Despite their short legs, Corgis are remarkably agile companions for outdoor activities. Hiking and running often mean being outside in the summer. So, how do Corgis do in hot summer weather?
Corgis do not tolerate hot summer weather. Most healthy adult corgis do fine with regular walks in temperatures as high as 85-86°F (30°C) but hiking, running and other intense activities should wait till the cooler season. Old dogs, puppies, and animals with health problems are at a higher risk for overheating.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have similar thermoregulation and tolerance to hot weather.
How Do Dogs Regulate Temperature?
The average body temperature of most dogs is 101.5 °F (38.5°C). Dogs can regulate their temperature to an extent but their physiological adaptations are limited.
The range of ambient temperatures at which dogs do not spend additional energy to maintain their body temperature at baseline is called the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). The TNZ varies for different breeds.
The dog’s size, the length and quality of the fur, and the type of head and nose are all factors in the animal’s ability to self-regulate body temperature.
The thermoneutral zone for most breeds of dogs is 68-85°F (20-30°C), according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. If the air temperature is above the TNZ, the dog spends some energy regulating herself to keep the body temperature within the normal range. Overheating follows when the dog is no longer able to regulate.
Corgis’ Heat Tolerance And Thermoregulation
The upper ambient temperature a corgi can tolerate comfortably is 85-86°F (30°C), a typical temperature for many breeds. However, temperatures above 75° F ( 24° C) make it challenging for these dogs to stay active outdoors without getting too hot.
Only the dog’s paws and nose produce sweat. For that reason, sweating does not help dogs cool down significantly. When the air is warmer than the body, the only way for a dog to cool down is to pant. The onset of heatstroke can be rather sudden and it progresses quickly.
The Double Coat
Corgis are among the breeds that have thick double-layer coats.
The undercoat is thick and short. It helps maintain a stable body temperature and insulates from temperature extremes. The upper layer is thinner and longer. It guards the animal against UV light, moisture, and insects.
Corgis shed their thick undercoat before the warm season. The upper layer allows for air circulation by the skin and prevents direct sunlight from getting to the skin. It is helpful to the dog to lighten and thin the fur, which can be accomplished by regular brushing to promote the shedding of old dry hairs. You could also trim your pet’s coat ahead of the warm season.
However, avoid shaving the dog’s coat. Shaving dogs’ fur compromises thermoregulation and affects the quality of the coat, which takes a long time to get restored.
Individual Risk Factors
Several factors put dogs at risk regardless of the breed:
- Very young age, less than a year old
- Advanced age
- Health issues, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, in particular
- Being overweight
- Dehydration
- Lack of acclimation: being used to higher temperatures allows the dog to adjust, but only to some extent
Two environmental conditions that could put dogs at a higher risk for heatstroke are the following:
- Poor air circulation indoors
- High air humidity outside
Signs Of Dehydration
Dehydration is a risk factor for heatstroke. It is also a potentially dangerous condition on its own.
These are some of the most common signs of dehydration in a dog:
- Rapid heart rate
- The dog is not urinating
- Dry and pale mucous membranes and nose
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Poor skin turgor, or decreased skin elasticity
Mild dehydration resolves quickly once your dog drinks enough fluids. If dehydration progresses to severe, the dog could develop seizures and cardiovascular compromise.
Signs Of Overheating
If a dog’s temperature rises above 104° F (40° C), the animal needs immediate veterinary care.
These are the signs of heatstroke:
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Unsteady gait, weakness
- Heavy panting
- Purple gums
- Heavy drooling
- The dog feels hot to touch
If Your Dog Overheated
A thermal stroke is extremely dangerous for a dog. It can kill an animal shortly after onset. If you recognize the signs of overheating in your pet, there are basic steps you can take to help:
- Immediately move your dog to a shaded area
- Give him cool water
- Apply cool wet towels over the dog’s entire body
- Avoid giving ice or ice water or putting ice on the animal
If your dog is weak, or unable to drink water or walk, take your pup to a veterinarian’s office right away if possible. Your pet might need intravenous fluids and nutrition, which can be promptly initiated at the vet.
How To Keep Your Corgi Cool In Summer
There are some precautions you can take to prevent your corgi from overheating on a hot day:
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your dog regularly to promote shedding the undercoat during the warm season but avoid shaving the coat. Daily brushing is more effective because it helps lighten the fur and improves air circulation on the skin.
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 your pet to drink water as needed.
When your pet joins you for a walk or a hike, bring some water for the dog, and a foldable water bottle.
3. Avoid Walking The Dog On Asphalt Trails
Walk your dog on grass or ground rather than concrete. Concrete trails get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating. The dog’s paws could also get burned by the hot surface of the heated asphalt.
4. Protect The Dog’s Paws
You can put protective dog boots on your dog’s paws to prevent burns or other injuries. Most dogs need time to get used to wearing boots, some never get used to them.
Dog boots are the best physical barrier to shield the paws from injury but certified organic paw balm, or wax, is the next best option. Beeswax and paraffin are the main ingredients of paw butter products. These products are designed to seal off the paw from damage.
Purified petroleum-based products are also safe for pet paws and are a more frugal alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most popular products are Vaseline and Aquaphor.
5. Avoid The Hottest Part Of The Day
If possible, walk your pet in the morning or 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 Aquatic Activities
If it is an option, swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. A doggy pool on your patio or your balcony is a great alternative to a lake or river. Most dogs enjoy splashing in shallow pools.
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
A cooling vest could be a good investment if you go hiking with your dog or spend much 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 some time to get used to it.
10. Read Your Dog’s Cues
And, finally, you know your pet better than anyone else and you can notice subtle changes in your dog’s behavior.
Dogs often do not show signs of dehydration or exhaustion until they are unwell. It is important to observe pets when temperatures are high, encourage them to drink water and rest, and get them away from the sun as needed.
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