How does heat affect male dogs? Heat can impact a male breeding dog’s fertility. In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about stud dogs in hot weather.
How Does Heat Affect Male Dogs?
Heat and hot weather can negatively impact dogs when it comes to breeding and their overall health. Overheating is dangerous for dogs. Heat is especially tough on our male dogs, used for breeding. In all male mammals, the scrotum allows the testicles to distance themselves from the body wall, allowing the testes to be two to three degrees cooler than the core body temperature. When the weather is hot and we let the male dogs out in the heat for too long, such as when they lay on concrete or worse yet, asphalt, the developing sperm are permanently damaged. Avoid prolonged heat exposure, allow the dogs to have access to wading pools with fresh water, keep the kennel well ventilated, and avoid using heated air blow dryers on your male dogs.
If you have more questions on how to increase male dog fertility, call a Revival Pet Care Pro at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
Managing Stud Dogs: Hot Weather Dog Breeding
What do I need to know about owning a stud dog? Does hot weather affect stud dogs? Hot weather takes its toll on animals, especially the male breeding dog.
How to Manage Infertility in a Stud Dog
How do I know if my male dog is infertile? Dealing with infertility in male dogs is frustrating, but it is manageable. Dr. Greer shares some of the most common issues that impact a male dog's fertility.
Dog Breeding – Stud Dog Problems
Breeding dog issues usually center on low sperm count or volume, but the cause must be addressed. Is it a mechanical issue, disease, illness, or dysfunction?
Skin Care for Breeding Females and Stud Dogs
Breeding success starts with proper grooming. A dog skin care routine helps keep breeding dogs free of dermatitis, manage, parasites and other dog skin issues.
Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.