Dogs can become dehydrated and develop heatstroke quickly, so it is important to consider the individual characteristics of your pet that could affect the animal’s stamina. Some breeds are more tolerant of hot summer weather than others.
In general, athletic dogs with longer noses and short, single-layer coats do better with hot weather than dogs of furry or flat-faced breeds do. Some of the popular heat-tolerant dogs are Labrador retrievers, Border collies, Great Danes, Whippets, and Chihuahuas. Old or very young dogs, as well as dogs with chronic health problems, are more sensitive to hot weather.
How Do Dogs Regulate Temperature?
Dogs have a limited number of physiologic adaptations to cool down when appropriate. The normal body temperature of an average dog is about 101.5 °F (38.5°C), with some variation depending on the breed, size, and age of the animal, of course.
The ideal range of air temperatures is called the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). It is the range of temperatures that allows the animal to maintain its normal body temperature without the need to compensate and spend any extra energy.
The TNZ range for most breeds is 68°F to 80-85°F (20° to 26-30°C), according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University.
Dogs’ ability to cool down through sweating is insignificant because only their noses and paws can sweat. For that reason, dogs pant heavily in an attempt to cool down.
Dogs with longer faces and noses, as well as those with thin short fur of lighter colors do better in hot weather. Flat-faced dogs and dogs with thick double-layer coats are more heat-sensitive, in general.
Individual Risk Factors For Overheating
- Very young age, less than a year old
- Advanced age
- Health issues, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, in particular
- Being overweight
- Dehydration
- Lack of acclimation: being used to higher temperatures allows the dog to adjust, within limits
Two environmental conditions that could put your pet at a higher risk for heatstroke are the following:
- Poor air circulation indoors
- High air humidity outside
DOG BREEDS THAT DO WELL IN HOT WEATHER
1. Labrador Retriever
If you are looking for a classic family dog and companion, a Labrador Retriever is a universal household pet – responsive to training, athletic, adaptable, and friendly. Labs make excellent activity partners on land and in the water. These dogs can be sensitive to cold weather but do quite well with the summer heat.
| Life expectancy | 10-13 years |
| Size | medium – large |
| Group | sporting |
| Considerations | prone to separation anxiety, Labs need to stay busy and need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation |
2. Border Collie
Known for their exceptional intelligence and work ethic, Border Collies have good stamina and an athletic build. If you are looking for a hiking and running partner who could do well with hot and cold weather conditions, the Border collie could be a great match for you. These pups are vigilant around new people and dogs but get along very well with other household pets. They are loyal to the entire family, although might have a preference for one family member.
| Life expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Size | medium |
| Group | herding |
| Considerations | prone to separation anxiety, herding behaviors could persist, these dogs need to be kept busy and need plenty of physical activity |
3. Australian Cattle Dog
These beautiful and strong dogs are typical herding animals and resemble Border collies and Aussies in their temperaments. Australian Cattle dogs were bred to be outdoors, to work on farms, and to herd animals. These dogs rely on opportunities to stay active and engage their minds during the day. They will happily join you on a hike or a jog but will become bored and possibly even destructive if left home alone for long periods. Like most herding dogs, Australian Cattle dogs are highly intelligent and respond well to training.
| Life expectancy | 13-15 years |
| Size | medium |
| Group | herding |
| Considerations | prone to separation anxiety, requires plenty of physical activity and ample socialization |
4. Great Dane
Some of the tallest, largest dogs, Great Danes do surprisingly well with hot weather. They are an even bigger commitment than most dogs, thanks to their size. Although these pups are calm, reserved, and friendly, it is imperative to provide consistent training. A dog of its imposing size must be very well-behaved to prevent incidents and misunderstandings. Great Danes are sweet family pets but they are capable of being excellent guard dogs, too.
| Life expectancy | 8-9 years |
| Size | among the largest breeds |
| Group | working |
| Considerations | not the easiest to train but capable of learning with consistent methodical training, can accidentally knock down a grown person while greeting them or playing |
5. Chihuahua
These tiny pets are perfect for dog-loving people who live in cities, in compact apartments, in particular. Chihuahuas are fun to interact with, playful, and eager to participate in games and outdoor activities. Given proper opportunities to socialize, Chihuahuas behave well around strangers and other dogs but they are vocal and reactive, in general. Chihuahuas are not ideal for households with small children but are great for kids of school age. These dogs also get along with other pets if the animals are raised together.
| Life expectancy | 14-20 years |
| Size | tiny |
| Group | toy |
| Considerations | Chihuahuas bark a lot and can be aggressive and mouthy. They are not ideal for families with young kids, despite the common misconception, due to their reactive personalities |
6. Basenji
Basenjis come from West Africa, so hot weather is natural for these pups and a cold climate would be challenging for them to tolerate. Basenjis are highly active, and bright but not easy to train due to being very independent. These dogs can vocalize in their way but they do not bark because of the way their airways are built. They do well in apartments, as long as you provide them with daily walks, and do just fine with children in the family if properly socialized.
| Life expectancy | 12-16 years |
| Size | small-medium |
| Group | hound |
| Considerations | independent and stubborn, these pups are not easy to train, although, with proper socialization, they adapt well to living in apartments and families with school-age kiddos. Basenjis are not for cold climates and do need accommodations for occasional cold weather. |
7. Whippet
Whippets are becoming more popular due to their gentle disposition and quiet, undemanding personalities. They do very well in apartments but depend on regular exercise and walks to maintain physical health and happiness. Whippets are patient, sweet, and open to games and hikes, which makes them wonderful family dogs.
