Can Schnauzers Hack The Hot Weather? (How to Help)

We brought Livi into our family when our three kids were relatively young. The hot summer months were always a cause for concern when it came to sunburn, dehydration, and even heat exhaustion. I realized that I would need to keep an eye on Livi as closely as I did our kids, and I wanted to know exactly how the sun and heat affects Schnauzers. Here’s what I found.

Can Schnauzers Handle the Heat? Schnauzers handle the heat moderately well. Their double coat, paws, and nose may help them regulate body temperature. However, they are just as prone to sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion or stroke, and just general discomfort as human beings are.

Do Genetics Help Schnauzers Handle Heat?

A Schnauzer’s Double Coat

All Schnauzers (Miniature, Standard, and Giant) we originally bred to work on German farms. They are strong, hearty, hard-working dogs who, historically, have been used to laboring outdoors.

Schnauzers have a double coat. The outercoat is thick and wiry, and has traditionally protected them from the elements. This has helped Schnauzers adapt to cold weather, but what about the heat?

Ironically, there is mixed information on how a Schnauzers double coat affects them in the heat. Some will say that the softer undercoat actually helps them to regulate their temperature, whether they are regulating against cold or heat. There is also the sentiment that a double coat makes hot summers even hotter and uncomfortable for them.

The truth is that Schnauzers, in general, tolerate hot weather moderately well….even with a double coat. If you’ve clipped or shaved your Schnauzer’s outer coat like we have, the heat might be even more tolerable, but she is now more prone to sunburn.

How Schnauzers Naturally Cool Themselves

Schnauzer genetics, as with all dogs, come into play when it comes to cooling themselves down.

Schnauzers, like other dogs, do not perspire and do not have body sweat glands like we do. They can, however, perspire through their paws and, incredibly, their noses; both of which contain sweat glands to regulate body temperature. However, Schnauzers will generally pant to circulate air throughout their body in an attempt to cool down.

How Does Heat and Sun Affect Schnauzers?

All Schnauzers can tolerate the heat and sun fairly well, but they are also at risk for the same heat-related issues that we can struggle with.

Keep these heat facts in mind when you are out and about with your Schnauzer:

Discomfort	High temperatures can be just as uncomfortable for Schnauzers as it is for us. If you are uncomfortable in the heat, you can be sure she is, too. Air conditioning, fans, wet towels, cooling mats and cooling collars can all help.
Sunburn	Schnauzers, especially if they have been clipped closely, are prone to sunburn. Their noses and ears are especially vulnerable. They can burn, peel, and blister just like we do. Cancer is even a risk if they burn often or are exposed to the sun’s rays over time. Shade and sunscreen are helpful, but be sure to only use sunscreen created especially for dogs. Human sunscreen contains ingredients such as zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) that are toxic to dogs if ingested.
Dehydration	Schnauzers can suffer from dehydration in the heat and sun. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water faster than it takes it in. Dogs will also lose electrolytes and severe dehydration can result in organ failure and death. Keep plenty of water on hand, seek out shade, and even offer Gatorade or Pedialyte. See “How to Handle Dehydration” below.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke	As you Schnauzer’s body temperature rises, he becomes vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion will occur if he can’t cool himself down and his temperature rises. Heat stroke will set in as his body temperature reaches 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Both situations are medical emergencies. See “How to Handle Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke” below.

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How to Handle Dehydration

Dehydration can quickly become a medical emergency if not addressed immediately. If your Schnauzer is showing any of the signs below, act quickly and call your veterinarian.

Look For the Signs of Dehydration

• Constant panting
• Dry and sunken eyes
• Dry nose
• Dry, sticky gums
• Thicker saliva than normal
• Lack of skin elasticity compared to normal (is doesn’t spring back when pulled)
• Noticeable loss of appetite
• Vomiting with or without diarrhea
• Lethargy and noticeable lack of usual energy
• Dark yellow or orange urine

