The Forth of July is almost upon us and in some areas, even in high fire danger areas, the celebratory crowd is already making themselves know.   In many cases, there are random fireworks going off nightly so you have a hint that your greys don’t like them but Monday will bring that up to a new level.  I live near the Rose Bowl and they have a huge display on the 4th that makes the ground shake.  Most of my greys cope well but not all.  Holly has already taken to sleeping in the bathroom leaning up against the shower because of random fireworks. Patty used to get stuck under our bed, shake and cry.
 
GreySave has a lot of new greyhounds out there this year and you just don’t know for sure how they will react. Greys in a panic can do some pretty crazy and scary things! In prior years we have had a couple die from injuries sustained over the 4th.  Some will try to hide under beds; in closets; in the bathroom or even climb into the tub. Others panic and run around the house into sharp corners or other objects, jump on counters as Carlee did or even jump over very high fences or break through pretty strong gates.  Once loose, they run in a panic and are in extreme danger. 
 
Greyhounds can do things that you never thought they could do so be prepared.  At my house we close the doors and windows and even the dog door so no one can escape, turn on the AC and music or the TV (without a fireworks display) and stay home with them.  Whatever you do please don’t leave them home alone. 
 
I will put this message up on our Facebook Group page so others can share their experiences and what they do to keep their greys safe.

Warning!!  Extreme heat and greyhounds do not mix well!!  The high heats we are experiencing are very dangerous for all dogs but especially greyhounds with their lack of fur and thin skin.  Their tender feet are a risk too - on the dark hot top or even on lighter colored sidewalks.  Always test the surface with the back of your hand and keep them off the pavement as much as possible.  If walking your grey this time of year it should only be in the early morning or maybe later at night or get them a "cool coat".  I know that REI has them and theirs are made by Ruff Wear but you can also get them on the net.  

For more information and what to do if you grey is going into heat exhaustion see the article on our our website http://www.greysave.org/heatstroke.html