Some say that dogs are man’s best friends, but we all know that a dog can be anyone’s best friend. Here in Texas, outdoor temperatures are often upwards of 100 degrees, often bringing the issue of heat safety for pets (and children, by the way) into the forefront during the hotter months here.
It’s so important for dogs to have easy access to anything that helps them cool down, like water or air conditioning. There are certain types of dogs that won’t thrive in hot environments, and heat safety for dogs is so important. Here are 5 dogs that need AC.
Siberian Husky
Many people think that huskies will be okay in the heat, as long as the husky’s coat is kept shaven. This kind of dog should never be shaved unless in a medical emergency. Shaving away the outer coat of the dog exposes the undercoat, which makes huskies way more susceptible to sun damage. The only grooming that huskies need is an occasional brushing.
Great Pyrenees
Like the Siberian husky, the Pyr has two coats – the undercoat and the outer coat. Dogs naturally shed their outer coat in the summer to keep them cool, but the owner will need to help maintain its beautiful coat by brushing it for at least 30 minutes every week or so.
St. Bernard
A St. Bernard can tolerate hot weather, but it won’t be as happy as it would be in a colder environment. These dogs are naturally bigger, so the heat will take a lot of energy out of the dog. As with any other kind of dog, be sure to keep water handy for it when outside playing in the summer. Even if you take it for a walk in the morning, be sure to bring water.
Bernese Mountain Dog
As with the St. Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a larger breed, so its mere size will exhaust it of energy in the heat pretty quickly. They require daily exercise no matter what environment they live in, so it’s really important to keep them cooled down and relaxed at all times during the day.
Pug
This one is a little different than the rest. Along with bulldogs and boxers, pugs suffer from something called “brachycephalic syndrome” – a fancy term for a shorter airway, which sometimes leads to respiratory distress, especially in heat. These dogs may not be able to breathe fast enough when exhausted by the heat to exhale enough carbon dioxide.
Is your home in need or an AC repair to keep the pup and your family cool? If so, contact Champion AC – the San Antonio AC company more homeowners trust with the important people (and beings) in their lives!
Ben Hubbert
Ben is a retired Combat Controller with the United States Air Force. He started Champion AC in 2007. Ben is originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He is happily married and an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Saints.
