How Well Do Dogs Tolerate Heat? Tips for Keeping Your Canine Cool During the Dog Days of Summer

Just like humans, dogs have varying abilities to tolerate heat and hot weather. While some dog breeds are naturally more adapted to warmer climates, others may struggle in extreme heat.

It's essential for dog parents to understand their pet's individual tolerance and take appropriate measures to ensure their well-being during the dog days of summer. 

So how well do dogs tolerate heat? Here’s what you need to know about dogs and high temperatures and how to keep your canine cool this time of year!

Breeds That Do Better in Warmer Weather (And Those That Don’t)

Some dogs tend to do better in hot weather. These include dogs with shorter coats and those that are more athletic or conditioned to the heat. 

However, dogs with medium, long, or thick coats—think huskies, shepherds, collies, or golden retrievers—are more likely to overheat. These dogs are not made for extremely hot temperatures without being acclimated or conditioned to them.

Dogs with thick coats have a harder time dissipating heat and may require extra care and attention during hot weather.

Other dogs that are more susceptible to overheating include those with short snouts, such as bulldogs, pugs, and even boxers. These dogs are called brachycephalic breeds, also known as flat-faced dogs, and they are particularly prone to overheating in very hot weather.

Remember that dogs have a base body temperature higher than ours—between 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit—so they can overheat faster than many people think.

The Age and Health of Your Dog Matter

When it comes to extreme temperatures, the age and health of your dog matter.

For example, puppies, elderly dogs, and those with underlying health conditions cannot tolerate heat as well as healthy adult dogs. If you have a senior dog, a new puppy, or a dog with a health condition, it’s essential to watch for overheating and take precautions to keep them cool.

Limiting time outside for these dogs in extreme temperatures and seeking shade is necessary to prevent heat stroke.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Just like people, dogs can get heat stroke. This is a condition that occurs from overheating, and it can happen when your dog’s body temperature is too high. In fact, dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than people, so it’s crucial to monitor your pup for signs when the temperatures are high.

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

• Appearing off-balance or unsteady, staggering, or “wobbling”

• Difficulty breathing

• Excessive panting or salivating

• Lethargy or weakness

• Pale pink gums or tongue

• Vomiting

Factors like humidity, access to shade, duration of sun exposure, and ventilation can all impact a dog's ability to tolerate heat. High humidity makes it harder for dogs to cool down through panting, while direct sun exposure can quickly raise their body temperature.

Know your dog’s limits when exercising them in hot weather, and if you suspect your dog has heat stroke, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. In the meantime, get your dog into the shade or air conditioning and use cool water or wet towels to help lower their body temperature.

How to Keep Your Fur Baby Cool and Safe

Fortunately, by following some simple tips, you can keep your fur baby cool and safe even during this hot time of year. You can do this by:

• Always providing your dog access to shade and cool areas.

• Checking for signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, weakness, or vomiting.

• Limiting outdoor exercise during the hottest hours of the day (generally between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.)

• Never leave your dog in an unattended vehicle.

• Providing cool, fresh water to drink at all times.

• Understanding your dog’s heat tolerance based on their breed, coat, and health.

• Using cooling mats, bandanas, or jackets to help them regulate their body temperature when outside.

Remember, every dog is unique, and it's crucial to observe their behavior and adjust their routine accordingly during hot weather. By being mindful of their needs and taking appropriate precautions, you can ensure your fur baby stays happy, healthy, and comfortable during the dog days of summer!

You Can’t Medicate Your Way Out Of A Behavior Problem

Behavior problems with dogs aren't anything new, but the treatments today are. Veterinarians, groomers, pet store employees, friends, family, and neighbors will tell you "how well-behaved" their dog is since they put them on medications to stop them from being an untrained dog. While medications can help MANAGE certain behavioral issues, it's important to understand their limitations and potential side effects.

There are several types of medications commonly prescribed to dogs for behavior problems, including:

Antidepressants: These medications are used to MANAGE anxiety, fear, and other related behaviors in dogs. Examples of commonly prescribed antidepressants for dogs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and clomipramine (Clomicalm). These medications work by regulating the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior.

