Greyhound Puppy Checklist

Before They Arrive

What to Have Ready Before Your Greyhound Comes Home

This checklist covers both retired racing Greyhounds being adopted and companion-bred Greyhound puppies, though the majority of Greyhound owners go the adoption route. The setup items are largely the same — the main differences are that a retired racer is already crate-trained and leash-trained, but will need to learn how to navigate a home environment from scratch.

Three items make this checklist different from a generic new-dog guide: a martingale collar (standard equipment for sighthounds — regular collars slip off their narrow heads), a proper orthopedic bed (not optional — Greyhounds develop pressure sores on hard surfaces without adequate padding), and a dog coat for cold weather (they have no body fat or undercoat for insulation).

The Full List

Supplies Checklist

Containment & Sleep

• Large crate — Greyhounds are 60–70 lbs and tall; an XL crate is usually appropriate; retired racers are typically already crate-trained and see their crate as a safe den
• Orthopedic or thick foam dog bed (multiple if possible) — a genuine health requirement; have at least one thick bed in every room the dog will spend time in; budget $80–$200 for quality; cheap thin beds don't provide adequate protection from pressure sores
• Baby gates — for managing the dog's access while they learn the house; especially important during the initial transition period for retired racers who have never navigated household hazards like glass doors

Collar, Leash & ID

• Martingale collar — the correct collar for sighthounds; limited-slip design prevents the narrow head from backing out; standard equipment, not optional; measure neck and head circumference for sizing
• 6-foot leash (standard) — for walks; a Greyhound that spots something moving cannot be trusted on a retractable leash — too much line and too little control
• ID tag with your phone number — essential from day one; many adoption organizations also provide ID tags; ensure your contact is on it
• Harness (optional) — some owners prefer a harness for walks; make sure it fits a Greyhound's unusual proportions (deep chest, narrow waist)

Clothing

• Dog coat (insulated, for cold weather) — required below 45°F; Greyhound proportions (deep chest, long narrow body) mean standard dog coats often fit poorly; many adoption organizations sell or recommend Greyhound-specific coats
• Rain jacket or lighter coat (for damp weather) — useful for everyday walks in wet or cool weather; less critical than the winter coat but practical

Feeding

• Stainless steel bowls (2) — appropriate size for a large breed; avoid raised feeders if possible (possible bloat risk association)
• Large-breed adult dog food — ask the adoption organization what they've been feeding; transition over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset
• Slow feeder bowl — Greyhounds can eat fast; slowing them down reduces bloat risk

Grooming

• Soft bristle brush or rubber grooming glove — minimal grooming needed; a once-weekly pass is sufficient for the coat
• Dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste — the most important grooming item for this breed; dental disease is the #1 health issue in Greyhounds; start daily brushing from week one
• Nail clippers or plan for professional nail trims — Greyhound nails grow quickly; every 3–4 weeks

Toys

• Large Kong — useful for crate settling and quiet time; many Greyhounds respond well to food-stuffed toys
• Soft plush toys (a few) — Greyhounds often carry plush toys around; they're not typically heavy chewers/destroyers
• Crinkle toy or squeaky toy — for interactive play; avoid anything small enough to be swallowed

Health & Safety

• Pet insurance — applied for before the first vet visit — pre-existing conditions are excluded once diagnosed; get coverage immediately upon adoption
• Vet appointment booked with a sighthound-aware practice — within 3 days of arrival; the adoption organization can usually recommend one in your area
• Anesthesia sensitivity card — have a card in the vet file noting "Greyhound anesthesia sensitivity — do not use barbiturate-based anesthetics"; the adoption organization usually provides this
• Enzyme cleaner — for accidents during housetraining
• Non-slip mats on hard floors — Greyhounds are not used to slippery surfaces; hardwood or tile floors are hazardous in the early weeks

First Week

First Week Plan and Common Mistakes

Day 1–2: The House Is a New World

A retired racing Greyhound has likely never been in a house before. Let this sink in. Glass doors, mirrors, stairs, hardwood floors, televisions — all entirely new. Keep the first 48 hours quiet and low-stimulus. Let them explore at their own pace. Warn household members about the glass door — Greyhounds run into glass doors. This is expected. Apply a decal or tape at eye level on any glass doors before the dog arrives.

Day 3: First Vet Visit — What to Cover

For a Greyhound specifically:

• Confirm the anesthesia sensitivity is noted in the file — explicitly
• Baseline dental exam to assess current tooth and gum health; most retired racers arrive with some tartar accumulation
• Discuss the dental cleaning schedule and tooth brushing protocol
• Heartworm test if not included in adoption paperwork
• Check elbows and hip points for any early pressure sore formation

Week 1: Start the Teeth Brushing Habit

Don't wait until the dog is fully settled before starting the dental routine. The longer you wait, the more the dog treats toothbrushing as a new imposition rather than a normal part of life. Day 3 or 4: let them lick enzymatic toothpaste off your finger. Day 7: try running a toothpaste-coated finger along the gum line. Build from there across the first few weeks. Daily consistency establishes the habit. See the grooming guide for the full graduated process.

The Most Common Mistakes New Greyhound Owners Make

• Using a regular buckle collar — the head slides out and the dog is gone. Martingale collar only, always.
• Assuming the fenced yard is escape-proof before testing — check every gate latch and fence gap before the Greyhound is in the yard unattended. 45 mph means "out of sight" happens in under 5 seconds.
• Skipping the dental routine because the teeth "look okay" — the damage that leads to extractions builds invisibly for months before it becomes visible or symptomatic. Start brushing from week one.