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As you can imagine, a Bernese Mountain Dog panting on a 90°F afternoon can be uncomfortable and dangerous for the dog.
These thick-coated, heavy-boned dogs were shaped by centuries of cold Alpine living, and their bodies have almost no natural defense against sustained heat.
In this detailed guide, we are going to look at everything you need to know about caring for Bernese Mountain Dogs when temperatures rise.
The number one Bernese Mountain Dog care tips for you is to become proactive about heat management to protect them from heatstroke, burned paws, and severe dehydration.
The heat is unforgiving, but with the right practical strategies on how to care for Bernese Mountain Dogs in summer heat, you can guide your pooch safely through the summer months.
Why Summer Threatens Your Bernese Mountain Dog
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The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, where Alpine pastures stay cool even at the height of summer.
Temperatures in those valleys rarely exceed 75°F. The breed’s entire physiology was optimized for cold, rugged terrain.
You need to understand these Bernese Mountain Dog traits as the first step toward responsible summer management.
As we are going to see, there are several physical characteristics that make this breed especially vulnerable to heat.
Berners’ thick double coat traps warm air close to the body. Their predominantly black coloring absorbs solar radiation far more than lighter-colored breeds.
Their large body mass, which is about 70 – 115 pounds, means a smaller surface-area-to-volume ratio and this limits heat dissipation.
And unlike humans, dogs cool themselves mainly through panting and minor sweat release through paw pads.
Just to give you an idea, heatstroke can set in when a dog’s rectal temperature exceeds 105°F, and it can be fatal.
According to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Florida, extreme heat can and does kill Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Key signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, disorientation, vomiting, and collapse.
If you notice any of these, move your Berner to shade immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your veterinarian.
Dehydration can make the problem even worse. A large, active Berner can lose body water rapidly through panting, and many dogs do not drink enough on their own to compensate.
So, make sure to keep water available in multiple locations throughout your home during summer, and monitor your dog’s intake.
Dry gums, sunken eyes, and reduced skin elasticity are warning signs of dehydration that warrant immediate attention.
If your Bernese Mountain Dog has existing joint problems, the condition can get worse during summer months.
Heat increases inflammation, and a dog that is already predisposed to hip or elbow dysplasia will feel worse in warm weather.
Burned paw pads from hot pavement are another seasonal risk that most Bernese owners may overlook.
The American Kennel Club classifies the Bernese Mountain Dog as a working breed built for cold-weather tasks.
For a much-detailed look at this breed’s background and physical makeup, read our complete Bernese Mountain Dog breed information guide.
How to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog in the Summer
One of the most persistent myths in dog ownership is that shaving a double-coated breed will automatically keep them cool.
It will not. In fact, shaving your Bernese Mountain Dog can cause lasting damage. The double coat works as a thermal regulator in both directions.
In winter, it traps body heat. In summer, it blocks solar radiation from reaching the skin and helps regulate core temperature.
Shaving removes this protective system and exposes your dog to sunburn, insect bites, and irregular coat regrowth that may never return to its original texture.
Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog for summer should be about getting rid of dead undercoat, not removing the coat itself.
During warm months, we strongly recommend you increase brushing to four or five sessions per week.
For the best results, make sure to use a slicker brush to work through the top layer. You should then follow it with an undercoat rake to pull out loose, dead fur trapped underneath.
This promotes airflow against the skin and significantly improves your dog’s ability to self-regulate temperature.
A de-shedding tool can also be useful during heavy shedding periods, but make sure to use it gently to avoid irritating the skin.
Brush your Bernese thoroughly before bathing, because wet mats can tighten and become harder to remove.
We also recommend bathing your Berner every four to six weeks during summer using a mild, moisturizing dog shampoo.
Rinse your dog completely after the bath because leftover shampoo residue can trap heat and irritate the skin.
Dry your dog thoroughly too. Any moisture trapped in the undercoat can create a warm, humid environment that can lead to hot spots.
Getting a Bernese Mountain Dog summer cut should not mean shaving your dog completely to remove all too much hair.
It refers to a light trim of the feathering around the ears, legs, and belly. These are the areas where fur can collect debris and restrict airflow.
A professional groomer experienced with double-coated breeds will know where to trim and how much to take off without compromising the coat’s insulating function.
