It’s no secret that most dogs aren’t exactly thrilled to be outside when temperature soar. But some breeds are predisposed to developing serious conditions like heatstroke when it’s hot out. If you’re looking to add a new furry member to your family, you may not even think to consider that, though, pet experts say it’s especially important if you live in areas that are warm all year round or get intense sun during the summer. After all, you want to make sure that the adorable companion you have will be safe and comfortable where they live. To help you out, we rounded up 6 dog breeds that have the highest risk of heatstroke, according to vets.

“Heatstroke is one of the few true veterinary emergencies that can develop surprisingly quickly, especially during hot, humid weather or periods of vigorous exercise,” explains Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Vetster. “Unlike people, dogs have very limited ability to cool themselves because they don’t sweat over most of their bodies. Instead, dogs pant to dissipate heat.”

As a result, Myers adds that these heat sensitive dogs can get into danger faster than others and need watchful pet parents to keep them from doing so. “When the heat they generate or absorb exceeds their ability to cool themselves, their body temperature can rise rapidly,” Myers adds. 

For that reason, heatstroke is scary and serious for these pets especially. So while some breeds are more prone to develop heat-related health conditions than others, a dog’s age, weight, fitness, health, exercise intensity and how used to the heat they are all play a role as well, according to Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. “Any dog can develop heatstroke, even on a warm day that does not feel exceptionally hot,” she says. 

Since heatstroke can be fatal for animals, it’s important to recognize the signs early and act fast. So what are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs that you need to watch out for? “The first sign of heat stroke in dogs is often excessive panting that doesn’t slow down,” says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “That can be followed by drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, weakness or seizures,” she says. 

Luckily, heatstroke is preventable if you’re looking out for your pup and you follow safety tips for dogs to ensure they protected from the intense weather. While vets stress that all pet parents should be aware that heatstroke can happen, these are the dog breeds that may need you to keep a close eye on them during super sunny days. That way, if you get one of them, you’ll be more aware of the care they need so they will feel extra loved and looked after.

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6 Dog Breeds That Have the Highest Risk of Heatstroke

French Bulldog 

French Bulldogs are sadly dog breeds that don’t do well in heat as they are in a category known as brachycephalic dogs, which means that they have short skulls and flat faces. As a result, Myers says they have narrowed upper airways. “Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting,” she explains. “Any condition that restricts airflow makes it more difficult to release excess body heat.” 

Brachycephalic dogs, like Frenchies, can become overwhelmed much more quickly than dogs with normal airway anatomy. “Even moderate temperatures, excitement, or relatively short periods of exercise can be enough to put some of these dogs at risk, particularly when humidity is high,” Myers adds.

French Bulldogs with breathing problems or excess weight may be especially vulnerable, according to Warner. Of course, there’s so much more to the French Bulldog than their sensitivity to heat as these small dogs have been the most popular dog in America for several years now. They also tend to have bright, fun personalities, making them an excellent addition to most households. 

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, smart, adaptable
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: Under 28 pounds
• Lifespan: 10–12 years

Greyhound

It may seem random to include the Greyhound as dogs most at risk for heatstroke, given that they have long muzzles and short coats. But vets say these pups are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. “Their high proportion of lean muscle can generate a great deal of heat during intense exercise,” Warner reveals. “[To keep them safe and from overheating], owners should limit sprinting and vigorous play in warm weather.” 

Vets also note that older Greyhounds and those with heart or breathing conditions may also struggle more in the heat, especially if they are running or playing a lot. “Intense exercise generates a tremendous amount of body heat in a very short period of time, so vigorous activity on hot or humid days can overwhelm their normal cooling mechanisms,” she says.

