Summer is here, and with it the sun, long days and opportunities for relaxed walks with our furry friends. But beware – the high temperatures, which for us mean the ideal season for short sleeves and ice cream, can be hell for dogs. While some happily jump around the meadows, there are breeds that experience serious heat stress at 23 degrees Celsius.
When is it too hot for a dog? Although 23°C may seem perfectly comfortable to most people, this can be a critical limit for many dog breeds. Their physical structure, skull shape, coat length and even temperament can play a decisive role in how well (or poorly) they tolerate the heat. Below, we present five breeds that need special protection during the hot months, as otherwise they can quickly find themselves in life-threatening danger.
Dogs and high temperatures: 5 breeds that really suffer in the heat
Sunny days are a real torture for some canines - check out which breeds need to be especially protected from high temperatures and summer heat.
Bernese Mountain Dog – thick coat + July heat = disaster
This one mountain beauty from the Swiss Alps was designed for snow, not asphalt, which gets hot as a frying pan in the summer. Their dense double coat acts as thermal insulation – wonderful in winter, and a real pain in the ass in the ass in the summer. Even at 25 °C Bernese Mountain Dogs can show signs of exhaustion, as their bodies overheat much more quickly than short-haired dogs. They need plenty of shade in the summer, minimal physical activity and cold surfaces – walks should be short and only in the early hours of the day.
Shih Tzu – a mini furry dog with big problems
This lovely breed, with its luxurious coat and round face, is truly a overheating magnet. A combination thick, long hair and a short muzzle means that they are temperatures above 23 °C already extremely uncomfortable, if not dangerous. Heat is trapped in their fur like a sauna, and at the same time they cannot effectively cool their bodies. Regular brushing, cool rooms and limited exercise are essential measures if you do not want your Shih Tzu to lie on the floor in the summer like a warm fluffy slipper - with no will to live.
Pug – cute, but with a radiator that is too small
Pugs are like little teapots under pressure. Their characteristic flattened nose It gives them a cute look, but it's also the main reason why they can barely breathe when the thermometer goes above 23 °CBecause pugs cannot effectively cool themselves by panting (which is a dog's natural air conditioning system), they overheat very quickly. They are most vulnerable in the middle of the day, so only allow them morning and evening walks, always in the shade, with plenty of fresh water – and no marathon ambitions!
English Bulldog – an aristocrat with little fitness
If an English bulldog could choose, it would spend the summer in an air-conditioned room with lemonade and a fan pointed directly at its face. It is a breed that very sensitive to heat already at 22–24 °C, mainly because of brachiocephalic skulls, a weaker cardiovascular system and often increased body weight. Just a few more meters of running or stairs, and the bulldog may already show signs of heat stroke – wheezing, dizziness, foaming. Their movement in the heat should be limited to a minimum, and the cool floor will be their best friend.
Greyhound – an opponent of heat in an elegant disguise
Surprisingly, but true – although greyhound breeds are elegant, lean and hairless, the heat is putting a lot of strain on them. Why? Their body is like a race car – built for speed, not slow cooling. Already at 24 °C There may be signs of exhaustion, as they have thin skin and little body fat, which means they are extremely susceptible to sunburn and dehydration. Without shade and access to water, a greyhound turns from an elegant runner into a listless loner.
Conclusion
Dogs not all of them are made for lying in the sun and high temperatures – no matter how much they enjoy our company on the beach or in the park. Some breeds simply they can't stand the heat, and even moderate summer temperatures can lead to serious health problems or even death. So be responsible guardians: watch your dog, shorten walks, find shady paths and never run out of water. And if your dog is already wheezing like a steam locomotive at 25 degrees – he is probably not enthusiastic about your idea of a trip.
