Helping Cold Weather DOG Breeds Survive Summer

  Helping cold weather breeds survive summer. Individuals who live in places that are often hot or humid, such as Florida, Texas, and California, may be questioning if they should adopt dogs that are built for colder climates, such as a Husky or Shepherd. When adopting a dog, it’s always recommended to adopt one that fits your lifestyle instead of just adopting the breed you admire.

Therefore, it’s often recommended for individuals living in warm climates year-round to avoid adopting dogs that are better suited for colder weather. Cold-weather breeds may struggle to adapt to warmer climates, as heat can affect dogs with thicker coats much quicker than dogs with thinner coats.

Dogs with dark, thick coats are in even more danger of becoming overheated. This is because dark-colored fur will absorb heat instead of reflecting it. Dogs with flat faces are also more susceptible to overheating, due to their weak respiratory systems.

However, cold-weather dog breeds can adapt and survive when temperatures start to rise. Shepard’s, Labradors, Husky, and other thick-coated dogs, are known for being resilient and adapting to their environment. It’s not surprising, considering many are thought to be some loyal dog breeds that do their best to please their owners.

Owning a cold-weather dog just requires extra preparation and responsibility. Dogs that prefer colder weather will need help getting used to hotter weather. If you’re worried about your dog becoming overheated or sick due to the hot sun, it’s OK. You’re not alone. These tips will teach you how to keep your pup cool, even during sweltering temperatures.

Avoid Walks during the Middle of the Day

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners can make is walking their dog during the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest and hottest. Even if you bring water, a dog with a dark or thick coat will struggle to keep cool. Furthermore, the pavement gets extremely hot during the middle of the day and it can burn the bottom of your dog’s paws.

Therefore, it’s best to walk your dog in the morning and in the evening. During these times, the temperature is cooler. Depending on the path you take, there is probably more shade to protect your dog from the sun. Make sure to always bring water along, even when it is cooler out.

If you don’t walk you dog and instead have a yard he or she plays in, keep your dog inside during the hotter parts of the day. If he or she needs to be let out to go to the bathroom, make sure he comes right back inside. Never leave your dog outside for extended periods of time during extreme weather.

Keep A Kiddie Pool In The Backyard

It’s not uncommon for cold-weather breeds to enjoy cooling off in a kiddie pool. Therefore, if you have a yard where you can keep a kiddie, it’s a terrific way to keep your dog cool. Dogs have sweat glands in their paws, so standing or sitting in cool water will bring down their body temperature.

Never let your dog swim in a large or deep pool unattended. For example, individuals who have an in-ground pool should still provide a kiddie pool, located in a different location, for their dogs. Kiddie pools aren’t deep, which means there’s no risk of dogs becoming trapped in the water.

Do not put ice in the pool. While it may seem like a clever idea, ice can bring down a dog’s temperature too quickly. This could cause blood flow to slow or constrict, which actually makes it more difficult for a dog to cool down.

Find a Shady Spot

If you are going to the beach or the park and bring your dog along, make sure there will be shade for him or her to lie under. When possible let them lie under a tree or a picnic bench. If you are going to a place that doesn’t have a lot of shade, bring an object along that can create shade.

For example, when going to the beach bring a beach towel and an umbrella specifically for your dog. The towel will ensure your dog isn’t lying directly on the hot sand. The umbrella, depending on how large it is, should create enough shade for your dog to take shelter under.

There should also be a shady spot in your backyard for your dog to lie under. If there aren’t any trees that provide shade, get creative. Pitch a small tent in the corner of the yard. Purchase a canopy to hang over the porch. Build a ventilated dog house. Just make sure there’s a place where your dog can find shelter and keep cool.

Keep Your House Cool

This may seem like an obvious way to acclimate cold-weather dog breed to hotter weather, but not everyone keeps their air conditioner on. While it may be tempting to save some money by opening all the windows and turning on every fan you own on hot days, your dog will suffer. Unlike humans, dogs can’t remove layers of clothing to cool down.

Therefore, the inside of your home needs to provide relief on hot days. If your air conditioner is broken, or you don’t have one, then focus on keeping at least one room cooler than the rest of the house. Use multiple fans to circulate cooler air throughout the room. Keep blinds drawn and lights off if possible.

Know the Signs of Dehydration

Knowing when your dog is dehydrated could save his or her life. When temperatures soar, dogs should be checked on often, even when they are inside. Look for these warning signs: heavy panting, fatigue, vomiting, chapped nose, dry mouth, thick saliva, or any other abnormal behavior.

Constantly providing water for your dog will prevent dehydration and heatstroke. When you take your dog for a walk, bring water and a bowl. Keep a bowl of water on your porch or patio for your dog to drink when he or she is thirsty. Also, keep a bowl of water in the house.

Cold-weather breeds may struggle to become acclimated to hotter weather. As long as they can find cool places, you should have no problem keeping a cold-weather dog comfortable in warmer climates.

Author Bio: Anna Smith resides in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, where she works as a Pet Nutrition Expert in a leading retail pet store. She is responsible for nutritional strategies for different breeds and development of new products on the market in compliance with Association of American Feed Control Officials. Anna’s passions are education about proven methods and best practices in the industry and her dog Max, who is always well-fed. She also curates content for http://dogsaholic.com/.