Saluki

The Saluki is easy to groom — partly because you might notice this breed actually spends a lot of time grooming itself. You’ll still need to brush their smooth, silky coat weekly to ensure their hair doesn’t mat. You can also then remove any debris that has attached itself to their fur. They won’t require a bath too often, only when they’ve got particularly dirty or rolled in something smelly. 

You may want to have your Saluki professionally groomed at least a couple of times a year to maintain their elegant coat. 

Make sure to regularly check and clean their ears and teeth. You’ll also need to trim their nails when necessary. 

The Saluki needs a soft bed for their slim, fine structure and is best indoors for warmth and companionship at night.

Saluki health risks 

The Saluki is generally a healthy breed. But, there are, of course, some health conditions you should be aware of, as with all types of dog. These include: 

• Heart Problems — including irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Cancer — including bone marrow cancer

There’s also a chance of allergies and anesthesia sensitivity/allergies — although these are only minor concerns.  

Does your insurance cover the costs that come with these conditions? Hopefully you’ll never need it. But, to give you peace of mind, browse and compare top pet insurance providers today.

Heart Problems 

One of the heart problems dogs, including the Saluki, can get is heart disease. A few of the most common types are mitral valve dysplasia, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy.) Symptoms can include low energy, breathlessness and coughing. 

There’s a chance a Saluki could have heart failure or a heart attack. A Saluki puppy
can also be born with a congenital heart defect. 

If you think your Saluki has a problem with their heart, you should get them checked by the vet right away. Treatment will depend on their specific heart problem they have. It’s likely they’ll require medication, at the very least. 

Cancer 

Dogs can get cancer just like humans can, and like humans, it can be present in different parts of their bodies. They could have bone marrow cancer, breast cancer or skin cancer, for example. Symptoms may be similar to other more common diseases but you should look out for sudden behavioral changes, localized swelling and sensitivity as well as them becoming more sedentary.

Tests will be performed on your dog and once they have a diagnosis treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. 

Feeding a Saluki — what’s the best diet?

Your Saluki should be fed high-quality food that is specifically formulated for medium to large dogs that are highly active. 

A Saluki puppy should be fed three to four times a day, while for Saluki dogs this can be reduced to two meals a day. 

It’s worth knowing that they can be picky eaters (check out our recommendations for the best dog food for picky eaters) so you may need to be prepared to try a few different foods before you find one that they like. You should also remember that this is a slim breed and sometimes you can slightly see the outline of their ribs, so don’t worry that this means they are not eating enough. 

Don’t be surprised, however, if they try to steal your food from the kitchen. This should be kept well out of reach, just in case. 

You want your Saluki to enjoy the best possible diet, don’t you? Not sure what to feed them? Take a look at the advice from our friends at Dog Food Advisor and discover the best wet dog food and the best dry dog food.