Not all dogs are built to handle the heat. Some breeds are downright sensitive to the scorching sun, and without the proper care, they can overheat fast. This can lead to dangerous situations that no pet owner wants to face.
If your dog is one of these breeds, you need to be extra cautious when the temperatures rise. Certain dogs just aren’t cut out for hot climates, and their thick fur or short snouts can make things even worse.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to 18 breeds that struggle with the heat and give you the tips you need to keep them cool, comfortable, and safe. Because every dog deserves to enjoy the summer, not suffer through it.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are known for their adorable wrinkled faces and stocky builds. However, these features contribute to their sensitivity to heat. Bulldogs have short snouts, which makes it difficult for them to cool down by panting.
They are prone to overheating, especially in humid and hot climates. It’s essential to provide them with plenty of water and shade. Avoid exercising them during peak sun hours.
Consider using cooling mats or vests to help keep your Bulldog cool. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your Bulldog stays safe and comfortable in warm weather.
Pug
Pugs, with their playful and affectionate nature, are beloved by many. Unfortunately, their short muzzles and compact bodies make them susceptible to heat exhaustion. Pugs can quickly overheat when the temperature rises.
It’s crucial to keep them indoors during hot days and provide air conditioning if possible. Regular hydration is vital, and cooling vests can be beneficial.
Monitor your Pug for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or drooling. By taking these steps, you’ll help your Pug enjoy the summer safely and happily.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes, with their dense coats, are built for the cold, making them prone to overheating in warmer climates. Their thick fur can cause them to heat up quickly, so it’s advised to keep them indoors or in shaded areas during peak temperatures.
While they’re strong and love outdoor activities, Malamutes should be exercised with caution in hot weather. Keeping them hydrated and providing a shady spot for rest can help manage their temperature effectively.
Signs of overheating in Malamutes can include excessive panting and drooling. Owners should be attentive to these signs and act promptly by relocating them to cooler settings or applying cool, damp towels to their body.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful, but their short coats and squashed noses make them vulnerable to heat. They can quickly tire in hot weather, risking heatstroke.
To protect your Boxer, limit outdoor activities during peak heat and offer plenty of water. Seek shaded spots for playtime and consider indoor games.
If the temperature rises, it’s best to keep them cool indoors. By managing their environment, you’ll ensure your energetic Boxer remains healthy and comfortable.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats, but these can be a disadvantage in the heat. Their flat faces also contribute to difficulties in cooling down.
Keeping their coats well-groomed and trimmed can help reduce overheating risks. It’s important to provide a fan or air conditioning during warm days.
Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day and ensure they have fresh water available. With these precautions, your Shih Tzu can stay cool and content.
Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are regal and fluffy, but their thick coats and short noses make them prone to overheating. They struggle to regulate their body temperature in hot climates.
To keep your Pekingese safe, maintain a shaded environment and offer plenty of water. A gentle splash of cool water can also help.
Indoor play is advisable on warm days. By taking these measures, you can ensure your Pekingese remains healthy and happy even when it’s sweltering outside.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their lion-like appearance and dense coats. This thick fur, while beautiful, isn’t ideal for hot weather. Chow Chows can quickly become overheated if not kept cool.
Regular grooming to thin out their coat and keeping them in shaded or air-conditioned areas is crucial. Providing them with plenty of water is also essential.
Take care to walk them during cooler parts of the day. These steps will help your Chow Chow enjoy their time, even on warm days.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and gentle, but they aren’t fans of the heat. Their long, flowing coats can lead to overheating quickly.
It’s important to keep them well-groomed and indoors during hot weather. Providing a fan or air conditioning can make a huge difference.
Always ensure they have access to fresh water and limit outdoor exposure when it’s sunny. With these measures, your Cavalier will thrive even in warm climates.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are lively and friendly, but they can struggle in warmer temperatures. Their short noses make it difficult for them to cool down effectively.
To protect your Boston Terrier, avoid walking during peak heat and ensure they stay hydrated. Cooling vests can be a great addition to their gear.
Find shaded areas for play and rest indoors during extreme heat. With a little care, your Boston Terrier can enjoy the summer months safely.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are small and fluffy, with coats that need attention in the heat. Their long fur can lead to overheating quickly.
Keeping their coat trimmed and well-groomed is crucial during hot weather. Ensure they have access to a cool environment and fresh water at all times.
Avoiding outdoor activities during peak sun hours will help keep them safe. By following these tips, your Maltese can stay comfortable and happy even when it’s hot.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are sturdy, yet their long, thick coats can be problematic in warm climates. Overheating is a concern due to their dense fur.
Keeping their coats trimmed and allowing them to rest on cool surfaces can help. It’s important to ensure they stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
Provide a fan or air conditioning to keep them comfortable. With these precautions, your Lhasa Apso will remain cool and content.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, with their droopy ears and lovable faces, are not built for heat. Their short legs and thick bodies make them susceptible to overheating.
Ensuring they have plenty of water and a shaded area to relax in is essential. Minimizing outdoor activity during hot times will help prevent heat exhaustion.
Indoor play and rest during extreme temperatures are advisable. These simple steps will keep your Basset Hound safe and healthy when it’s hot outside.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are large and fluffy, known for their good nature. However, their size and thick coats are a challenge in the heat. Overheating can be a significant risk.
Keeping them indoors during hot weather is crucial. Ensure your Saint Bernard has a cool place to lie down and access to fresh water.
Avoiding strenuous activities when the temperature is high will also help. With these measures, your Saint Bernard can stay cool and comfortable.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are giant, gentle dogs with thick, water-resistant coats. While great for cold climates, these coats aren’t suited for hot weather.
Providing access to water for swimming can help them cool down. Keeping them indoors with air conditioning on hot days is also beneficial.
Regular grooming to manage their coat is essential. By taking these precautions, your Newfoundland can enjoy the summer without overheating.
Akita
Akitas are strong and dignified, but their dense double coats can lead to overheating. These coats are insulating, making it hard to stay cool in hot climates.
Providing a cool, shaded area with plenty of water is important. Regular brushing during the shedding season can help manage their coat.
Avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day will also protect them. With these tips, your Akita can stay comfortable, even when it’s warm.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are striking and gentle, with a thick double coat. Originally from cold climates, they aren’t well-suited to heat.
To keep them cool, provide plenty of shade and water. Indoors, fans or air conditioning can help maintain a comfortable temperature.
Reducing outdoor activities during peak sun will also help. By following these steps, your Bernese Mountain Dog will stay healthy and happy.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are fluffy and energetic, with a thick double coat that can lead to overheating. Regular grooming and trimming are essential during the summer.
Ensuring they have access to a cool environment with fresh water is important. Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day will also help.
By taking these precautions, your Pomeranian can enjoy the warm weather without the risk of overheating.
Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their impressive size and gentle nature. However, their large bodies make it hard to regulate temperature in the heat.
It’s crucial to provide them with a cool environment and plenty of water. Avoiding strenuous activities during hot weather is essential to prevent heat exhaustion.
With proper care, your Great Dane can enjoy the summer safely and comfortably.