To prevent any symptoms of heatstroke in these dogs like elevated body temperature, vomiting,excessive panting and collapse, there are a few things dog lovers can do. “Like any athletic dog, they should have opportunities to rest, hydrate, and cool down, and strenuous exercise is best reserved for the cooler parts of the day during the summer,” Warner advises.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Independent, gentle, noble
• Weight: 60-70 pounds
• Height: 27-30 inches
• Lifespan: 10-13 years

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard was developed to work in cold environments, which can make super sunny days tricky for this breed to handle, as their coat is insulating, Myers states. Warner agrees, saying, “Saint Bernards have two factors that can increase their risk of heat stroke: Their very large size and dense coat. Large dogs can generate and retain more heat, while a heavy coat can make it harder to cool down.”

If you love big dogs, keep that in mind if you live in a place that is constantly warm, like Florida or Arizona. “Although healthy Saint Bernards can enjoy outdoor activity, they generally tolerate cold weather much better than summer heat and often benefit from limiting exercise to the coolest parts of the day,” Myers explains.

So how can you prevent heatstroke in Saint Bernards? Warner suggests that dog moms and dads keep their exercise routine and walks “gentle” when it’s hot out and make sure they have access to water and shade when they are outside. 

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, charming, inquisitive
• Height: 26-30 inches
• Weight: 120-180 pounds
• Lifespan: 8-10 years

Chow Chow

You may not be surprised that the Chow Chow is prone to heatstroke. After all, these fluffy dogs have a thick double coat that makes it hard to stay cool, according to Bonk. “Their coat gives them the appearance of a teddy bear, and also helps keep them warm in cooler climates,” she says. “Though, in warmer climates, it can make it hard for Chow Chows to dissipate heat, potentially making them more at risk for heatstroke.”

In addition to their thick fur, Chow Chows also have a lion’s mane-style ruff that further insulates heat. Aside from that, if you are thinking about adopting one of these pretty dogs, they make loyal and affectionate companions, however, just be aware that they aren’t super social and don’t tend to blend well with other animals so they may not be the best fit for households with kids.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Dignified, bright, serious-minded
• Height: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 45-70 pounds
• Lifespan: 8-12 years

Dogue de Bordeaux

Also known as a French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is another brachycephalic breed. Because of this, vets consider them to be dog breeds that need extra care in summer. “They are less efficient at cooling through panting, making high temperatures or strenuous exercise a risk for heatstroke,” Bonk explains.

Besides the fact that they are brachycephalic dogs, another factor that casues these powerful dogs to overheat quickly and keeps them from staying as cool as other pups is their large size. Many adult Dogue de Bordeaux can reach 99 pounds, and many end up being heavier than that. “Their large size is also less efficient at dissipating body heat due to a low mass to surface area ratio,” Bonk notes.

As a result, like other large breeds, Warner says it’s important for pet parents to be mindful of outdoor temperatures and to try to limit exercise outside to cooler parts of the day to help these big pooches stay safe and healthy.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Dignified, bright, serious-minded
• Height: 23-26 inches
• Weight: 99-110+ pounds
• Lifespan: 5-8 years

Golden Retriever

When it comes to dogs at risk of heatstroke, the Golden Retriever is one of them. These popular family dogs may be known for their love of the outdoors, but it’s important to pay close attention to the heat during warmer months. “Golden Retrievers possess a double coat which helps protect them from cold weather and chilly water, but works against them in the heat,” Bonk says. 

Goldens loves to be active, so to keep them safe when the weather is hot, you may need to focus a little more on reigning them in when it’s especially toasty out. “Combined with their higher energy level, heat stroke is a big concern,” Bonk says. That doesn’t mean your Golden Retriever can’t enjoy time outside when it’s hot out, you’ll just likely want to limit how long they romp around for and give them ready access to shade and water when temperatures soar. 

Breed Stats

• Personality: Intelligent, friendly, devoted
• Height: 21.5-24 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Lifespan: 10–12 years

Sources:

• Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance
• Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel
• Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Vetster
• French Bulldog. American Kennel Club.
• Greyhound. American Kennel Club.
• Saint Bernard.  American Kennel Club.
• Chow Chow. American Kennel Club.
• Dogue de Bordeaux. American Kennel Club.
• Golden Retriever. American Kennel Club.