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Size | medium |
| Group | hound |
| Considerations | sensitive to cold, these dogs should only live indoors; Whippets also need plenty of exercise and, ideally, a yard – they rarely become aggressive but could grow anxious and unhappy if they do not have an opportunity to run around daily. |
8. Vizsla
Vizslas are excellent dogs for active individuals or families with older kids in the household. These dogs need interaction and exercise, they could become destructive and anxious if left home alone for long periods. Vizslas make excellent partners for running, hiking, hunting, and outdoor games and do well with household dogs and cats if raised together.
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Size | medium |
| Group | sporting |
| Considerations | prone to separation anxiety, need daily exercise and these dogs do shed, contrary to expectations based on their short coats |
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthair Pointers are athletic, kinetic, and task-oriented dogs. These pups are great pets for older children and active individuals and families. Living in the city and a compact apartment is just fine but your dog needs to go outside and get a good amount of exercise daily.
| Life expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Size | medium – large |
| Group | sporting |
| Considerations | not ideal for busy people or for staying home alone for long hours regularly; prone to separation anxiety and need to stay active physically and mentally. Dogs of this breed are also cold-sensitive |
10. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher dogs are remarkably athletic, protective bright, and responsive to training. These dogs do need to be very well-trained because their power and size could be imposing for some people and animals alike.
| Life expectancy | 10-13 years |
| Size | medium-large |
| Group | working |
| Considerations | must be well-trained, due to their susceptibility to anxiety and strong prey instincts. These pups are happier in hot climates than in cold ones, as they have few adaptations to stay warm in frigid temperatures. |
11. Beagle
If you are experienced with dogs and are an active individual or an outdoorsy parent of an active family, a Beagle could be an ideal match for you! These pups are fabulous for hiking and running but they are not easy to train and may not be suitable for compact apartments, given how vocal and stubborn these pups are.
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Size | small- medium |
| Group | hound |
| Considerations | Beagles love to bark, are notoriously hard to potty-train and also require good, systematic training. Needless to say, these pups are not for novice dog owners. |
Signs Of Dehydration In Dogs
Dehydration is a risk factor for overheating and a dangerous condition on its own. These are the signs of dehydration in your dog:
- Dry, pale nose and mouth
- Fast heart rate
- Sunken eyes
- The dog is not urinating
- Decreased skin elasticity
Dehydration is very dangerous to dogs. If it is not corrected quickly, the dog could become unable to walk and drink water and could progress to developing seizures and cardiovascular shock.
Signs Of Overheating
If a dog’s body temperature reaches 104° F (40° C), the pup is at risk of deteriorating quickly. These changes herald an impending heatstroke in dogs:
- Heavy drooling
- Heavy panting
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Disorientation and poor balance
- Purple gums
- The dog feels hot to the touch, high body temperature
How To Keep Your Dog Cool In Hot Weather On A Summer Day
Several practical steps could keep your pet cool and comfortable during the summer months.
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your furry friend regularly to help shed the undercoat during the warm season but avoid shaving the coat.
Trimming the coat could be fine but it is not necessary for most breeds. Daily brushing is more effective, especially for double-coated dogs, because it lightens the fur and improves air circulation on the skin.
2. Provide Access To Cool Water
Make sure your dog always has access to cool clean water. Keep several bowls of water in different areas of your home to remind your pet to hydrate as needed.
When hiking or running outside, bring some water for the dog, and a foldable water bottle as needed.
3. Avoid Walking The Dog On Concrete
Walk your dog on grass or ground rather than asphalt. Concrete trails get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating. The dog’s paws could also get burned by the hot surface of the heated asphalt.
4. Protect The Dog’s Paws
You could put some protective dog booties on your dog’s paws to prevent burns or other injuries. Most dogs need time to get used to wearing boots, some never get used to them.
Dog boots are the best physical barrier to shield the paws from any injury but certified organic paw balm, or wax, is the next best option. Dogs do not mind paw wax products at all, unlike boots.
Purified petroleum-based products are also safe to use on pet paws and are a more frugal alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most popular products are Vaseline and Aquaphor.
5. Avoid The Hottest Part Of The Day
Try to walk your pet in the morning or in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Shaded trails are ideal for walks and hikes in the summer.
6. Provide Rest Periods, Look For Shade
Provide rest periods in the shade when out during the day and keep the walks short if there is no shelter outdoors.
7. Consider Aquatic Activities
Swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Not all dogs love swimming and playing in the water but most canines do respond very well to being near the water on a hot day.
A doggy pool on your patio or balcony is a great alternative to a lake or river. Most dogs enjoy splashing in shallow pools.
8. Purchase A Cooling Mat
If you don’t have an air conditioner indoors, consider getting a non-toxic cooling mat for your pet if your home gets too warm. Cooling mats are great for cars, too, when your pet joins you on a trip.
9. Invest In A Cooling Vest
A cooling vest could be a good investment if you go hiking with your dog or spend a lot of time outdoors in warm weather with your pet.
It is important to measure your dog’s chest and use the size chart provided by the manufacturer because your dog won’t like a vest that does not fit well. Your pet should wear the vest at home for a little bit to get used to the way it feels.
10. Read Your Dog’s Cues
And, finally, you know your pet better than anyone else and you are likely to notice subtle changes in your dog’s behavior.
Dogs often do not show signs of dehydration or exhaustion until they are unwell. It is important to closely observe pets when temperatures are high, encourage hydration and rest, and get them away from the sun as needed.
