5 Reasons Why Your Dachshund Is at Risk for Heatstroke
Even the most active Dachshund succumbs to the warmth of a sunshine nap anywhere, anytime. It’s there favorite thing in life, second only to food.
However, it’s important to limit the amount of time our doxies are exposed to the sun to avoid heatstroke.
Discover why your Dachshund is at risk for heatstroke and learn some helpful prevention tips too.
Table Of Contents
What Is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature is too high and can’t be regulated. If your dog spends too much time in the heat, they are at risk for heatstroke.
Heatstroke is fatal if not promptly treated.
What Causes Heatstroke in Dogs?
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. They only have sweat glands in their paw pads and ear canals where there is little fur.
Cooling occurs when sweat evaporates.
Your Dachshund will pant to cool off. Panting helps your pup release extra body heat and maintain a comfortable temperature.
When your doxie inhales, it picks up moisture from their wet nose. That moisture traps the heat produced from their body and then is exhaled out through their mouth.
When temperatures are too high, panting can’t cool them down fast enough, which causes heatstroke.
Note: Dogs with flat faces (like pugs) can’t tolerate high temperatures and aren’t cooled by panting. Find out why flat-faced dogs are high risk for heatstroke.
5 Reasons Why Your Dachshund is at Risk for Heatstroke
There are 5 reasons why your little long dog can get themselves into trouble when they spend too much time in the sun.
Why Do Dachshunds Overheat Easily? Here’s why.
1. They Love to Be Warm
Dachshunds love taking warm sunshine naps inside and outside. They literally melt like butter in the warm heat of the sun.
Unfortunately, they can overheat fast – without even knowing it.
Don’t let your doxie bask in the sunshine too long.
My Dachshunds, Eko and Gretta, will literally hunt for that special sunny spot beaming down from a window.
At least inside, we have air conditioning to keep their body temperature cool.
2. Digging
Dachshunds are natural born hunters, and they are famous for intense digging. They love to dig down deep to catch those little moles that hide in the backyard.
Help your doxie take breaks from their dig to rehydrate and cool down.
Again, your pup can accidentally overdo it without knowing any better. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
3. Weight Issues
The Dachshund dog breed is prone to obesity. Any extra body fat acts as an insulator and can heat up quickly.
Dachshunds who are overweight are less energetic and tend to act more tired. Carrying that extra weight can make them overheat and make it harder for them to breath.
Is Your Dachshund Overweight?
4. Thyroid Issues
If your Dachshund has any issues with their thyroid, they will be more prone to overheating and heatstroke.
The thyroid is in charge of regulating their internal body temperature. If they have a thyroid issue, it is best to keep them out of the heat.
5. Coat Thickness and Color
If you have a long-hair, black-colored Dachshund, they are more at risk of overheating than a light-colored doxie. This is because of their fur thickness and dark color.
The color black absorbs all light and heat. The darker the color, the hotter the doxie.
Now, on the other hand, having a lighter colored Dachshund can have its cons as well.
My Dachshund, Eko (pictured below) is more at risk for Sunburn because he is white and has short, thin fur.
Post You May Like: How To Protect Your Dachshund From The Sun
Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can save your dog’s life. Cool your pup down ASAP if you notice any of these symptoms.
Note: Many signs of heatstroke may not occur until days after your sunny outdoor excursions!
How To Prevent Heatstroke
Heatstroke is serious and deadly! The best way to keep your pup safe is prevention. Here are some great ways to help keep your Dachshund safe in the summer heat.
Stay Hydrated
Always provide plenty of cool water for your Dachshund indoors and outdoors. They lose a heavy amount of fluid through panting, and they need to stay hydrated in order to stay cool.
Whether you are going for a hike in the woods or a run in the park, bring a water bottle with you and have your dog take several water breaks in the shade to avoid dehydration.
Off Peak Activities
You can prevent Heatstroke and Dehydration by taking walks and playing during the cooler parts of the day.
Plan your outside doggie activities before and after peak sunshine time. In the USA, avoid the sun during peak time: 10 am to 4 pm daylight saving time.
Make sure to walk and play at a slower pace when it’s hot outside. Dachshunds really give it their all. They can keep walking or playing fetch for hours, they don’t know when to quit.
Set a timer and make sure they take frequent breaks to cool down.
Staying Healthy
Avoid feeding your Dachshund any food scraps or unhealthy treats and feed them a healthy dog food diet.
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Car Rides
Never Ever Leave Your Dachshund in the car on any type of day!
Even with the windows cracked, your car can get as hot as an oven and will kill your dog in minutes. It is illegal to leave your dog in the car in many states. I wish it would be illegal everywhere.
Haircuts
Do you have a long-hair or wire-hair Dachshund? If you are thinking about giving your doxie a super short haircut this summer, be very careful how short you go.
Shorter hair won’t protect your dog from sunburn, it will reveal more skin. The longer hair acts as a nice sun barrier that is protecting them from the sun.
So, yes, for the heat, give them a nice trim, but don’t take off too much of the length to prevent sunburn.
Avoid Dog Houses
Don’t let your Dachshund hang out in an outdoor dog house. Dog houses hold in the extreme heat because they don’t have the proper air flow to stay cool.
Provide a cool open-air, shaded area for your dog instead.
Stay Inside
If it is just too blasted hot outside, you and your doxie can enjoy some fun games and exercise in the cool air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, stay cool with some house fans or a puppy pool.
Note: Never dunk your dog’s entire body in cold water. The sudden change in temperature could cause them to go into shock.
Here is a Helpful YouTube Video from Our Pets Health: How To Cool A Dog Down Quickly!
Pinterest Ideas: Fun Indoor Activities To Do With Your Dog
How To Avoid Sunburn
You know this summer is going to be super-hot, heatstroke is a risk and so is sunburn.
Learn how to protect your Dachshund’s delicate skin from the sun. It’s better to prevent a sunburn than to have to deal with the painful effects of sun damage.
Read more: How to Protect Your Dachshund from Sunburn.
How To Stay Cool This Summer
Your wiener dog can play water games, wear adorable dog cooling gear, and munch on some yummy frozen dog treats to stay cool. Here are some really easy ways to keep your Dachshund Cool This Summer.
How Do You Keep Your Dachshund Cool? Let Us Know Below.
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