These dogs are hardy when it comes to winter weather but how do Bernese Mountain Dogs do in a warm climate? Do Berners tolerate hot weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not tolerate hot weather. Even a healthy adult Berner might feel the heat when the temperature exceeds 75°F ( 24°C). Old animals, puppies, and dogs with health issues are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. Know how to recognize the signs of overheating and how to help your pet on a hot day.
Consider the individual characteristics of your dog, too, because they can be much more important than the breed.
How Dogs Regulate Temperature
The average body temperature of a Bernese Mountain Dog, as well as most other large breeds, is 100.5-102.5°F (about 38.5°C). Dogs have few physiologic mechanisms to enable cooling down as needed.
The ideal range of temperatures – when dogs do not spend extra energy to maintain a normal body temperature – is referred to as the thermoneutral zone (TNZ).
The TNZ is not the same for all breeds. The dog’s size, the thickness of the coat, and the shape of the nose and head are all factors that affect the range of temperatures a particular dog does well with.
In general, however, the TNZ ranges from 68°F to 80-86°F (20° to 26-30°C) for most breeds, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. If the ambient temperature is higher than optimal, the dog compensates to keep the body temperature at baseline but that takes some energy. When a dog cannot compensate anymore, heatstroke onsets.
Berners And Temperature Regulation
The upper temperature most Berners can tolerate is 85-86° F (30° C), which is typical for many breeds. In reality, these dogs can withstand such high ambient temperatures only for a short period.
A dog’s ability to lose heat through sweating is minimal because only his or her paws and nose can produce sweat. When the air is warmer than the body, the only way for a dog to cool down is to pant. That is why dogs can develop heatstroke in minutes.
Individual Risk Factors For Overheating
Some Bernese Mountain Dogs are at an even higher risk for heatstroke, and environmental circumstances could make overheating more likely.
- Old age: elderly animals cannot regulate temperature very effectively and often have health problems that compound the issue
- Very young age: very young dogs generally have little stamina for temperature extremes and exercise
- Compromised health: acute and chronic health problems are major risk factors, especially in animals that have a condition affecting cardiovascular or respiratory health
- Being overweight: most household pets are prone to excessive weight gain, which lowers their ability to tolerate heat and exercise
- Dehydration: hyperthermia and dehydration go hand-in-hand and each can speed up the cycle
- Lack of acclimation: if your pet is more used to living in a cold or moderate climate, it will have less tolerance to the heat than an animal living in an area with frequent hot weather
High air humidity further compromises a Bernese Mountain Dog’s ability to regulate the temperature in the heat. If indoors, poor air circulation has a similar effect and puts a dog at a higher risk.
The Double Coat
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick double-layer coat.
The bottom layer is short, and thick, and does a great job of insulating your dog from the cold and the heat. The upper layer is longer and thinner, and one of its functions is to protect your Bernese Mountain Dog against UV light and moisture, as well as insects.
The beautiful black color of the fur does make Bernese Mountain Dogs more susceptible to overheating because it does not reflect the sunlight but absorbs it instead.
The coat itself, however, helps your pet maintain a normal body temperature. Berners shed their thick undercoat in spring and summer. The remaining upper layer is permissive to air circulation by the skin and guards against direct sunlight. Never shave the coat but brush it regularly to promote the shedding of old hairs to lighten the fur.
Signs Of Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the risk factors for heatstroke. The following are the signs of dehydration in dogs:
- Dry pale nose and mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Fast heart rate
- The dog is not urinating
- Poor skin turgor (elasticity)
Mild dehydration is benign and resolves quickly when the pup drinks enough water. In hot weather, however, the dog can lose water quickly. If dehydration progresses to severe, the dog can have seizures or develop cardiovascular shock.
Signs Of Overheating
If a dog’s temperature exceeds 104° F (40° C), it is at risk of deteriorating very rapidly. The following changes signal an impending heatstroke in a dog:
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Heavy drooling
- Unsteady gait, weakness
- Heavy panting
- Purple or bright red gums
- The dog feels hot to touch
If Your Bernese Mountain Dog Overheated
Heatstroke can be mild but it is better to always treat it as a serious and dangerous condition because it can progress so rapidly. If you recognize the signs of overheating in your pup, there are interventions you can implement immediately:
- Move your dog to a shaded cooler area
- Give the dog some cool water, NOT ice or ice water
- Put cool wet towels over the dog’s body
Take your pup to a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if your dog is weak and unable to drink water. Heatstroke and dehydration are extremely dangerous and may warrant the administration of intravenous hydration and nutrition. That can be promptly initiated at a veterinarian’s office.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG COOL IN SUMMER
Several general practices will protect your heat-sensitive Berner from excessive heat on a summer day:
- Brush your dog daily during the hot season. Frequent brushing helps with shedding any loose hair and improves air circulation. Avoid shaving the dog’s fur – doing so could ruin the quality of the fur and put your pet at risk of overheating even more.
- Provide cool water. Keep several bowls of water in different areas of your home to remind the dog to drink water as needed. When you are outdoors with your pet, bring some water, and a foldable water bottle for the dog.
- Avoid walking the dog on asphalt trails. Walk the dog on grass or ground rather than asphalt whenever possible. Concrete surfaces get hot and could burn your pet’s paws, as well as make heatstroke more likely.
- Protect the paws. You could put some protective dog booties on your dog’s paws to save your pet from injuries, including burns. That is especially important if you like to take your Berner running or hiking.
- Dog boots are the best physical barrier to protect the paws but most dogs need time to get used to wearing them, some never get used to them. If your pet dislikes boots, certified organic paw balm or another paw butter or wax product is the next best option.
- Purified petroleum-based products are also safe to use on pet paws and they are a less expensive alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most popular and effective products are Vaseline and Aquaphor.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. If possible, walk your pet in the morning. Woods are ideal for walks and hikes in the summer because they stay cool better than open areas.
- Provide rest and look for shade
- Consider aquatic activities. If it is an option, swimming and playing in the water is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Bernese Mountain Dogs do very well in water, most enjoy swimming or playing in shallow water. A doggy pool on your patio or your balcony is a great alternative to a lake or river.
- Purchase a cooling mat. If you do not have an air conditioner indoors, consider getting a non-toxic cooling mat for your pet if your home gets very warm. Cooling mats are great for traveling in a car, too.
- A cooling vest could be a worthy investment if you hike or run with your dog or spend much time outdoors in hot weather in general.
- It is important to measure your dog’s chest circumference and use the size chart provided by the manufacturer because your dog won’t appreciate a vest that does not fit just right. Your pet should wear the vest at home for a little to get used to the way it feels, too.
- Read your dog’s cues. You know your pet better than anyone else and you are likely to notice subtle changes in your best friend’s behavior.
- Dogs often do not show signs of dehydration or exhaustion until they are unwell. It is important to keenly observe pets when the environmental conditions are less than ideal. Encourage your pet to drink water and rest, and get the dog out of the sun and heat as needed.
Related Questions:
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Live In Apartments?
Berners do well in apartments, provided that they go on walks regularly and have something to do at home to keep their bright minds engaged. Many dogs of this breed develop joint issues as they age, so it is important to have access to an elevator or live on lower floors.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Swim?
Berners love swimming. Most of these dogs are natural swimmers but if your pet is new to aquatic activities and shows some apprehension in water, just let him at his own pace. Get into the water with your dog and make it a game. Dogs love swimming with fellow canines, so if another dog can join for companionship, that is quite ideal.
