Samoyeds are arctic dogs that thrive in harsh snowy conditions but could these dogs do well in a hot country?
Healthy grown-up Samoyeds tolerate temperatures up to 86° F (30°C). These dogs adapt well and can live in a warm climate but hot weather makes it challenging for a Samoyed to stay active outdoors. These dogs can develop hypothermia quickly, so it is important to take precautions.
It is important to keep in mind the dog’s individual characteristics, such as age and general health status.
Temperature Regulation In Dogs
The average body temperature of a dog regardless of the breed is about 101.5 °F (38.5°C). Large dogs, including Samoyeds, have slightly higher body temperatures. Dogs do have several mechanisms to cool down when needed but their ability to lower body temperature is very limited.
The ideal range of air temperature for dogs is called the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). The TNZ varies to an extent for different breeds. It is called thermoneutral because an animal does not need to spend any energy to maintain its baseline body temperature when the ambient air is within the TNZ.
The size of the dog, the quality of the coat, and the shape of the head are all factors that affect the dog’s ability to self-regulate temperature.
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. On a hot day, dogs self-regulate by spending some energy to keep their body temperature normal. Heatstroke occurs when the animal is no longer able to cool down effectively.
Samoyed Dogs And Temperature Regulation
Samoyeds do fine in warm weather – up to 85-86°F (30°C) as long as you do not expect the dog to do much more than a regular daily walk. Regular temperatures higher than 75° F ( 24° C) make it harder for these dogs to stay active outdoors, especially engaging in running, hiking, or playing games outside.
A dog’s ability to cool down through perspiring is insignificant, because only the nose and paws can sweat. The only way for a dog to cool down somewhat significantly is to pant.
Individual Risk Factors
Individual traits, as well as several environmental factors, can reduce the animal’s ability to maintain its body temperature at baseline:
- Old age
- Very young age, less than a year old
- Health issues, especially cardiovascular and respiratory conditions
- Being overweight
- Dehydration
- Lack of acclimation: being used to higher temperatures allows the dog to adjust, but only to an extent
Two environmental conditions that put animals at a higher risk for heatstroke are the following:
- Poor air circulation indoors
- High air humidity outside
How Does Thick Fur Affect Samoyeds In Hot Weather?
Samoyeds have very thick double-layer coats, they are likely among the fluffiest breeds of dogs.
The undercoat layer is short, thick, and great at insulating the animal. The upper layer is sparser and longer. It protects animals from UV light, water, and insects.
Samoyeds shed the bottom layer of their coats in spring and summer. The upper layer allows the air to circulate on the skin and it helps protect the dog from excessive heat.
You should never shave a dog’s coat, unless it is needed for medical indications. Not only does shaving compromise a dog’s ability to regulate body temperature, the fur may not grow back of the same quality or take a very long time to get restored.
It could, however, be helpful to brush your dog daily before and during the hot season to promote the shedding of old loose hairs. That makes fur lighter and more breathable without compromising its integrity.
Signs Of Dehydration
Dehydration is a risk factor for heatstroke and a dangerous condition on its own. These are the signs of dehydration in your pet:
- Dry, pale nose and mouth
- Mucous membranes of the mouth could turn dark, purple, or bluish
- Fast heart rate
- Sunken eyes
- Decreased urine output
- Poor 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 Heatstroke
If a dog’s body temperature reaches 104° F (40° C), the animal 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
What To Do If Your Dog Overheated
In its early stages, overheating could be mild and easy to correct. It is better to err on the side of caution because the dog’s condition could change within minutes.
There are steps you should take immediately if you believe your dog is too warm:
- Move the dog to a shaded area
- Give your pet cool water
- If your pet is unable to drink independently, avoid forcing him or her but try to wet its tongue, instead
- Do NOT give your dog ice or put ice on its body, because rapid cooling could induce shock
- Put cool wet towels all over your dog to promote gradual cooling
- Putting cool wet towels on the dog’s paws and ear flaps could be helpful too
It is ideal to have your pet examined by a veterinarian, especially if your dog is unable to drink water or walk independently. The animal might need intravenous hydration and nutrition, which could be promptly initiated at a veterinarian’s office.
How To Keep Your Samoyed Cool In Hot Weather
Some practices could help you keep your Samoyed cool and comfortable during the summer months.
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Samoyeds require regular brushing anyway to keep their fur healthy and prevent matting but daily brushing becomes even more important before the start of the hot season.
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to help shed the undercoat during hot months but avoid shaving the coat. Some owners trim their dog’s fur, which could be fine as long as the fur is not trimmed excessively. Trimming is not usually necessary and it is better to avoid doing that, too.
2. Provide Access To Cool Water
Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of cool clean water. Keep several bowls of water in different areas of your home to remind the animal to drink water.
When your pet joins you for a walk or a hike, bring some water for your furry friend, and a foldable water bottle.
3. Avoid Walking The Dog 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 Dog’s Paws
You could put on some protective dog booties on your Samoyed to prevent a burn or other injury to the paws. Most dogs do need some time to accept the idea of wearing booties, some dislike them even with ample practice.
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. Beeswax and paraffin are the core ingredients of paw butter products. These products are designed to seal off the paw from damage.
Purified petroleum-based products are also safe to use on pet paws and could be a cheaper alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most commonly used products are Vaseline and Aquaphor. Aquaphor could be a superior option because it creates a barrier and moisturizes the paws at the same time.
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. Consider Water Activities
If it is an option, swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Samoyeds are not exactly natural swimmers and may not want to participate in aquatic activities but these dogs may still enjoy being close to water to cool down.
A doggy pool on your patio or on your balcony is a decent alternative to a lake or river. Most dogs enjoy splashing in those.
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 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
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. Dogs may be too preoccupied with a game or they want to impress the owner. For that reason, it is important to closely observe pets when temperatures are high, encourage them to drink water and rest, and get them away from the sun as needed.