For recommendations on brushes and grooming tools, check out our guide to essential dog grooming supplies.
Summer Exercise for Your Berner
This may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your Bernese Mountain Dog in summer is skip the routine walk.
On days when temperatures exceed 85°F, or when humidity is high, outdoor exercise can do more harm than good.
Bernese Mountain Dog walking in summer requires strict timing. The safest windows are early morning before 7 AM and late evening after 7 PM, when pavement has had time to cool.
To do a small heat test before heading out, press the back of your hand against the ground and hold it for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads.
Asphalt and concrete can reach 140°F or higher on a sunny afternoon, and this can cause painful burns that may not be immediately visible.
We also recommend you keep summer walks shorter than your usual routine. Focus on shaded routes with grass or dirt paths rather than paved sidewalks.
Carry water and a collapsible bowl on every outing and watch your Bernese closely for signs of fatigue.
Some of the signs include:
- Slowing down
- Heavy panting
- Seeking shade
- Lying down and refusing to move
We have written a separate article that outlines other strategies for staying cool during walks. Check it out on tips for walking dogs in hot weather.
Bernese Mountain Dog hiking is still possible in summer, but you should plan everything carefully.
For a start, make sure to choose trails at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. Begin the hike at dawn.
Pick routes with tree cover and reliable water access, such as streams or lakes, where your dog can wade and drink.
You’ll also want to stay away from exposed ridgelines and south-facing slopes that bake in direct sunlight.
During the hike, you should always carry more water than you think you will need, and turn back at the first sign of overheating.
However, a Bernese Mountain Dog nature walk along a short, shaded loop trail can be a safer alternative to a full-day hike.
You still get the enrichment of new smells, terrain, and scenery without the cumulative heat exposure.
Summer Playtime That Won’t Overheat Your Bernese
Bernese Mountain Dog playtime in summer should lean heavily toward enrichment activities that tire the brain without spiking body temperature.
Ten minutes of focused nose work or puzzle-solving can fatigue a dog as effectively as a 30-minute walk, and it all happens at room temperature.
You can also make some frozen treats for your Berner during these hot months. Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, yoghurt, and blueberries, then freeze it overnight.
Your Berner will spend 20 – 40 minutes working to extract the contents, and this keeps them mentally engaged and cooling down from the inside.
Water games can also work well for Bernese dogs during the summer. Having a sturdy kiddie pool in a shaded backyard spot gives your dog a place to wade, splash, and cool off.
You can expect your Bernese Mountain Dog to take to water within minutes, but some need gradual introduction.
Sprinklers can also provide relief, especially for dogs who prefer moving through water rather than sitting in it.
If you are looking for a more permanent setup, our guide to durable dog pools for summer has several options built to withstand large breeds.
Another idea is to have a raised mesh dog bed under a pop-up canopy or shade sail which creates a designated cool zone where your Berner can retreat after a brief play session.
Pair this with a small area planted with dog-safe herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint that your dog can sniff and explore at their own pace.
Sensory gardens provide mental stimulation through scent without requiring physical exertion. You can get more backyard layout ideas in our article on DIY dog play areas.
Other ideas include playing indoor games such as Hide-and-seek. In addition to mental exertion, this game will reinforce recall and reward problem-solving.
If your Berner enjoys chewing, a frozen washcloth soaked in low-sodium broth gives them something to gnaw on while cooling their mouth and gums.
Summer Gear Your Bernese Mountain Dog Needs
The right Bernese Mountain Dog accessories can make a measurable difference in how your dog handles summer.
Start with a cooling vest. These vests work through evaporative cooling: you soak them in cold water, wring them out, and put them on your dog.
As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from the body. Look for vests with adjustable straps and reflective trim.
They are particularly useful for early-morning or late-evening walks when temperatures are moderate but still warm enough to cause discomfort.
Dog cooling mats are another essential. Gel-based pressure-activated mats require no refrigeration. Your dog lies on the mat, and the gel absorbs body heat.
Colling mats work well indoors and can be placed inside crates or on your dog’s usual resting spot.
Elevated dog beds made of breathable mesh fabric allow air to circulate underneath. This prevents the heat buildup that happens when a dog lies directly on a solid-surface bed.
