Summer heat can really hurt certain breeds of dogs, as their build, fur and other physical characteristics make them very vulnerable to the sun and heat, so it is not uncommon for dogs to get dehydrated, but they also have an increased chance of heart attacks and hyperthermia or heat stroke.
Dogs do not sweat like people do, they are cooled down by panting or taking short breaths and exhalation of air, which means that some breeds of dogs are far more intolerant to heat.
In this article, you will read about four breeds of dogs that have low tolerance to the sun and heat, so if you are the owner of any of these breeds, you should pay close attention to their safety and health during the summer months!
4 breeds of dogs that can’t tolerate hot weather well
French bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of those dog breeds with low resistance to heat. This is mostly due to their construction that makes them intolerant of the sun, as well as unfit to do some major physical activity in hot weather.
Why did we mention the bulldog’s construction? The answer is simple, because this dog belongs to the group of so-called “brachycephalic” dogs, which are characterized by their unique anatomical features such as “short skull”, flat nose and short snout.
This group of dogs includes the French bulldog, but there are also cases where cats such as the Himalayan and Persian cats suffer from this syndrome.
Because of it’s physical characteristics, the French bulldog has difficulty breathing as well as a low tolerance threshold for intense running in hot temperatures.
Therefore, many experts suggest that owners of French bulldogs should take walks around 8 am or 8 pm, when temperatures are lower than usual.
In any case, do not forget to give your dog enough water during the summer season, between 500-750ml (17 to 25 ounces), because otherwise, this breed of dog could dehydrate, and even collapse without notice or any warning signs.
If you are wondering what temperature is high for your French Bulldog, the answer would be 24 ° C (75 °F), which means that these dogs are more suitable for keeping in apartments, houses or indoors.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is an adorable dog with an incredibly attractive appearance and fur that has up to 2 layers. Their first layer is thick and woolly, and the second is composed of soft but significantly longer hairs that make this breed of dog intolerant to heat and high temperatures.
Pomeranian fur, as beautiful as it looks, can have a negative effect on the dog itself, especially if you plan certain activities in hot temperatures with the dog.
And the reason is really simple. Namely, the fur supports heating up of the body, even when the dog is not physically active or exposed to the sun.
The most common heat stroke symptoms that occur in this dog breed after being exposed to heat for a long time are vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, total collapse, and even a heart attack.
Also, never leave your Pomeranian alone locked in your car or vehicle when it’s parked and exposed to the sun, as this can lead to a heart attack.
Akita Inu
Akita Inu is more than a dog breed, in fact, these dogs are synonymous with loyalty, beautiful attitude and appearance, but also a Japanese brand that represents this country in the world.
This breed of dog originates from the mountains of Japan and therefore, their fur is specific, i.e. it is firm on the outside, while on the inside it is soft and thick.
Therefore, these dogs can easily cope with cooler temperatures, but when it comes to higher temperatures, they can withstand heat, but not in the long run.
The reason for this is the fur itself which is created to protect the dog from the cold, so in summer conditions, it will contribute to a rapid increase in body temperature of the dog when it is exposed to the sun.
We would also like to inform you that Akita Inu can tolerate temperatures up to 30 ° C (86 °F), although the most optimal ones are up to 24 ° C (75 °F), so be careful when you go out with your dog for a walk, running or doing various physical activities.
Pug
Pugs belong to the group of brachycephalic breeds of dogs just like the French and English bulldog, which makes them intolerant and inadequate to be exposed to the sun for a long time.
In fact, experts say that these dogs should not be exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes, as a pug dog only needs 10 minutes to suffer a fatal heart attack, and very little to experience heat stroke.
Truth be told, pug dogs are only intended for keeping at home, so if you are wondering when is the best time to walk, the answer would be early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are lower.
When taking a walk in the summer, it is advisable to bring a bottle of water that you would occasionally use to cool down the dog or give them drinking water that will help balance their body temperature.
A useful tip
Although there are breeds of dogs that can withstand heat and cold, keep in mind that while the dog is young and still a puppy, it should not be exposed to the sun.
Why? Because at an early age, dogs have not yet developed heat resistance, nor do they are able how to regulate their own body temperature.
