Greyhounds & Heat Stroke

Greyhounds are popular as pets and performance animals. Because they are high-energy dogs, greyhounds are prone to running far beyond their natural limits and can therefore bring on heat stroke. If recognized, this problem can be treated and prevented.

  1. Greyhounds

    • Greyhounds date back to ancient Egypt and are built and bred for racing and chasing. They are especially popular for their performance on the racetrack. As pets, greyhounds are sensitive, affectionate and loyal. These large dogs have a docile and somewhat nervous personality, yet are always eager to please.

    Greyhounds and Heat Stroke

    • Greyhounds have thin coats, long stringy muscles and little fat, which gives them minimal insulation against heat or cold. Greyhounds are best kept in consistently moderate temperatures of 68 to 72 degrees.

    Symptoms of Heat Stroke

    • Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, weakness and red flushed ears and nose. Dogs can become so weak that they have trouble walking and even faint. Light-colored greyhounds are more prone to heat stroke, which can damage organs in the same way a fever does.

    Treatments for Heat Stroke

    • The only treatment for heat stroke is to cool the greyhound as quickly as possible. Common techniques are spraying water over the dog, draping wet towels over his body and even using ice. It's critical to keep refreshing the water so that it stays cool. A visit to the vet is usually a good precautionary idea after the greyhound has recovered.

    Prevention of Heat Stroke

    • Preventing heat stroke means following common sense guidelines. Dogs should always have water readily available, especially if they're prone to heat stroke. Water's cooling abilities can be strengthened if ice is added. Squirting a greyhound down with water will help to keep the dog's body temperature cool and prevent overheating. Owners can also wet a towel and drape it over the dog's body.