Boxers are enthusiastic and fun household pets, great for families with school-age children, and generally fabulous for active individuals. If you live in a warm climate, you might wonder if boxers tolerate hot weather and how to keep them cool on a hot day.
Boxers do not tolerate hot summer weather. A healthy grown-up boxer usually tolerates a regular walk well when the temperature is up to 85°F (30°C) but it is best to keep your pet’s physical activity light on warm days. It is important to recognize the signs of heatstroke and know how to help an overheated dog.
Given how sporty and dynamic these dogs are, it is important to plan how to keep the dog safe in hot weather, in general, and how to be mindful of any individual characteristics and limitations.
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) but the animal’s weight, age, health status, as well as the level of conditioning, are just some of the factors that impact his or her tolerance to temperature extremes. The quality of the dog’s fur and the shape of the head and nose are also factors that determine the animal’s ability to regulate body temperature.
The range of ambient temperatures at which dogs do not 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.
How Do Boxers Regulate Their Temperature?
Boxers generally tolerate temperatures up to 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, such as hiking or jogging. Any dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant because only its nose and paws can produce sweat. The only way for your pet could really lower its temperature is to pant.
A boxer is also limited by the poor insulation of its coat and the shape of the breed’s nose and head, in general, which predispose the animal to breathing problems and heatstroke.
Brachycephalic Airway
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a major factor that puts boxer dogs 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 rather pronounced in boxers’ ability to breathe, especially when active, and regulate temperature.
Individual Risk Factors
The dog’s individual 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 are able to build some tolerance if they are regularly exposed to warm weather.
In addition to the animal’s individual 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 Pet Overheated
Overheating is extremely dangerous to any living being. 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 BOXER COOL IN HOT WEATHER
Boxers are sensitive to all weather extremes, both cold and hot temperatures. Moderate climates are ideal for them but there are also precautions you could take if your pet 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. This practice is helpful to even single-coated dogs, such as boxers. 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 companion 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, especially for an athletic and sociable breed, such as a boxer. 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 Companion Pet’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 boxer’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.
