With each summer, we are faced with the difficult question of how to keep our dogs cool. Dogs are energetic creatures, they love to spend time outdoors and to spend a lot of time… moving.
And with expectations that we are about to get our hottest summer ever, it’s more important than ever to do everything we could to protect our goldens from overheating.
So, Do Golden Retrievers overheat easily? Golden Retrievers overheat easily; they are vulnerable to heat strokes as in hot weather, Golden Retrievers can survive hot weather but their ideal temperature is between 60°F to 80°F and temperatures in the 90s°F and 100s°F can make them vulnerable to overheating quickly.
Golden Retrievers are cold-weather dogs, and summer could be tougher on them than it is on us. However, just like us, they could easily survive the hot weather and adapt to it if you follow this simple guide to avoid them getting overheated, hit by a heatstroke, or dehydrated.
Do Golden Retrievers Overheat easily?
Golden Retrievers are double-coated breeds, this is similar to you wearing multiple layers of clothes, imagine how uncomfortable it is in the hot days of summer.
Golden Retrievers, although belong to the list of breeds that are prone to heatstroke and overheating in summer, fall at the end of the list.
Because a Golden Retriever’s optimum ambient temperature is between 60 Fahrenheit and 65 degrees, they are more disturbed by the heat than humans and other pets, so to put it simply, they would get hot faster than you.
In addition, If your dog is a puppy, their body temperature regulation mechanisms do not fully mature until they are around 6 months old.
Dogs acclimatize to heat in the same way that people do. They have a hard time adjusting to the heat during the first several days. They become a bit more used to the heat and tolerant of it as the summer progresses, but they will not fully get accustomed to it, only slightly.
Are Golden Retrievers heat-sensitive?
Golden Retrievers are heat-sensitive; Although Golden Retrievers may survive in hot weather, they are sensitive to it. Temperatures in the 90s°F and 100s°F put them at risk of dehydration, hyperthermia, and sunburns, whereas the optimal temperature for a Golden Retriever is 60°F to 80°F.
Golden Retrievers are one of the heat-sensitive breeds, but they are also considered to be tolerant more than other breeds like huskies for example.
A warm environment is not always a severe issue for Golden Retrievers. With a few exceptions, they can live in any climate. Your Golden Retriever’s coat will be more appropriate for cold weather or the environment if it is long, dense, and thick.
It is in your hands as a pet parent to make sure they have enough water, a roof or shade, and other protective clothing to minimize heat-related issues. You can check my complete and comprehensive hot weather guide for Golden Retrievers here. All of my experience living with my goldens and Labs in hot weather is in this guide, years of knowledge, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
7 Ways To Cool Down Your Golden Retriever
- Take them to a shaded area
Direct sunlight especially during the midday can be extremely harmful to your golden retriever, so If your dog enjoys exploring the outdoors, make sure you take him to a shaded area and keep them out of direct sunlight. .
- Cooling pads
Cooling mats and cooling pads are fantastic methods to keep your dog cool if they get too hot on a stroll.
My personal favorite is the Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat from Amazon, it works really well and the large size is just perfect for adult golden retrievers.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out this affordable and breathable cooling mat on Amazon as well.
- Grooming
Regular grooming might help them stay cool by insulating them with their loose fur. Regular brushing on a daily basis can assist eliminate the old hair and maintain them clean and cool.
Before you decide on a summer haircut, check with your vet or a dog groomer to see if their coat is warming them up or keeping them cool.
Remember: you should never shave your dog’s coat, not even in the scorching hot weather. Their coat is an important part of their body’s cooling process. You can learn why you should never shave your golden retriever here.
- Choose your timings
Walking them at midday or even in the early afternoon is never a smart idea. It’s ideal if you take them for a stroll either early in the morning ( 5-9 am), late in the afternoon (5-7 pm), or late at night.
- Keep them Hydrated
There is nothing more heatstroke resisting that water! Make sure you golden drinks as much water as he needs, especially when out in this hot weather, in addition to that keep a water bottle with you when you’re out so he could drink every once in a while.
