7 dog breeds that struggle to cope in hot weather — and how to keep them cool

Stock up on sunscreen and dust off the parasol: the first heatwave of the year has arrived. Temperatures are set to climb into the 30s this weekend and, while many of us will welcome the sunshine, the hot weather can pose serious risks for our four-legged friends – especially breeds that inherently struggle to cope in the heat.

"A temperature of up to 23°C is fine for dogs to be out and about in. However, with temperatures above 24°C, it starts to get rather dangerous for dogs to be exercised outdoors and if it reaches above 30°C, the dog is at a very high risk of heatstroke," says dog behaviourist 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. Paying attention to these is vital as one in seven dogs taken to the vet for heatstroke die, but 98% seen early with mild signs recover quickly, according to the Royal Kennel Club.

To help dogs keep cool, the organisation advises avoiding walks in the midday heat, blocking out the sun in your home as much as possible and providing cool treats and plenty of water with ice cubes.

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