The heat is starting to make itself felt and like every year it is becoming more and more unbearable. Did you know that dogs also suffer from the heat ? In fact, although our puppies are able to thermoregulate independently and are able to protect themselves from the sun thanks to their fur, red-label temperatures are extremely risky for them .
Some dog breeds are able to resist high temperatures better, but there are many others which, for the same reasons, are predisposed to particularly suffer from the torrid and sultry climate that characterizes our summers.
In this article we will delve into all those dog breeds that particularly suffer from the heat due to particular physiological conditions and we will understand what are the signs of intolerance to the heat that our four-legged friends show and how to help them.
Which dogs suffer most from the heat?
The dogs most at risk are certainly all those with cardiac and respiratory problems, especially if they are elderly or hospitalized. But not only that, there are some specimens that require greater care and attention during the summer periods due to their morphological conformation and their aptitudes. Here are some examples:
Bulldogs and Pugs
Bulldogs and Pugs, like all brachycephalic dogs, i.e. all those dogs that have a flattened muzzle and other anatomical anomalies that can cause various respiratory problems , are sensitive to heat stroke .
Their nasal mucosa is smaller than other breeds and for this reason they disperse body heat more slowly and with difficulty. This aspect should be taken into consideration if you intend to take your puppy on holiday during the summer.
Chow Chow
All breeds with a thick coat and undercoat suffer most from the heat, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog , Siberian Husky , Malamute , Newfoundland , Saint Bernard and Collie .
We recommend paying particular attention to the Chow Chow . In fact, this breed, in addition to having thick hair and undercoat, is equipped with a double layer of fat which acts as thermal insulation and this makes it ideal for resisting cold temperatures.
On the other hand, for precisely the same reasons, it is one of the breeds that suffers most from the summer heat, even if washed and brushed frequently. The fundamental thing, for all breeds with undercoat, is not to shear the dog's fur , because in this way it will no longer be able to thermoregulate and risks serious burns to the skin.
Pekingese
What makes the Pekingese particularly suffering during hot periods is that it is a brachycephalic dog with long, thick hair .
To prevent this dog from getting serious heat stroke, it is advisable to avoid taking him for a walk during the hottest and most muggy hours, not even for short walks because this could cause serious heart problems.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is native to Poland, and despite its small size, the considerable amount of fur it has makes it particularly sensitive to the heat.
Furthermore, its sensitive skin is particularly prone to dermatitis or eczema if exposed to the sun and/or frequent bathing. Also in this case it is absolutely not necessary to shear the hair, rather it is advisable to brush it frequently and at most shorten it slightly with the help of a professional.
Italian Greyhound
Even if you wouldn't think so, the Italian Greyhound is one of the breeds that suffers a lot from high temperatures. It is precisely his small build and fine fur that expose him to the risk of illness.
Despite his desire to run, it is not recommended to let him practice intense physical activity in the hottest hours or under the beating sun because this could cause heat stroke and sunburn.
Recognize the signs of intolerance: what to do when your dog is hot?
To recognize heatstroke you need to know how to interpret the symptoms :
- Accelerated breathing
- High body temperature
- Vomit
- Red mucous membranes
- Difficulty walking and disorientation
- Weakness
- Hypersalivation
Heatstroke is not something to take lightly, as in severe cases it can lead to collapse or seizures. If you spot one or more of these signs, we recommend trying to lower his body temperature. How do dogs get cold? You can place him in the shade and wet his head, belly and paws thoroughly with cold water . Once it has cooled down, it is advisable to take it immediately to the vet for medical advice .
