Knowledge

As it starts to warm up, having our pets outside with us becomes the norm.

We go on more walks throughout the day, and we might even take them to the dog park.

But as the temperatures start rising, how hot becomes too hot for your pet? The problem with this question is that no size fits all.

The answer to this question varies between breeds and also just how well your pet tolerates heat.

A quick answer here is roughly 90°F.

Cool Down

When it’s hot outside, our bodies cool down via sweating; however for pets this is not the same. Your dog will start panting in order to cool themself down. The problem is when it becomes too hot or humid outside and no amount of panting can cool them down.

Breeds with short stouts such as Bulldogs, Pugs, or Pekingese, will have a difficult time cooling down. For these breeds, they may not be able to stand as hot of temperatures or be able to stay outside for as long.

Dogs who are typically adjusted to cooler climates will also have more difficulty in the heat. These breeds can include but are not limited to: Huskies, Newfoundlands, Eskimo Dogs, and Malamutes.

This is all about recognition. Take notice of how quickly or frequently your pet pants. What temperature one pet can handle is not the same for another.

Tips:

1. Know your dog!
   • The temperature recommendation is subjective. Your pet might not be able to withstand such a high temperature. Start to study your dog to see how quickly they are panting, and understand what temperatures and durations might better suit them.
2. Water!
   • Make sure to keep water readily available. This includes drinking water, and maybe even a kiddie pool for them.
3. Don’t Leave Pets Inside Cars!
   • Just because an outside temperature is 80°F does not mean the inside of a car is also 80°F. Temperatures inside a vehicle can be 15°-20° higher than the outside temperatures! Keep your pets safe.
4. Test The Ground!
   • Let’s not forget about dog walks. If you cannot comfortably leave the back of your hand on the sidewalk for 11 seconds, you shouldn’t be walking your dog on the pavement. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for the pads of their feet.
5. Find Shade!
   • To help with the hot temperatures, find some shade for you and your pet. It’s better to be comfortable than miserably hot in the heat, right?
6. Air Conditioning!
   • Air Conditioning can become you and your pet’s best friend in the summer. If you’re going to be outside frequently this summer, try to incorporate periods of time where your pet can cool off inside and help regulate their body temperature.
7. No Haircuts Just Yet!
   • Although we assume all that fur on their body is going to make them more hot, it can also do some damage by shaving it off. Their fur can actually help to block the sun and help to keep them cooler rather than having their body exposed.

We all want to have fun with our pets outside, but the key is to do this safely. No one needs their pet overheating, so we have to learn our pets. Understand what works for them to help navigate your outdoor activities.

Let us know in the comments what activities you enjoy doing with your pet in the summer!