Whippet Health: The Good, the Bad, and How to Keep Your Whippet Thriving

Understanding Whippet Health

Whippets are an elegant, athletic, and generally healthy breed. However, every breed has its unique health considerations. This guide explores the strengths, vulnerabilities, and best care practices to ensure your Whippet lives a long and happy life. Remember – With us you also receive a 100% Lifetime Whippet Health Guarantee. Ask us about it.

✅ The Good: Why Whippets Are a Healthy Breed

1. Long Lifespan

Whippets have an impressive lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, some even reach their late teens. Whippet Health is key to achieving this.

2. Fewer Genetic Diseases

Thanks to responsible breeding, Whippets are not plagued by many of the genetic disorders common in other breeds, as long as they are not in-bred.

3. Naturally Lean & Athletic

Their low body fat reduces obesity-related diseases, and their muscular build supports an active lifestyle.

4. Minimal Grooming Needs

Whippets have short, smooth coats, making them less prone to skin infections and shedding issues.

📊 Whippet Health Benefits Summary:
✔️ Long lifespan (12-15+ years)
✔️ Fewer inherited diseases
✔️ Naturally lean and fit
✔️ Low-maintenance coat

⚠️ The Bad: Common Whippet Health Issues

1. Heart Disease (Mitral Valve Disease – MVD)

🫀 Risk Level: Moderate
MVD is an age-related heart condition that can lead to murmurs and eventual heart failure.
Symptoms: Fatigue, coughing, labored breathing.
📌 Prevention: Regular veterinary heart screenings and choosing health-tested breeders like ourselves. No matter where you buy your puppy, parent whippet health testing is an absolute must.

2. Anesthesia Sensitivity

💉 Risk Level: High
Due to their low body fat, Whippets can react strongly to standard anesthesia doses.
📌 Prevention: Work with vets experienced in sighthounds and ensure Whippet-safe sedation protocols. Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask them what experience they have with whippets or sighthounds in general. Your whippet’s health is in your hands in this area, be selective of who you allow to put your whippet under sedation.

3. Eye Conditions (Progressive Retinal Atrophy – PRA)

👁 Risk Level: Moderate
PRA causes gradual vision loss and can lead to blindness.
📌 Prevention: Annual eye exams and choosing breeders who screen for PRA.

4. Skin Sensitivity & Injuries

🩹 Risk Level: High
With thin skin and little fat padding, Whippets are prone to cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
📌 Prevention: Provide soft bedding, use protective coats, and trim nails regularly. Avoid dog parks when they are busy. Remove objects that stick out from your yard, and don’t allow rough play to get out of hand.

5. Hypothyroidism

🧬 Risk Level: Moderate
An underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and coat issues.
📌 Prevention: Annual thyroid testing and, if needed, daily thyroid medication.

📊 Whippet Health Risks Summary:
⚠️ Heart Disease (MVD) – Vet checkups
⚠️ Anesthesia Sensitivity – Specialized vet care
⚠️ Eye Issues (PRA) – Regular eye exams
⚠️ Skin Sensitivity – Injury prevention
⚠️ Hypothyroidism – Monitor weight & energy

🩺 Keeping Your Whippet Healthy

✅ Vet Checkups: Annual heart and thyroid tests
✅ Balanced Diet: High-protein, low-fat meals
✅ Exercise Smartly: Avoid high-impact activities on hard surfaces
✅ Temperature Control: Use coats in cold weather
✅ Dental Care: Regular tooth brushing and dental chews

🔎 Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Whippet Health

While Whippets have some health considerations, they are a generally robust and long-lived breed. Staying informed and proactive ensures a happy, healthy life for your Whippet.

🐾 Thinking of getting a Whippet? Check out our Puppies page

All of our breeding whippets have the Whippet Health Testing recommended, and all pass or they are not used for breeding.

If you have any questions, please contact us.