How do Cavapoos handle weather extremes, hot weather in particular?
Cavapoos do not do well in hot summer weather. Both of their parent breeds are heat-sensitive and most Cavapoos also inherit flatter noses from Cavaliers. A healthy grown-up Cavapoo should tolerate a walk when the temperature is up to 85°F (30°C) but it is best to keep their physical activity light on warm days. It is important to recognize the signs of heatstroke and know how to help an overheated animal.
Keep in mind the characteristics of the breed as a whole and your individual pet’s risk factors.
Temperature Regulation In Dogs
Dogs can regulate their temperature to some degree but their physiological adaptations are limited.
The average canine body temperature is 101.5 °F (38.5°C).
The dog’s weight, age, overall health status, and level of conditioning impact their tolerance to temperature extremes. The quality of the dog’s fur as well as the shape of its head and nose are also factors in the animal’s ability to regulate body temperature.
The range of ambient temperatures at which dogs do not need to spend energy to maintain their baseline body temperature is called the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). The TNZ is 68°F to 85°F (20° to 30° C) for most dog breeds, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University.
If the air temperature exceeds the TNZ, the dog begins to overheat as soon as it cannot self-regulate anymore.
Cavapoos And Thermoregulation
Cavapoos generally tolerate days as warm as 85°F (30°C), which is typical for heat-sensitive dogs. However, days warmer than 75°F (24°C) is too hot for intense physical activity, for example, if your pet joins you for a hike or a jog. Save those outdoor adventures for days when it is 70°F (21°C) or cooler.
Any dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant because only its nose and paws can produce sweat. The only way for your pet to lower its temperature is to pant. It is not specific to just Cavapoos and their parent breeds but Cavapoos have other features that make overheating more likely for these dogs.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Cavalier King Charles spaniels have flatter faces and Cavapoos inherit that feature from them, to a varying degree.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a major factor that puts Cavapoos at risk for overheating. The following features make it more difficult to breathe and, therefore, to cool down through panting:
- Narrow nostrils impair air circulation and any congestion exacerbates the problem
- A narrow trachea makes panting less efficient
- The long palate leads to respiratory problems
- Pouches of laryngeal tissue often obstruct the airway and sometimes even require surgical intervention
The brachycephalic airway syndrome is milder in Cavapoos than in most other flat-faced breeds but it still could affect these dogs’ ability to breathe, especially when active, and regulate temperature.
The Texture Of The Single-Layer Coat Varies
Cavapoos have single-layer coats. The texture of a Cavapoo’s fur could vary from wavy and smooth to very curly.
You could choose to trim the coat for better air circulation on the skin but the coat is important to protect the dog from UV light. You should never shave your dog’s coat. Not only does doing so compromise the animal’s ability to regulate its temperature, but the coat also may not grow back the same. It could take a long time for it to recover.
It could be helpful to brush your dog daily on hot days to promote the shedding of old loose hairs. That way the coat will become thinner and more breathable without compromising its integrity.
Individual Risk Factors
The dog’s traits affect its ability to tolerate temperature extremes and to cool down:
- Old dogs and puppies are more susceptible to overheating
- Cardiovascular and respiratory health problems are major risk factors for heatstroke
- Overweight dogs are more vulnerable
- Dehydrated dogs are at a higher risk
- Lack of acclimation is important because dogs can build some tolerance if they are regularly exposed to warm weather.
In addition to the animal’s risk factors, high air humidity outdoors and poor air circulation indoors are additional risk factors.
Signs Of Dehydration
Dehydration is a risk factor for overheating and a dangerous condition on its own. These are the signs of dehydration in animals:
- Fast heart rate
- Dry pale nose and mouth
- Sunken eyes
- The dog is not urinating
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Confusion, changes in behavior
Dehydration is very dangerous to dogs. If it is not corrected quickly, the dog could lose the ability to walk and drink water independently and could even develop 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
- Dark bluish gums
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Disorientation and increasing changes in behavior
- Poor balance
- The dog feels hot to the touch, high body temperature
What To Do If Your Dog Overheated
Overheating is extremely dangerous to any animal. There are steps you should take immediately if you believe your pet is too hot:
- Move the dog to a shaded area
- Give your pet cool water
- Do NOT give your dog ice or put ice on the body
- Put cool wet towels all over your dog
- Don’t leave your pet alone. Keep assessing its behavior and level of alertness until you believe that the pup is back to normal and has cooled down
If you can, take your pet to a veterinarian for an evaluation, especially if the animal is unable to drink water or walk independently. The dog could need intravenous hydration and nutrition at that point.
How To Keep Your Cavapoo Cool In Hot Weather
Cavapoos are rather sensitive to all weather extremes, both cold and hot temperatures. Moderate climate is best for them but there are precautions you can take if your dog is likely to experience hot days either regularly or occasionally:
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to promote the shedding of loose hairs make the fur thinner and improve air circulation on the skin. Avoid shaving the fur unless medically indicated.
2. Provide Access To Cool Water
Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of cool clean water at home and outdoors. Bring some water for your pet, and a foldable water bottle, if your Cavapoo joins you for a hike or a jog.
3. Avoid Walking Your Pet On Asphalt Trails
Walk your dog on grass or ground rather than asphalt. Asphalt trails get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating. In addition, the dog’s paws could get burned by the hot surface of the heated asphalt.
4. Protect The Paws
Putting on protective dog booties provides a solid physical barrier to prevent burns or other injuries to the paws. Many dogs dislike wearing them, even with enough practice.
Applying certified organic paw balm, or wax, to the paws is the next best option. They protect the paw from damage, and most dogs do not mind having paw wax on at all.
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. Woods and forests are ideal for walks and hikes in the summer because they stay cool better than open areas.
6. Provide Rest Periods, Look For Shade
Provide rest periods in the shade when out during the day. Of course, if a shaded trail is available, that would be a safer, preferred option.
7. Engage In Water Activities
If it is an option, swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Cavapoos typically do well with spending time on the beach and splashing or even swimming.
A doggy pool on your patio or your balcony is a good alternative to a lake or river, as most dogs love shallow water to splash in.
8. Consider 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 canine travels with you.
9. Invest In A Good Cooling Vest
If you are out and about with your dog, a cooling collar could provide some relief. A cooling vest might 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 circumference and use the size chart provided by the manufacturer because your dog won’t like a vest with a flawed fit. Your pet should wear the vest at home for a little to get used to the way it feels.
10. Read Your Dog’s Cues
Dogs sometimes do not realize that they are dehydrated and hot, so you should also moderate your furry friend’s activity outdoors when the dog is very excited and active. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, such as uncharacteristic panting, for example, take a pause. Consider evaluating your dog if something is telling you that your furry friend is unwell.
