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.

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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Raph Turtle

5 years old

Meet Raph Turtle, the outgoing and quirky greyhound gentleman who's ready to bring laughter and joy into his new home! This charming boy has a unique personality that's sure to capture hearts, and his playful nature makes him a perfect companion for families with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his energetic and adventurous spirit. Raph loves to have fun and be the centre of attention, and he's sure to bring a smile to your face with his antics. Raph has been through behavioural rehabilitation, which has helped him overcome some challenges and become the confident and loving companion he is today. Due to his energy level and play style, Raph is best suited to a home with no small dogs, and he's looking for a household where he can be the only dog or with a medium to large canine companion who can keep up with his lively spirit. With patience, love, and understanding, Raph is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of his new family - if you're ready for a fun-loving and one-of-a-kind companion, Raph might be the perfect fit! Raph has a low-grade heart murmur, which doesn't require medication or affect his day-to-day life. He also has an Auto immune disease of the eyes, called Pannus. This is managed through daily eye drops.
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Gil

4 years old

Meet Gil, a gentle greyhound whose quiet and timid demeanor transforms into warmth once he feels comfortable. Gil walks well on a lead and thrives in a calm environment. Ideal for a home with no other dogs or alongside a calm small, medium, or large dog, even a cat. Gil prefers a quiet setting, so apartments may not be suitable. Best suited for a family with children aged 15 and older.
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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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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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