Dog Breeds and Summer Heat: Which Dogs Need Extra Care?

If your dog appears in a list of breeds that struggle with summer heat, the useful next step is an individual plan, not a temperature chart for the breed. Breed can be one part of heat risk, but it does not tell you exactly how your own dog will cope.

Flat-Faced Breeds Need Particular Care

Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs were among the breeds with higher heat-related illness risk in Royal Veterinary College research using UK veterinary records. The same study also identified Chow Chows and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at increased risk compared with Labrador Retrievers. These are findings from that study, not a ranking of every dog in North Georgia. See the RVC research summary.

Boxers are another example of a short-muzzled breed mentioned in Cornell’s heat-safety guidance. Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s breathing and health rather than assuming every member of a breed has the same limitations.

Look Beyond the Breed Name

Cornell also identifies older dogs, overweight dogs, dogs with heart or breathing conditions, and dogs with thick or dark coats as needing extra caution. A dog does not need to be on a breed list to need protection from heat.

Make a Plan for Your Dog

• Tell your veterinarian what a normal summer day looks like, including walks, play, and time outdoors.
• Ask which changes would suit your dog’s age, health, and activity.
• Share that plan with family members, walkers, and sitters.
• Be willing to change an outing instead of following the same route or duration every day.
• Keep the clinic and emergency-veterinary contact details easy to find.

Use a breed list as a reason to ask questions, not permission to push another breed harder. For a practical preparation checklist, see how to keep your dog cool.