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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Paddy ARP
Meet Paddy, a handsome male greyhound with a polite, gentle manner and a friendly, personable nature. He is a calm and thoughtful boy who enjoys human company and greets everyone with quiet charm. Paddy is affectionate without being demanding and has a lovely way of making people feel at ease, whether he’s leaning in for a pat or simply relaxing nearby. His easygoing temperament makes him a pleasure to have around.
Paddy would be well suited to a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged5 and over who can interact with him kindly and respectfully. He can live happily as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion.With his calm energy and good manners, Paddy may also suit apartment living,provided his exercise and comfort needs are met. He’s ready to settle into a loving home where he can relax, enjoy companionship, and be cherished.
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.
Josie ARP
Josie’s has just come back from a vacation far away and ready to settle into her new forever retirement home! We think she may suit living with other male dogs medium or larger and children 10 and over. She may also suit living as an only dog and with full time workers.
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.
Bessie ARP
Little brindle gal Bessie is now in the market for her new forever home! She isn’t really fussy about what she needs as she is a quiet, easy going and sensible little lady but she would love some people to dote on her till the end of her days at the very least. We think she may suit homes with children 10 and over and maybe another male canine companion of any size. She may even like to live in an apartment or with an elderly person! Like we said, she is pretty easy going!
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.
Winx ARP
Meet Winx, a beautiful female greyhound with a calm, polite nature and a heart full of sweetness. She is gentle and personable, taking her cues from the people around her and doing her very best to please. Winx can be a little anxious in new situations, but reassurance and kind guidance go a long way—once she settles, her affectionate and thoughtful personality truly shines. She enjoys quiet companionship and will happily be by your side, soaking up the comfort of a predictable routine.
Winx would do well in a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged 10 and over who can respect her sensitive side. She would be happiest as an only dog, or with a compatible medium to large canine companion who matches her calm energy. With patience, love, and a peaceful home, Winx will reward her people with loyalty, grace, and a gentle presence that makes every day a little brighter.
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.
Jett
Nero
Missy
Abby
Fab
Mate