Shih Tzus in Hot and Cold Weather: Heatstroke, Winter Safety, and Snow
How we researched this article: This guide uses heatstroke research from the Royal Veterinary College and Nottingham Trent University covering more than 900,000 dogs, veterinary guidance on flat-faced breeds, and cold-weather safety guidance from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Heatstroke is an emergency. Signs include heavy panting that will not settle, thick drool, vomiting, wobbliness, confusion, or collapse. Move your dog to shade or air conditioning, start cooling it with cool (not ice-cold) water, and call your vet right away.
The Short Answer
Shih Tzus handle both heat and cold less well than many breeds. Their flat faces make it hard for them to cool down in summer, and their small size means they lose body heat quickly in a Canadian or northern US winter. With simple precautions, they can stay safe and comfortable all year.
Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Not well. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and flat-faced breeds pant less efficiently. Researchers from Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that flat-faced dogs were about twice as likely to suffer heatstroke as other dogs.
A related study of 905,543 dogs found that 74% of heatstroke cases were triggered by exercise. Only a small share involved hot cars. Hot, humid weather, trips to the groomer or vet, and being trapped under blankets were also triggers.
How to keep your Shih Tzu cool
- Walk early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Keep walks short and slow on hot or humid days.
- Bring water and take breaks in the shade.
- Keep your dog in air conditioning during heat waves.
- Offer a cooling mat and fresh water indoors.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows open.
- Keep your dog lean. Extra weight makes breathing and cooling harder.
A shorter summer trim can help your dog stay comfortable. Leave some coat, since the hair also protects the skin from the sun. See our summer haircuts guide.
Do Shih Tzus Get Cold?
Yes. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society warns that puppies and short-coated dogs are especially vulnerable in the cold, and many Shih Tzus are kept in short trims. Small dogs also lose body heat faster than large dogs. Early signs that your dog is cold include shivering and holding up its paws.
Winter safety tips
- Keep walks short in extreme cold, and choose routes that loop past home so you can get inside quickly.
- Use a sweater or coat. The Ontario SPCA notes that short-coated breeds, puppies, and older dogs may benefit from one.
- Wipe paws after walks. Road salt and ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn paws and can make dogs sick if licked. Dog boots or paw balm can help.
- Watch for antifreeze. It tastes sweet to animals and can be fatal if swallowed. Clean up any driveway spills.
- Never leave your dog in a cold car. Cars cool down quickly and can cause hypothermia or frostbite.
- Dry your dog completely after snow play. A wet coat loses heat fast.
Why Do Some Shih Tzus Love Snow?
Many dogs enjoy the new smells, textures, and sounds of fresh snow, and it can be a fun way to play. Keep snow play short, check for snowballs caught in the coat and between the toes, and bring your dog in if it starts to shiver or lift its paws.
In Ontario, if you see an animal in distress from the cold or heat, contact the Provincial Animal Welfare Services line at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). If an animal’s life is in immediate danger, call 911.
Related: exercise needs and breathing problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Shih Tzus tolerate hot weather?
Not well. As a flat-faced breed, they cool down less efficiently and are about twice as likely to suffer heatstroke. Keep walks short and early on hot days.
What temperature is too hot for a Shih Tzu?
There is no single cutoff. Humidity and exercise matter as much as temperature. If it is hot or humid, limit activity and watch for heavy panting.
Do Shih Tzus get cold?
Yes. Small dogs lose heat quickly, and short trims offer little protection. Watch for shivering or lifted paws and keep winter walks short.
Do Shih Tzus need a coat in winter?
Many benefit from one, especially puppies, seniors, and dogs in short trims.
Is road salt bad for Shih Tzus?
Yes. Road salt and ice melters can irritate and burn paws and can cause illness if licked. Wipe paws after every winter walk.
Sources
- Hall EJ, Carter AJ, O’Neill DG. Dogs do not die just in hot cars. Animals, 2020.
- BBC Science Focus. Flat-faced dogs twice as likely to suffer with heatstroke.
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 5 tips to keep pets safe in cold weather.
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Cold Weather Safety.
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
