What Outside Temperature Is Dangerous For a Boston Terrier?

Brachycephalic breeds, like Boston Terriers, are sensitive to extreme temperature. They cannot tolerate extreme hot or cold temperatures. Nevertheless, they still love to go outside for a walk.

So, what outside temperature is dangerous for a Boston Terrier? How can I protect them and still give them enough exercise?

What Outside Temperature Is Dangerous For a Boston Terrier?

For a Boston Terrier, outside temperatures of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and below 45 degrees Fahrenheit are dangerous.

When the hot temperature combines with a high level of water vapor in the air, it can cause dehydration and heatstroke. If the temperature is too low, your Boston Terrier can experience hypothermia.

The dangerous level starts at 73 degrees Fahrenheit and can be lethal when it reaches 90 degrees. If the temperature reaches this high, your Boston Terrier will experience breathing difficulty and will not be able to cool itself down. Until it reaches its dangerous body temperature. 

Comparing Hot and Cold Weather Effects to Boston Terriers

Signs of Heatstroke in Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are susceptible to heatstroke due to their short muzzles. If the temperature is too high, it can be dangerous for them to go outside or do strenuous activities.

Here are some signs that you should remember to avoid great damage and even death due to heatstroke.

• Lethargy
• Shaking
• Fainting
• Dehydration
• Rapid heartbeat
• Glassy or dull eyes
• Lack of coordination
• Excessive salivation
• Deep breaths, gasping and panting
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea, dry gums
• Body temperature reaches up to 105 degrees

What to Do if Your Boston Terrier Is Having a Heatstroke?

It is very necessary to know and identify the early signs of heatstroke so that you can do necessary first-aid treatments. There are several things that you can do when your Boston Terrier is experiencing heatstroke.

These things can help avoid some damage and even save the life of your dog.

• Place your Boston in a shaded area or in an airconditioned room. Make sure that the change in temperature is not so gradual and so high. It may cause your Boston Terrier’s temperature to drop rapidly, which is also bad.
• If your Boston Terrier is panting, wipe him with cool water then slowly add some ice. You may also wrap him in a cool cotton sheet or towel.
• Encourage your Boston to drink some cool water. 
• If the air-conditioner is not available, you can let your Boston stay in front of an electric fan.
• If all these first-aids are done and your Boston Terrier temperature is still not going down, call your vet immediately or rush him to the clinic. Increasing temperature is very dangerous for your Boston.

How to Prevent Heatstroke From Happening

Heatstroke can be prevented if necessary precautions are observed during hot weather.

Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke from happening to your Boston Terrier.

• Exercises, like walking, should be done early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Avoid doing strenuous activities from 11 am to 3 pm.
• Give him access to clean, cool water to keep him hydrated.
• Give him a bath as necessary, especially after going out.
• Do not leave your Boston Terrier in a car.
• When the sun is up during your walk, keep him in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
• Bring cool water when going outside.
• You may also bring a towel, wet it with cool water, and allow him to rest on it.
• If your Boston loves the water, you may allow him to swim for a while or play with a sprinkler.
• Do not overexercise your Boston Terrier. If your usual time of exercise is at least an hour for a normal temperature day, make it lesser.
• Try indoor exercises and fun activities to keep your Boston Terrier busy and still happy. You can try playing some mind games, like puzzle toy treats.
• Frozen treats can be good for your Boston Terrier. You can do a homemade treat such as frozen peanut butter inside a Kong, blueberries, and some other fruits that your Boston Terrier loves.

Sunburn in Boston Terriers

Another thing that you should be careful of, though not as deadly as heatstroke, is sunburn.

Boston Terriers can get their skin burned after staying too long under the harsh sun. They have a higher risk of getting sunburn because of their fine, thin coat.

If you notice some of these symptoms on the skin of your Boston Terrier, you may ask your veterinarian for a proper and specific medication.

• Peeling of skin
• Red spots
• Sores
• Blisters
• Infection

Sunscreen may help protect your Boston Terrier from sunburn. Just make sure that it is specific for the kind of skin that he has. Consult a veterinarian to make sure it’s safe. Ingestion of some types of sunscreen can cause digestive tract problems.

Hypothermia in Boston Terrier

Hypothermia is common to Boston Terriers when the weather is cold. This is the opposite of heatstroke. If your Boston Terrier experiences hypothermia, he loses heat faster from his body, and his temperature drops at a certain point. 

During cold weather, it is best to keep your Boston Terrier in a warm spot in your house. Cover him with a blanket. Allow him to wear a sweater and boots when you need to go outside.

Make sure to always check on signs of feeling too much cold and go home immediately. 

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Shivering
• Lameness
• Lethargy
• Fainting 
• Breathing difficulty
• Decreasing heart rate
• Having trouble when walking
• The skin and body feels cold to touch

Related Questions

Conclusion

Boston Terriers are too sensitive to high changes in temperature, especially because of their brachycephalic face. They may experience sunburn and heatstroke if the temperature is too high.

Hypothermia is one of the most common illnesses to Boston Terriers if the temperature drops very low that they cannot regulate theirs.