The Great Pyrenees breed is known for their excellent guarding skills, which means they can adapt to different environments. But are they able to handle hot weather?
The Great Pyrenees can withstand freezing temperatures, but they can’t withstand too much heat. Because of this, they are not good in hot weather and don’t survive in such climates. As they were originally bred to serve in cold and mountainous regions, their health is likely to be affected if they spend too much time in the heat.
So, if you have the Great Pyrenees and are looking to understand this breed’s tolerance to hot weather, you are in the right place. Here is everything you must know about it.
Can the Great Pyrenees Live In Hot Weather?
Great Pyrenees can live in hot weather, but not extreme heat. If the temperature gets too hot, they can suffer a heat stroke or other related health issues. That is why it is crucial to understand how high of a temperature your Great Pyrenees can withstand.
Check out the following video for some helpful tips to help your Great Pyrenees live comfortably in hot weather:
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Great Pyrenees?
Temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit are too hot for Great Pyrenees. If the temperature exceeds this number, you will notice that your dog is experiencing hyperthermia. It is crucial to take of your Great Pyrenees appropriately and ensure they cool down during such a temperature so there is no additional health risk.
How To Cool Your Great Pyrenees Fast in Hot Weather?
The best way to cool down the Great Pyrenees fast when they experience hyperthermia is to offer them sufficient cold water to drink. Besides that, you must also provide the breed with a cooling source to cool down if they feel too hot.
Keep in mind that while the breed may still manage 90 degrees Fahrenheit, any temperature above 104 degrees will result in heatstroke or hypothermia.
Escalating temperatures can be especially dangerous if the Great Pyrenees is left inside a car unattended. For example, if the outside temperature is 75 degrees, the temperature inside a closed car may be as high as 120 degrees.
Death can occur very quickly in this instance, especially with this particular breed.
What Are The Signs Of Heatstroke In A Great Pyrenees?
If you have a Great Pyrenees, you must understand the signs of heatstroke to offer proper care. Here are some of the most alarming signs that the Great Pyrenees might be experiencing a heatstroke:
- Heavy and excessive panting
- Red flushed skin
- Endless vomiting
- Diarrhea with blood (rare)
- Tarry and black stool (rare)
- Excessive drooling
- Red and dark gums
- Their skin will feel warm to the touch
These are the top signs that the Great Pyrenees is experiencing a heatstroke. If the symptoms are too intense, the dog may go into a coma, die of heatstroke, and collapse right in front of you.
What To Do If The Great Pyrenees Has Heatstroke?
Does your Great Pyrenees have heatstroke, and you don’t know what to do? Here are a few steps you can take:
Bathe In Cold Water
As soon as your Great Pyrenees begins exhibiting signs of a heat stroke, you must bathe it in cold water. Keep in mind that many people use ice for this purpose to cool down the dog quickly. However, we recommend that you don’t use ice.
That is because if you use ice, it might insulate the dog’s skin and prevent heat loss from the body. So, ice might have the opposite effect in cooling your Great Pyrenees during a heatstroke episode.
Offer Cold Water
Another step you can take is to let your dog drink sufficient cold water when you feel as if it might lose consciousness from the heatstroke. On the other hand, if your Great Pyrenees looks faint, you can administer a standard saline solution intravenously. It will balance the heat in the body and allow the dog to calm down.
However, you must take this step if the symptoms are not too extreme. Once they become extreme, you will have to take other measures to cool your Great Pyrenees down during a heatstroke. Wait and see how they respond to this.
Offer Shade
Again, this method is also suitable when the symptoms are mild and the dog is not having a full-blown heat stroke. All you have to do is take them to a cool and shady area. It will allow the Great Pyrenees’ body to cool down and reach a normal temperature.
You can also help them feel cool by using desert coolers, fans, or even air conditioners.
If you live in a very hot region, you would ideally have a separate room with an air conditioner for your Great Pyrenees. Sometimes, that is the best and quickest way to cool them down if they experience heatstroke.
A Visit To The Vet
Finally, if no other method is working and the Great Pyrenees are not cooling down, it is time to take your dog to the vet. You must do this as soon as possible to ensure your dog receives the care it needs to get better and overcome the heatstroke.
Furthermore, the vet will give you better guidelines on what you can do next to help in your dog’s recovery.
How To Prevent Heatstroke In the Great Pyrenees?
Prevention is always better than treatment. If you live in a hot region, it is your responsibility to protect your furry companion. That is because this breed is best suited for cooler temperatures, and knowingly keeping them in hot temperatures for any extended periods is concerning for their health.
So, if you live in a hot region and you want to keep the Great Pyrenees, here are a few steps you can take to help prevent the risk of heatstroke from occurring:
Reduce Outside Visits In Summers
Yes, we know this may sound extreme, but it is for the good of your Great Pyrenees. It is best to reduce their time outdoors during summer, especially if you live in extremely hot temperatures. That is because the more time they spend outside in the heat, the more likely they will suffer heatstroke.
So it’s best to keep them inside an air-conditioned room in your home and limit the outside visits during summers, especially during the daytime. When the weather is the hottest, your furry friend must stay inside.
No Exercise During Daytime
All dogs require exercise because they have a lot of energy to channel. However, if you live in a hot region, you must change the exercise timings for your Great Pyrenees. For example, you must not take them out for a walk in the afternoon when the weather is at its hottest.
Instead, the Great Pyrenees should walk during the evening or early morning when the weather is relatively cooler. Even during these times, you must carry a bottle of cold water for your furry companion. Besides that, they should walk in shaded areas to remain cool during their exercises.
Invest In a Dog Pool
Water can do wonders to keep a dog cool during hot temperatures. That is why a dog pool is one of the best investments for your Great Pyrenees during the summer months. You can let them take a dip in the dog pool whenever they feel hot.
The best part about this investment is that your dog can also exercise as they will be swimming. It will be a fun activity for them and allow them to experience better temperatures in the hot weather. You can also jump in the pool and bond with your furry companion.
How To Keep Your Great Pyrenees Cool In Warm Temperatures?
The best way to keep your Great Pyrenees cool during warm temperatures is to offer them shade and cooling sources. Ensure they are around cooling fans or air conditioners during the summer months, especially at night when they are trying to sleep.
This will allow them to stay cool no matter how hot the temperature is.
Besides that, you can bathe them in cold water and keep a dog pool for them to take a dip in so they can cool down.
All of these are important ways you should follow to keep your dog cool in warm temperatures. If your region gets unbearably hot, it can be a real challenge to keep the Great Pyrenees healthy based on their environment.
Final thoughts
That was your complete guide on understanding if the Great Pyrenees is suitable for hot weather. After all, not all dog breeds can cope with extremely hot temperatures and climates. That is why it’s important to understand these little details before getting a dog for yourself.
If you live in a hot climate, it is best to follow our guide to keep your Great Pyrenees cool at all times. After all, they are your responsibility, and you must take care of them in the best way possible. It will allow them to live a long, healthy life and offer you amazing companionship for a long time.
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