A greyhound isn't prone to hereditary skin problems, but the natural structure of its coat can make it sensitive to different chemicals and environments. A greyhound has a very shorthaired coat and they don't really shed. The skin itself doesn't produce oil, like other dogs, and so the greyhound doesn't suffer from doggie smelliness either. This makes them a low maintenance dog, but sometimes overzealous owners who are not aware of their low care guidelines may bathe them too frequently and irritate the skin that way too.

The skin does have a tendency to be very sensitive to chemicals and pesticides. You should never use a flea collar on a greyhound. They can get very sick or die from the same pesticides that other dogs tolerate. If your dog has fleas or is exposed to ticks, you will want to put them on a flea prevention program, but make sure to discuss this with your veterinarian. They will be able to point you to the right products that can be used safely with your greyhound.

The pads of the greyhound's paws are also very sensitive to chemicals and can absorb even grass fertilizers and sprays. These can also make your dog very ill or kill it. Therefore, keep the dog off of any freshly treated lawns and/or ask your lawn care specialists to use treatments that are safe for your pet.

Racing greyhounds can end up with ringworm. This little parasite burrows into the skin and shows up as circular marks. Your dog will need to be treated for ringworm by the veterinarian to relieve this condition with anti-fungal medication. If you do notice scaly lesions on your greyhound, be sure to get it checked immediately. Ringworm is contagious and can spread to humans. So, don't handle the area or let the dog play with your children until you know what the cause of the lesions is.

Make sure that the shampoos that you use to wash your dog are specifically for canines. Also, do not use flea shampoos without first clearing their safety with your veterinarian. Greyhounds do seem to have allergic reactions to anything that might be too strong that is put on their skin. The skin is very thin and it easily absorbs things in the environment. Even if the skin is healthy, it can easily tear and thus expose the animal to more toxins in the environment.

The nice part about owning a greyhound is that the skin and coat are very low maintenance. If you don’t bathe the dog too often and use a chamois cloth every now and then, you can have a fine animal with a beautiful sheen to its coat that is attractive all year long.

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