Greyhounds and the cold
Greyhounds have relatively thin skin and very little body fat. This is great for helping them cool down after a run, but it also means that they are susceptible to cold weather.
The need to maintain their vital organs at a fairly constant temperature means that the body has to work harder during the winter to keep warm. This can affect diet and potentially cause injury when exercising.
If the greyhound’s core temperature drops, its body automatically tries to keep the important organs warm by restricting the blood flow to the skin and extremities. You will have experienced cold fingers and hands on a very brisk morning, along with the exposed skin that’s cool to the touch and which turns bluish. This same process happens in greyhounds to try to conserve heat when the outside temperature is low.
If this is not enough to maintain the core temperature, the body will try to generate heat by shivering, which is an involuntary muscle activity. Shivering is an indicator of significant temperature change within the body, and it uses up quite a bit of energy to create the muscle contractions.
Past this point the dog enters into hypothermia (hypo– meaning ‘below’, –thermia meaning ‘temperature’).
For the greyhound, being cold is not only uncomfortable, but it can mean that they lose condition due to the change in their energy requirements. Now they not only have to fuel their normal activity but also have to use energy to create warmth just to function normally on the inside. This may mean they need more calories in their daily diet.
Cold muscles are also more susceptible to injuries, ranging from minor tears to more serious ones.
What can you do?
Make sure that your greyhounds are kept warm when the weather is cold.
For greyhounds that sleep outside, a bed that is well off the cold ground, and making sure that your kennel building is not leaking or subject to draughts.
Make sure that each dog has a clean and dry kennel to sleep in. Winter weather does not make it easy to keep things clean and dry, but wet dogs, wet bedding, and wet kennels can lead to very cold greyhounds.
You might need to put a warm coat or jacket on the dogs, especially in the evenings and overnight. Make sure that coats are regularly inspected for damage, and are not tied on so tight that they are uncomfortable when the greyhound curls up, nor so loose that the dogs are constantly getting tangled in them. All coats and jackets should be regularly cleaned too – male dogs are notorious for peeing on the edges of their coats!
Watch your dog’s weight
It may be that your greyhounds will need more food to maintain their weight in the winter time. Monitoring skin and coat condition and body weight will quickly tell you if something isn’t right. Keeping them warm may not completely stop changes in condition, but it will help.
By paying attention to your greyhounds needs during winter, you will save yourself time and money and avoid injuries and illness.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Chilli ARP
Zoodles ARP
John
Rose
Tanjiro
Treble ARP
Treble is a strikingly handsome male greyhound with a big personality to match. Affectionate and full of enthusiasm, he has a puppy-like zest for life that makes every day brighter. Treble is excitable in a joyful way and loves being involved in whatever his people are doing, eagerly soaking up attention and sharing his playful spirit. His warm, loving nature means he bonds quickly and thrives on interaction and companionship.
Treblewould do best in a home with children aged 10 and over or with adults who canmatch his lively energy and guide him with consistency. He is suited to livingas the only dog, where he can be the centre of attention, or with a compatiblemedium to large canine companion. With the right home, Treble will flourish,bringing fun, affection, and a vibrant spark to his forever family.
Treble ispart of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and healthassessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners untilthey find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. Thismeans that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing thedog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particulardog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Toby ARP
Toby is a quiet, calm and gentle boy with a sweet nature and handsome looks to match. He’s more of an introvert, taking his time to feel comfortable, he’s submissive and alwaystries his best even when he’s feeling a little unsure. With patience and a kind approach, Toby’s personality really begins to shine. Toby would suit to be in a home by himself or may be suitable to live with small, medium or large dogs. Because of toby’s calm personality he may be suitable to live with children aged 5+.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Willow
Pistachio
Fabrizio ARP
Fabrizio is a quiet and calm boy with a friendly, personable nature that makes him a genuinely lovely companion. Unhurried and easy-going, he carries himself with a gentle warmth that is immediately endearing, and he has a way of making those around him feel completely at ease. He may do best as an only dog or alongside a canine companion of similar size and would likely thrive in a home with children aged 10 and older.
Whatever home Fabrizio finds himself in, he will reward his family with quiet devotion and steady, gentle companionship. He is the kind of boy who doesn’t ask for much — just love, patience, and a comfortable spot to call his own — and in return he will give you everything he has.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.