Temperatures are slowly rising yearly, and owners need to take precautions. Chow Chows are not the type of dog that require too much exercise and would be satisfied with a quick walk so that they can return and rest.
However, owners must be aware of the weather before removing these walls to prevent heat stroke. Below we look at ways to prevent heat strokes and how to deal with an overheating Chow chow.
Table of Contents
Do Chow Chows Overheat Easily?
Chow Chows have a 17% chance of getting heatstroke. Chow Chows are part of the brachycephalic dog breeds that are prone to suffering from heat regulation. These breeds have flat faces and noses and are more likely to overheat because their nasal passage does not cool down the air it intakes. This is why you may see your Chow Chow panting to cool down from the intense heat.
Always ensure your Chow Chow has enough water to keep themselves hydrated and away from the sun’s heat.
Are Chow Chows Heat-Sensitive?
Chow Chow is heat sensitive and does not do well in intense temperatures. Chow Chows are brachycephalic breeds, meaning they have a short snout that makes it hard to breathe. Their nose also doesn’t allow airflow to chill down before being breathed in, which can cause overheating. To prevent overheating, ensure they are well hydrated and kept inside when the temperature gets too intense.
At What Temperature Can A Chow Chow Overheat?
Chow Chows are not ideal because the body temperature may vary depending on their body size. Chow Chows are naturally bred to be big dogs, weighing on average 35- to 70 lb and standing 17 to 20 inches tall. Most big dogs like Chow Chows show signs of overheating even when the temperature reaches 81 to 85 degrees F.
Ensure your Chow Chow is kept hydrated and discouraged from being active when the heat is intense. When going for walks, try to choose a cool time of the day.
How Do You Cool Down A Chow Chow?
If your Chow Chow is overheating and heavily panting, you need to take action or get medical attention. You have to move your Chow Chow to a shaded area and offer them a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Lay them on a wet towel, and if possible, get a fan to blow in their direction.
Keeping your Chow Chow hydrated is the most important thing; however, if matters aggravate, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
5 Ways To Cool Down Your Chow Chow
Choose Your Walk Timings Wisely
Taking your Chow Chow out for walks should be done later in the day. Refrain from taking walks when the sun is at its peak because it will cause excessive panting in your Chow Chow, leading to dehydration. The evenings when the temperature drops are optimal for taking them on walks, and remember to bring enough water to drink.
Grooming
Grooming will do wonders in keeping your double-coated Chow Chow cool. When it gets hot, owners tend to think that shaving hair off will keep their Chow cool; however, this only exposes their skin to the harmful sun. Grooming is the best option because it will improve airflow and cooling.
Suggested Read – Can Chow Chows Be Shaved?
Take Them To A Shaded Area
Standing in the sun will only speed up the overheating process. When a dog overheats, the temperature may climb to dangerous heights, so keeping your Chow Chow out of the heat is essential. On sunny days, ensure that your Chow is kept indoors or in shaded areas to prevent developing a heatstroke.
Keep Them Hydrated
Water is the best option if your Chow Chow is heavily panting and showing signs of dehydration. Cold water will help your Chow Chow to cool down from the inside out and prevent heat exhaustion. Do not give them too much water, or they will get bloated.
Cooling Pads
Cooling pads are a great way to keep your overheating Chow Chow cooled in the heat. If you are privileged enough to own a cooling pad, using it to cool down your Chow Chow makes excellent use of it. Overheating and heatstroke are severe, so any precaution to prevent them is relevant.
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Chow Chow Temperature Tolerance
Chow Chows can tolerate high temperatures as long as it does not exceed 90 degrees F. Chow Chows are born with a thick double coat that acts as insulation in the cold and heat; however, because they have a short snout, breathing is difficult and results in them heating up very quickly. High temperatures put Chow Chows at risk of overheating and dehydrating, which puts them at risk of developing heatstroke.
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Chow Chows?
Chow Chows were bred for the winter climates, so naturally do not do well in the heat. Factors such as weight and breed effect body temperature and how it reacts to heat. Chow Chows are big dogs with an average weight of 35- to 70 lb, and to make matters worse, they are brachycephalic breeds prone to overheating.
Temperatures exceeding 90 degrees F will become too hot for your Chow Chow, which has a thick double coat. Always take the necessary precautions to prevent overheating.
What Is The Normal Temperature Of Chow Chow?
Chow Chows tend to overheat when temperatures get intense. Your Chow chow should have a body temperature of 100-102 degrees F when they are healthy; however, if you notice it gets higher, it indicates that they are overheating. In such a circumstance, opt to hydrate them with sufficient water and, if necessary, splash some water onto them, so they are cooled off. If their body temperature gets severe, take them to the veterinarian immediately!
How Do I Make Sure My Dog Doesn’t Overheat?
Keeping your Chow Chow hydrated is the best way to avoid overheating. Chow Chows have a double coat that is best suited for colder temperatures and provides minimal perspiration during the heat. To make matters worse, they are a brachycephalic breed that suffers from breathing and nasal problems.
To keep them cool, ensure your Chow Chow has sufficient water to drink, and if possible, use a wet towel or spray some water to keep them cool. Another way is to keep them in the shade.
FAQ
Should I Leave A Fan On For My Dog At Night?
Leaving a fan on for your Chow Chow is a great way to ensure they are cooled throughout the night. If the temperature is higher than normal at night and you fear your Chow Chow may overheat during the night, then leaving the windows open or the fan on is a great idea.
What Is The Fastest Way To Cool Down A Dog?
Water is the fastest way to cool down your Chow Chow. When overheating, your Chow Chows’ temperature may rise to dangerous levels; thus, water to drink and to play in is a great way to keep them cooled.
Do Chows Like The Cold?
Chow Chows were bred for the cold and could handle the temperature drop. They were initially bred in the Himalayas, where temperatures reach below-freezing. However, your Chow Chow has adapted to the cold with its double coat for insulation.
Conclusion
Chow Chows have thick coats with short snouts that cause overheating. Owners often want to shave their Chow’s coat; however, this action does not cool the Chow Chow off but aggravates it. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat strokes, and the symptoms include red ears and heavy panting.
Owners need to act quickly after noticing their Chow Chow is overheating and take the necessary steps to cool them down or take them to the emergency room if things get severe. Heatstroke can be deadly; however, it is also very preventable.