Can Corgis Handle Hot Weather? Find Out The Truth
Wondering whether corgis can handle hot weather?
Maybe that’s because you live in a hot country and are considering getting a chonky sidekick.
Maybe you’re thinking about taking your corgi away with you on holiday.
Or perhaps, like me, you’re worried about climate change.
Fear not!
In this article, we’ll explore whether corgis are equipped to handle hot weather.
You’ll discover just how hardy these little dogs can be and come away with some tips on how to keep them cool in hot temperatures.
Let’s go!
Can corgis survive in hot weather?
So, can corgis handle hot weather?
The short answer is yes, but with lots of water and as much access to shade and cool air as possible.
Where I live in the UK, corgis handle the weather well because it doesn’t usually get above 77°F.
However, as climate change takes hold and heat waves become increasingly common, my corgi Winston finds it harder to handle the summer months.
That’s because corgis are usually ok in temperatures up to 82-86°F (28-30°C).
Above 86-90°F and they begin to struggle.
Last year in the UK, temperatures reach a crazy 104°F (or 40°C) and poor Winston found it really difficult to stay comfortable.
Do corgis get cold?
Thanks to their thick double coat, it takes a lot for a corgi to get cold.
As long as they’re not exposed to temperatures below 45°F for long periods of time, they will be ok in the cold for a while.
If you live somewhere cold or the temperature suddenly drops, consider shortening walks with your corgi or invest in a coat to keep them warm.
What is a corgi’s preferred temperature?
A corgi’s preferred temperature is around 59-69°F.
This is a nice, moderate temperature for a corgi with a thick double coat.
They’re not too hot and not too cold.
Remember that corgis were originally bred to be herding dogs in Britain, where the weather was (and is!) wild and unpredictable.
Corgis are quite used to windy, often chilly temperatures. This didn’t faze them because they’d quickly warm up chasing cattle around the farm all day long!
6 tips to keep your corgi cool in hot weather
If you live in a hot country or you’re experiencing a heat wave, here are 6 tips to help keep your corgi cool and comfortable.
1. Walk them extra early or extra late at night
When it gets seriously hot, don’t try and exercise your corgi.
Instead take them out as early as you possibly can (aka 6 or 7am) before the sun really starts to rise.
And then take them out once the sun has set around 8 or 9pm.
Of course they will still need toilet breaks throughout the day, but don’t attempt to do anything strenuous while the sun is at its strongest.
2. Give them access to cold water
Access to fresh, cold water is essential.
Keep an eye on your corgi’s water bowl to ensure it’s regularly topped up throughout the day as they will be drinking more than usual.
3. Provide cold or frozen towels
A great trick to help keep your corgi cool is to rinse a small towel, wring out the water and pop it in the freezer.
A few hours later remove the towel and lay it over your corgi. Or, place it on the floor and let them lay down on it.
This will help to bring down their body temperature.
4. Maintain good airflow through your home
Try to ventilate your home by opening windows and creating a wind tunnel.
You could also turn on a few fans (and place an ice block in front of one or some of them) to push cold air around the home.
5. Give them frozen carrot or ice cubes to chew on
Stick a carrot in the freezer or treat your corgi to a few ice cubes.
These make for a delicious, cooling snack when it gets too hot to do much of anything else.
6. Use a cooling dog coat
A cooling dog coat or jacket is a great way to cool your hot corgi down in summer.
They’re lightweight and comfortable, and provide instant relief from the heat.
Should you shave your corgi in summer?
No, do not shave your corgi in summer.
In fact, don’t shave your corgi at any point during the year.
This is because corgis have an oil coating on their fur that keeps them clean and helps them dry faster.
When you shave their coat, you interfere with the production of this oil and damage the overall quality of their coat.
You also run the risk of your corgi getting sunburnt and, surprising though it may sound, overheating.
Corgis’ thick undercoat helps regulate their body temperature.
Shaving their fur can interfere with this process, making it difficult for them to cool down properly.
This can lead to overheating, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases.
FAQs
What temperature is too hot for a corgi?
Temperatures 104°F and above are too hot for a corgi. If it reaches this temperature where you live, do everything you can to keep your corgi as cool as possible.
Do corgis like snow?
Yes, most corgis like snow! Just make sure they’re not exposed to snow for long periods of time without wearing a warm jacket or boots as this can lead to frostbite.
How do I keep my corgi cool in summer?
Don’t exercise your corgi at the hottest points of the day, provide them plenty of fresh water and shaded spots, and try using a cooling dog coat.
What is the best environment for a corgi?
The best environment for a corgi is a moderate climate between 59-69°F.
Can corgis handle cold weather?
Yes, corgis can usually handle cold weather around 50°F. If the temperature drops below this, you might want to consider getting your corgi a coat.
