What temperature is too hot for Basset hounds? This is something that many Basset owners ask. I and my wife have been Basset hound owner for the past decade. I can say for sure that I am happy to be around Bassets because they are a great source of joy. We used to live in a colder area and our Basset hound was managing the cold weather pretty fine. But, we are now moving to a hotter climate, and I am not sure how my Basset hound will handle the hot weather.
I want my puppy to always be happy and healthy, so I did some research and found out what temperature is too hot for Basset hounds.
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Basset Hounds?
What temperature is too hot for Basset Hounds? When the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), you should bring your Basset Hound indoors because he might get dehydrated from the hot weather. The humidity of the air also plays a factor and whether they have a cool place to escape the heat.
It is safe to say that this situation applies to any dog, not just the Basset hound. Even our veterinarian recommended it for the dog’s overall health and well-being.
Basset hounds have a thick coat and lots of skin folds which keeps their body hot. If you have a backyard where your Basset hound enjoys playing, make sure to take short breaks inside the house or in a shade that will allow your Basset hound to cool off.
Basset hounds love to follow a scent and dig, so if he is playing out in the heat, they won’t notice how hot it is because he is preoccupied with trailing and digging. It’s up to you as their owner to keep an eye on the temperature and call them in for a break when needed.
Being outside in hot weather can be dangerous
Running, trailing, and digging outdoors in hot weather will put extra stress on the Basset hound’s body. If regular breaks for drinking water are not implemented, your Basset hound can get dehydrated.
It’s really up to the owner of the Basset hound to access how his puppy is affected by the heat. If you are a family that spends a lot of time outdoors in the heat, the Basset hound will have a blast as long as precautions are taken.
The Basset Hound was bred as a hunting dog and can accompany you to outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and other activities. But, you have to make sure to keep an eye on the dog and see how he is managing the heat, as well as to make sure he drinks a lot of water.
Outdoor walks and playing are great ways to keep your Basset hound fit and healthy. If you carefully plan out the outdoor activities and implement lots of breaks, you and your Basset hound will have a really good time. But, if you disregard the hot weather, it can end really badly for your dog.
Basset Hounds should not spend time outdoors if the heat is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or if the humidity is above 20%.
It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t let your Basset hound play outside, or go to do their business at all when it’s hot. It means that you need to keep an eye on your furry friend and make sure he drinks lots of water and stays in shade.
How long can a Basset Hound be outside when it is hot out?
There is no exact answer to this question because it all depends on the temperature and the humidity. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or the humidity level above 20%, it’s best to keep your Basset hound indoors.
If your Basset hound insists to go outside, make the trip short and sweet. Take him out to the bathroom, or just a quick peek to see what’s going on in the backyard. Other than that, a nice spot next to the AC and some toys for them to play with while indoors.
You can make an exception if you are close to a lake and want to go swimming. The water will cool down your basset hound. After the swimming session makes sure that your Basset gets lots of fluids. These outdoor activities should be kept short or frequent breaks should be taken.
You and your family members should be able to tell how hot your Basset hound is by looking at them and any subtle signs they give off. Having the necessary tools will help reduce injuries that the hot weather can bring.
What are the signs that a Basset Hound has spent too much time outdoors in the heat?
There are a lot of signs a Basset hound will give off when they are too hot or dehydrated from the hot weather. These signs should be taken seriously and addressed right away and can include:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abnormal breathing
- Lack of urine
- Rapid pulse
- Weakness
- Changes in the color of the gums
- Pacing and being unsettled
- Searching for water
- Increased thirst
- Less alert
- Muscle twitching
- Lack of coordination
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
If your Basset hound shows any of these signs while playing outdoors in extreme heat, you should move your dog inside and rehydrate him slowly. Make sure to call your veterinarian and consult with him.
These symptoms usually come out of nowhere and mean that the dog has been overheated for quite a while. It is wise to have a dog first aid kit on hand when doing outdoor activities with your Basset hound.
What should I do if I find my Basset Hound has overheated?
- If your Basset hound has overheated from playing outside in hot weather, take them to a cooler area such as under a tree, inside the house, or wherever you find shade.
- Lower their temperature by using cool (not cold) water and pouring it all over the fur. Make sure their paws are soaking wet because this can reduce the risk of fever.
- Relocate them in a cool place where there is a cool breeze or a fan and check their body temperature. Anything above 103 is considered a fever in a dog. If you don’t have a dog first aid kit, check the dryness of the nose. A dry nose means fever.
- Give your dog to drink a little bit of water frequently. Increase the water mounts as they cool down in time.
- If your Basset hound loses consciousness and you are unable to bring him back, seek medical attention immediately.
Basset hounds are unable to fully express how they feel and situations like this tend to escalate quickly. Always pay close attention to your dog when you are outside in hot weather.
