Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to withstand the cold climate of Switzerland. Their thick and flowy signature fur thrives in winter weather. Sure, they love being indoors with the family but you know where they’d rather be when the temperature falls low. These dogs are unbothered by snow as they go ruffling and digging, so you might as well get ready for some wintertime adventures with your Berner! This just goes on to show how much Bernese Mountain Dogs love winter months. But what about the summer months? Can Bernese Mountain Dogs live in hot climates?
Read on to know whether Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in hot climates and how you can raise them in hotter regions.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Live in Hot Climates?
The answer is yes. They can live in hot climates as long as they get enough water and shade to avoid heatstroke. Bernese mountain dogs were originally bred to live in cold climates, and they can live in temperatures between -20°C and 25°C with little trouble. However, they should not be left outside during extreme heat, as they will suffer from heatstroke if left too long without access to water or shade.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Overheat Easily?
Some people might think that Bernese Mountain Dogs can overheat easily because they thrive in cold climates with their thick coats. However, they actually have a cooling system that is made up of their dense fur and their nose hairs sticking out on the surface of the skin. This cooling system allows them to regulate their body temperature without sweating too much or panting excessively.
How Long Can You Leave Your Bernese Mountain Dog Outside in The Heat?
Not too long. You should not leave your Bernese Mountain dog outside in the heat for more than 30 minutes. The average temperature in the summer is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you leave your Bernese Mountain dog outside for more than 30 minutes, they will start suffering from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Even a healthy adult Bernese Mountain Dog could be uncomfortable when the temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C).
Signs Of Overheating in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Your Berner can overheat when their body temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher. Overheating can happen quickly and without warning.
Signs of overheating in Bernese Mountain Dogs include:
- Excessive panting or heavy breathing
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Shaking
- Dehydration
7 Ways to Keep Your Bernese Mountain Dog Cool in Hot Climates
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a very thick coat that can make it difficult to cool down in hot climates. Here are 7 ways to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog cool in hot climates!
1) Provide plenty of shade for your dog. If you don’t have a shady yard, try placing your dog under an umbrella or outdoor fan.
2) Provide fresh water. Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of freshwater so they don’t overheat. This is because they are not accustomed to the heat and can easily overheat if they don’t have enough fluids.
3) Give them cool treats. A favorite treat for these dogs is ice cream. You can always make homemade healthy ice cream for your pup to beat the summer heat.
4) Keep your home cool and airy by installing an air conditioner.
5) If you cannot afford an air conditioner, then you should consider using fans to cool down the house and provide relief from heat and humidity. This will also help prevent the windows from fogging up during summer and will also help to prevent condensation on the window sills.
6) You can also help your Berner cool down by taking them for a walk or playing with them outside in the shade or on an air-conditioned surface.
7) Use cooling pads or bedding to reduce the temperature in your home so that it is more comfortable for your dog during hot days. These products can be bought from pet stores or online retailers.
Conclusion
Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to be able to withstand the harsh climate of Switzerland, where they were originally used as herding dogs. They are built for cold weather and have an insulating layer of fat under their skin, which helps them stay warm when they’re outside in cold weather. There is no doubt that Bernese Mountain Dogs make a great pet for anyone living in a hot climate unless they are given proper care to avoid overheating.
Other FAQS
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Live in Apartments?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can live in apartments. However, you’ll need to take them for regular walks, provide adequate exercise, and make sure you have something creative to keep your dog’s mind engaged in order for them to do well in apartments. Often, dogs of this type develop joint issues as they age. They will need access to elevators or other well-maintained floors if they’re unable to climb stairs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Suitable for Novice Owners?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their patience and intelligence. These dogs are so well-behaved that they can be easily trained to perform a variety of tasks such as sitting, staying, heeling, and walking on a leash. Despite their intelligence and good manners, these dogs require extensive training and should not be owned by novice owners.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Being Alone?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent, gentle dogs that crave human companionship. They were bred for herding and guarding, so they need constant companionship and are highly social dogs. Therefore, these dogs cannot tolerate being left alone for long periods of time as they need to be around their human caregivers for company and support.
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To explore more about the breed, check out other articles that we have covered on the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Do you have a Bernese Mountain Dog? How do you keep them cool in the summer months? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!