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.

Related Resources

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

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

Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Available

Harrison

5 years old

Meet handsome Harrison or Harry for short, he is a lovely fawn boy who is at the perfect age for adoption, he will likely happily sleep for hours and only wake up for walks and food! Harry is looking for a home with or without a canine friend of similar size and dog savvy children aged 5 years and older. Harrison as a skin tag which doesn't require any treatment and isn't causing any problems for him.
Learn more
Available

George

4 years old

Sweet boy George is looking for his road tripping loving family, as George thoroughly enjoys car rides! George is a handsome boy and even more so in real life than in his photo! He is a friendly, happy go lucky boy that takes everything in his stride. He may suit living with or without a canine pal of medium or large dog and children aged 10 years+. Sorry no apartments or cats for George. George has injured his Left elbow.  The injury has resolved however he is at risk of developing swelling and pain of the left elbow. Regular check ups with your vet would be advised. He will benefit from soft bedding and cuddles.
Learn more
Available

Whisper

4 years old

Meet Whisper, a friendly and outgoing greyhound who's a tall drink of water! This personable boy loves meeting new people and making friends – he's a natural charmer. Whisper's a joy to be around and brings a spark of fun to every day. Whisper has an immature cataract in his right eye which will require monitoring throughout his life and may progress overtime. Whisper suits households with kids 10+ or adults who appreciate his lively vibe. He'd love to be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog, but no cats, thanks! If you're looking for a tall, friendly companion who's always up for a chat, Whisper's your guy!
Learn more
Available

Mary ARP

2 years old

Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.

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.

Learn more
Available

Jed ARP

4 years old

Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.

While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.

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.

Learn more
Available

Lou Lou ARP

5 years old

This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.

With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.

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.

Learn more
Available

Ricey ARP

4 years old

Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.

Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.

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.

Learn more
Available

Possum ARP

5 years old

Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.

With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.

Learn more
Available

Bobby

3 years old

How handsome is Bobby! He has an infectious personality that everyone will love. He loves treats, cuddles and just being a goof! We think he may suit living with children 10 and over and with another medium or larger dog for company. Due to a previous injury and his love for zoomies, its best this boy doesn't have a large backyard to do zoomies to protect his leg from any future issues. But he doesn't let this slow him down so on lead walks and play time in a controlled area is perfectly fine. Bobby has a previous hock fracture, that happened prior to his arrive in GAP. He has hardware present, but this isn't causing any problems. Bobby has some mild arthritis due to this.
Learn more
Available

Luke

5 years old

Luke is a handsome young greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life. Affectionate, confident and full of fun, he approaches every day with a wonderfully playful, puppyish attitude that is sure to keep his family smiling. Luke loves spending time with his people and thrives on interaction, games and adventures. While he has all the makings of a fantastic companion, he is still learning that good manners matter, so his new family will need to continue his training and provide clear, consistent guidance as he matures. Luke is best suited to a home with adults or children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably handle his enthusiastic nature. He is not suitable for homes with elderly residents, cats or apartment living. Luke would be happiest as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, although he may be able to share his home with a robust, well-matched canine companion. With space to run, ongoing training and a family ready to embrace his energetic spirit, Luke will make a loyal, loving and entertaining addition to the right home.
Learn more