Why is it that dark coated dogs feel the heat more than light coated dogs? I know that dark colours absorb the heat but wouldn't have thought this would have applied to dogs! My brown (with white ticking) dog was absolutely exhausted in the sun today Had to cool her off with cold towels for about ten minutes... Kept her well hydrated & walked in the shade & did my best to stop her charging around after the wild life but to no avail! 

Does the actual coat make the difference ?? Of my two, Tara, black-tri Aussie, feels the heat and always chooses to lay in the shade if she can (but have never had any problems with her overheating tho' even if walked in the mid-day sun). Bramble (mongrel, but think short-coated GSD) was out sunbathing on Sunday - lying in the full sun. When we have the wood-burning stove on he is always lying right in front of it and we often have to move him away in case he burns :D :D :D

Daisy

I've known dogs like the labrador /retriever that have really thick coats with a layer of fur underneath & they don't seem to feel the heat at all...
I've tried putting the cold air fan on but the whirring of it makes her pant even more:rolleyes:

I've known dogs like the labrador /retriever that have really thick coats with a layer of fur underneath & they don't seem to feel the heat at all...

Ah but what keeps the heat in during the winter also keeps it out during the summer. Our Golden Retriever will swim in the sea in the depths of winter while I stand there wrapped up in hat, coat, scarf, gloves, body warmer etc :) but is more than happy to lie out in the full sun when I am seeking the shade :)

I can remember being at a show last year where all the shortcoated breeds were really suffering and their owners were pouring water over them to cool them down, but none of them showed well. The thick coated collies on the other hand, were bounding about like it was cool spring morning?

This is why I am astoundeed that soem people think they are doing th3eir dog a favour getting it clipped (talking things like collies and my own breed)

I know this is dogs but I've always wondered why three of our cats wilt in the heat but the long haired black one LOVES it.  The hotter it gets the better she likes it and becomes more energetic in the heat.   The other three are content to lounge in a cool spot with Jet, (black Lab) and poor Sadie wonders why none of us will play with her.

Our SBT feels the heat a bit more then usual, buts its humidity that really gets her.
She brindle as well so dark coloured but i think its just Bull breeds in general that seem to feel the heat more!

Plenty of water and small rests are needed on our girls walk.

My GSP's the same - I've got a towelling coat for him that I can soak in cold water if necessary.

Back to normal weather again, in my area Misty dank & cool,good dog walking temperatures!!
And the rabbits are out in the park,all up for the chase!!!
My Gsp is now curled up in her bed (covered up in her blanket) Bless!

no worries about overheating up in Cumbria today

Lovely here in Herts!  This afternoon, once the terrace had been shaded I groomed the dogs outside.  Hair for all the neighbourhood