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8 Heat-Sensitive Dog Breeds That Need Extra Care in Summer
Atamjeet Kaur (Updated: Jul 03, 2026) 8 min 30 sec read
Your Frenchie may need a stricter summer safety plan than you do.
It’s a sunny afternoon, and the park is full of wagging tails and excited barks. But not all dogs are enjoying the summer equally. As temperatures soar, some breeds begin to struggle, even collapse, under the oppressive heat. For dog owners, it’s not just about providing shade or planning shorter walks; it’s about knowing whether your dog is one of the heat-sensitive dog breeds or one of the dog breeds that overheat easily in warm weather. While any animal can suffer from heatstroke, some dog breeds are at a higher risk.
Key Takeaways
Follow along to find if your dog breed is at a high risk of heatstroke and learn ways to keep them safe, happy, and cool all summer long. This guide focuses on dog breeds susceptible to overheating, why some hot weather dog breeds need extra protection, and what pet parents should watch for during summer.
How We Selected These Breeds
Veterinary research, breed-specific anatomy, and clinical data from organizations like the Royal Veterinary College helped guide this list. This is not a strict ranking of the worst dog breeds for hot weather, and breed alone does not determine risk. Age, weight, fitness level, health conditions, humidity, coat type, and activity level can all affect how quickly a dog overheats.
We chose these dog breeds sensitive to heat because they commonly share one or more risk factors linked with overheating and heatstroke. Some are brachycephalic dogs with flatter faces, some are double-coated dogs in hot weather, and others are active breeds that may keep running or playing even when their body is struggling to cool down. Research from the RVC VetCompass programme has also highlighted increased heatstroke risk in several breeds, including flat-faced breeds and some larger or more active dogs.
Breeds were chosen based on key risk factors:
- Brachycephalic, or flat-faced, skulls that can restrict airflow and make panting less efficient
- Thick or double coats that require careful grooming in hot weather
- High muscle mass, compact body shape, or body type that may make cooling harder
- Energetic temperaments that make dogs overexert in the heat
These dogs aren’t just fluffy or adorable, they’re heat-sensitive by nature and may need more careful summer routines than dogs that tolerate heat better.
Breed Profiles & Protection Strategies
Pug
With their flat faces and lovable snorts, Pugs are iconic. But that smooshed nose comes at a cost. Their short nasal passages make it extremely difficult for them to cool themselves through panting.
Imagine your Pug, Max, chasing a ball on a warm day. Within five minutes, he's flopped over under the bench, panting heavily and drooling. That’s not laziness—it’s his body crying out for help.
How to Protect Max:
- Avoid midday walks; aim for early morning or after sunset.
- Use a breathable harness, not a collar, to reduce strain on the airway.
- Invest in a cooling mat or fan where your dog naps.
French Bulldog
Frenchies are playful, stocky, and unfortunately, heat-intolerant. Their broad skull and compressed airways make them especially prone to overheating, even after a short walk.
Watch for signs: Heavy panting, vomiting, and confusion after exercise.
Protection Tips:
- Keep playtime short and sweet.
- Walk in shaded areas only.
- Never take them in a car without A/C—even for a “quick” errand.
Recommended Gear: Cooling vest, paw-protecting booties for hot pavement.
English Bulldog
Bulldogs have a reputation for being laid-back, but their hefty bodies and tightly packed facial structure make them one of the highest-risk breeds for heatstroke.
A summer picnic scenario: Bella the Bulldog joins the family outing. Twenty minutes later, she’s drooling excessively and refusing to stand. She’s not tired—she’s in danger.
How to Keep Bella Safe:
- Always provide cool, shaded areas when outside.
- Wipe her skin folds regularly to prevent heat rash and infection.
- Avoid high humidity—this breed fares worse in muggy weather.
Chow Chow
Think of a Chow Chow as wearing a fur-lined parka in July. Their thick double coats, built for icy winters, act like insulation in summer.
Red flags: Reluctance to move, lying flat on cool surfaces, rapid panting.
Prevention Strategy:
- Brush daily to remove undercoat buildup.
- Don’t shave; trim the coat professionally to help airflow.
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Create a “burrow” zone with shade and cold tile for resting.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are sleek and built for speed, but they’re also surprisingly sensitive to heat. Their high muscle content and thin skin make them poor at regulating body temperature after intense activity.
Example: After a morning sprint, Luna the Greyhound may lie down and breathe rapidly for long minutes unless actively cooled.
How to Help:
- Cool down gradually after walks or runs.
- Let them wade in kiddie pools or stand on cooling mats.
- Always monitor post-play breathing rates.
