Keep Your Dog Safe
While some dogs do very well in warm weather, others struggle the moment temperatures start to climb. There are all sorts of reasons why that might be the case. If your dog’s on this list, don’t worry - it’s easier than you might think to keep them cool and safe.
Akita
This Japanese breed has a very thick coat. All that fur plus their solid build traps heat to a large degree, and they don’t cool off easily. So, during hot days, Akitas need a lot of attention: keep them indoors, in AC or shade, and brush them often.
Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes were bred to haul heavy sleds through freezing Alaskan winters, so they unfortunately don’t do too well in summer. High humidity can easily make your dog overheat, and the outcome could be serious. Grooming with an undercoat rake helps, and it’s best to keep walks limited to the coolest parts of the day, with plenty of water and shade in the meantime.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers have short coats, but they hate the heat because they’re brachycephalic. This means they have a short muzzle, making panting difficult and thus making it hard to cool down. Make sure they stay indoors during peak heat, keep the air con flowing, and skip exercise until it’s cooler outside.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and sweet pets, but their short muzzles and excitable nature make them vulnerable in hot weather. Their breathing isn't as efficient, so overheating is a big problem for them. Early morning or evening walks are your best bet, and always have water ready.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are famous for having a lot of fur – and then their fluffiness becomes a major problem in the summer months. If you don’t keep them properly groomed, they overheat fast. Aim for short strolls during milder parts of the day, regular brushing, and of course a lot of cold water on hand.
English Bulldog
Selective breeding means English Bulldogs have a flat face, which means they can’t pant efficiently in the heat. That makes them prone to overheating, even if they’re not doing anything particularly energetic. Don’t take them for walks during the hottest parts of the day, and provide a cool area for them inside.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are incredibly popular, but not everyone knows how to keep them cool in the summer. Breathing is trickier for them, and they quickly get overwhelmed when temperatures climb, so you need to act. Keep play to a minimum, and make sure they have easy access to AC and water.
Pekingese
These fluffy little dogs have long coats and flat faces, which unfortunately makes functioning in the summer rather difficult. Pekingese struggle to keep cool and can overheat easily, especially in humidity. Cutting their fur helps, and it's best to stay indoors when it's hot.
Pugs
Pugs are a famously controversial breed. Some people say you shouldn’t have one at all, as selective breeding has given them major health problems. But one you have one it’s your responsibility to keep it cool in the summer, and that means giving it constant water and only going for walks when the temperature is down.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards come from the chilly Swiss Alps, so that thick, fluffy coat is great for the cold - but it’s bad for the heat. When summer comes, they overheat quickly and struggle to cool off. Indoor time with fans or AC, access to water, and cooling mats can save your pet from a trip to the vet.
