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.
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Indi Was Iddy
Katelyn ARP
Katelyn is a lovely, sweet and confident girl who is so excited for her forever home that she has her bags packed! She may be happy to live in a home with or without another robust medium or large canine companion and children aged 10 years or older. She may be happy to live with full time workers.
Pablo
Linetti
Gina
Vinny
Yvonne ARP
Taylah ARP
Meet Taylah. Taylah is a sweet, playful, and very puppyish greyhound with a quirky personality that makes her stand out. She loves her treats, is eager to please, and proudly shows off her adorable skills — Taylah naturally knows how to sit and even offers her paw, which is as cute as it sounds.
With the most beautiful eyes and a cute little face, Taylah has a way of winning hearts without even trying. She’s affectionate, fun-loving, and brings plenty of joy and personality into the home.
Taylah may suit living with medium or large dogs and may also suit a home with children aged 10+. She’s ready to become someone’s very special girl.
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 not other dogs currently in our care.
Willow ARP
We promise she has ears! Willow is a sweet little girl that can be a little unsure in new environments and will need a quiet and understanding new home to let her settle in. Once she is comfortable, we are sure a cheeky and playful little pup will emerge. Due to this, a home with a backyard and older children if any may be a better fit for her. She may even like the company of another male canine companion to help show her the world, as long as they are calm and respectful whilst she is adjusting. We think the best is yet to come with dear Willow and will make someone super pleased to have her in their life.
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 not other dogs currently in our care.
Marley ARP
Are you looking for a mature greyhound who may be happy to live with a smaller dog? Marley might be your lady! She is super sweet, friendly, and outgoing, and has all the love to give. Marley may be happiest in a home with children 10 years and over and might suit living with full time workers.
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 not other dogs currently in our care.