Whippet health: what owners should know

Among purebred dogs, Whippets have a good health record, but heart valve disease, some inherited eye conditions and congenital deafness in heavily white dogs are all known in the breed. Like other sighthounds, they carry little body fat and can respond differently to some anesthetic drugs, so make sure your vet knows the breed before any procedure.

Conscientious breeders have heart examinations done on their breeding dogs and eyes tested, and will show you the results. Protect the skin with a coat in rough cover and cold weather, and keep the teeth clean. Book a vet visit if a murmur is found at a routine check, if your dog develops a cough or cloudy eyes, if a puppy does not react to sounds, or if a skin wound does not close.