By Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM
Updated 9/8/2024
As the temperatures rise, keeping dogs cool is an important part of pet parenthood. If dogs are not properly cared for in hot weather, they can experience heatstroke & other heat-related conditions. And if a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous heights, it can be fatal.
It’s essential that you protect your dog during extreme heat by:
Limiting time spent outside in hot weather
Keeping outdoor exercise restricted to cooler parts of the day (morning & evening)
Giving your dog cool baths
Offering your dog shade, air conditioning, cooling mats, & constant access to fresh water
Here are some dog breeds that are particularly susceptible to hot weather.
1. Akita
In cold weather, an Akita’s thick double coat provides insulation. But in hot weather, this coat may cause them to overheat. This, coupled with their heavy build, means Akitas have a low tolerance for heat.
2. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads in freezing Alaskan temperatures. This makes them one of the best dog breeds for cold weather, but one of the worst for hot climates. Keeping your Malamute inside during the hottest parts of the day & routinely brushing them to remove excess fur can help your dog stay comfortable in the summer.
3. Boston Terrier
Unlike Akitas & Alaskan Malamutes, Boston Terriers don’t have a thick fur coat. But they are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle that makes it difficult for these dogs to cool themselves off by panting.
During the summer months, it’s important to keep a Boston Terrier’s environment cool & well-ventilated. Avoid going outside & engaging in strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Boxer
Because Boxers are brachycephalic & have high energy levels, they tend to overheat easily. Make sure their daily walks are restricted to cooler parts of the day (morning or evening) & that they have a cool, shaded place to rest during the heat of the afternoon.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are not well suited for hot weather due to their thick double coat & heavy build. When not properly cared for, they can easily overheat. Regular grooming prevents matting & gets rid of excess fur that contributes to heat. Keep your Chow inside during extreme weather.
6. English Bulldog
The flat face of an English Bulldog makes this breed prone to overheating. It’s vital that pet parents restrict this dog’s outdoor activity during the heat of the day. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as English Bulldogs have a reputation for being lazy & calm dogs.
7. French Bulldog
Another short-muzzled breed, French Bulldogs cannot effectively cool down through panting. And because dogs don’t sweat like humans do, this can be dangerous.
French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the U.S., & their pet parents need to know how to keep this breed cool & safe. Strenuous activities should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day. Consider cooling mats or fans to help reduce your Frenchie’s body temperature, & ensure they have 24/7 access to fresh water.
8. Pekingese
Pekingese can’t tolerate hot weather because they have a long, thick coat & because they’re brachycephalic. They may benefit from a summer haircut to help them stay cool, & they should always be kept inside during the hottest parts of the day.
9. Pug
Despite the Pug’s short fur & compact size, they don’t do well in hot weather because of their flat face. Cool, well-ventilated places are important for keeping this small dog breed cool during the summer.
10. Saint Bernard
10 Dog Breeds That Can’t Tolerate the Summer Heat | PetMD
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