Dogs and Weather Conditions

Everyone considers weather conditions when thinking about how to dress, what they’re going to do, if they’re going out or not, whether or not they can go to work, etc etc. Our doggie companions are also affected by the weather and definitely need to be considered, especially in extreme temperatures - either hot or cold.

Each breed of dog has its own weaknesses to weather conditions. English Bulldogs in extremely hot weather are not an especially safe thing. A bulldog can get overheated very easily and should be monitored closely to make sure they don’t get heat stroke. If you start to notice your bull panting a lot, straining to breathe, having a hard time moving, and sometimes if it’s real bad, changing colour(whitish/blueish), get him to a cool location right away. If it’s already too late and your dog has worked himself into a panting frenzy, fill a bathtub with cold water and get him in there. Gently soak the cold water over his head and body, he should return back to normal breathing in a short time. Make sure to see your vet if you think your dog has been overheated for too long.

Dachshunds on the other hand, find the colder weather very unpleasant and don’t have quite the problem with the warm weather that a larger, chunkier dog like a bulldog does. The long-hair and wire-hair dachshund generally doesn’t have such a problem with snow and colder climates. In fact they do indeed love playing in the snow. A smooth coat however usually has a lot of dislike for going outside during winter/colder times. If you find that your dog has a real problem with the cold it’s a good idea to get some dog booties if their paws are freezing up and definitely a dog sweater for warmth. Usually this will help out quite abit.

Keep in mind, it just takes one look into your dog’s eyes to know how they’re feeling about a situation. Watch for any signs of trouble they could be having in extreme hot or cold times and use common sense as to how to deal with it.

**Remember, never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time in a car or truck in hot weather. Even though you may have the windows rolled down, the heat of the sun through the windshield and on the roof can be enough to kill your dog. Many dogs die this way each year**

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