Whippet is a very interesting breed of dog that stands apart from the rest. Their interesting features and characteristics make them very unique dogs, but do you know what climate they are best suited for? Knowing the best conditions for your dog allows you to regulate their body temperature and take the necessary precautions to either keep them warm or cool them down. So, in this article, we will tell you everything that you need to know about the best living conditions for Whippet dogs to help you keep them healthy and happy.
So, can Whippet live in hot weather? The answer is yes, Whippet dogs can live in hot weather as their body is well-suited to the warmer climate thanks to their short fur and large nose, which helps to regulate their breathing and cool them down.
Just because Whippets can live in hot climates it does not mean that there is no weather too extreme for these dogs. By knowing that Whippets can live in hot weather it will help you to understand that you will need to take extra precautions if you live in a colder part of the world. However, it is also important that you learn how to take care of a Whippet dog and how to notice when they are overheating or need help regulating their temperature. To find out how best to take care of your Whippet dog read on.
Can Whippet Dogs Live In Hot Weather and Heat?
Yes, Whippet dogs can live in hot weather as they are naturally more suited to warmer weather. The reason for this is that their coat is very short and so it does not offer them too much protection from the cold. Their short fur helps to cool them down quickly and it does not trap in the heat, unlike dogs with longer fur.
Another feature that Whippet dogs have that helps to keep them cool in the hot summer months is their large nose. Their big nose helps them to breathe in cool air which they can then use to regulate their body temperature.
However, it is worth keeping in mind that just because Whippet dogs are better suited to living in warmer climates it does not mean that they should be allowed to spend a lot of time outside, in the sun or that there is no temperature too hot for them.
A good rule of thumb is that if it is too hot for you, the dog owner, then it is certainly too hot for your dog. So, although your Whippet dog is better suited to hot weather, meaning that they will struggle to keep themselves warm in the wind, rain, and snow, you should also take the proper precautions to keep them safe in the heat.
Do Whippet Dogs overheat easily in hot conditions?
Yes, Whippet dogs can easily overheat, just like many other breeds of dogs and even people. Although Whippet dogs are able to better regular their temperature than many other breeds, you should still take care when the weather is particularly warm or your dog is in a warm place, such as a car. Remember, dogs die in hot cars.
Dogs sweat from the glands in their paw pads, meaning that you may notice that your Whippet’s feet are seemingly wet or even dripping. This is sweat and it is a good indication that your Whippet dog is overheating. In this case, it is important that you help your Whippet to cool down quickly.
You can do this in a variety of different ways such as pouring a small amount of cold water over them, taking them out of the direct sunlight or taking them inside into a place where you can cool them down with air conditioning or a fan.
If you live in a particularly hot climate then it may be worth your while investing in a cooling vest for your Whippet dog as this will help to keep them cool and control their temperature even when you are out and about.
Alternatively, if it is still very hot indoors then you should purchase a cooling mat for your dog which will give them a nice cool place to rest and relax.
Signs to look out for if you think that your Whippet dog may be too hot include:
- Sweating
- Being lethargic
- A lack of appetite
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
If you are worried about your Whippet dog then give your vet a call and then will be able to advise you further.
How to keep your whippet dog cool in a warm summer naturally?
Keeping your Whippet dog cool in the summer is very important, even if they are better adapted to this type of climate than many other types of dog. There are the more obvious ways to keep your Whippet dog cool such as air conditioning and fans and even more advanced technologies such as cooling blankets and vests. But how do you keep your Whippet cool in summer naturally?
One very simple way to ensure that your Whippet stays cool and does not overheat is water. By simply supplying your dog with enough cool water you can help them to naturally regulate their body temperature. Alternatively, you can add ice cubes to their water to keep it cooler for longer or give your dog an ice cube to lick on. Both of these methods will quickly help to cool your dog down.
With this method in mind, ice lollies and popsicles are a great way to cool your Whippet down in the summer months. Just like we like to enjoy an ice-cold treat, so too will your dog. Make sure that the popsicle is suitable for your dog, for example checking to see that it does not contain too much sugar or toxic ingredients, such as grapes.
Make sure that your Whippet dog is sufficiently hydrated and they will find it easier to regulate their temperature naturally. If your dog does not want to drink any more water or eat any more popsicles, you can give them pieces of watermelon to chew on. Not only is this a healthy treat but the high water content will help to keep them hydrated.
If you need to cool your dog down quickly then soak a towel in a bowl of cold water and drape it over your dog. Make sure to use as big of a towel as you need. The more of your dog you can cover the better so choose an appropriately sized towel.
Do Whippet dogs like to walk?
Yes, Whippet dogs do like to walk. These dogs are a very loving breed and so they will happily spend a very long time outdoors on a walk with their favorite person. Although your Whippet may seem very lazy when they are inside the house they assume a completely different personality as soon as they are out the front door.
On average a Whippet dog likes to walk about 3 to 4 miles (which is 5 to 6 kilometers). However, your Whippet may be able to walk more or less than this depending on their age, size, and the difficulty of your terrain. For example, because Whippet dogs have very thin legs you should avoid walking along trails that are very steep or very bumpy (for example, if there are a lot of stones or obstacles along the path).
Exercise, such as going for a walk, is very important for your Whippet’s health. However, you should be careful not to overexercise your Whippet, especially if they are a puppy. When your dog is a puppy their bones are still soft and developing and so you should be careful not to overexercise them as this can cause damage to their bones.
Even in adulthood overwalking your dog can cause more health problems than it solves and your dog may be simply exhausted when you return home. In order to make sure that you are not overwalking your Whippet it is a good idea to either plan your route in advance so that you know the total mileage or to use an activity monitor to track how far you have walked and how long you have been walking for.
The best thing that you can do is to keep an eye on your Whippet dog. They will be able to tell if you if they are capable of carrying on with the walk or whether they have had enough and are ready to go home. Remember that whatever you walk in one direction you will have to walk back.