Heat stress reduces performance of Turkey's Kangal dogs

Veterinary specialist Hüseyin Yıldız reports that the cold‑climate Kangal breed in Turkey's Sivas province suffers both physical and psychological strain during the hot summer months. Temperatures cause the dogs' work capacity to fall sharply, from roughly 90‑100 % in cool weather to as low as 15‑20 % in heat, and lead to reduced activity, irritability and stress. The breed also experiences altered eating and drinking habits and an overlapping coat‑shedding period that adds to discomfort.

Yıldız advises owners to provide ample shade, increase water intake—especially between noon and late afternoon—and feed lighter, cooler foods such as yogurt while avoiding raw meat or excess fat. He stresses that limiting unnecessary movement and timing feeding to cooler evenings can help maintain the dogs' health and morale throughout the summer.