Know your dogs heat threshold, and take precautions to help him beat the heat and enjoy the summer.
As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to know the risks posed by extreme heat, especially when it comes to your dog. This comprehensive guide will help you understand when its too hot for your dog, depending on his size, and provide key tips to ensure his safety and comfort.
How Hot is Too Hot?
TUFTS has established scales for heat tolerance thresholds for small, medium, and large dogs. The thing to remember is that as the temperature rises, risk levels increase, especially for large dogs. At the highest temperatures, the risk becomes dangerous and potentially life-threatening, so outdoor activity should be avoided. Small and medium dogs tend to have a slightly lower risk at the same temperatures.
Assessing the Risks
The TUFTS scale outlines five key risk factors to be aware of for different temperatures. Lets break down the risk levels for each dog size according to the scale:
Small and Medium Dogs
- 15°C to 21°C — Risk Level 1-2: 15°C to 18°C falls in risk level 1. Temperatures around 21°C fall in risk level 2
Risk level 1 means: No evidence of risk or unlikely risk, so can have fun outside.
Risk level 2 means: Risk is unlikely, have fun outside, but be careful.
- 23°C to 29°C — Risk Level 3-4: 23°C to 26°C falls in risk level 3. Temperatures around 29°C fall in risk level 4.
Risk level 3 means: Unsafe potential, depending on breed, keep an eye on your dog outdoors.
Risk level 4 means: Dangerous weather developing, so use caution.
- 32°C to 40°C — Risk Level 5:
Risk level 5 means: Potentially life-threatening heat. Avoid prolonged outdoor
activity.
Large Dogs
- 15°C to 18°C — Risk Level 1-2: Temperatures around 15°C fall in risk level 1. Temperatures around 18°C fall in risk level 2.
- 21°C to 26°C — Risk Level 3-4: 21°C to 23°C falls in risk level 3. Temperatures around 26°C fall in risk level 4.
- 29°C to 43°C — Risk Level 5
Accounting for Additional Factors
The TUFTS animal care and condition scale also highlights several additional factors that can influence a dog’s heat tolerance. Obese dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and very young or elderly canines may require more vigilance.
Keep Him Safe When its Hot
The key takeaways are clear — know the temperature thresholds for your dog’s size, monitor him closely for signs of discomfort, and adjust your activities accordingly. Provide ample access to water and shade, limit exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure your canine family member stays happy, healthy, and cool all summer long!
