Greyhounds and the cold

Health & Well Being
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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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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Rudolf

2 years old

Meet Rudolf, the pretty blue greyhound with a heart of gold! This outgoing and affectionate boy is always ready to brighten up anyone's day. With his stunning coat and charming personality, Rudolf is sure to steal the spotlight and capture your heart. Rudolf is best suited to a home with kids aged 5+, who will appreciate his energetic and loving nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion. With a family who can provide plenty of love, attention, and exercise, Rudolf is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of the family - if you're looking for a loyal and loving greyhound friend, Rudolf 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+. Faye has an auto immune disease, call "Pannus", which effects the eyes. She is on daily eye drops which manages the condition.
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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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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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Hondo

6 years old

Handsome Hondo can't wait to find his forever home - is it with you? He's a confident and outgoing boy who can still get a bit excited when he meets new dogs, so he'd prefer a home with an experienced greyhound or sighthound owner. He would likely be ok with children aged ten or older, and should be fine with full time workers. Hondo has a heart murmur and comes with an approval for a follow up appointment for an echo, paid for by GAP.
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Coffee

4 years old

Meet Coffee, the big and bold greyhound gentleman who's brewing up a storm in the hearts of everyone he meets! This charming boy is a true coffee connoisseur - he loves treats, attention, and affection, and he'll be your loyal companion as long as the goodies keep flowing. With his gentle giant personality, Coffee is a perfect fit for families with kids aged 10+, who will adore his playful and loving nature. As a big boy with a big personality, Coffee needs a home that can match his energy and enthusiasm. He's best suited to a household where he's the only dog or with medium to large canine companions who can keep up with his playful vibe. Coffee is looking for an active family who can provide him with plenty of exercise, attention, and treats - if you're ready to perk up your life with a loyal and loving companion, Coffee is the perfect brew for you! Coffee has Pannus, an auto immune disease, which is managed by daily eye drops
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