Puppy Diaries: Newborn to Three Months of a Greyhound Puppy’s Life

Have you ever wondered how a racing greyhound starts its journey? Before they hit the track, these incredible athletes undergo months of careful breeding, nurturing, and early development. The foundation for their future success begins from the moment they are born, with dedicated care ensuring they grow into strong, healthy, and well-socialised young dogs.

 In this instalment of The Puppy Diairies, we explore the newborn to three-month stage of a greyhound puppy. If you missed our last article about birth, you can access it here https://greyhoundracinguk.com/article/puppy-diaries-the-birth-of-a-greyhound-puppy

The First Days

The first days and weeks of a greyhound puppy’s life are simple yet vital. Like all newborn puppies, they spend most of their time sleeping and feeding from their mother. Human carers handle them gently, admiring their tiny features while ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.

Around two weeks old puppies begin to open their eyes and wiggle around more frequently. At this stage they usually are given their first parasite treatment, along with their mother. Puppies are treated for worms at two-week intervals, this is due to their weakened and immature immune system. Their nails will also be clipped to make sure they don’t make their mother sore.

Transitioning to Solids

Puppies can begin weaning from 3 weeks old, they usually start with additional puppy milk and finely cooked chicken which is introduced slowly. As their teeth begin to grow, their appetites increase, and their diet expands.

During weaning times, the puppies mum will get some respite and form of enrichment through walks or treats. Some greyhound mothers will stay with their puppies until they are three months old, unlike other breeds.

Growing Curiosity and Playfulness

By the three-week mark, puppies become more curious and begin to explore their surroundings. They engage in play with their siblings, their mother, and any available toys. As they grow, their mischievous side emerges - they bite anything within reach, from bedding to brickwork!

Depending on the mother and how many puppies she has, will depend on how long she stays with her puppies. From 6-8 weeks from birth, the mother may have periods of rest away from the puppies in her own kennel as playtime with four or more puppies can be rowdy!

At this stage their diet will begin to change as well. As mums milk supply lessens, puppies will begin to eat more solid foods such as specialised puppy biscuit, cooked meat, raw red meat, fish and cheese.

Preparing for the Outside World

Between eight and twelve weeks of age (depending on the season) puppies will begin preparing for a more outdoor lifestyle. Up to this point, they typically live in a kennel with an attached concrete paddock, a precaution to protect them from illness and viruses.

All greyhounds must follow strict inoculation requirements. The following vaccinations are mandatory: Distemper, Viral Hepatitis, Leptospira Canicola, Leptospira Icterhaemorrhagiae and Parvovirus. They may need to have a second dose of these vaccinations, depending on the brand given. Annual booster shots ensure continued protection throughout their lives.

After vaccinations, all puppies are microchipped and ear-marked for identification. This step ensures the traceability of every greyhound and marks the transition to their next developmental stage - exploring the world beyond the kennel.

It is also worth noting that owners are required to pay a £200 GRS payment at the same time as registering their greyhound with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), this payment is matched by the GBGB and the bond assists with associated homing costs when the greyhound moves to a homing centre upon its retirement.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for the next instalment of The Puppy Diaries, where we will explore how greyhound puppies develop beyond three months and prepare for their future!