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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Arrow

5 years old

Meet Arrow, this handsome boy is looking for his forever home. His loving nature and affection, he’s sure to bring joy and companionship to his family. Arrow thrives on attention and interaction, and hell reward his family with loyalty. Arrow is best suited to a household where he can be by himself, allowing him to settle in and become the beloved companion he is meant to be. He may be okay with another large or medium canine buddy. He might do well with kids 10+ who understand his boundaries and is respectful. If you are looking for a friendly, loving and confident doggo to join your family, Arrow is the perfect fit. Arrow has previously had a break in his right hand foot. This isn't causing him any trouble in his day-to-day life though!
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Hulk Smash

4 years old

Hulk is a smashing lad who is as soft on the inside as a marshmallow, we promise! The only thing he wants to crush, is your hesitation around welcoming him or one of his fellow hound heroes into your life! Hulk gets a little over exuberant at times, and needs to work on his lead skills, but this is an easy habit to overcome! If you are prepared to be patient and work with him, Hulk promises to protect and defend your heart until his last breath and beyond. He is friendly, puppyish, confident, and needs a yard to do his zoomies in and body slam those squeaky toys. He may suit living with children 10+, full time workers, and may do well on his own or with a medium or larger canine friend to take on the world with. He is a leaner, but is also independent, the perfect balance. So what are you waiting for? Come and meet him today, your love story might just be a knockout!
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Sam Iam

4 years old

Sam Iam the super sweet and social boy that just wants to please you and give you all loving that he has to give. Sam is good to walk on the lead and we think he may suit households that love to get out and about. We think he would be better in a home with a yard and no elderly or frail family members (incl. other dogs). We also think they might suit living with children 10 and above or another medium or larger dog as company. Sam has some Osteoarthritis which does affect his day-to-day life
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Bruiser

2 years old

Bruiser is a big puppy in an adult body! In new environments and with new people Bruiser can be a bit unsure and seems shy, but after some reassuring pats and some tasty treats, Bruiser will be an outgoing pup and your best friend in no time! Bruiser may suit living with or without another playful pup of similar size and children aged 15 years and older. We think Bruiser will do best in a home with a backyard so he can run and play in. Bruiser has successfully completed our onsite Behavioural Rehabilitation Program and is now ready for adoption! Bruiser has an old hock fracture, which doesn't affect his day-to-day life.
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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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Chevy Impala

4 years old

Meet Chevy Impala, the charming and unique greyhound gentleman who's looking for a home that appreciates his individuality. This boy is a bit aloof and independent, with a quirky personality that's sure to bring laughter and joy into his new home. Chevy is a loyal companion to those he trusts, and he'll reward them with affection and devotion. Chevy is best suited to a home with kids aged 15+, who will understand and respect his need for space and time to adjust. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and compatible medium to large canine companion. Chevy requires a home without small dogs. With a patient and loving family in a house with a yard, Chevy is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of the family - if you're looking for a loyal and affectionate greyhound friend with a bit of character, Chevy might be the perfect fit. Chevy has an autoimmune disease called Pannus, which is controlled with daily eye drops.
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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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