Health

Azawakh health

Mali

The Azawakh Greyhound is generally considered a robust and resilient dog when it lives in good conditions and benefits from regular veterinary follow-up. Its lean silhouette is normal for the breed and should not be confused with pathological weight loss. Its main point of vigilance remains its poor tolerance to cold.

Longevity

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Azawakh Greyhound is usually between 12 and 14 years. Suitable activity, a quality diet, a stable weight and good protection against the cold help to preserve its longevity.

Build

A robust breed?

Despite its slender appearance, the Azawakh is a sturdy, enduring dog and well suited to exertion. It tolerates heat better than cold and generally retains good hardiness if its way of life respects its real needs.

Watch points

What to watch for

Vigilance mainly concerns exposure to cold, muscular condition, the quality of the paw pads after outings, and the management of meals around exercise. As with other deep-chested dogs, it is prudent to avoid intense physical activity just before and after feeding.

  • Sensitivity to cold : The very short coat and low fat coverage make the breed uncomfortable in low temperatures and in a humid climate.

  • Risk of bloat : It is advisable to avoid intense exertion just before and after meals and to split the ration into small meals.

Climate

Cold and heat tolerance

The Azawakh Greyhound tolerates hot and dry climates well, but it does not cope well with cold and prolonged humidity. During the winter period or in low temperatures, it must be protected and live indoors.

Weight

Tendency to gain weight

This breed must maintain a very lean body condition without excess fat. Weight monitoring must take into account its naturally slender build and its level of activity, with a rapid adjustment of rations in the event of a decrease in exercise.

Daily life

Good habits to keep it healthy

  • Protect the dog from cold and prolonged dampness
  • Inspect the paw pads and ears after outings
  • Maintain annual veterinary follow-up and regular parasite control
  • Consult promptly in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation, or unproductive retching after a meal

Vaccination

Azawakh vaccines: vaccination schedule

Which vaccines for a Azawakh? Like all cats, the Azawakh receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Azawakh is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.

VaccinePrimary seriesFirst boosterThenWho for?
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core

Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus)

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
CoryzaCore

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based

Feline leukemia virus

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearOutdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery
RabiesLifestyle-based

Rabies

12 weeks1 yearevery yearMandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based

Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis)

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearCats living in groups, catteries, show cats

Adult Azawakh vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.

Which boosters for your Azawakh?

Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.

Calculate boosters

Adopting well

Adopting a healthy Azawakh

An annual veterinary check-up, dental monitoring, parasite control and assessment of body condition are recommended. In a sporting dog or one intended for breeding, careful monitoring of general condition and recovery after exertion is particularly useful.

This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.

Best prevention starts with a good breeder

Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for hereditary diseases. We help you find one.

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