HOW TO PREVENT YOUR FRENCHIE FROM OVERHEATING DURING SUMMER

SUMMER IS HERE! While this means lots of beach days and warmer temperature for us (humans), it means more panting and possible heat stroke for our Frenchies! It’s common knowledge that dogs hate heat generally (with their furs and all, they do not have sweat glands); but for bulldogs, it is on a different level. So while we get tanned, we must not forget that French bulldog overheating could pose a great challenge. Does this mean we cannot have fun with our Frenchies this summer? Of course NOT! We have got a few tips to help you keep your Frenchie cool and prevent French Bulldog overheating this summer.

Let’s not forget that French bulldogs experience stenotic nares and sometimes stressful breathing is inherent in them. They belong to the brachycephalic dog breed (like pugs), which have short noses and as such suffer difficult breathing under hot weather conditions. They possess meaty palates, narrow tracheas, and narrow nostrils which do nothing to improve their heat intolerance. What is more is that due to their thick underfur, French Bulldogs have a tendency to easily “overheat” and die from heat exhaustion.

Now, you don’t want to lose your sweet Frenchie to the heat, do you? There’re a number of things you can do to prevent this.

Here’s how you can prevent your French Bulldog from Overheating

Without doubt, these are duck soup to some of you, but for the general safety of French bulldogs worldwide, please, follow these tips:

• Naturally, Frenchies fair better in mild, cooler climates. Do not leave your Frenchie in your car, no matter what!. It’s so serious even if you just need to step out to read a billboard, take your Frenchie with you.
• If you want your French bulldog to survive the summer and make it to the next season, ensure a steady supply of cool/tepid water to your Frenchie.
• When in an enclosed place, ensure adequate ventilation and where possible, provide effective Air conditioners.
• You could leave a sprinkler running over the dog shed or a fan to provide air but when your Frenchie is a puppy, it’s best to position the fan over and not directly on them. (you don’t want them choking on air).
• You can give them ice cubes, Frenchies love ice cubes during summer seasons, it keeps the temperature cool for them. This is easier when you are indoors.
• When you need to take a walk in a park, have a picnic or go wherever, make sure to have a clean enema bag, clean hand towels submerged in tepid or cool (not cold) water, good access to shade, cool bottled water, lots of cool coats and cooling pads and every other thing you can think of to reduce the heat.
• If you notice that your Frenchie is in some form of distress, use the wet towels on them. Don’t place it over them though; this would stop the heat from rising. Your best bet would be the anus, the belly, and the feet.
• In extremely hot climates, electrolytes will come in handy. We’re talking Bicarbonate of Soda or glucose. For the former, a flat teaspoon is sufficient for a big dog while a small dog would take half of that.
• Keep your eyes on your Frenchie and monitor its respiration and panting level, if it gets too heavy and lasts for too long (5 minutes max) dial your vet’s number! IT IS AN EMERGENCY!
• If you need to go out and the temperature is above 80 degrees, it’s best to leave the French bulldog behind (in a properly ventilated area).
• Keep your Frenchie away from direct sunshine.

Frenchies are cute and all, but delicate. A French bulldog owner must be willing to do what it takes to keep it going. If you feel you cannot afford to do all of the above and more to keep your Frenchie hale and hearty, its best not to own one at all. They’re precious and deserve all the care they can get. If you need further guidance about any of the tips we just revealed, drop your comments below. See you and your Frenchie next summer!