It’s easier than it seems for your dog to overheat on a hot day. Your dog may show plenty of signs if they begin to overheat in the warm sun. Should this happen, you’ll want to cool them down or get them to a vet as soon as possible. First, let’s talk about knowing if your dog is overheating.
How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs?
A dog’s temperature is usually between 100 and 103 degrees F. Generally, any temperature above a dog’s natural body heat is too hot for them.
However, keep in mind that degrees about 77 degrees F or higher can also be too warm for dogs.
It’ll depend on a few other factors, such as the wind chill and the season. For example, 77 degrees F may be cooler in the spring months rather than the summer months.
You also want to keep in mind what the pavement temperature is. For instance, the ground can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the air. This means that on a 70-degree day, the ground is most likely anywhere between 110 degrees and 130 degrees F. These temperatures will surely cause burns on your dog’s paws.
Now, some dog breeds can handle hot weather better than other breeds. But, just like how some dog breeds were built for the cold, others were made for the heat.
Dog Breeds That Can Handle Hot Weather
For example, dog breeds that can handle hot weather often have short, smooth coats. Also, depending on their background or where they originated from, they may be used to warmer temperatures.
Just to name a few, some dogs breeds that can tolerate hot weather are as follows:
- American English Coonhound
- American Foxhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Beagle
- Dalmatian
- English Springer Spaniel
- Greyhound
- Papillon
- Whippet
Dog Breeds That Cannot Handle Hot Weather
On the other hand, other breeds tolerate cold weather better. These dogs were often bred in colder climates and had longer thicker coats.
Some of the many dog breeds that can’t tolerate hot weather are as follows:
- Alaskan Malamute
- Basset Hound
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Chow Chow
- French Bulldog
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Old English Sheepdog
- Saint Bernard
- Siberian Husky
Are Some Dogs More Prone To Overheating Than Others?
Believe it or not, yes. Whether your dog’s breed is built for the hot or the old, certain breeds can easily overheat because of the way their body is.
For example, flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic dogs, have shorter, pushed-in muzzles. This makes it harder for them to breathe and makes them prone to respiratory issues. So, it can be even more difficult for them to breathe in the extreme heat. Thus they can overheat easily.
Some of these dog breeds are the following:
- Boxer
- French Bulldog
- Bulldog
- Pug
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Affenpinscher
- Brussels Griffon
- Bullmastiff
- Boston Terrier
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Pekingese
How To Tell Your Dog Is Overheating
Dogs don’t sweat, which is why they can overheat easily. Luckily, they show some obvious signs when they’re feeling too hot. So, it’s up to you to keep an eye on your doggo on a hot day.
Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Frantic panting
- Extreme salivation
- Labored breathing
When it becomes difficult for your dog to breathe because they’re feeling too warm, you may notice discoloration around their mouth. It may turn gray or purple.
In addition, with the excessive drooling and lack of water, your dog will easily get dehydrated. Dehydration can cause your pup to get more sick. They might not be able to stand, have a seizure, or go comatose.
How To Help Your Dog If They’re Overheating
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, they are overheating. There are ways for you to help them. The best way is to get them to cool off as soon as possible.
First, you can spray them down with cool water. You don’t want to soak your dog, so a spray is ideal. Also, the water should be cool, not cold. The cold water can throw your dog into shock, having the opposite effect of what you’re trying to do. In addition, using ice isn’t a good idea either. It’ll be too cold for them.
You can also use an electric fan to cool them off. It’ll absorb the heat from their body, thus cooling them down. If you don’t have a fan handy, you can do your best to fan them yourself.
Finally, you can take a cool cloth and wipe down their face and muzzle as best as possible.
If you’re sweating, then you can be sure that your dog is already hot and most likely hotter than you are. Bring them to the emergency vet immediately to get proper care and help to cool down well.
Dogs Overheating Is Dangerous
Since dogs don’t sweat, it’s easy for them to become too hot and overheat. If you have a flat-faced dog breed, you’ll undoubtedly need to watch them. Always do your best to keep your dog cool and protect them during the hot days.
