At Burgess, all our dog food is made using premium ingredients to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your dog happy and healthy – from puppy, to adult and senior. Greyhounds and Lurchers are extremely athletic, and some can clear a six-foot fence if the mood takes them, so a secure, dog-proof garden to play in is essential.

At Burgess Pet Care, we’re focused on helping pets and pet people understand more about the importance of healthy nutrition and caring for their animal companions in the best way possible. Here are some of the ways we can help: TIPS FOR CREATING A PET-SAFE GARDEN Your garden should be a safe place that both you and your pets can enjoy together. However, from poisonous plants and toxic chemicals to mouldy food in compost heaps, there are all sorts of potential dangers that responsible pet owners need to be aware of. Both Greyhounds and Lurchers have scavenging natures. This, coupled with their long, long legs, means they can easily reach food left on kitchen tops or tables and will seize any opportunity to chow down on things that aren’t good for them. It’s also worth investing in a dog-proof bin. You may also need to invest in a muzzle – these can be really helpful for taking fearful dogs to the vet or out in public. Blue Cross recommends the Baskerville muzzle – its open basket weave allows the dog to breathe freely – and is available from vets and good pet shops. A: Greyhounds and Lurchers actually have very specific nutritional needs, which is why Burgess has developed food especially for them. Burgess Supadog Greyhound & Lurcher includes glucosamine to help stiff joints and overworked legs, Omega 3, which is beneficial in helping temperature regulation and promoting a glossy coat and healthy skin, prebiotics to help digestive health, and a slightly lower level of protein, as too much protein may cause anxiety and hyperactivity. Find out more about feeding your dog >>For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product. Remember that almost everything is going to be new and either exciting or frightening at first and they will be easily confused or distracted by all the things they see at home and on their walks – ex-racers may have never seen other animals or even other breeds of dogs. There are all manner of rescue charities with Greyhounds and Lurchers waiting for their forever homes – including Greyhound Trust, Forever Hounds and Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue. Reputable rescue organisations will discuss your situation and work with you to find the most suitable canine companion – and offer you support while your new pet settles in. This may mean that you have to wait for the right dog, but it’ll be worth it. A: Greyhounds and Lurchers are sighthounds with a highly developed prey drive. This means it’s their instinct to chase small animals, so care must be taken around cats, smaller dogs and other animals that may stir up their hard-wired hunting behaviours. A: Positive, reward-based training is really important for rescue hounds. Some of these dogs may have never lived in a home with a human family before and it can be a very bewildering experience for them to begin with. Positive reinforcement training is one of the ways that your dog learns to trust you and understands what’s required of him or her.

BECOME A DOG COMMUNICATION EXPERT It’s not difficult to tell if your dog is really happy – that waggy tail and soppy smile is such a giveaway. However, there are lots of other, more subtle signs that reveal how your four-legged pal is feeling and what they’re trying to tell you. Want to stay up to date with the latest news, trends and pet care advice? Head over to our Pet Talk blog >> TAKING ON A RESCUE DOG Many dogs find themselves in rescue centres through no fault of their own and, with time, lots of patience and plenty of kindness, will make a happy addition to your family. Our guide can help... Make sure you get the correct size for your dog – the piece that goes across the nose mustn’t rub their eyes. Former racing Greyhounds will be used to wearing a muzzle, but it’s important that your dog associates wearing one with positivity and fun. Blue Cross has lots of tips here >>.

A: Because they’re shorthaired and slender, Greyhounds need their very own wardrobe of coats to match the seasons – from waterproof raincoats to light spring and autumn wear and extra cosy winter fleeces. As a rule of thumb, If the weather is chilly enough for you to need a coat, so do they. DO YOU TALK TO YOUR DOG? Is talking to your dog the first sign of madness? In fact, not talking to your dog is the first sign that you’re not making the most of the incredible human/canine relationship. Research over the last couple of decades reveals that dogs can understand human communication in ways no other species can. ARE YOU READY FOR A DOG? If you’re thinking of adding four paws, an inquisitive nose and a waggy tail to your life, make sure you really know what you’re taking on. Things to consider include cost, time, exercise and training – and the fact that your life will never be quite the same again... YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND Which would you choose – a night out with your friends or night in on the sofa with your dog? If it’s the latter, then you’re not alone. More than half of pet owners admit they enjoy the company of their animals more than that of their human friends, according to a poll.