Saluki health: what owners should know

Salukis are generally healthy, but known issues include heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy, certain cancers including hemangiosarcoma, an underactive thyroid and some eye problems. Like other sighthounds, they carry little body fat and can respond differently to anesthesia and to some blood test reference ranges, so a vet familiar with sighthounds is valuable. Many breeders have their dogs heart screened.

Protect your Saluki's thin skin, keep it warm in winter and avoid overheating on very hot days. See a vet if your dog tires more easily than usual, coughs, faints, loses weight, has pale gums or develops lumps, or if a skin tear gapes or bleeds heavily.