Is hot weather okay for a dog kept outside if water, shade, and fans are provided.?

Question

My 120 lb English Mastiff is in heat (bleeding). Although I bought a diaper for her, I am forced to wash it 2-3 times a day as it gets quite nasty. While washing / drying it, which can take an hour or two, I have been keeping her outside in our screened in patio. Due to the direction which the patio sits, it is never in direct sunlight, but we do live in Orlando, FL, where it is miserably hot now during the summer. Our patio does have fans which I've been keeping on high and I always make sure she has a large bowl of water while she is on the patio. I even add a few ice cubes to make sure the water stays cool. Please let me know if the conditions described above could potentially be at all dangerous for my dog.

Answer 1

It should be OK if you keep an eye on her, and watch for signs of heat stress..such as excessive panting/drooling...not alert when you speak to her...Best yet..stay out with her for the 2 hours and read a book..Then you won't have to worry..
You could dampen her coat and wipe her face with a wet cloth..that would help her stay cool..

Answer 2

I feel for you, I have a mastiff and am in louisiana, so I know how hot it can be! We have a boy (I diddn't want to deal w./ the heat cycle) and he is still a baby at almost 4 months, and we are new to the breed, but I do know that they are a VERY heat sensitive breed. I wont allow mine to go out during the day right now (HOT!) except to use the potty. I heard of a mastiff dying from heat stroke from only being outside 20 min once in extereme heat, and while I think that dog was older,I am not taking any chances. But I also know that heat cycle can be very messy. If you have to have her outdoors, try putting buckets of dry ice with fans by them as a makeshift Air conditioner, or look up "cooling pads" online. My uncle used to keep his rottie in the kitchen with a baby gate while she was in heat, so it would be easy to clean. If it were me, I would just keep washing the diapers, or buy disposable ones I could easily change out and keep her inside with the A/C while washing, but confined to a crate or bathroom. I have a large crate for my mastiff, which he loves. its his "den" where he can rest and it has a plastic botton which slides out and is easy to clean. I normally have a bed in it, but if I were in your place I would just take the bed out and put her in there while washing the diaper. Good Luck!!
also--if you want to check out www.mastifftalk.com/forum. I have found everyone there to be very helpful with any questions regarding my guy. One girl on there is dealing with her girl's first heat cycle too, and you might find the posts to be helpful, or ask anything you need and a very knowledgeable bunch will be more than happy to guide you. Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I live just north of Orlando, and you are right, it is miserably hot right now, especially without any rain like it's been.

Your dog should be fine as long as you have plenty of fresh water for her to drink and it's enough to last the whole day or for however long you aren't around. If you are there then you need to bring her inside once in awhile while she is clean.

The next suggestion is that unless you are breeding her, it seems to me it would be about time to have her spayed and you and she won't ever have to go through this again. It really isn't fair that she has to be banned to the outdoors but fortunately it isn't for a long time and this will soon be over.

Good luck, it sounds like you love your dog and take good care of her or otherwise you wouldn't even have thought to ask this question.

Answer 4

What might be able to halp you is. If you line the diaper with a sanitary napken that way you just have to change it dring the day. I have done this with my dogs and find it works great. When she get latter in her heat the bleeding will slow down after about a week.

When you put her out there keep a close eye on her to make sure she is not getting too hot. I know FL weather and boy does it get hot.

Answer 5

I live in Arizona, and have a dog that stays outside all day. I make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh, cool water, but other than that, I don't do anything special. I have never had any trouble with keeping the dog outside.

Answer 6

Is there a reason you don't spay her? You wouldn't have to worry about it then. But then, if you plan on breeding her, I totally understand.

That's quite a dog you've got there, too. I'd keep one like that outside all the time. Kudos to you for letting her be an indoor dog!

I wouldn't worry too much unless the temperature broke 100. If you've got plenty of water and she's out of direct sunlight she's going to be fine.

Answer 7

Yes its OK, I live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates temperature rise up to 114 F and my 2 Chihuahuas are out said in a kennel shaded with out door A/C and I also put a kiddy pool filled of cold water with them when it gets to hot they stay in water, is ok to keep your dog in the patio as long you put enough water for her because when it gets hot dogs like to be wet.

Answer 8

Anybody who keeps their pet outdoors without adequate protection from the elements (summer or winter) is usually violating local animal abuse laws. Keep a close eye on your dog and make sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe outside. Since she's in season, make sure that the boys can't get at her.

Answer 9

if she in heat keep an eye on her cause a male dog could bust down the screen door and mate with her, if you dont want pups get her fixed and the heat will be ok with water and the fans

Answer 10

i dont think it would be a problem... I have seen worse then what you said. As long as she has water, and a least a breeze she should be fine. Let her in the house once and a while will also be good.