Top Ten Winter essentials for your greyhound
Ex-racing Greyhounds have unique needs, especially when transitioning from the racetrack to home life or adjusting to colder weather.
Here’s a list of winter essentials tailored specifically for ex-racing greyhounds, keeping in mind their exceptionally lean bodies, very short coats, bald bum cheeks and generally sensitive nature to the cold.
While this list of Top Ten Winter Essentials for your Greyhound is specific to the Ex-racing Greyhound – this list can easily be modified for almost any dog or hound.
Whenever available or possible I will provide a link to the small businesses that you can do some research at to ensure this essential item is right for your Greyhound.
an Elevated dog bed is perfect for ex-racers
Replace the original stuffing with memory foam, add a cozy blanket and you have the perfect bed for your Greyhound.
Indoor Winter essentials for your greyhound
1 Choose a Fleece or Sweater
When indoors or for extra warmth during outings, a fleece or sweater can help keep your greyhound cozy.
This cozy layer will keep their muscles warm, which is especially important after the physical exertion of play or a vigorous walk.
Choose one that fits snuggly to avoid drafts, but allows enough movement for comfort.
Especially in the shoulders.
Make sure it covers their hips as well.
Consider a high neck or turtleneck style for extra protection around their chest and neck.
Once the really cold weather hits here, Sabrina will wear her Greyhound pajamas made from a soft jersey material at night as she feels the cold.
2 Elevated Dog Bed
Greyhounds often sleep for a large portion of the day and, due to their low body fat, they can become cold quickly when lying on hard or cold surfaces.
An elevated bed with a thick soft fleece blanket (featured above) can help keep them off the cold ground and add warmth to their sleeping environment.
Look for a bed with orthopedic foam to support their joints, especially if they’re transitioning from the racing life.
You can also go to your local foam shop and switch the stuffing from your current bed to a memory foam insert.
3 Fleece Blankets
Having extra blankets around the house is essential for keeping a greyhound warm when they’re lounging around indoors.
Fleece is soft, warm, and breathable, providing just the right amount of comfort.
Drape a blanket over your greyhound’s bed, or use it to snuggle with them on the couch.
4 Mental Stimulation and Indoor Play
Greyhounds are high-energy dogs, and during winter, it’s important to provide them with mental stimulation especially, if outdoor exercise is limited.
Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and safe indoor games will keep them entertained and mentally sharp.
Consider setting up a safe indoor area for them to run or play fetch, especially if they’re used to the high-speed exercise of racing.
5 High-Quality Food, Treats and Toppers
Winter can increase your Greyhound’s energy needs as they burn more calories to stay warm.
Look for food with higher protein content and consider adding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to help keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Some Greyhounds may even need a slight increase in food portions during winter.
Many Greyhounds, like my own girl Sabrina, are sensitive to too much protein.
Because she is on a lower protein diet, I top her meals with additional high protein dehydrated lamb organs.
I also give her treats of the same.
In her case, too many different proteins can very quickly upset her tummy.
And don’t always add protein in the form or dairy, as most dairy products have little significant protein unless you are considering adding a Greek-style high protein yogurt.
Remember that not all Greyhounds can digest dairy.
I feed almost exclusively Stella and Chewy products, primarily due to fact that so far all their products agree with Sabrina and she loves them.
6 Soft Cozy House Collar
Greyhounds have thin, sensitive skin around their necks, so a soft, well-padded collar is ideal for avoiding irritation, especially when wearing it for extended periods.
In winter, a soft collar is a gentle way to hold their tags without discomfort.
Look for a collar made from a soft braided leather that won't irritate their skin.
Do not use vegan leather or acrylic wool as both these products can be toxic to your Greyhound’s skin, if worn all the time.
7 Gentle Shampoo and Coat Care
Greyhounds have short coats that can become dry and flaky in winter due to indoor heating and cold weather.
A gentle, moisturizing all in one shampoo and conditioner will help maintain the health and softness of their coat.
Lots of gentle brushing and vacuuming can also keep your Greyhound’s coat in top shape.
Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo, my favourite is a shampoo and conditioner all in one like Earthbath Mango Tango.
Bonus tip! Stretching and Massage
Ex-racing greyhounds are athletes, and keeping them in good shape involves more than just physical exercise.
Stretching and gentle massage after walks can help prevent stiffness, especially in the cold and damp winter months when their muscles may be more prone to tightness.
Make sure to allow time for cool-downs after outdoor exercise.
By providing these tailored winter essentials, you’ll help ensure your ex-racing greyhound stays comfortable, healthy, and happy during the colder months.
And keep those belly rubs coming!
Outdoor Winter essentials for your greyhound: A Rain jacket and booties
Click on the image to find out where to purchase this rain jacket
Outdoor Winter essentials for your greyhound
8 Winter Coat or Rain Jacket
In addition to insulating layers, a water-resistant jacket will help keep your Greyhound dry when walking through slush or snow.
Look for lightweight, breathable options that are still protective.
Greyhounds have little body fat and very short fur, so they feel the cold more than many other breeds.
A well-fitting lined winter coat is essential to keep them warm during walks or outdoor time.
Look for jackets made from insulated weather-resistant materials.
If you are in a damp and rainy city like Vancouver you may want to opt for a wind resistant rain jacket.
And when the weather turns from rain to wet snow you can easily add a warm later of fleece underneath.
9 Protect Your Greyhound’s Paws
Ex-racing greyhounds are used to running on smooth tracks, and their paws are often more delicate than those of hounds used to walking or running on rough terrain.
Snow, ice, and salt can be harsh on a Greyhound’s paws.
Consider dog booties or paw balms to protect against frostbite, cuts, icy surfaces, and irritation from de-icing chemicals.
Some Greyhounds adapt to boots quite fast, while others may need time to adjust to them.
If boots are too uncomfortable for your Greyhound, you can try a paw balm to create a barrier against snow and salt.
Sabrina exclusively wears booties from Hunny Boots in Australia.
Do your own research, but I recommend them 100%.
You will see Sabrina featured front and centre on their website banner.
10 Reflective Gear for Night Walks and Early Morning Walks
Shorter days mean darker walks.
And it is our responsibility as guardians of the incredible Greyhound dog to be vigilant and do everything we can to make them feel safe.
Reflective collars, leashes, and harnesses help ensure that your hound is visible to drivers and pedestrians when walking in low-light conditions.
Ex-racing Greyhounds fresh from the racetrack may have limited awareness of vehicles, so it's important to be visible during walks, especially in the dark winter months.
This will help prevent them from being frightened and avoid the potential for them to try to run away in fear, if a vehicle is too close.
A reflective leash, collar, and/or harness will help to ensure that both you and your hound stay safe during early morning or evening outings.
Choose reflective gear that's bright and easily visible to drivers.
You can also add a headlamp for yourself rather than a flashlight.
Bonus Tip! Waterproof and Mudproof Martingale Collar
Snow and rain can make collars wet and uncomfortable on your Greyhound’s slender neck.
A waterproof martingale is easier to clean and will stay in better condition throughout the winter.
Look for options made from durable and non-absorbent materials.
I have multiple waterproof martingale collars that are perfect for rain, snow, fog and even swimming in the ocean. I only purchase them from Classic Hound.
bonus Tip! Winter Dog Toys and Play
Cold weather doesn’t mean your hound has to miss out on playtime!
Consider toys designed for winter, such as tug ropes and durable chew toys that can withstand colder temperatures.
In Sabrina’s case, she loves to just play in the snow by jumping in and out of the fluffy snow or snuffling in it.
Her most favourite winter activity is doing Snow Zoomies
