LIFESTYLE
What are the dog breeds that best and worst tolerate heat?
Breeds like the Beagle, Greyhound, or Doberman handle heat better than other dogs like the Bulldog or Boxer, which do not tolerate high temperatures well.
Withstanding high temperatures is a significant challenge for everyone, even our pets. Correct hydration and avoiding exposure during the hottest hours of the day are the keys to preventing our pets from suffering from heat stroke.
However, certain dog breeds tolerate the heat better than others. The average body temperature of these animals reaches 100.4ºF and can rise to 107.6ºF if they suffer heat stroke. Factors such as coat, age, weight, and nose size largely determine the dogs’ ability to withstand the typical summer heat.
One of the breeds that best tolerates heat is the Doberman.
The dog’s long snout allows it to have fewer breathing problems and better cope well with high summer temperatures. Other breeds, like the Pointer, the German Bulldog, and the Pinscher, have a similar snout that functions similarly. There are also breeds with thinner coats that allow them to deal with the heat a bit more easily; among them are the Chihuahua, the Greyhound, and the Beagle.
What dogs can’t take the heat?
On the other hand, among the breeds that least tolerate heat, the worst are the bulldog, both English and French. Bulldogs suffer the effects of summer temperatures due to their physical factors. This breed is brachycephalic, meaning it has a flat nose with small nostrils and a short trachea. Breathing is difficult for these dogs, even more so in high temperatures. The Boxer, the Pekingese, and the Boston Terrier also have the same problems.
Some dog breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, the Siberian husky, the Chow Chow, and the Samoyed, are not well-suited for hot weather either. These breeds are accustomed to colder climates and have thicker fur, which acts as insulation. Trimming their fur is not recommended to help them tolerate the heat better.
How to avoid heat-related scares with your dogs
A series of tips should be followed to prevent dogs from suffering from sunstroke. Among them, placing them in acool environment with fresh water available . It is also important that, when going out for a walk, they have water available in drinking fountains or bottles, and go through shaded, vegetated and cool areas. You should also avoid leaving dogs locked up on a terrace in the sun or inside a car.