a Greyhound are carefully interviewed,
checked on, and even have their house and lifestyle inspected. Once they are approved, they are shown the Greyhounds that would be able to live happily with them.
Before bringing their new family member home, interested parties need to make sure that there house is Greyhound-friendly. A few supplies are also needed ahead of time. These supplies, and much more useful information, are discussed in the next article.
These tips are the difference between you and your Greyhound leading a happy life together, and a very miserable experience from both parties. Also, they can keep your house, your family, and your new family member safe and in good health.
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