Golden Retriever
These lovable family dogs often overexert themselves during play, especially in warm weather. Their thick undercoats trap heat even after grooming.
Look for: Sluggish movement, warm skin, excessive panting.
Tips for Summer:
- Ask your groomer for a “summer cut”—not a shave.
- Serve frozen broth cubes as a cooling treat.
- Rotate between indoor and shaded outdoor play.
Siberian Husky
Built for Siberian winters, these stunning dogs often struggle in tropical or even temperate summers. Their instinct to run doesn’t mix well with warm weather.
You may notice: Paw lifting, excessive panting, restlessness.
Help Huskies Stay Cool:
- Never shave the coat, but brush daily to remove excess undercoat.
- Provide multiple shaded water stations.
- Replace long walks with indoor enrichment games like scent puzzles.
Springer Spaniel
Springers love to run, chase, and play for hours. But in hot weather, their energy can be their enemy.
Signs to watch: Sudden slowing down, heavy breathing, lying down during activity.
Heat Safety Tips:
- Break up exercise into short intervals with long rest periods.
- Train them to lie on a designated cooling mat.
- Use a spray bottle mist to cool down their coat during outings.
General Summer Heatstroke Prevention Tips
Even if your dog isn't one of the eight breeds listed above, heatstroke can happen to any pup on a hot day. Some dogs good in hot weather may tolerate heat better than flat-faced, thick-coated, senior, overweight, or highly active dogs, but no dog is fully heat-proof. The ASPCA recommends extra caution in hot weather, especially for pets that are more vulnerable to heat stress. Here are universal tips:
- Hydration is key: Use clean bowls, refill often, and try frozen treats or broth ice cubes.
- Schedule smart: Avoid peak heat hours (12 p.m. - 4 p.m.) for walks or play. If you are wondering how hot is too hot to walk dogs, remember that humidity, pavement temperature, breed, age, weight, and health all matter.
- Protect paws: Hot pavement can irritate or burn paw pads, so choose shaded routes, test the ground before walking, and consider paw care support when needed.
- Plan indoor enrichment: On very hot days, swap long outdoor activity for indoor play, puzzle feeding, or puzzle bowls to reduce overexertion.
- Monitor signs: Signs of heatstroke in dogs can include rapid panting, glazed eyes, drooling, vomiting, weakness, confusion, collapse, or uncoordinated movement. These signs should be treated as an emergency.
- First aid basics: Move your dog to a shaded, air-conditioned, or well-ventilated area, use a fan if available, apply cool damp towels, and call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately. The Royal Veterinary College recommends cooling first and seeking veterinary care quickly when heatstroke is suspected.
The Last Straw
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to summer heat. Breeds with flat faces, heavy coats, or boundless energy need extra care to stay safe in rising temperatures. Some dogs that tolerate heat may do better in warm climates, but even the best dog breeds for hot weather still need shade, rest, smart walk times, and a watchful eye. With the right knowledge and tools, like cooling-friendly rest spaces, smart schedules, and careful monitoring, you can make summer safer and more enjoyable for every pup.
Know someone with a Pug, a Bulldog, or a Husky? Share this blog with them and help more dogs beat the heat.
FAQs
Is it okay to shave double-coated dogs like Huskies or Golden Retrievers?
No. Shaving double-coated dogs in hot weather is usually not recommended because their coat helps protect the skin from sunburn and overheating. Regular brushing, undercoat removal, mat prevention, and light trimming are safer unless your veterinarian recommends shaving for a medical reason. For regular coat care, browse dog grooming tools.
How can I tell if my dog is overheating?
Look for excessive panting, red or pale gums, glazed eyes, uncoordinated movement, vomiting, weakness, confusion, collapse, or unusual tiredness in hot weather. Dog breeds prone to heat stroke may show warning signs faster during exercise, humidity, or hot pavement exposure.
Can I use ice on my dog if they are overheating?
Avoid ice or extreme temperature changes unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise. Move your dog to a cool area, use airflow from a fan if available, apply cool damp towels, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
How do I take my dog’s temperature?
Use a digital rectal thermometer. Normal temperature for many dogs is around 101°F-102.5°F, but temperature should be considered along with symptoms. If your dog seems weak, confused, collapsed, vomiting, or unable to cool down, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Heat exhaustion is an earlier stage that may involve heavy panting, tiredness, drooling, or slowing down. Heatstroke is more serious and may involve collapse, vomiting, seizures, confusion, or loss of coordination. Suspected heatstroke requires emergency veterinary care.
Sources:
- Royal Veterinary College: Heatstroke in Dogs & Cats
- RVC VetCompass: Flat-Faced Dogs and Heatstroke Risk
- ASPCA Hot Weather Safety
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