How to Keep Your French Bulldog Safe This Summer

French bulldogs do not deal with the summer heat very well. Like all of their other brachycephalic dog breeds (such as English bulldogs, pugs, and more), French bulldogs can have difficulty breathing when they’re overexerted or overheated. Even if you live in a relatively cooler climate, there are still some steps you should take in order to keep your Frenchie safe and cool this summer. 

How hot is too hot for French bulldogs?

If it’s 60 or 70 degrees out, your Frenchie should be just fine, but once the temperature starts to creep above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you should keep a good eye on your dog. Anything over 85 degrees is considered dangerous, and as such your Frenchie should be kept inside as much as possible. 

Keep an eye out for heatstroke 

Because French bulldogs are more susceptible to the heat, they’re consequently more susceptible to heatstroke as well. As a result, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of heatstroke, as detecting it early enough can prevent a more serious health crisis later on: 

• Panting that increases as heatstroke progresses 
• Heavy breathing 
• Vomiting  
• Diarrhea 
• Blue or bright red gums and/or tongue 
• Collapse or convulsions  
• Drooling 
• Rapid heartrate 
• Glazed eyes 
• Dizziness 
• Lack of coordination 

Provide plenty of cool, fresh water 

The best way to prevent your Frenchie from overheating is to provide cool, fresh water at all times. Have a bowl both inside and outside that is filled with fresh water. To keep the water cool, add in some ice cubes throughout the day. 

Be careful with exercise 

While we want to keep our Frenchies healthy by exercising them daily, doing so in the summer may have the opposite of its intended effect. On especially hot days, keep your French bulldog inside in an air-conditioned room. For those days that you need to take them out for a walk, only walk them for a short time during the early mornings or late evenings. 

Looking for more tips on how to care for your French bulldog this summer? Then feel free to contact us at Family Puppies for more information!