Hydration equipment, such as a large-capacity, spill-proof water bowl should be available at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
For safe summer dog walks and outings, carry a portable dog water bottle with an attached bowl or trough.
Consider a filtered water fountain if your Berner is a reluctant drinker; many dogs prefer moving water over still.
Shade setups are also a good idea to have, especially for dogs who spend considerable time outdoors.
Pop-up canopies, shade sails, and well-ventilated outdoor dog houses all serve the same purpose. Position them in areas where your dog naturally gravitates.
Last but not least, make sure your Berner’s paws are protected from the elevated temperatures in summer.
A paw wax or balm applied before walks helps create a nice protective barrier against hot surfaces, while dog booties for hot pavement offer more robust protection for longer outings on pavement.
Not every dog tolerates shoes, so introduce them gradually with treats and positive reinforcement.
If your Berner refuses wearing booties entirely, we recommend you stick to grassy or dirt routes and save the pavement walks for after dark when surfaces have cooled.
We have a dedicated article on the best dog paw care tips, which also includes a DIY guide for making a paw balm. It’s worth a read.
How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live?
The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 7 to 10 years, but unfortunately many Berners fall closer to the lower end.
Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan in years is shorter than most breeds of comparable size, and the primary reason is an exceptionally high cancer rate.
According to a BMC Veterinary Research, neoplasia accounted for over 58% of deaths in a Swiss study cohort, with a median Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy of 8.4 years.
The breed is uniquely predisposed to histiocytic sarcoma, which is a fast-moving cancer that accounts for roughly one quarter of all tumors in the breed.
With the compressed Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan due to cancer risk, these dogs don’t need the added burden of heat-related organ damage.
Training Your Berner When It’s Too Hot
High temperatures ruin a dog’s focus. Applying standard training tips for Bernese Mountain Dogs during the summer requires lowering your expectations and shortening your sessions.
A dog that is actively panting and struggling to stay cool cannot concentrate on learning a new command.
If you try to force an outdoor training session in the heat, you will only frustrate yourself and stress your dog.
Move your obedience practice indoors. Keep the sessions strictly under ten minutes and focus on low-energy commands that do not require running or jumping.
Summer time is the perfect time to reinforce stationary commands like ‘stay,’ ‘place,’ or ‘leave it.’
You can also use this indoor time to desensitize them to their summer gear. Reward them heavily for letting you put their cooling vest on or wipe down their paws.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Outdoor Lifestyle
Our goal for this post is to make summer enjoyable for you and your Berner. You just have to be incredibly strategic about how and when you expose them to the elements.
Bernese Mountain Dog by Lake Outing
If you are heading to the waters by the lake, arrive early in the morning before the sand or rocks heat up.
Bring a massive beach umbrella or a pop-up tent so your dog has guaranteed shade right at the water’s edge.
Let them wade in up to their chest to cool their core, but do not force them to swim long distances, as swimming is exhausting and they can tire out quickly in warm water.
Bernese Mountain Dog Outdoors in the Shade
If you are spending the afternoon in the backyard, you need to establish a dedicated cooling station.
Find the deepest shade under a tree or patio cover, place an elevated cooling bed on the grass, and set up an outdoor fan pointing directly at the bed.
We also recommend you keep a bowl of ice water within neck’s reach so they do not even have to stand up to hydrate.
Bernese Mountain Dog in Mountains During Summer
If you are escaping the heat by driving to higher elevations, remember that the sun is still intense even if the air feels cooler.
Stick to heavily wooded trails that offer constant canopy cover. Let them rest every fifteen minutes, and carry twice as much water as you think you will need.
Bernese Mountain Dog Sunny Day in the Yard
Before you let your dog out for a bathroom break at noon, step outside and assess the yard. A bright Bernese mountain dog summer day means the patio stones will be scorching.
Guide your dog to the natural grass, encourage them to do their business quickly, and bring them right back into the air conditioning. Save the lingering outdoor time for after dinner.
Conclusion
As you have read, summer with a Bernese Mountain Dog requires more planning than in other seasons to keep your dog comfortable.
If you shift your walks to the early mornings, lean into indoor games, and keep them out of the direct sun, your dog will do just fine.
Always trust your gut. If the weather outside feels too hot for you, then it’s way too hot for your Bernese to handle.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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