Dog Breed
Is your dog good with hot weather or is your dog sensitive to hot weather?
“Take care of at-risk dogs. Be watchful if you have a snub-nosed pet like a pug or bulldog. Their smaller airways make it harder for them to release heat when they pant. It’s also easy for old and overweight dogs, or those with heart and breathing problems, to get heatstroke.”
WebMd.com
Dogs with long noses have more internal surface area to aid in cooling. Dogs with short hair and a single coat will do better, but then you may need to watch out for sunburn. Here is more information:
“The best hot weather dog breeds
In general, dogs with thin, short coats—think: beagles, Chihuahuas, and Dalmatians—do best in the heat. Dogs with short noses and thick coats are less comfortable as temperatures rise.
Dog breeds originating in hot climates were born ready to face the heat: Basenjis and pharaoh hounds, to name a few. High-speed hounds used for coursing and racing, mostly from the sighthound group, are all naturally gifted when it comes to beating the heat. Their long noses cool the air, and their big lungs and hearts distribute oxygen through their bodies. Salukis, greyhounds, and whippets are all members of this speedy group.
Climate-sensitive breeds and conditions
While most dogs can tolerate the hot summer months with appropriate hydration and environment management, some dogs are just going to have a harder time.
All snub-nosed or brachycephalic dogs have a harder time regulating their temperatures due to their shorter nasal passages. Bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers are more sensitive to rising temperatures.
Other dogs that need special attention during a heatwave include giant breed dogs as well as elderly, obese, or diabetic animals.”
Rover.com Hot Weather Dogs
Heatstroke
- Humidity is also a factor to consider
- high temperature (101.5 is normal)
- Rapid breathing/panting
- excess salivation and thickened saliva
- fatigue
- muscle tremors
- staggering
If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke you need to act fast. Remove the dog from the hot area. Cool the dog down by wetting them down start at their feet and stomach, very small dogs use lukewarm water. If you can place a fan to circulate air around them. Call you veterinary!
Dehydration
Dehydration is a year-round concern, we tend to focus on hydration more when it is hot.
- sunken eyes
- lethargy
- dry mouth
- depression
- pinched fold of skin is slow to snap back
If your dog is dehydrated provide them with fresh water. Dogs that are severely dehydrated will need a trip to your veterinarian for intravenous fluids.
It is always better to err on the side of caution and always consult your veterinary.
Please comment below!
Mark
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