Dogs are generally better at staying warm than cooling down. Some dogs, like sled dogs, can survive in extremely cold weather because their fur insulates them. However, they have difficulty cooling off in hot weather.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat, so they cool down by panting. They take quick breaths to release heat, but sometimes they need to pause to take deeper breaths.
Since dogs don’t cool themselves well, hot weather can be dangerous for them. They can suffer from heatstroke if left in a hot environment. For example, the inside of a parked car can quickly heat up to over 150°F (about 66°C), which can be deadly.
It’s important to keep dogs cool by providing shade, fresh water, and a cool indoor space. On hot days, you can also use air conditioning, water misters, or a small swimming pool to help keep them cool.
The best way to prevent heatstroke is to keep your dog indoors on hot days.