You can also get a water fountain like the affordable PetSafe dog water fountain from Amazon.
- Time your exercises
Avoid the warmest part of the day by going for walks early in the morning or late in the evening, in addition to that, on hot days, make strolls short.
- Keep playtime at bay
that Golden Retrievers are an overactive breed which means they are more likely to struggle in hot weather, particularly if they don’t stop playing or running around when they become overheated.
For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in hot weather, check out my guide to living with a golden retriever in Florida here.
How to know your dog is overheated?
These are the red flags that you should pay attention to as they indicate that your golden is overheating and if not cooled down, he might actually have a heatstroke
- Excessive panting
- Excessive Drooling
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in the color of gums and/or tongue (bright or dark red)
- Rising body temperature (either felt by touch or by measuring):
The optimum body temperature for golden retrievers is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Increased heart rate and pulse
- Excessive thirst
- Disorientation
- Stumbling
- Signs of frailty
- Vomiting
Remember to NEVER leave your dog in the car alone. Temperatures in cars get very hot, very quickly, and it leads to many fatalities each year.
What temperature is safe for a Golden Retriever?
60°F to 80°F temperatures are safe for a Golden Retriever; Overheating and heatstrokes are all risks associated with temperatures between the 90s°F and 100s°F, Although Golden Retrievers are not the most prone breed to overheating, they are among the breeds that are susceptible to heatstroke summer.
In addition to avoiding your golden retriever spending a lot of time at these temperatures, you must also make sure they are not in direct sunlight, they are well hydrated, and they are not spending too much energy.
Because Golden Retrievers are a high-energy breed, they are more prone to struggle in hot weather, especially if they do not stop playing or running around when they feel warm.
So, avoid high-intensity sports like fetch. They might get carried away and suffer from heatstroke when exercising in the heat.
Related Questions
At what temperature can a golden retriever overheat?
Golden Retrievers overheat at temperatures in the 90s°F and 100s°F; these degrees put them at risk of dehydration, hyperthermia, and sunburns, whereas the optimal temperature for a Golden is 60°F to 80°F.
Do Golden Retrievers hate the heat?
Golden retrievers don’t like the heat as their thick coats will become unpleasant, itchy, and smothering, vulnerable to heat strokes as in hot weather, in addition to their inability to control their body temperature because they don’t sweat.
Can golden retrievers live without AC?
Golden Retrievers can live without an AC depending on the climate where they live; if the temperature doesn’t reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they would be comfortable with a fan, otherwise, it is difficult for them to bear the heat.
Can a golden retriever survive in India?
A Golden Retriever can survive in India, they really flourish in India if they are properly cared for. The Indian Golden Retriever thrives in Indian conditions, however, it’s worth noting that Goldens have a double coat and will require extra attention during the hot months in India.
Can a golden retriever survive in Chennai?
Yes, A Golden Retriever can survive in Chennai; Due to them being a double-coated breed, which makes them able to tolerate the heat although on warmer days than usual, golden retrievers should stay indoors with fans or AC turned on to help them fight overheating.
Can golden retrievers survive in Punjab?
Golden Retrievers can survive in Punjab with the right amount of care; although they are an active breed, they are as well tolerant and adapting to surrounding environments, so they can tolerate the Punjab weather.
Can a golden retriever survive in Delhi?
Golden Retrievers can survive in Delhi if they are hydrated, regularly groomed, kept inside on hot days, provided with protection like dog shoes or sunscreen, and avoiding direct exposure to sunlight especially at noon.
Helpful Resources
Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia in Dogs | PetMD
How to keep dogs cool in the summer heat
Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources
- Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here – Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats!
- Looking for new toys? These toys will prove to be fun, engaging, and will stand their heavy chewing.
- Make them look GLAMOROUS with the best shampoos and conditioners and the best brushes here.
- Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find.
- Find my list of recommendations here.
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