Great Pyrenees can live in hot weather, but they need extra care to stay safe.
Their thick double coat can be a blessing in cold weather, but in hot weather, it can trap heat and cause them to overheat.
They need plenty of shade and water to prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal.
In extreme heat, it's best to limit their exercise to early morning or evening when it's cooler.
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Protecting Your Pyr
The safest temperature for a Great Pyrenees is anywhere below 70°F, so make sure to keep them indoors or provide plenty of shade when it's hot outside.
Even if the air temperature is tolerable, the asphalt can be way hotter than that, with a difference of up to 40°F. This means you should avoid walking your Pyr on hot sidewalks or roads.
Heat stress is a real concern in hot weather, and it's characterized by excessive panting, pulling back their lips to show their gums and teeth, and a bright, brick red color to their gums.
If you're not sure how to keep your Pyr cool, take steps to prevent overheating, such as providing plenty of water and shade, and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Walking your Pyr in the early morning or late evening is a great way to avoid overheating or burning their paws, as the air and ground are at their coolest during these times.
Understanding Heat Risks
Great Pyrenees can be susceptible to heat stress, which can cause panting, pulling back of the lips, and bright red gums. Heat stress is a serious issue that can quickly escalate into heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition.
Heat stroke can be fatal in dogs, and it's essential to recognize the signs, which include a change in alertness, unconsciousness, seizures, or tremors, in addition to the previous signs of heat stress.
All dogs are at different risk levels for contracting heat stroke, and knowing the risk factors can help you evaluate what temperatures might be safe for your Great Pyrenees. For example, a Great Pyrenees might be able to tolerate temperatures up to 90°F, but that doesn't mean they should.
The safest temperature for a Great Pyrenees is anywhere below 70°F, as temperatures above 70°F start to increase the risk of overheating. As the temperature rises, the risk only gets higher, so it's crucial to take steps to keep your dog cool.
The asphalt you walk your dog on can be way hotter than the surrounding air, with a difference of up to 40°F. To avoid overheating or burning your dog's paws, it's best to walk them in the early morning or late evening when the air and ground are at their coolest.
Great Pyrenees and Heat
Great Pyrenees are at risk of overheating, especially when temperatures rise above 70°F.
Even if it's tolerable for them, the asphalt can be way hotter than the surrounding air, with a difference of up to 40°F.
Walking your Pyrenees in the early morning or late evening, when the air and ground are at their coolest, is a good way to avoid overheating or burning their paws.
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Thick Coat
Great Pyrenees have thick coats that are meant for winter insulation, but these coats can actually put them at greater risk for heat stroke in the summer.
Their thick coats trap the heat from the sun and don't allow it to escape, making it harder for them to cool down.
Even if your Great Pyrenees sheds a lot in the spring, they might still have too thick of a coat for your summer climate, which can make them more susceptible to overheating.
So, it's essential to be aware of this risk and take steps to keep your Great Pyrenees cool and comfortable during the warmer months.
Great Pyrenees Temperature Tolerance
Great Pyrenees are well known for their thick coat, which is perfect for winter insulation but can actually put them at risk for overheating in the summer. Their thick coats trap heat from the sun and don't allow it to escape.
Most Great Pyrenees won't tolerate sitting temperatures over 90°F. However, even if the temperature is tolerable, the asphalt can be way hotter than the surrounding air, with a difference of up to 40°F.
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The safest temperature for a Great Pyrenees is anywhere below 70°F. As the temperature increases above 70°F, the risk of overheating starts to rise.
Great Pyrenees are semi-lazy, large breed dogs, and obesity can shorten their already short life span, put pressure on their joints, and make them even hotter in the summer. It's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they stay healthy.
If you're wondering when you can take your Pyrenees on a walk outside, consider the early morning or late evening when the air and ground are at their coolest. This will help you avoid overheating or burning their paws.
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Walking Your Great Pyrenees Safely
Walking your Great Pyrenees safely is crucial, especially in hot weather. The safest temperature for a Great Pyrenees is anywhere below 70°F.
You should take steps to keep your dog cool if it's over 70°F outside. This is because the risk of overheating increases with temperature.
Walking your dog on hot asphalt can be hazardous, with a temperature difference of up to 40°F between the air and ground. This can cause your dog to overheat or burn their paws.
It's best to walk your Great Pyrenees in the early morning or late evening when the air and ground are at their coolest. This will help prevent overheating and discomfort for your dog.
Avoid walking your dog between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun is at its highest. This is especially true on hot days or days that will be over 70°F.
The early morning is the best time to take your pup on a walk, as it's usually the coolest time of the day.
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Access to Cooling
Access to cooling is crucial for Great Pyrenees in hot weather. It's not just about keeping them hydrated, it's about keeping them safe.
If you're keeping your dog indoors while you're at work, make sure the air conditioning system remains on. This will prevent your house from getting too warm and stuffy.
A cool, shady area is a must-have for dogs left outside in extreme heat. A grass yard with plenty of trees is an ideal option.
Drinking water should be kept cool indoors or in a shaded spot outside. This will help your dog regulate their core body temperature.
Giving your dog a place to swim can be a fun way to keep them cool. Many Great Pyrenees enjoy lying in or playing in shallow water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should you shave Great Pyrenees in summer?
No, shaving a Great Pyrenees in summer is not recommended as it compromises their natural protection from the elements. Learn why their double coat is essential for their well-being.
Sources
- Life With a Great Pyrenees During the Summer (hannaheliseschultz.com)
- Heat stroke in a Great Pyrenees dog - PMC (nih.gov)
- Keeping A Great Pyrenees Dog Cool (chewy.com)
- Protecting Your Great Pyrenees' Paws From Hot Summer ... (agprescue.org)
- AKC Canine Health Foundation (akcchf.org)
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