Extreme Temps Are Dangerous for Dogs
Extreme Temps Are Dangerous for Dogs
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Generally speaking, most experts agree that, for many reasons, it's always best to keep your dog indoors -- and it's never best to leave him or her outdoors unattended for extended periods of time. But it's particularly important to keep your dog inside when temperatures hit highs and lows. Vicksman recommends bringing puppies, kittens and short-haired dogs inside when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius). Larger, furrier breeds that are acclimated to living outside in cold conditions can handle colder temps a bit better than short-haired breeds, but they still should never be left outside when the thermostat hits zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus 17.7 degrees Celsius) or below.
Most healthy dogs can tolerate the heat as long as they have shade, Vicksman told Animal Planet. But the San Diego Humane Society points out that long-haired breeds like huskies and chows are more sensitive to heat. And as anyone who lives in the humidity-soaked Southeastern United States and the sand states in the West can verify, summers are unbearably hot, and deaths occur in both people and pets who don't have access to air conditioning. Also, there are individual sensitivities, so some dogs -- regardless of breed heritage -- are more affected by the heat and cold than others.
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