Hot days can be tough on some dogs more than others. Body shape, coat type, and breathing features all play a big part in how well a dog handles heat.
Knowing your dog’s breed needs can help you plan safer walks, better rest, and smart cooling. Small changes can keep paws happy and hearts healthy when the sun is strong.
English Bulldog
With that squishy face and charming waddle, Bulldogs steal hearts fast. Heat, however, slows them down.
Short muzzles make breathing less efficient, so they overheat quickly. Keep walks short, carry water, and use shady routes.
A cooling mat helps a lot indoors.
Watch for noisy breathing, drooling, or stumbling. Early mornings are best for exercise.
Fans and air conditioning reduce stress, and a wet towel on the belly cools safely. Skip heavy play when humidity climbs.
Pug
Big personality in a tiny package, the Pug loves company. Their short muzzle and thick neck can trap heat during play.
Choose gentle games inside during peak sun, and offer frequent water breaks. A lightweight cooling vest can make a walk safer and more fun.
Listen for snorts that seem louder than normal. If the tongue turns deep red, head indoors.
Snacking on ice chips and relaxing on tile floors brings their temperature down.
Boxer
Energy to spare is a Boxer’s trademark, yet hot weather can drain it fast. Their short muzzle and excitement can push them to overdo it.
Plan activity at sunrise, then swap to puzzle toys later. Keep a collapsible bowl handy during any outing.
Look for heavy panting and a droopy tongue. Cloudy eyes or wobbling means stop and cool down.
Shade tents in the yard and misting sprays help keep playtime safe.
Boston Terrier
Smart, peppy, and stylish, the Boston Terrier is easy to love. Warm days are trickier, since their short nose challenges airflow.
Choose breezy rooms, and place water in more than one spot. Short training bursts with plenty of rests keep learning fun and safe.
While outdoors, aim for grassy areas instead of hot pavement. Paw balm protects pads.
If breathing sounds raspy, switch to indoor fetch or scent games and cool their chest with a damp cloth.
Chow Chow
That plush mane turns heads, but it also traps warmth. Chows have a dense double coat that insulates well, sometimes too well in summer.
Regular brushing removes dead undercoat and helps air flow. Always provide deep shade and cool water stations in the yard.
Move walks to cooler hours. A cooling bandana can help during gentle strolls.
Never shave the coat short, since it can harm skin and natural insulation. Professional grooming keeps the coat manageable.
Siberian Husky
Bred for snow and long runs, Huskies can overheat quickly in hot climates. That gorgeous double coat insulates, so manage activity wisely.
Schedule adventures at dawn, stick to shaded trails, and bring extra water. Kiddie pools become favorite hangout spots on scorching afternoons.
Brush out loose undercoat to improve comfort. If panting stays heavy after rest, move indoors.
Frozen broth treats offer a safe cool-down. Mental games like hide-and-seek satisfy their drive without extra heat stress.
Alaskan Malamute
Powerful and noble, the Malamute shines in cold weather stories. Summer outings should be thoughtful and slow.
Thick fur keeps heat in, so plan quiet breaks under trees. Rotate between short strolls and shaded rest, and always cool paws before loading into a car.
Daily brushing removes excess undercoat. A raised bed improves airflow during naps.
If the dog refuses to move or pants loudly, stop immediately and cool with water on groin and belly areas.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle eyes and a big frame give the Berner an easygoing charm. Hot weather is not their favorite.
Their size and thick coat raise heat risk during hikes. Keep adventures short, snack on icy treats, and find water spots often.
Elevators or ramps reduce stair strain in summer.
Brush lightly to lift dead hair. Park in shaded spaces and cool the car before loading.
If panting turns harsh, switch to indoor nose-work and quiet cuddles.
Newfoundland
With a heart as big as its paws, the Newfoundland loves water and family time. That water rescue heritage helps, yet land heat still builds fast.
Choose swim sessions during cooler hours and towel dry afterward. Long shade breaks keep comfort high.
Groom regularly to prevent matting that traps warmth. Watch for slow movement or glazed eyes as warning signs.
Portable shade canopies and large bowls of cool water make park days far more pleasant.
Saint Bernard
Stories of alpine rescues suit the Saint Bernard, but warm streets are a challenge. Heavy bodies and dense coats raise heat load quickly.
Plan very gentle walks, then settle inside with fans. Cooling tiles or mats become favorite nap spots after short outings.
Keep grooming steady to reduce bulk. Bring water and take frequent shade breaks if travel is needed.
Signs like slow response or heavy drool mean it is time to cool promptly and rest.
Bullmastiff
Quiet confidence defines the Bullmastiff, yet heat can sap that strength. A broad head and stocky frame make cooling slower.
Keep outings short and purposeful, then switch to calm indoor training. Use a harness that allows easy breathing during walks.
Cool water on armpits and belly helps after light exercise. Rest on cool floors before meals to avoid overheating during digestion.
If the dog lies down and refuses to move, stop, shade up, and offer water.