Danger! Danger!
(The following is reprinted from Greyhound Companions of New Mexico's newsletter with their permission).

Venetian blinds, lamps, telephone cords and appliances could be a serious hazard. A large dog could destroy a portion of a room while attempting to free itself from entanglement. A solution is to use "cord keepers" available at hardware stores and children's departments. Excessive cord length is wrapped around these cord keepers which they hang unobtrusively near the wall.

Fear of thunderstorms afflicts some dogs. They pant and pace the floor before the lightning even starts. Some dogs will go to the bathroom on the floor, especially if left alone during an intense storm. (If you come home to a soiled carpet, think about what the weather was like while you were away). It is suggested that it is best to go about your business as if nothing was happening. Some believe that consoling the dog too much as he trembles with each thunderclap will reinforce the insecurity-related behavior. After speaking with a veterinarian, we found that sedatives must be given no less than one hour prior to a storm to be useful. Loud music can be a diversion. Consult your vet.

Leaving animals inside cars in warm climates is deadly. The comment, "well the window is open three inches" is unacceptable. Temperatures can reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. Windows act as a perfect solarium to draw the sun's heat. Don't be careless and cause the death a beloved dog. If you see a situation like this, get involved by calling the police immediately and save a life. A hot car interferes with a dog's natural cooling process (they are unable to perspire and can only pant).

Signs of heat include:
heavy panting
glazed eyes
rapid pulse
dizziness
vomiting
deep red or purple tongue

What can you do? If possible:
1) Move animal into an air conditioned or shady place;
2) Immerse animal in cold water until body temperature lowers;
3) Allow animal to lick ice cubes but do NOT give an unlimited amount of cold water; and
4) Get animal to a vet immediately.

Home Brewing Fatal to Dogs
Word is out that used hops from the process of home brewing have proven fatal to dogs. Out of eight recorded toxicity cases, seven were Greyhounds.  

Ingestion of hops results in malignant hypothermia and uncontrollable fever. The first symptom to become obvious to an owner is heavy panting.  Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) will also be present, up to 200 beats per minute. The temperature may rise as quickly as 2 degrees every five minutes. Carbon dioxide levels in the blood rise dramatically. 

Hops toxicity in dogs has only come to light within the last fourteen months. Many veterinarians, due to no fault of their own, do not have much knowledge of this issue. It is extremely urgent that if you or any neighbors or friends do homebrewing of beer, you pass this information on to them. Home brewers may legally produce 100 gallons of beer/year for their own consumption. Therefore, there is a danger lurking in this brewers paradise. 

If you suspect your dog has eaten hops, call your veterinarian immediately! You may refer him to the National Animal Poison Control Center at 800-548-2423; the call will cost $30.00.

(A greyhound dog died a violent death about 1 year ago, and according to the involved veternarian, it was a severe reaction to a flea therapy that is applied topically. We strongly suggest that prior to using these types of products on your greyhound that you discuss it with your vet).

To learn about a STUDY OF CANCER in ex-greyhound racing dogs, please click here.