Dental Care in Sighthounds: A Guide for Owners
By Dr. Alex Crow
Sighthounds are known for their streamlined build, athletic movement, and gentle, affectionate personalities. But alongside their unique physical traits comes a lesser-known concern: they are particularly prone to dental disease.
Whether you have a Greyhound, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Borzoi, Saluki, understanding their dental vulnerabilities can make a meaningful difference in their long-term health.
Why Dental Disease Is More Common in Sighthounds
Dental problems can occur in all breeds, but several characteristics make sighthounds more vulnerable:
- Narrow, Long Jaw Structure
Many sighthounds have elongated snouts and narrower jaws. This can cause teeth to sit closer together than in more robust skull shapes. Crowding creates tight spaces where plaque and bacteria accumulate quickly, making thorough natural cleaning by the tongue more difficult. - Thin Gum and Bone Tissue
Sighthounds tend to have finer bone density in the jaw and thinner gum tissue. These traits contribute to faster progression of periodontal disease once inflammation begins. What starts as mild tartar buildup can advance more rapidly than in other breeds. - History of Diet and Care (Especially in Adopted Greyhounds)
Retired racing Greyhounds may arrive with worn, fractured, or heavily tartar-coated teeth. Contributing factors may include diet at the track, crate-bar chewing when stressed, and limited early dental care. Some of these issues can be managed, but they require attentive long-term maintenance.
Recognizing the Signs of Dental Trouble
Because dental disease develops gradually, it can be overlooked until discomfort becomes more obvious. Early detection is key.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Persistent bad breath (a sign of bacterial buildup)
- Yellow or brown tartar near the gumline
- Red, swollen, or receding gums
- Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Reluctance to chew firmer treats
Sudden preference for softer foods - Sudden preference for softer foods
Dental disease is not just a mouth issue. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting the kidneys, liver, and heart. Addressing problems early protects both comfort and health.
Daily Home Care: Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Consistent at-home dental hygiene is the most effective way to slow disease progression.
Tooth Brushing
Brushing your sighthound’s teeth a few times a week (daily is ideal) is the gold standard. Use a soft brush or finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which can be harmful if swallowed. Introduce a brushing routine to your hound gradually with plenty of praise and patience.
Dental Chews
Look for chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These chews are tested to reduce plaque and tartar. They are useful but should not replace brushing.
Dental Diets
Some therapeutic diets are formulated to reduce tartar through texture and mineral balance. Your veterinarian can recommend whether this is appropriate for your dog.
Water Additives and Oral Rinses
There are helpful supplements, for example Pooch and Mutt dental powder and PlaqueOff, especially for dogs who are less tolerant of brushing. Consult with your veterinarian for the best options for your hound. They’re not as effective as mechanical cleaning but can support gum health when used consistently.
Professional Dental Care: What to Expect
In some cases where plaque and tartar buildup is excessive, a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia may be needed. This procedure allows the veterinary team to clean below the gumline, which is where true periodontal disease develops. Because sighthounds have unique metabolism and sensitivity to some anesthetic drugs, it’s important to work with a clinic that is comfortable treating the breed.
A typical professional dental procedure will include:
- Full oral examination
- Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar
- Dental X-rays to assess tooth roots and bone health
- Extraction of teeth that are damaged or infected
For many sighthounds, routine dental cleanings every 1 to 3 years are recommended, though this depends on age, genetics, and home care.
Special Considerations for Senior Sighthounds
As sighthounds age, dental disease can progress quickly. Older dogs may require more frequent exams, gentle handling, and adjustments to diet texture. Veterinary bloodwork before dental procedures is especially important to evaluate organ health and anesthesia readiness.
The goal is to preserve comfort and function and not just retain teeth. Removing severely diseased teeth can actually improve quality of life, allowing a dog to eat comfortably again.
Supporting Long-Term Oral Health
Sighthounds thrive when their care is proactive rather than reactive. By watching for early signs of dental disease and maintaining a consistent dental care routine, you support your dog’s overall well-being and likely extend their healthy lifespan. Regular veterinary involvement, thoughtful at-home care, and awareness of the breed’s unique dental structure will help your sighthound stay comfortable and pain-free well into their senior years.
(About the author: Dr. Alex Crow (BVetMed MRCVS) is an RCVS accredited Veterinary surgeon currently practicing in the UK. Dr. Alex earned his degree in veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2019. His special area of expertise is Laparoscopic neutering (keyhole). Alex has a passion for educating vet owners online and has written for many different pet blog websites.)
