Heat Stress & Heat Stroke

Health & Well Being
Heat Stress & Heat Stroke

When summer arrives people are told to stay in the cool, drink lots of fluids, and avoid exercising in the heat of the day.

Despite our best efforts, people still tend to be affected, whether by dehydration, lack of sleep, or reduced appetite. But what affect does summer heat have on greyhounds, and what can we do to help them best cope?

Keeping Cool

Probably the biggest difference between us and greyhounds is the different ways in which our bodies work to maintain a stable operating temperature.  For humans, body sweat is used to cool our skin, but greyhounds can’t sweat all over like we do, instead only sweating through glands on the pads of their feet and nose. Greyhounds instead rely on evaporative cooling from their respiratory system – panting to move air across wet membranes.

This system of cooling has limitations and has important consequences for the greyhound.  Firstly, the evaporation can only occur if the humidity in the air allows it – the higher the humidity the less this system works.  So when in a confined space such as a car, trailer or kennel, humidity can increase quickly as evaporated water from the greyhound stays in the air.

The second problem with this sort of cooling is that it can lead to huge losses of body fluids and can alter the acid-base balance in the dog’s blood from the increased amount of oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs.  These changes are hard to measure because you may not be able to actually see them.

What will you see?

  • Heat Stress – panting, salivating, increased heart rate, listlessness, vocalisation/whining
  • Heat Stroke – excessive or loud panting, thick saliva, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, strange behaviour, seizures, collapse, and death

What can you do?

  • Stop all exercise
  • Move to a shaded area or, ideally, into an air-conditioned area
  • Provide plenty of cool, fresh water
  • Provide plenty of ventilation to move evaporated fluid away and to drop the humidity levels
  • Gently cool the greyhound – they can lay on wet towels, be wiped down or hosed with cool water.  Make sure if you are using wet towels or ‘Cooling Coats’ that they feel cool to touch and that there is a breeze or ventilation as these methods rely on evaporation for their cooling effects too – if they dry out or there is no ventilation then it’s similar to wearing a blanket or rug.
  • Avoid using iced water on the greyhound’s body as this can cause the blood vessels in the skin to contract, which will slow the cooling process down because the hot blood is no longer coming to the surface where it can lose heat.  Iced water can be used on the feet though, and covered ice packs can be placed in between the dog’s thighs and in their ‘arm-pits’.

What if I think a greyhound is moving into heat stroke?

Heat stroke is more serious as there can be delayed complications due to organ damage.  The priority is to lower the body temperature quickly, but care has to be taken not to cause hypothermia (too cold) in the process.  Any dog with a rectal temperature over 41.6 degrees is considered dangerously hot.

These dogs need to be taken to the vet immediately, where cold intravenous fluids and cool water enemas can be done.  The vet can also monitor for complications and give medications to aid in preventing some of the consequences of a body temperature that’s too high – such as brain swelling and shock.

Finally, monitor your greyhounds closely for the longer-term effects of hot weather.  You need to be watching food intake, water intake, body weight and coat condition.

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Pisces

5 years old

Meet Pisces, a friendly mature aged chap who acts like an excitable puppy at times! Just like the characteristics of someone of the astrological star sign, Pisces, we believe Pisces is lives in a world of his own dreams and tend to be idealistic and optimistic. Pisces may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older.
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Shifty

7 years old

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Meet Shifty, a 7-year-old boy who defies his age with his youthful energy and playful spirit. Don't let his mature years fool you - this lively lad is still a puppy at heart, always ready to burst into a zoomy or play with a toy. With his boundless enthusiasm and love for playtime, Shifty is the perfect companion for those who crave an active and entertaining furry friend. Despite his advancing years, Shifty shows no signs of slowing down. His tail still wags with excitement, and his eyes sparkle with mischief as he chases after toys or embarks on a high-speed zoom around the room. With his ageless personality and playful nature, Shifty is sure to bring joy and laughter into the life of his forever family. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion to keep you on your toes, Shifty is the perfect match! He may do best living as an only dog and a home with no children. He would prefer a backyard for his zoomies. He has successfully completed further training in our behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption.
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Tremendous

