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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Sloughi need? Like all dogs, Sloughis should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Sloughi vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Sloughi booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Sloughi need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
