Why are French Bulldogs more likely to get heat stroke?
French Bulldogs in hot weather (and other short-muzzled breeds) are more susceptible to heat stroke than other dogs.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat so they cool themselves down by panting and releasing heat through their paws and nose.
As Frenchies have short muzzles they can’t pant as effectively so they struggle to reduce their temperature.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is when the body of an animal or person has become too hot to function.
In dogs, heat stroke begins with heavy panting and difficulty breathing. The tongue and mucous membranes appear bright red. The saliva is thick and tenacious, and the dog often vomits.
My Frenchie has heatstroke what should I do?
Heatstroke is an emergency, the dog needs to be cooled immediately. The RSPCA has the following recommendations:
- Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. Tap water (15-16°C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing.
- Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases, towels can be placed under the dog, but never over, and in a true emergency water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal.
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
- Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
- Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature, these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority.
- Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog’s head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs.
Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
How to prevent heatstroke in French Bulldogs
Prevention is better than cure, French Bulldogs shouldn’t be walked when the temperature is above 80oF (27oC).
If possible walk your pup first thing in the morning when it’s as cool as it can be.
Even when the sun has gone down it can still be too warm in the evenings. A few days without exercise is better than risking heat stroke.
Pets charity the Blue Cross has the following advice to keep your dog cool:
- Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times, ideally a large bowl filled to the brim. Carry water and a bowl with you on walks.
- On hot days, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, in the early morning and late evening
- During heatwaves, restrict walks to early morning only. On very hot days the temperature is still too hot for dogs in the evening. Remember it is OK not to walk your dog every day during very hot weather – it’s far better to be safe than take unnecessary risks.
- Watch your pet for signs of overheating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognize these signs when on a walk, stop, find a shady spot, and give your dog water.
- Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car, even with the windows open
- Make cooling tasty treats by making ice cubes with your dog’s favorite food inside or stuff a Kong and pop it in the freezer
- Be particularly careful with short-nosed dogs such as bull breeds, boxers, pugs, older dogs and puppies, and those that are overweight. These dogs can quickly get heatstroke in high temperatures, even on a leisurely stroll.
In hot weather, I’ve found that most dogs love a block of ice to lick or play with.
Summary
So to summarise, heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening illness that is quite easily avoided.
French Bulldogs in hot weather are particularly susceptible and may not even realize they are getting too hot.
Walks should be done as early as possible in the morning before it gets too hot.
Keep them in the shade, give them a paddling pool to lie in and plenty of cold water and they will be fine.
My French Bulldog 