These dogs are among the most popular breeds for all kinds of households but it is wise to consider if poodles do well in hot weather, if you live in a warm climate.
Poodles do not tolerate hot weather well and can struggle with being active outdoors on a warm day. Most healthy adult poodles do fine at about 85°F (30°C). However, it is important to watch your pet for any signs of heatstroke and know how to help an overheated dog.
Many factors affect a dog’s tolerance to heat and several practices to have in mind to keep a poodle comfortable and safe in hot weather.
A Brief Overview of Temperature Regulation in Dogs
- The average body temperature of a dog is 101.5 °F (38.5°C).
- Dogs have limited physiological adaptations for temperature regulation when it is either too hot or too warm.
- A dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant, which is why the only way dogs cool down is by panting.
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.
Risk Factors for Overheating
Among individual risk factors are the following:
- 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.
Environmental factors include the following:
- High air humidity
- Poor air circulation
The Poodle’s Physical Traits and Heat-Sensitivity
In general, Poodles do fine with going on a routine walk when it is as hot as 85°F (30°C) but you should limit the amount of time outdoors and make sure the dog drinks plenty of water. 70°F (21°C) or cooler is a more appropriate temperature for higher-intensity exercises, such as hiking.
- The poodle’s relatively long muzzle is well suited for warm weather, it allows the air to cool down before it enters the airways
- The thick coat protects quite well against UV light and allows for air circulation on the skin
Despite having these adaptations that allow for relative tolerance to warm weather, poodles were not bred to withstand and endure extreme temperatures, so they are vulnerable to overheating.
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 Has Heatstroke
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 POODLE COOL IN SUMMER
1. Avoid Walking Your Pet on Asphalt Trails
Walk your dog on grass or ground instead of asphalt. Asphalt trails get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating and burning your dog’s paws.
2. Protect the Dog’s Paws
Putting on protective dog booties provides a physical barrier to prevent burns or other injuries to the paws. Many dogs dislike wearing them, even with sufficient practice.
Applying certified organic paw balm, to the paws is the next best option. Paw butter, wax, or balm are excellent products to protect paws from damage, and most dogs do not mind having paw wax on at all.
3. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to promote the shedding of loose hairs and improve air circulation on the skin. Avoid shaving the fur unless medically indicated. You could choose to trim your poodle’s fur quite short in the summer.
Poodles shed minimal but regular brushing still improves blood and air circulation and prevents matting these dogs are so prone to.
4. 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, when your furry friend goes on a hike or a jog with you.
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
Swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Poodles are usually fond of water or at least they enjoy aquatic games and playing on the beach.
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 or car gets too warm.
9. Invest in A Good Cooling Vest
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 the Dog’s Cues
Dogs sometimes do not realize they are dehydrated and hot, so you should also moderate your furry friend’s activity outdoors when the dog is excited and active. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, such as uncharacteristic panting, or unsteady gait, give your poodle a break and have a low threshold for taking the dog to a veterinarian if the animal shows signs of severe dehydration or heatstroke.
