Direct sunlight: How heat loads the body surface
Thermal imaging comparisons illustrate how extreme surface heating can become.
Translation of the thermal images:
Situation: Without cooling protection (ambient temperature 30°C / 86°F, direct sunlight):
- Fur surface temperature: up to 52°C / 126°F
- Nose temperature: 27°C / 80°F
With cooling vest:
- Vest surface temperature: approx. 28°C / 82°F
- Body surface under vest: approx. 30°C / 86°F
- Cooling difference: over 20°C / 36°F
These measurements show that a dog’s fur can reach temperatures above 50°C / 122°F in direct sunlight, dramatically increasing internal heat load. Surface heat transfer contributes significantly to rising core temperature.
