Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Sloughi is generally between 12 and 14 years. This longevity depends on the quality of the breeding, the maintenance of a lean and athletic physical condition, a diet suited to its activity, and regular veterinary follow-up.
Build
A robust breed?
The Sloughi is generally solid and hardy, but this robustness must not make one forget its sensitivity to certain conditions and to certain medical protocols. Its very short coat offers little protection from the cold and its sighthound metabolism requires caution during anesthesia and the administration of medications.
Watch points
What to watch for
The health monitoring of the Sloughi relies mainly on ophthalmological screening, anticipating the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus and informing the veterinarian about its potential sensitivity to anesthesia. As with any athletic dog, careful observation of the general condition, appetite and recovery after exertion remains important.
Progressive retinal atrophy : This hereditary eye condition can lead to a progressive loss of vision up to blindness, hence the importance of ophthalmological follow-up.
Sensitivity to anesthesia : Like other sighthounds, the Sloughi may react in a particular way to certain anesthetic and drug protocols, which requires veterinary adjustment.
Gastric torsion : This deep-chested dog may be exposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency that can be prevented by splitting meals and avoiding exertion around food intake.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Sloughi tolerates cold and humidity poorly due to its short coat and low fat coverage. It copes better with warm temperatures if the effort is adjusted and if hydration is sufficient, but it must avoid intense exercise during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Sloughi is not particularly predisposed to weight gain, but it must maintain a lean and dry silhouette to preserve its locomotion and joint comfort. Rations must be adjusted according to actual activity, age and season, with regular monitoring of weight and body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes checked regularly.
- Inform the veterinarian of the Sloughi's possible sensitivity to anesthesia.
- Monitor for any signs of stomach dilation or torsion after meals.
- Protect the dog from cold and humidity.
Vaccination
Sloughi vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Sloughi? Like all cats, the Sloughi receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Sloughi 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.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Sloughi 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 Sloughi?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Sloughi
Regular ophthalmological monitoring is relevant, notably in view of the risk of progressive retinal atrophy. Before any anesthesia or sedation, it is recommended to discuss clearly with the veterinarian in order to adapt the protocol to this type of sighthound. Digestive vigilance is also useful in this deep-chested dog.
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.
