Do Black Retrievers get hot easily? Find out all you need here.
The quick answer is:
Black retrievers have a much higher risk of overheating and get hotter, quicker than dogs with lighter colors. Keep your dog out of the heat below 75 degrees (167 Fahrenheit)
The darker the color the more heat the fur will attract. Ever had dark clothes on in hot weather? You will soon understand it’s not the best color to wear on a hot summer’s day.
A black object absorbs all wavelengths of light and converts them into heat, so the object gets warm. Just like a black retriever’s coat. There are ways to keep your black lab cool. But first, let’s take a look at signs that your lab has heatstroke.
Signs your Black lab has heat stroke
- Rapid pulse. The best way to check the pule of your dog is to lay your hand on your dog’s chest. If you think it is rapid I would suggest rest your dog and give them water and find some shade.
- Muscle tremors. If your dog is shivering or shaking it may be caused by heat exhaustion. Again rest your dog, Give plenty of water and keep a close eye on your dog till they recover. If you are still worried after some time, get advice from your vet.
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing. If your dog is panting constantly or faster than normal (hyperventilation), they could be overheated. Just keep calm as a dog can detect it if you are panicking and may make them worse. Keep them calm make sure they rest and it should subside in time. Give them plenty of water. If you are still concerned call a vet.
- Loss of consciousness. Call a vet immediately. make sure there is no blockage in their airways. make sure they are lying with their head away from their chest so their airways are clear.
How can I keep my black retriever cool in the summer?
Keeping a black dog cool in the summer months is important. There are many ways to achieve this. The easiest way is to make sure there is water close by (inside the house and garden).
A cool fan in the direction of the dog bed is a good idea too. On real hot days keep the window open and curtains shut. Windows or a door on each side of the house open with creating a nice cooling through the draft.
Slightly off-topic here but I found out you can get pet sunscreen in the form of a wipe. I thought it is a great idea, the product has a lot of good customer reviews on Amazon you can take a look here.
Be careful when you exercise in the height of summer. If you do walk your dog every day then go early morning or in the evening after 7 pm.
If you do have to walk your dog in the midday heat, take regular stops in the shade. Exercise is important for the health of your dog but this is the time that your k9 will overheat.
If you have a garden maybe pick a spot where you can make some shade. You can order a sunblock shade with Grommets on Amazon here. Another great idea is to use a kids paddling pool.
The quickest way to cool a dog down when they are overheated
Water down your dog in lukewarm water, not too cold as you run the risk of shocking the dog. Once wet point a fan in the dog’s direction. When cooler offer some water, again not too cold, Lukewarm water absorbs into their system quicker.
Keep trying to cool your dog until the panting stops. If you are still concerned and showing any other signs of distress consult with a vet.
Other dog breeds that overheat easily
All dogs can overheat in hot weather or with excessive exercise. Below is a list of dog breeds with a high risk of overheating.
- Pugs.
- Bulldog.
- Shih Tzu.
- French Bulldog.
- Boxers.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- Boston Terrier.
