UPDATE: Greyhound Cooling Vests - GRVQ Edition 5 / Oct-Dec 2011 page 35

With the onset of warmer weather, a number of questions arise in relation to the optional use of cooling vests for greyhounds.  Following discussions with the GOTBA, the Stewards have now approved the use of Canine Cooling Vests on Raceday:

Trainers / Attendants will be permitted to use their own canine cooling vests at all times with their greyhounds, including when PARADING TO THE BOXES.

The decision of whether or not to use a canine cooling vest will rest solely with the Trainer / Attendant, who will also be responsible for the vest at all times.

Question: Re Travelling in Dog Trailer:

Answer: The CoolChampions cooling vests have been a huge success in combating heat stress in greyhounds (as well as show dogs, flyball, agility etc). I have been an owner, breeder, rearer, trainer for over 40 years.
The Silver Eagle Cooling Vest is most effective when used travelling in a trailer and used straight after strenuous activity. It effectively lowers the core temperature of the dog and enables the dog to be presented in the best possible condition to trial or race. Used after race/trial the vest minimizes the rise in core temperature of the dog and enables the dog to recover more quickly.
Travel tips:  Activate cool vest in cold water and place on dog just prior to travel in trailer or you can place activated vest in plastic activation bag and keep in fridge prior to travel and get it out at the last minute to put on dog. As an added bonus many trainers have found that using the cooling vest on bad travellers has helped settle the dog. Important to use an activated vest straight after race/trial to assist recovery. I take an esky car cooler with some iced water for best results. Our cooling vest must be monitored at all times as the coat evaporates at varying rates depending on the climatic conditions - the best way to check the vest is to lift the back of the vest and place your hand across the back over the pin bones - if the dog is cool all OK - if warming up reactivate in cold water. Remember to squeeze out excess water after activation as the vest does not have to be dripping wet to be effective. In this months GRV Adviser (Feb 2010) Page 8 "Cooling Vests" GRV Stewards have set out guidelines for their use. Hope this helps and if you (or anyone) needs further information please don't hesitate to contact me on 03 59988336 (John Adlam)