Beagles do well in hot weather, but they are still vulnerable to heatstroke on days warmer than 85°F (30°C). To prevent your beagle from overheating, avoid going outside during the hottest hours and walk your pet on grass or ground rather than asphalt. Observe your dog for any signs of heatstroke and offer plenty of water to drink.
Although the breed is an important factor, individual characteristics determine your dog’s tolerance of hot weather, too.
Temperature Regulation In Dogs
The average body temperature of dogs is 101.5 °F (38.5°C). The range of air temperatures at which dogs do not need to spend energy to maintain their body heat at baseline is referred to as the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). The thermoneutral zone is not the same for all breeds.
The thermoneutral zone for most breeds of dogs is 68°F to 85°F (20° to 30°C), according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. If the ambient temperature is above the TNZ, the dog spends some energy to self-regulate the body temperature and keep it within the normal range. Overheating happens when the dog is no longer able to compensate.
Dogs adapt to the environment to a certain degree, so an animal that lives in a hot climate develops better tolerance to heat.
The size of the dog, the quality of the fur, and the shape of the head and nose are all factors in the dog’s ability to self-regulate and withstand temperature extremes.
The Beagle’s Heat Tolerance
Beagles tolerate days as warm as 85°F (30°C) very well. As long as your pup has plenty of water to drink, hiking, running, and walking at such a temperature is generally fine. However, it is still safer to avoid the hottest part of the day and not plan strenuous exercise when it is very hot.
Keep in mind that heatstroke progresses very rapidly in dogs, so prevention is crucial. A dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant because only the nose and paws can produce sweat. The only way for a dog to cool down its temperature is to pant. If you notice that your dog is panting more than usual when active and seems unwell in general, consider moving to a shaded area as soon as possible.
Individual Risk Factors
The individual characteristics of a dog strongly affect the animal’s ability to self-regulate body temperature.
These are the factors to keep in mind:
- Old dogs and puppies are more susceptible to both overheating and getting too cold due to poor perfusion and limited stamina
- Cardiovascular or respiratory health problems are major risk factors for heatstroke
- Overweight dogs are more vulnerable
- Dehydrated animals can overheat within minutes
- Lack of acclimation is important because dogs build up some tolerance if they are regularly exposed to warm weather.
In addition to dog characteristics, high air humidity outdoors and poor air circulation indoors are the environmental risk factors that make it more challenging to tolerate heat.
Signs Of Dehydration
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 turgor, or elasticity
Mild dehydration is easily corrected by adequate fluid intake and rest. If it is not corrected promptly, however, the dog could become unable to walk and drink water and could progress to developing seizures and cardiovascular shock.
Signs Of Overheating
If any dog’s body temperature reaches 104° F (40° C), the animal is at risk of deteriorating very rapidly. 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, with a high body temperature.
If Your Beagle Has Heatstroke
Overheating is very dangerous to any dog. Although beagles are hardy dogs, their health status could change in minutes if they develop heatstroke – just like with any other animal.
There are steps you should take immediately if you believe your dog is too hot:
- Move the dog to a shaded area
- Give the dog some cool water if your pet can drink
- Do NOT give your dog ice or put ice on its body
- Put cool wet towels all over your dog
If possible, have your dog examined by a veterinarian, especially if the animal is unable to drink water or walk independently. The dog may need intravenous hydration and nutrition, and those interventions can be promptly started at a veterinarian’s office.
How To Keep Your Dog Cool In Summer
Many people who choose this breed of dog are active and outdoorsy, and beagles thrive when they have an active lifestyle. If you live in an area with a hot climate, there are precautions to consider to keep your dog during outings in the heat:
- Provide access to plenty of cool water
- Avoid walking your pup on asphalt when it is hot because it can burn the paws. If asphalt feels too hot to touch, then it is probably too hot for your pet’s paws, too. Grass or ground are more paws-friendly options
- Walk your dog in the morning or the evening, choose shaded areas during the day
- Consider getting dog booties for your pet to prevent injury to the paws. Some dogs dislike those, and paw wax is another, less cumbersome for the dog, option to create a protective barrier for the paws
- If you are out and about on a hot day, let the dog rest in the shade now and then
- A non-toxic cooling mat is a good option for hot days at home or in the car
- Not all beagles are fond of water. Your dog may have no interest in swimming at all. If he or she does not mind aquatic activities, those can be a great alternative to running or hiking on really hot days
- A good cooling vest can be an asset if you go hiking with your dog often
- Never leave your dog in the car alone. The air can heat up rapidly in the car, even on a day that feels relatively cool
To Conclude
Dogs often do not realize it when they are becoming dehydrated or too hot, especially when they are enjoying the great outdoors with their favorite people. So, it is important to keep an eye on your furry companion and recognize any signs that your pet is in trouble and distress.
It is always safer to choose a lighter activity when it is very hot outside and to save vigorous hiking and running adventures for a cooler day!