Anti-anxiety medications: These medications are prescribed to reduce anxiety in dogs and can be beneficial in cases of separation anxiety, noise phobias, or generalized anxiety disorders. Examples include benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) or tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil).

Sedatives: Sedatives are used to calm dogs in specific situations or for short-term use. They are often prescribed to MANAGE situational anxieties such as travel or veterinary visits. Commonly used sedatives for dogs include acepromazine, dexmedetomidine (Sileo), and trazodone.

Behavior-modifying drugs: These medications target specific behaviors and can be used in conjunction with behavior modification training. For example, medications like clonidine and buspirone are sometimes used to address certain types of aggression or hyperactivity in dogs.

But the issue isn't the medications themselves; it's the fact, and I do mean fact, that just like the old school training methods of decades ago, the pills, tablets, injections are just suppressing the problems, not addressing them.

We have this idea as human beings that we can take a pill and feel better instantly, which in the case of a headache could be true. Although when it comes to something like depression, a pill alone won't do the trick. You need to do a lot of work with a professional who knows what you're dealing with, how to address it correctly, when medication can help, as well as when the risk of adding an anti-anxiety medication could be a fatal mistake.

When it comes to us, we can understand that a pill will make you feel weird, different, better, or worse for periods of time, dogs simply can't. They have no way of knowing why suddenly they feel funny, drunk almost, and sometimes that can lead to the dog biting more randomly, and more severely when the issue of fear, aggression, defensiveness is just medicated.

I am not a proponent of medicating dogs for behavior problems at all, but I am not a veterinarian. Do some dogs I see benefit, sure, to some extent, but I haven't seen a fearful biter or a forward aggressive dog look worse when no medication is given, and the dog is given clarity in their lives, rules, boundaries, and building upon the relationship with their humans having mutual trust and respect.

If you and your veterinarian have already put your dog on medication, I am not saying to just stop giving it; that can be very dangerous to go cold turkey. But if that solution works well enough for you, stay the course. I'm just giving my opinion based on experience with many dogs, having worked with trainers and behaviorists who trained dogs for decades, who never had the option of medications and never needed them anyway. Train the dog, learn why they have the issues they have, whether it’s genetic, or learned behaviors, and improve yourself to help the dog get better.

Why I Recommend Feeding A Raw Food Diet To Dogs

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards feeding dogs a raw food diet. This diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. The idea behind this diet is that it mimics the natural diet of dogs’ ancestors, who were hunters and scavengers in the wild. While some people are skeptical about the benefits of a raw dog food diet, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that it may be one of the healthiest diets for dogs.

Here are some of the benefits of a raw dog food diet:

Improved Digestion: One of the primary benefits of a raw dog food diet is improved digestion. Dogs are designed to eat raw meat, bones, and organs, and their digestive systems are optimized for breaking down these foods. When dogs eat processed kibble or canned food, their digestive systems have to work harder to break down the food, which can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin: Another benefit of a raw dog food diet is that it can lead to a shinier coat and healthier skin. Raw food is rich in essential fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coat. In addition, raw food contains enzymes and other nutrients that can help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Better Dental Health: Many dogs suffer from dental issues like tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Feeding your dog a raw dog food diet can help to improve their dental health. The chewing and crunching of raw bones can help to clean your dog's teeth and gums, which can prevent dental issues from developing.

Increased Energy and Stamina: Dogs who eat a raw dog food diet often have increased energy and stamina. This is because raw food is more nutrient-dense than processed food, and it provides dogs with the energy they need to be active and alert.

Improved Immune System: A raw dog food diet can also help to improve your dog's immune system. Raw food is rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help to strengthen your dog's immune system and protect them from illness and disease.

Reduced Allergies: Many dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food. Feeding your dog a raw dog food diet can help to reduce or eliminate these allergies, as raw food is less likely to contain the common allergens found in processed dog food.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to feeding your dog a raw dog food diet. While it may take some time to get used to feeding your dog raw food, the benefits are well worth the effort. If you're considering a raw dog food diet for your furry friend, be sure to do your research and consult with your veterinarian to ensure that it's the right choice for you and your dog.