Numerous studies conducted in Greyhounds have demonstrated that stress is linked to anemia after five months of training and racing. A watchful eye on dietary protein levels of the racing Greyhound is critical for peak performance. Stress can induce diarrhea and, in a nervous animal, may cause lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Because lactic acidosis can be harmful, it is important to minimize stress experienced by the animal prior to exercise, as the race itself will increase blood lactic acid levels. The racing dog's nutritional balance must be altered to prevent stress-induced pathologic disturbances, which ultimately lead to inferior performance.
Stress can alter fluid and electrolyte balances and lead to dehydration.
Racing Greyhounds weighed prior to the race are not permitted water until the time of the race. The dogs, once weighed, are kept in a common kennel where two to six hours may pass before the race begins. The water loss from urine, environmental temperature and saliva, linked to the stress of waiting, are significant causes of dehydration in the racing Greyhound. Any dog worked during the summer months will be subjected to heat stress and possible heat stroke. It is the owner's or trainer's responsibility to ensure that all measures are taken to reduce and prevent the possibility of a dog collapsing from heatstroke.