What is a lab's temperature tolerance?

[irotas]

Hi folks,

My wife and I recently rescued a 4 y/o yellow labrador retriever named Manni. He's our first dog, so we're pretty much learning as we go.

One thing we're not sure about is what Manni's temperature tolerance is. We don't really know how to clearly interpret his body language to determine when he's comfortable and when he's not.

How hot is too hot?
What is his ideal temperature?
How cold is too cold?

Thanks,
Adam

 

[rij73]

Once a dog gets really hot, all they can do is pant. So, if he's panting, make sure there's water nearby that he knows he can drink. I don't know of any other way to know a dog is hot. I think they do fine with heat that we feel comfortable in, but never leave a dog in a car unattended, as it gets hot in the sun really quickly... much too hot for their bodies to handle.

As for cold, they can stand more cold than we can. I don't worry about my dog in the cold unless he is shivering. If he is, I don't stay out with him too long, and I make sure we are moving fast so he doesn't get too cold.

 

[smkie]

i think all dogs are different like all people are. Some dogs are "hot dogs" and cannot tolerate the heat at all. My Bronki was that way, 70 degrees and he was getting seriously uncomfortable. I read somewhere that it is 30 degrees hotter for them then it is for us. Mary can go out and plop her self down in the sun and bake like a big black potato, she is as much lab as Bronki was. I think a dog should always have shade, a water source like my small stock tank to dip their bodies in when they play and get over heated. THat way they can cool themselves down as needed. Victor on the other hand hates the cold has zero body fat, needs to be completely covered up at night or he is freezing They are all so different.

 

[ToscasMom]

Tosca was not comfortable in the heat of summer, she seems to be REALLY enjoying the fall. I bought her one of those neck wraps that keep you cool and she learned really fast how to lap from a water bottle whenever we were out for any period of time. I know I'm nuts but I also put a kiddie pool in the yard for her. lol. By the end of the summer it was busted, thanks to telltale bite marks...

I think that dogs with lots of fur prefer cooler whether in general, I have no idea about labs though.

 

[smkie]

weight is a factor too.fat dogs are hot dogs...imo all dogs should have some kind of pool. Bronki would have loved one of those neck wraps!

 

[bubbatd]

Most retrievers love the cold .... I've known ours to lie out during a snowfall and get covered . Of course they were inside dogs , so if cold or hot would ask to come in . Good luck with your new pal !!! I echo the baby pool !! They love them !

 

[2BlackDogs]

Bear loves this cooler weather we've got. He couldn't stand the heat. He'd go out to potty and come right back in the house in the air conditioning. Now that the weather is cooler I can't get him to come inside.
He's a newfie/lab mix so he's got a thick, long fur coat more like a newf than a lab.

 

[MomOf7]

Is your dog primarily and outside dog or inside dog?
How long have you had him?
Do you know if he was kept outside prior to you rescuing him?
How thick is his coat?
Do you have any pics?

labs acclimate to the cold weather rather easily. I try to keep mine primarily outside during the winter since I go hunting with them in all kinds of weather and in the water when its very cold out. I need them to have a full winter coat. I also use a neoprine vest when its extremely cold while hunting.
Here where I live it can get pretty cold but its rather mild compared to some other regions.
I have one big insulated dog house that all the dogs can fit into and cuddle up together to keep warm. I know I am a mean mommy!! Better me being mean then them freezing while hunting
If we have an unusually cold day or week I will bring them in at night. Otherwise its exercise during the day with a lil time with mom in the house then outside again.

 

[ToscasMom]

LOL On leaving the dog outside. Tosca sees rain and she gets this look like, "You want ME to go out in THIS? Nowwwwwww?". More than once, I have had to boot her outside. When she gets back in, she stands on the rug in the hall and FULLY expects me to wipe her feet and dry her off. So much for hardiness. lol.