Dr Anne Fawcett: Many greyhounds need rehabilitation before they can be rehomed and sadly some can’t be pets

VET Dr Anne Fawcett reveals some of the effects on greyhounds as a result of poor training practices and gives some tips on what to think about before making the decision to rehome an ex-racing dog.

Greyhounds race at Wentworth Park in Sydney. Picture: AFP

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MUCH has been written about racing greyhounds in the media, but what is the big deal?

As a vet who treats a number of ex-racing greyhounds, I have seen first-hand the effects of poor socialisation, poor diet and racing-acquired injuries on the lives of many of these dogs.

Due to the large number of greyhounds bred for racing, it is impossible to guarantee homes for all of them.

Dr Anne Fawcett has seen first-hand how some greyhounds suffer through bad training practices.

Strict new laws will regulate the industry to weed out bad practices. Picture: Sarah Reed

Reputable greyhound rescue and rehoming groups work hard to rehabilitate dogs.

Some dogs need to be taught how to walk on surfaces like tiles and wooden floors and climb stairs, and others need to be conditioned to ordinary sights and sounds — such as passing traffic.

Those greyhounds that can be rehomed make wonderful companions, but it is important to understand the legacy of their background.

Trainer Annette Fleming with her racing dog Jett at the Wentworth Park track in Sydney celebrated Premier Mike Baird’s backflip on the racing ban. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

Some of these dogs suffer from anxiety, which requires treatment with medication.

While it is ideal that as many dogs find a home as possible, it needs to be the right home. If you are considering adopting a greyhound, do your homework and spend as much time as possible with the dog.

They are gentle souls who need a lot of tender love and care.

Dr Anne Fawcett is a lecturer in veterinary science at the University of Sydney and a vet with Sydney Animal Hospitals Inner West.

Read her blog: smallanimaltalk.com

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