Do Shelties Do Well In Hot Weather?

Shetland sheepdogs are fabulous companions for outdoor activities but do these dogs tolerate weather extremes, hot weather in particular?

Shelties do well in hot weather but they are still vulnerable to heatstroke when it is warmer than 85°F (30°C). Make sure your dog has plenty of water to drink, and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. Watch your pet for any signs of dehydration and overheating on a hot day, and know what to do if the dog gets too warm.

Although the breed is an important factor, individual characteristics also affect your pet’s stamina and heat tolerance.

Temperature Regulation In Dogs

The average body temperature of most dogs is 101.5 °F (38.5°C). Dogs do have the ability to regulate their temperature to adjust to temperature extremes but their physiological adaptations are limited.

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 range of air temperatures at which dogs do not need to extra 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 takes place when the dog is no longer able to compensate.

Shetland Sheepdogs And Thermoregulation

Shetland sheepdogs tolerate days as warm as 85°F (30°C) very well, even when they are active outdoors. Warm weather is usually not an issue if you are taking your dog for a jog or a hike of moderate intensity, provided that your Sheltie has access to plenty of water.

A dog’s ability to sweat is insignificant because only the nose and paws can produce sweat. So, the only way for a dog to cool down its temperature is to pant. If your pet is panting more than usual when active in hot weather, it means he or she might be nearing exhaustion and you should pay attention.

Individual Risk Factors

Individual characteristics and some environmental conditions strongly affect an animal’s ability to self-regulate its body temperature.

These are some of the factors to keep in mind:

Old dogs and puppies are more susceptible to both overheating and getting too cold due to imperfect perfusion and lower stamina in general

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 can build some tolerance if they are regularly exposed to warm weather.

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, 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, high body temperature

Since heatstroke progresses very quickly after onset and it is very difficult to correct, it is extremely important to prevent overheating.

If Your Sheltie Has Heatstroke

Overheating is very dangerous to any dog. Shetland sheepdogs are hardy but if they do overheat, their status could change in minutes, just like with 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 it cool water
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 Sheltie Cool In Summer

Shelties thrive when they have an active lifestyle, so your dog should join you for any outdoor adventures. If you live in an area with a hot climate, there are precautions to consider to keep your dog safe:

Provide access to plenty of cool water.
Avoid walking your pet 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, and choose shaded areas during the day.

Consider getting dog booties for your Sheltie 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 him 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 Shelties are fond of water. Your dog may have no interest in swimming at all. If he or she does not mind aquatic activities, they are a great alternative to running or hiking on really hot days.
If you are out and about with your pup, a cooling collar could provide some relief. A good cooling vest is a great option helpful if you hike or run with your Sheltie regularly.
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

Shetland sheepdogs are fantastic companions for active people. These dogs are full of energy and adventurous spirit. They can run and play for hours. Dogs sometimes do not realize that they are dehydrated and hot, so you need to keep an eye on your pup continuously, especially on very hot days.