It may not come as a surprise that dogs are not as good at cooling their bodies down as we humans are. This is for many reasons, such as the fact that dogs can only sweat through their paws, they are covered in hair and their most effective way of cooling is by panting. Yet some dog breeds find it particularly difficult.
The most common reason for this difficulty is because of the shape of their face. Short-nosed dogs, commonly referred to as brachycephalic breeds, often struggle to breathe and produce sufficient airflow to cool themselves effectively. But any dog who gets too hot can develop heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Dogs can die when left in cars on hot days
A situation where a dog is particularly prone to getting heatstroke is if they are left in a car in the sun. This should be avoided at all costs, as it can rapidly lead to death. However, it is also possible for dogs to experience heatstroke from simply lying in the sun or overexercising in the heat. If you're concerned, contact a veterinarian.
Breeds of dogs that are prone to heatstroke
Here are five dogs that are especially prone to heatstroke. If you have one of these breeds, take special measures to keep your pet cool on hot days.
Shih Tzus
A great companion breed, the Shih Tzu is not fond of exercise. They are, in all senses of the phrase, the ideal lap dog and will enjoy nothing more than snuggles. They can quickly become too hot, primarily due to the squashed shape of their skull. Pekingese and Lhasa Apsos are similar in size and shape, and are also at risk of heatstroke.
French Bulldogs
Another short-nosed breed is the Bulldog. Whether English, American or French, the Bulldog can quickly get out of puff. When they do, they struggle to keep their temperature at a safe level. Due to their brachycephalic skulls, Pugs and Boston Terriers are also at high risk of heatstroke.
Boxers
The Boxer is an active dog and is not as prone to the problems associated with other brachycephalic breeds. Yet they will still struggle when very hot to keep itself cool. Be aware, some Boxers are bred with shorter muzzles than others.
Chow Chows
Chows are also considered brachycephalic and, to top it off, have incredibly thick coats. This makes them extremely susceptible to heatstroke. They do better in cold climates and will definitely need access to shade, water and, ideally, air conditioning in warmer temperatures.
Akitas
Akitas are large dogs with shorter snouts than your typical spitz-type breeds. They also have very thick double coats, which makes them, along with many other spitz breeds, such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed, very susceptible to heatstroke.
What can I do if my dog struggles in hot weather?
If you own a dog that doesn’t do so well in hot weather, then you should pay extra attention to ensuring they stay healthy when the temperature rises. Exercise them in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and keep their exercise gentle. If they appear to be struggling, you can cool them down by placing wet towels over their body or showering them with cool water. Yet never place extremely cold water on them to cool them down, as this will be a shock to the system.
If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke or struggling with the heat, you should consult a veterinarian for advice on how to cool them down. Signs of heatstroke include agitation, red or pale gums, distressed panting or breathing, vomiting, excessive drooling and seizures. Heatstroke can quickly be fatal and requires urgent veterinary attention.
