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Can German Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? and 10 ways to keep them cool

German Shepherd dog

Introduction

German Shepherd’s hot weather is absolutely on fire. Do they tolerate it? Absolutely Yes, German Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. Nevertheless, exposure to excessively high temperatures for an extended period of time can be harmful and may result in circumstances that are potentially fatal. 

In light of this, you would need to do your part to keep your German Shepherd cool if you live in a warmer climate or if it is a particularly hot day.

You might be thinking, how can I keep my adorable German Shepherd cool? Well, that’s what we’re going to discover in this article. Are you curious? Continue reading to broaden your knowledge and learn how to be your bundle of love’s kindest caring buddy. Let’s dive right into the German Shepherd hot weather planet and discover more!

German shepherd hot temperature tolerance

German Shepherds are known for their toughness and endurance, but they are also susceptible to the weather. Like all dogs, they need appropriate amounts of sunlight, water, food, and exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, they also get hot temperatures, just like humans.

In actual fact, they can tolerate much higher temperatures than humans can and are often used in the police and military because of it. Nonetheless, German Shepherd heat tolerance has limits, since high temperatures can be dangerous for them. It is essential to keep your dog cool and hydrated during excessively hot weather to prevent heatstroke and other health issues. Here is everything you need to know about taking better care of your German Shepherd during warmer seasons:

What temperature is too hot for a German shepherd

For German Shepherds, the heat can be deadly. Temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit are highly dangerous for a large dog like a German Shepherd since they have a naturally high body temperature and are susceptible to heat stroke. With that said, It’s essential to provide your dog with plenty of shade and water to stay hydrated. You should also limit their time outside, as well as any physical exertion.

Do German Shepherds get hot easily?

German Shepherds have been called “the most popular dog in the world”. With their loyal, obedient, and affectionate natures, they are excellent companions and enjoy summer as much you do. 

However, given that German Shepherds have a naturally high body temperature, this makes them not well-suited to hot weather. So, If you live in a place with hot summers, it is a good idea to be prepared and keep your German Shepherd cool during hot weather.

Do German Shepherds like warm weather?

German Shepherds are a versatile breed of dog that can adapt to different climates. They are most commonly thought of as a cold weather breed, but they can also enjoy warm weather.

When the temperature starts to rise, German Shepherds will typically seek out cooler spots to lie down in and may spend more time panting to regulate their body temperature.

German Shepherds can love being outside during warm weather as long as they have access to water and shade, but not too much during extremely hot weather.

Can you shave German Shepherds for the summer?

Summer is here! While this means vacations and amusement parks, it also brings with it some unique challenges. In addition to the heat and humidity, German Shepherds are well-known for their incredibly thick coats that shed water very poorly. 

Additionally, they were bred to be outstanding working dogs and must work in the summer. With all of this in mind, you may definitely shave your dog in the summer to make them feel lighter and cooler. Just be careful not to harm your dog’s skin when using clippers or trimmers to shave his coat.

How often should I bathe my German Shepherd in summer?

German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs and love to expend energy. They will do so by playing or running around even during summer. Therefore, your German Shepherd should be bathed as often as necessary to keep him clean and comfortable.

In the summer months, you may need to bathe your dog more frequently due to the warmer weather and increased activity level. Be sure to use a mild shampoo designed for dogs, and avoid getting water in your dog’s ears.

10 ways to keep German shepherds cool

When the mercury climbs, so does your German Shepherd’s heat tolerance. German Shepherd’s Body temperature is naturally high, unlike other dogs. This doesn’t mean that your dog can’t enjoy the summer weather, though! With a few tips and tricks, you can keep your pup cool while still enjoying the sunny days.

A cool German Shepherd is sure to be the happiest. How well you take care of your puppy will unquestionably affect your dog’s temperature on hot days. Here are some things to keep in mind to help your dog cope with the heat:

1. Be aware of your dog’s normal body temperature.

german Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are known for their endurance and strength, so it’s important to be mindful of when you take them on hot days. According to the ASPCA Animal Wellness website, a healthy German Shepherd’s normal body temperature is between 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. If they’re overheating, they may pant excessively, salivate excessively, have diarrhea, have a rapid heart rate, and/or lose their appetite. Hence, it will be easier for you to spot heat exhaustion or heat stroke in your dog if you are aware of his usual body temperature.

