Types of Dogs That Are Prone to Overheating

There’s nothing better than taking your pup for a long stroll in the sunshine. But as the weather begins to heat up, it’s important to make sure that you are taking the proper precautions to stop your them from overheating. Some breeds are more susceptible to overheat than others. Many of the breeds on this list are brachycephalic – or they have flat, wide heads and short noses, it’s important to make yourself aware of the risks, and to avoid keeping them in warm places for too long.

Dogs can become really dehydrated quickly, so it’s important to make sure that you keep them in the shade, and give them plenty of water in warm weather.

Pug

Pugs are well loved for their peculiar features and big personalities and because of their small stature, they are able to adapt well to most environments. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed (dogs with short noses and wide heads), quite similar to the Bulldog, French bulldog and boxer, which means that they have respiratory problems. These types of breeds are prone to overheating because of their inefficient panting, which means that they are unable to properly cool themselves down.

Pekinese

This breed is known for being a loveable lap dog, which originated in China over 1,000 years ago. Pekinese have thick undercoats and long overcoats, which means that they can heat up really quickly. It’s important to regularly groom this breed and cut their hair, in addition to special care in the warm weather.

Shih tzu

This is yet another ancient dog breed, which are one of the most popular family pet choices today. This breed also has a dense undercoat, and thick long hair that needs tending to regularly. It’s important to avoid spending too much time on the pavement with your dog when the weather gets warmer, as it can leave them with blisters on the soft pads of their feet.

Boxer

Boxers are a popular family companion, and are also excellent service dogs. This breed is known to be muscly with a square head and short nose. As an active breed, it is important to minimise too much running about in the sun, this can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. If you do choose to take your dog out in the hottest hours of the day, remember to keep them hydrated, well rested and provide plenty of shade.