In general, Goldendoodles tolerate hot weather quite well but, like most dogs, they can still develop heatstroke without much warning. A healthy adult Goldendoodle enjoys a routine walk when the temperature is up to about 85°F (30°C) but it is important to moderate your pet’s activity during the hottest part of the day. You should know the signs of heatstroke and ways to help an overheated dog.
As designer breed pups, Goldendoodles can be more tolerant of heat if they resemble their Golden retriever parent more. It is, however, important to keep in mind the individual characteristics of your pet, too.
Temperature Regulation In Dogs, Goldendoodles In Particular
An average body temperature of a dog is 101.5 °F (38.5°C) and dogs have some very limited physiological adaptations to allow temperature regulation when the conditions are suboptimal. Any dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant so the only way for your pet to really cool down when it stays in hot weather is to pant.
The range of ambient temperatures at which dogs do not need to 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.
Goldendoodles do quite well with temperatures up to 85°F (30°C), including for spending some time outside to play or go for a regular walk. If your pup likes to join you for more intense outdoor adventures, such as hiking, days that are 70°F (21°C) or cooler are a safer choice.
Risk Factors For Overheating
Among individual risk factors are the following:
- 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 can build some tolerance if they are regularly exposed to warm weather.
Some compounding factors in the environment include the following:
- High air humidity
- Poor air circulation
The Texture Of The Coat Varies
The texture of fur could vary from wavy and smooth to very curly, depending on the parent your Goldendoodle resembles more.
You could choose to trim the coat for better air circulation on the skin but the coat is important to protect the dog from UV light. You should never shave your dog’s coat. Not only does doing so compromise the animal’s ability to regulate its temperature, but the coat also may not grow back the same. It could take a long time for it to recover.
It could be helpful to brush your dog daily on hot days to promote the shedding of old loose hairs. That way the coat will become thinner and more breathable without compromising its integrity.
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 Dog Overheated
Overheating is extremely dangerous to any animal. 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 Dogs Cool In Hot Weather
Although Goldendoodles are quite tolerant of warm summer days, these dogs are still vulnerable to overheating and you should implement the practices that are generally helpful in keeping dogs cool in hot weather.
1. Avoid Walking Your Pet On Asphalt Trails
Walk your dog on grass or ground instead of asphalt. Asphalt trails get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating and burning your pup’s paws.
2. 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 sufficient practice.
Applying certified organic paw balm, or wax, to the paws is the next best option. There is a variety of paw wax, balm or butter products and most of them protect paws from damage extremely well. Most dogs do not mind having paw wax on at all.
3. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to promote the shedding of loose hairs and improve air circulation on the skin. Avoid shaving the fur unless medically indicated.
4. Provide Plenty Of 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, when your furry friend goes on a hike or a jog with you.
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. Goldendoodles are great swimmers, provided that the dog is properly introduced to aquatic activities.
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.
9. Consider Getting A Cooling Vest For Hikes
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.
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 poor 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
Dogs sometimes do not realize they are dehydrated and hot, so you should also moderate your furry friend’s activity outdoors when the dog is excited and active. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, such as uncharacteristic panting, or unsteady gait, give your Goldendoodle a break and have a low threshold for taking the dog to a veterinarian if the animal shows signs of severe dehydration or heatstroke.