2. Offer lots of shade for your German Shepherd.

Black dog

German Shepherds love to spend time outdoors during summertime. However, they can get hot quickly, so it’s important to offer them a lot of shade. Trees are a great option, but you can also use umbrellas or other shading devices. Just make sure your German Shepherd has plenty of space to stay cool and comfortable.

3. Keep an eye on his level of exercise.

GSP dog

German Shepherds are known for their athletic ability and endurance, making them ideal for pulling sleds, participating in dog sports, or just getting some exercise. While they have plenty of energy, their breed isn’t well-suited to hot weather. So, when it’s hot outside, keep a watchful eye on your dog, he will need regular breaks and shady areas where to play, it’s more preferable to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.

4. Keep your dog hydrated.

German shepherd dog drink water

Your German shepherd needs plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated during the summer months. Make sure your dog has access to water at all times, and consider investing in a doggie fountain or water dispenser. If you’re going to be out in the heat for extended periods of time, take along a portable water bowl and some ice cubes to keep your pup cool and hydrated.

Water is essential for a German Shepherd’s body to function properly. It helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and flush out toxins. Without enough water, a German Shepherd can become dehydrated, which can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to keep an eye on their water intake and make sure they’re getting enough to drink. If your dog is panting heavily or seems lethargic, give them a cool bath or take them to the vet to check for dehydration.

5. Avoid taking your German Shepherd for a walk in the sun.

German shepherd silver dog

A walk in the hot sun is absolutely not the best idea for a German Shepherd, since your adorable pup is one of the most sensitive breeds to heat. Be sure to schedule your walks for early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler, to avoid getting your dog overheated.

6. Provide a cool area for your German Shepherd to rest.

A dog in a cool area

Your German shepherd will appreciate a cool, shaded area to rest in during the summer months. Place a dog bed or blanket in a spot that gets good airflow and isn’t in direct sunlight. If possible, set up a fan to help keep your pup cool. Also, make sure to check your dog regularly for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting or drooling, and provide plenty of fresh water.

7. Make sure there’s a water fountain.

Dog drink from a fountain

If you take your German Shepherd for a run in the park, you will want to make sure that there is a water fountain nearby. German Shepherds are known for being active and needing a lot of water, so having a water source nearby is important. If you don’t have a water fountain, you can always fill up a bowl with water and place it near your German Shepherd’s favorite spot.

8. Maintain a Healthy Weight for Your German Shepherd.

Dog in the beach

As the weather warms up, it’s important to keep an eye on your German Shepherd’s weight. A healthy weight for a German Shepherd during the summer season according to the AKC breed standards is between 65-90 pounds for males and 50-70 pounds for females. If your dog is outside a lot during the summer, they may need more food to maintain their weight. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog, talk to your veterinarian.

9. Groom Your German Shepherd Frequently.

Grooming a German Shepherd

Grooming your German Shepherd in the summer months is essential. There are a few things you can do to help keep them cool and comfortable. First, make sure to brush them regularly to help remove any excess fur. You can also give them a short, cool bath every week or so. Be sure to dry them off well afterward, and consider using a cooling coat or spray to help keep them comfortable in the heat.

10. Make sure you always take a fan with you.

If your dog is lying down in the heat, keep him cool with a fan. Having a small fan on hand throughout the summer is a terrific idea to keep your dog cool on hot days at the pool or beach! 

Other pleasurable and entertaining summertime activities for your adorable German Shepherd  to keep him cool and protected include taking him swimming on a regular basis and getting him a pair of stylish sunglasses that will both protect him from the sun’s rays and make him look cool and funky.

Conclusion

All in all, German shepherds are a great breed of dog and make wonderful pets. They are loyal, protective, and loving. However, they do require some special care in hot weather. Their thick coats can make them susceptible to heatstroke, so it’s important to keep them cool and hydrated.

If you’re thinking of getting a German shepherd, or already have one, be sure to take extra care of them in the summer months, here are some quick reminders of how to keep him cool:

  • Avoid walking your German shepherd during the hottest hours of the day. The pavement can get very hot and burn your dog’s paws.
  • Keep your German shepherd well-hydrated by giving him fresh, cool water to drink throughout the day.
  • Dress your German shepherd in a light-colored coat or sunscreen to help reflect some of the heat.
  • Take your German shepherd to a shady spot or air-conditioned room to cool off if he starts to overheat.
  • Never leave your German shepherd in a car or other enclosed space during hot weather

What do you think?

Written by Jack

Jack is the founder of Germanshepherdsfamily, a german shepherds specific website where you'll find everything you need to know if you are a true lover of the German Shepherd breed!

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