5 years old

Meet Tremendous, the friendly and outgoing greyhound gentleman who's ready to bring joy and companionship into his new home! This charming boy has a big personality and loves to make new friends, both human and canine. Tremendous is a social and affectionate companion who will thrive in a family environment with plenty of love and attention. Tremendous is best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly nature and energetic spirit. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. Tremendous requires a home without small dogs or cats. With a loving family and a stable environment, Tremendous is sure to become a loyal and loving companion - if you're looking for a friendly and outgoing greyhound friend, Tremendous might be the perfect fit!
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Faye Ray

6 years old

Look at the beautiful Faye Ray, she has the most gorgeous white markings! Faye looks wet in the profile picture as she was freshly washed and smelling beautiful for her new home. Faye's puppy years are well and truly over but at times she still can be excitable and enthusiastic at times, like walkies time! Faye may suit living with or without a placid canine companion of similar size and children aged 10 years+.
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Ralf

6 years old

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Meet Ralf, the charming and confident greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This friendly boy has a lot of personality and loves to interact with his people. With a little patience and training, Ralf will become a well-mannered member of the family. Ralf may be best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his energetic and playful nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion. Ralf's new family will need to be willing to work with him on his manners, but with positive reinforcement and love, he'll become a loyal and loving companion. If you're up for the challenge and want a charismatic greyhound by your side, Ralf might be the perfect fit!
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Jax

3 years old

Meet Jax, the charming and confident greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This friendly and affectionate boy loves people and enjoys being the centre of attention. With his outgoing personality, Jax is sure to bring joy and companionship to his new family. Jax is best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly and affectionate nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible dog friend. Jax would thrive in a home with a secure yard and owners who can provide a stable and loving environment - no elderly individuals or apartment dwellers, please. If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion, Jax might be the perfect fit!
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Jemima

10 years old

Meet Jemima, the sweet and affectionate greyhound lady who's looking for a peaceful forever home. This gentle soul is easy to handle and loves people, making her a perfect companion for families or individuals who want a loving friend. Jemima is a laid-back girl who enjoys life's simple pleasures and will thrive in a calm environment. Jemima may be suited to a home with kids aged 5+, who will appreciate her gentle nature. She may be happiest as an only dog, as she can be a bit grumpy with other dogs, especially females. Due to going through a behavioural rehabilitation program, it's recommended that she goes to a home with no small dogs or pets. However, Jemima's calm nature may make her a great fit for elderly owners or apartment living, as long as her exercise needs are met. With a loving family who can provide a peaceful home, Jemima is sure to become a cherished member of the family. Jemima has an eye condition called pannus that requires the application of eye drops twice daily.
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Lila ARP

3 years old

Lila is an anxious and timid girl who will require a confident but understanding owner to help her slowly build her confidence over time. Once she has earnt your trust, she is sweet and friendly. She may never be the type of dog to walk through a busy market or cope with crowds of people, so the quiet life will be best for this sweet girl. Lila may suit living with or without a confident medium or large sized canine pal and older children in their teens. A quiet home will be best for Lila and she wouldn't be suited to live in an apartment.
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Chance

4 years old

If you take a chance on Chance, we are sure you won't regret it! Chance adores rides in the car, cheese, zoomies and pats. He would likely suit a home with children aged ten or older, and may be fine with full time workers.
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Taurus

3 years old

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Taurus says every day is tongue out Tuesday! How cute is he? He's a sweet boy with a puppyish and shy nature, but he tries very hard to please. He needs a quiet home who won't expect him to be a social butterfly - he's an introvert at heart. He would likely be ok with children aged 15 or older, and should be fine with full time workers.
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