Take Action for Dehydration

Get Out of the Heat and Sun	Take your Schnauzer to shade or an indoor location immediately. Heat will only make the dehydration worse as your Schnauzer will continue losing more fluid.
Call your Veterinarian	Severe or prolonged dehydration should be addressed by your Schnauzer’s veterinarian. In troublesome cases, the vet may administer a saline IV and fluids.
Offer Water	Keep clean, cool water available. Your Schnauzer may even drink water from a water bottle you offer to him. This gives you an opportunity to make sure he is drinking consistently. Encourage small sips, not large gulps.
Offer Electrolytes	Pedialyte, especially non-flavored, is generally safe for Schnauzers and will help to restore his electrolytes. You can give small amounts, or dilute it in his water. If you have any concerns or questions, check with your veterinarian.
Offer Ice Chips	If your Schnauzer is willing, have him suck on ice cubes. This is cooling and offers a consistent, but small amount of fluid.
Offer Watery or Frozen Fruit	Similar to ice chips or cubes, frozen fruit is a nice way to replenish fluids. The extra flavor might be more enticing and the fruit also contains nutrients. DO NOT feed your Schnauzer grapes…they are very toxic to dogs. Read our article “Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat?”.
Offer Watery or Frozen Vegetables	Vegetables, whether fresh or frozen, can help to re-hydrate your Schnauzer. Vegetables such as corn, carrots, green beans, and zucchini are moist and safe for him. Read our article “Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat?”.
Offer Chicken or Beef Bouillon	Beef or Chicken Bouillons are tasty ways to offer water-based fluids.
Offer Wet Dog Food	Even if you prefer dry dog food, introducing some wet dog food will help to re-hydrate your Schnauzer and might be a nice, temporary change for him.

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How to Handle Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke are situations where your Schnauzer cannot reduce his body temperature quickly enough. Either condition is often also accompanied by dehydration, and both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies.

Look For the Signs of Heat Exhaustion or Stroke

• Dehydration
• Constant panting
• Excessive drooling
• Rapid pulse
• Inability to unrinate
• Bright red, blue, or purple gums
• Fever
• Shivering or shaking
• Dizziness
• Lethargy and noticeable lack of usual energy

Take Action for Heat Exhaustion or Stroke

Get Out of the Heat and Sun	Take your Schnauzer to shade or an indoor location immediately.
Call your Veterinarian	Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are conditions that will need to attention of your veterinarian. Organ failure and death are possibilities.
Reduce Body Temperature	Moisten your Schnauzer thoroughly with cool (NOT COLD) water. Cool water is helpful, but cold water can reduce their temperature too quickly and is very dangerous.
Offer Water	Offer him cool or even lukewarm (NOT cold) water to drink. If he is also dehydrated, which is likely, offering unflavored Pedialyte is also an option.
Focus on Paws and Ears	Apply cool water to his paws and ears. This will also help to gradually, but effectively, lower his body temperature.
Open Pores	You could also consider moistening his paws with rubbing alcohol to help open pores and bring down his temperature.
Use a Fan	If available, place him in front of a fan to help evaporate the cool water you’ve applied.
Check Temperature	Use a thermometer (NOT a glass one that he might bite) to take his temperature every few minutes. One his temperature lowers to 103 degrees Fahrenheit you should remove the fan and stop applying water and rubbing alcohol.
Offer More Water	As his temperature lowers, continue offering small amount of cool or lukewarm water.

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How to Help Your Schnauzer Handle the Heat

While there are some serious challenges when the temperatures skyrocket, getting outdoors with your Schnauzer in the sun and hotter weather is still a possibility.

Implement these tips to help you all handle the heat safely.

Keep Away From Hot Pavements

Pavements made of concrete and asphalt absorbs and retains a lot of heat during the day. Take your Schnauzer for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening, or walk him on grassy areas.

Find a New, Shady Trail

Walking and hiking are great ways for you and your Schnauzer to enjoy nice weather and get some exercise. Challenge yourself to find several new trails that are shaded.

Schedule Cool Outdoor Time

Early morning hours and nice summer evenings are perfect, safe times to get out with your pup.

Introduce New Games and Sports

When you’ve settled on cooler times of day to get out with your Schnauzer, take an opportunity to introduce a new game or sport into your play time. Consider a new tug game, a sprinkler game (where he chases the water as it moves), or something even more advanced like a portable Agility Course in your back yard.

Include Swimming or a Wading Pool

Some Schnauzers absolutely love the water! If yours is one of them (or seems willing to learn), swimming can be a fun summer sport. A small wading pool in your back yard is even a fun, creative option for enjoying the sun and heat. Be sure the include a life vest for your pup and watch him consistently.

Introduce Creative Indoor Games

If it’s just too hot to be outside for long, introduce some new indoor games such as hide-and-seek (with treats hidden around the house), treat puzzles, new dog toys, or even a Kong filled with a summer treat like frozen fruit and natural peanut butter.

Never Leave Your Schnauzer in the Car

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Never leave your Schnauzer in the car.

Summer Fun Means Safety First

The long, lazy days of summer are naturally good times to spend with your Schnauzer. I realized that I needed to watch our Livi in the sun and heat as conscientiously as I watched my three kids. In terms of what Schnauzers are able to handle, it’s not much different that what we can handle. That alone makes it easier to make good, common sense decisions for them.

With the right information and hot weather plan in place, you can enjoy Schnauzering all summer long.

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