Why is my dog so sensitive to heat?
Jarod Schowalter
2025-05-31 10:56:37
Count answers: 2
Dogs don’t sweat like us humans, instead, they release heat by panting and also by sweating through their paw pads and nose. If they are unable to cool themselves enough their internal body temperature begins to rise. Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat ‚Äì especially obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like pugs and bulldogs. Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat even with a short walk to the shops or sitting at a cafe. Dogs will show an increase in thirst and panting as the condition worsens, it will progress to heat exhaustion and then, finally, to heat stroke. Hyperthermia is the term used to describe this elevation in body temperature. There are three different types of hyperthermia – heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. While it is common for people to use these terms interchangeably, the conditions are different, varying in severity.
Zoe King
2025-05-31 05:46:18
Count answers: 3
Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others, including those with thick fur coats, flat-faces, are obese or elderly. Brachycephalic or flat-faced dog breeds have more difficulty taking in enough air to cool themselves down by panting. Flat-faced dogs such as pugs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs, English bulldogs and shih tzus are more sensitive to heat because they suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). They have small nasal openings and long soft palates in the back of their mouths, which limit airflow. Dogs with thick fur coats, such as Labradors, huskies, shepherds and golden retrievers, have a double coat, which makes it thicker than most. The darker the dog’s fur, the more heat it will absorb, and dogs with black fur are at a higher risk of overheating. Overweight or obese dogs are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses because of the increased insulation the fat cells provide and the increased heat they generate from mild exercise. Senior dogs are more sensitive to temperature and may have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases, which makes them more likely to develop heatstroke.
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