How do you prevent dogs from overheating?
Make sure your pet always has access to a cool shaded area, both indoors and outside. Restrict exerc Read More
What dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating?
Astrid Lemke
2025-09-05 02:24:38
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Rising temperature increases the chance of heat stroke in certain breeds. Although all dog breeds are prone to heat-related issues, however, certain breeds are at a higher risk due to their physical traits and genetics. Brachycephalic breeds are prone to heat stroke because of short noses and flat faces. This includes breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and more. Breeds with thick, double coats are the second most likely to face heat-related issues. These are foreign breeds whose coats are built to match the snowy climates, which easily overheats them during summer. So if you have breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies or Saint Bernards, make sure to follow a regular grooming routine. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles also remain vulnerable to heat. Age and weight can both make a dog more prone to heat stroke. Breeds that are bred for intense physical activity may push themselves to the point of overheating with excessive exercise. These breeds are highly playful and may not readily show signs of distress. Thus, owners need to monitor them closely during outdoor activities.
Lucas Kirlin
2025-09-01 11:38:08
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We found that nine breeds, in particular, had a significantly higher risk of heatstroke compared to labrador retrievers: chow chow (17 times more likely to suffer from heatstroke) bulldog (14 times more likely) French bulldog (six times) French mastiff (five times) greyhound (four times) cavalier King Charles spaniel (three times) pug (three times) English springer spaniel (three times) golden retriever (three times). Most of the breeds at higher risk of heatstroke are brachycephalic (flat-faced). Brachycephalic dogs had twice the odds of suffering heatstroke than dogs with an average muzzle (like labradors). The chow chows and golden retrievers also had increased risk of heatstroke because of their thick “double coats”. Heavy dogs also showed an increased risk of heatstroke. Large dogs, in general, were more likely to develop heatstroke than dogs under 10kg, with giant breed dogs (weighing over 50kg) three times more likely to develop heatstroke. Dogs aged over two years old were also at greater risk, with elderly dogs (over 12 years) most likely to develop heatstroke. Purebred dogs had twice the risk compared to crossbreeds.
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How can I help my heat exhausted dog?
If you are concerned that your pet is overheating, you should act immediately, as heatstroke can rap Read More
Velda Spinka
2025-08-26 10:16:28
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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). Dog breeds such as Labradors, huskies, shepherds and golden retrievers have a double coat, which makes it thicker than most. Additionally, 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. Puppies are not able to regulate their own body temperature as well as adult dogs and are high-energy.
Antonette Roob
2025-08-17 14:17:44
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Brachycephalic breeds are especially susceptible to changes in temperature and overheating due to the nature of their facial bone structure. Their ‘squashed’ noses and faces make it more difficult to breathe, and therefore rapid breathing and panting – a technique used to help cool down – can be less effective. Brachycephalic breeds of dog are referred to as ‘Brachycephalic’ and include Bulldogs, Boxer Dogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Chinese Shar-Pei, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Bull Mastiffs. Double-coated breeds of dogs have two layers of fur: a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat. Double-coated breeds include Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Akitas. Perhaps obviously, their thicker, heavier coats make them more prone to overheating and heat exhaustion due to the coats’ insulation properties. Giant breeds, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, English Mastiffs, Wolfhounds and Leonbergers, are less equipped to remain safe and healthy at hotter temperatures. Unfortunately, some breeds of dog are more prone to suffering with heatstroke and heat exhaustion due to the nature of their build.
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At what temperature can dogs get heat exhaustion?
A dog’s normal body temperature is higher than a human’s. Their temperature can range between 100.2 Read More
How to prevent a dog from going into heat?
Spaying, a surgical procedure called an ovariohysterectomy, involves removal of the ovaries and uter Read More
Irma Hermann
2025-08-07 02:48:55
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In general, most at risk are dogs that weigh more than 110 pounds, and also breeds with flat faces — such as pugs and French bulldogs — according to the study in Scientific Reports. The breeds identified at highest risk of heatstroke were: Chow chow, Bulldog, French bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, Greyhound, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Pug, Golden retriever, Springer spaniel. Chow chows, for example, were 16 times more likely to develop heat stroke compared to Labradors. Flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs, are especially vulnerable because their breathing is compromised by the shape of their skulls, Hall explained. Dogs with shorter muzzles (brachycephalic breeds) have less area to allow heat loss. These dogs also tend to have narrowed airways, which means the dog has to work harder to pant, she said.
Albert Schimmel
2025-08-07 01:28:40
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Akitas have a low tolerance for heat due to their thick double coat and heavy build. The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads in freezing Alaskan temperatures, making them one of the worst for hot climates. Boston Terriers are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle that makes it difficult for these dogs to cool themselves off by panting. Boxers are brachycephalic and have high energy levels, they tend to overheat easily. Chow Chows are not well suited for hot weather due to their thick double coat and heavy build. The flat face of an English Bulldog makes this breed prone to overheating. French Bulldogs cannot effectively cool down through panting, and because dogs don’t sweat like humans do, this can be dangerous. Pekingese can’t tolerate hot weather because they have a long, thick coat and because they’re brachycephalic. Pugs don’t do well in hot weather because of their flat face. Saint Bernards can struggle in hot and humid climates thanks to the thick coat that protects them in the mountain snow.
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How do I tell if my dog is too hot?
Dogs cannot verbally communicate when they're hot, and they often push themselves to keep up with us Read More
How do I help my dog feel better when she's in heat?
Use dog diapers to keep messes to a minimum and ensure that you choose the correct size for your dog Read More