It is July. For at least the next 2 months in Western NC nature's thermostat will be cranked up to the highest of the year. (if you are further south, west or east of us....please excuse my complaining- I fully know that I really have nothing to complain about compared to many enduring the heat wave) We wanted to send you some practical advice for keeping , especially your doodle dog comfortable. We want to give you information on the Heat Tolerance of Aussiedoodles.
(This is NOT medical advice- We provide this blog as our experience and research only, in hopes that you may glean some good information from it for raising your own dog. *Please also note: this advice is for healthy adult dogs, Puppies are very sensitive to heat and should never be left out alone in direct sunlight unsupervised anytime of the year )
Australian Shepherds tolerate heat better than poodles. This has been obvious to us. They also tolerate cold better. The shepherd bloodline was bred for hard work. Cattle farms out west get hot. They can also get bitterly cold. Our dogs that are 100% Australian Shepherd reflect this heritage. They are still ready to play fetch in the heat of the day while the poddles have found a freshly dug dirt pile under a shady spot (if they are not begging to go back into the air condition).
With this being said, as expected, an F1 (50/50) Aussiedoodle falls somewhere in between. They do lean a little more to the side of their more sensitive poodle side and the explanation for this is in their coat.
Australian Shepherds have a double coat. This is a gift when it comes to staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It comes with a price of a lot of shedding, especially twice a year, when it is time to "blow" that winter outfit for a sleeker summer style, or, bulk up again for winter. This insulates them from heat and cold.
Poodles, on the other hand, have a single coat. While their "hair" can grow longer than the Aussie's it still does a poorer job with regulating their ideal temperature. We have noticed our poodles and doodles are more sensitive to heat and cold. While energy level, athleticism, and intelligence would make aussiedoodles great "farm dogs" they really do better with living along side humans cooling off in the house. They do great on large pieces of property following their humans around and keeping up with difficult physical tasks, but; if you start to get overheated and need a break in the air conditioner your Aussiedoodle will likely want to follow you inside.
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR KEEPING YOUR DOODLE COOL
Fresh Water Available at all Times
During the hottest part of the day, make sure they have access to air conditioned indoor area
Walk and Exercise earlier or later in the day during the Summer months
Haircut!! Talk to your groomer about a cute, shorter "summer cut" for your Aussiedoodle
Frozen treats--There are plenty of fun recipes online, and even some grocery stores sell "pup cups" now in the freezer section!!
Kiddie Pools!! (Aussiedoodles love water- a shorter haircut also makes drying off easier before coming inside)
Cooling Mats can be purchased at pet stores or online
Watch out for Common signs of Heat Stroke (Please get professional vet help)
Excessive Drooling
Heaving Panting
Rapid Breathing
Higher Heartrate
Bright red gums
Vomiting
Stumbling/Disoriented
Weakness/Muscle Tremors
Seizures
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