From Mud to Meltdown: Helping Your Dog Adjust to Spring’s "Yo-Yo" Weather

Spring is usually our favorite time of year. After being cooped up by the cold for months, we’re itching to get out, get moving, and finally have some fun with our dogs.

Except that Mother Nature didn't get the memo. 

We’ve had a grand total of two days without rain in the last few weeks. It was freezing; then it was sweltering. And the mud? We don’t even want to talk about the mud. So far, this Spring is a total dud.

Beyond the mess, the "yo-yo" weather is putting real stress on our dogs. When the temperature climbed into the 80s this week, the pack was clearly struggling. They’re just like us: what feels like a gorgeous, mild summer day in July feels beastly in April when you still have your winter coat on.

There was heavy panting. There was dramatic flopping on the tile floors. There was even an emergency AC start-up. For the dogs, of course.

Since our dogs can't exactly unzip those winter coats, it's up to us to help them out.

Take It Easy, Take It Easy

It can take dogs longer to acclimate to a change of seasons. For us, the adjustment is psychological—we know summer is coming. For dogs, it’s purely physiological. Their bodies are still in 'winter mode,' and they can't shed that internal insulation overnight.

A couple of our dogs are akin to heat-seeking missiles during the winter. They cuddle up to the vents, luxuriating in the warm air flowing over their bits. And keeping the rest of the room from warming up, but that’s not their concern. 

When the warmer months arrive, you’ll find Torque (Hope’s French Bulldog) flat on his tummy in the yard, back legs splooted out behind him. And, after a good minute and a half, he’s panting because he’s too warm.

Set Limits

It’s up to us, as the adults in the room, to watch out for that sort of thing. We can’t assume that the activities our dogs were fine with last August are okay in April. Their little bodies need time to adjust. 

For these 80 degree April days, limit your dog’s outside time. Even if they don’t want to come in. The hour-long walk you took together on 50 degree days may be too much if it’s 30 degrees warmer. If you go to outdoor activities; farmer’s markets, kids’ sports games, either leave the dog at home for now, or be sure you have plenty of water, access to shade, and perhaps a K9 Kool Coat to help their body temperature stay in the safe zone while they acclimate.

Just Think About It

Pay attention to your own comfort level. If it’s getting too warm for you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog. For those of us with short-nosed dogs, we have to be hyper-aware of their breathing comfort. 

If your dog has a naturally-long coat, shaving them down may not be the best thing for their comfort. Some dog coats offer cooling, as well as warming insulation. For these dogs, shaving them can eliminate their natural protection against the heat.

Dogs Adjust

The good news? The yo-yo weather eventually stops. Dogs are resilient, and they’ll be ready for those long summer hikes before you know it. For now, just keep an eye on the thermometer, keep the water bowl full, and maybe keep that AC on... just for the dogs, of course.