Operation News – April 2026

I had a plan.

My May article was going to focus on Arizona heat and how it affects our hounds.

Then Mother Nature laughed … and laughed.

In case you somehow missed it, March didn’t just break records — it shattered them.

We Arizonans know a thing or two about heat, but this? This was something entirely different. It capped off what is now being called the hottest winter on record in Tucson and Phoenix.

So … let’s talk about our hounds.

Why Heat Hits Greyhounds Harder

Dogs, in general, are built to conserve heat — not release it. Their sweat glands (located on their noses and paw pads) just aren’t enough to keep them cool on hot days.

Greyhounds add a few extra challenges:

Very little body fat
Thin skin
High muscle mass
All of this makes them especially sensitive to temperature extremes — hot and cold. Just one more of their unique (and lovable) quirks.

A greyhound’s normal resting body temperature is 101-102.5°F, and their ideal comfort zone is an air temperature between 60-75°F.

Keeping Your Hound Safe in the Heat

A few simple precautions can make all the difference:

Walk early – Pavement holds heat. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Hydration is key – Always have fresh, cool water available.
Take it easy – Limit exercise when temperatures climb above 75°F.
Think ahead – Always have a cooling plan before transporting your hound.
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke: What To Do

If your hound shows signs of overheating, act quickly:

Move & Cool – Get them into shade or air conditioning immediately.
Apply Water – Use cool (not ice-cold) water on the neck, belly and inner thighs.
No Ice – Ice can actually slow cooling by constricting blood vessels.
Create Airflow – Use a fan or increase ventilation to help evaporation.
Offer Water – Let them drink small amounts, but don’t force it.
When to Seek Veterinary Care

Always follow up – Even if your dog seems to recover, complications can appear hours or days later.
Emergency signs – Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:
Collapsing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Seizures
Extreme lethargy or distress
During transport, keep your vehicle cool and well-ventilated.

The Arizona heat is no joke — and neither is protecting our hounds from it. With a little awareness and preparation, we can keep them safe, comfortable and ready for many more happy walks (just maybe a little earlier in the morning).

Stay cool out there! 🐾

Always moving forward,

Nancy

Nancy Lynberg is the Operations Director of Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption and can be reached at nancy@sagreys.org.