What Spring Means for Your Greyhound: Seasonal Health & Walking Advice

Spring is a wonderful time of year. The days get longer, the weather (hopefully!) improves, and the countryside bursts into colour and life. For you and your greyhound, it’s the perfect season to enjoy longer walks, explore new routes, and soak up some sunshine together.

However, spring also brings seasonal changes that can affect your greyhound’s health, safety, and comfort. As a breed with unique traits, greyhounds have a few additional considerations at this time of year.

Here’s everything you need to know about what spring means for your greyhound:

Enjoying Spring Walks Responsibly

Greyhounds love a good walk and the chance to stretch their long legs, but springtime adventures come with responsibilities:

• Keep your greyhound close, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Many greyhounds (though not all) have a strong prey drive, so a lead (or secure enclosed area) is often safest.
• Always clean up after your dog to protect the environment and other walkers.
• Follow local signage - some areas require dogs to be on leads during certain months.
• Be mindful of others. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and some dogs on leads may be nervous or reactive.
• Because greyhounds are sighthounds, they may spot wildlife long before you do. Staying alert and using a secure harness or lead can prevent sudden sprints.

Wildlife Awareness

Spring is a sensitive time for wildlife, and extra care is needed.

Livestock

It’s lambing season across much of the UK. Chasing livestock is illegal and can cause serious distress or injury to pregnant ewes and lambs. Even the gentlest greyhound can instinctively chase moving animals.

Keep your greyhound on a lead near sheep and cattle.

Ground-Nesting Birds

Birds such as curlews, lapwings, skylarks, and songbirds build nests on or near the ground. These nests are easily disturbed by curious dogs.

Stick to clearly marked paths and avoid letting your greyhound explore dense undergrowth.

Slugs and Snails

Wet spring weather increases slugs and snails, which can carry lungworm, a potentially fatal parasite. Greyhounds, like all dogs, can become infected by accidentally ingesting them.

Speak to your vet about preventative treatment if you haven’t already.

Adders

The UK’s only venomous snake, the adder, emerges from brumation in spring. Dogs can be bitten if they disturb one in long grass or heathland.

Signs of a bite include swelling, pain, lethargy, or collapse. Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect a bite.

Spring Plants and Flowers

Spring flowers are beautiful but can pose hidden dangers.

Daffodils, tulips, and bluebells (particularly the bulbs) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, heart or neurological problems.

Prevent digging or chewing in flower beds.

Grass Seeds

While more common later in spring and summer, sharp grass seeds can become embedded in paws, skin, eyes, or ears. Although often associated with spaniels, greyhounds’ thin skin means even minor irritations can escalate quickly.

Check:

• Between toes
• Under collars
• In ears
• Along their legs and belly

Their fine coat offers little protection, so early detection is key.

Insects and Parasites

Warmer temperatures mean parasites become active again.

Fleas

Fleas thrive in warm weather. Because greyhounds have short coats and thin skin, they can be particularly sensitive to flea bites.

Ticks

Ticks are common in long grass and woodland and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Always check your greyhound carefully after countryside walks, especially:

• Around the neck and collar area
• In armpits
• Between toes
• Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection.

Wasps and Bees

Many greyhounds will snap at flying insects. Stings, particularly around the mouth or throat, can cause dangerous swelling.

If your dog is stung and shows signs of facial swelling or breathing difficulty, contact your vet immediately.

Weather Changes & Greyhound Comfort

Spring weather is unpredictable - sunshine one minute, cold wind or rain the next!

Greyhounds feel the cold more than many breeds due to:

• Very low body fat
• Thin skin
• Fine coats

On chilly mornings, a lightweight coat may still be needed. Conversely, in warmer weather, greyhounds can overheat quickly during bursts of exercise.

Top tip: Carry water on warmer days and avoid high-intensity exercise during peak sunshine.

Seasonal Energy Changes

As the days grow longer, you may notice changes in your greyhound’s behaviour:

• Increased alertness due to more wildlife activity
• Extra excitement on walks
• A bit more “zoomie” energy

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Try:

• Scent games
• Puzzle feeders
• Short training sessions

Spring is a great time to reinforce recall and lead manners.

Grooming and Health Checks

Spring is ideal for a quick health reset:

• Check nails (especially if winter meant fewer long walks on hard ground)
• Inspect paw pads for cracks or cuts
• Review parasite prevention
• Book routine vaccinations if due

Because greyhounds have delicate skin, small scratches from brambles or rough ground can tear easily - check for minor wounds after countryside walks.

Final Tips for a Happy Spring

• Dress for changeable weather
• Carry water
• Keep your greyhound secure around wildlife
• Check for ticks and grass seeds after walks
• Stay aware of seasonal hazards
• Most importantly, enjoy it!

Spring offers beautiful light, quieter countryside mornings, and fresh new scents your greyhound will love. With a little awareness and preparation, you can both safely enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Here’s to longer days, gentle sunshine, and many happy miles together. 🐾