7 Dog Breeds that Don’t Cope Well in Hot Weather—and How to Keep Them Cool

We’re still a few weeks out from the official start of summer, but, for some parts of the country, the warm weather has arrived! While many of us will welcome the sunshine, high temperatures can pose serious risks for our four-legged friends—especially dog breeds that inherently struggle to cope in the heat.

"A temperature of up to 23°C [73°F] is fine for dogs to be out and about in. However, with temperatures above 24°C [75°F], it starts to get rather dangerous for dogs to be exercised outdoors and if it reaches above 30°C [86°F], the dog is at a very high risk of heatstroke," says dog behaviorist and accredited dog trainer Debby Lucken.

This means that any dog can potentially develop heatstroke if exposed to the sun in hot temperatures for too long, but according to research, some breeds are more susceptible.

This doesn't just include thick-coated breeds, but also brachycephalic types (those with a flat face and short snout), heavy-set or overweight dogs, puppies, and older canines.

Signs your dog is overheating include excessive panting, increased heart rate and pale or bright red gums. To help them keep cool, avoid walking them in the midday heat, block out the sun in your home as much as possible and provide cool treats and plenty of water (read more here).

Here are 7 popular breeds that tend to struggle with heat.