How to Keep Short-Nosed Dogs Cool This Summer

 

Since it's the first day of summer I thought I would put out a safety warning for all owners of short-nosed dogs such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers because they have a more difficult time breathing in the heat than other breeds. Their respiratory distress is scientifically known as  Brachycephalic Upper Airway Obstructive Syndrome (an inability to conduct efficient air intake due to the shape and construction of their nostrils) making them susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses?

All dogs have trouble adjusting to hot weather, because they don’t have sweat glands and all that fur makes the problem worse, so the only way dogs can regulate their body temperature is by panting. Now, the specific problem with Frenchies and heat is that, just like their relatives- Pugs and Bulldogs (which are also brachycephalic dogs) they all have short noses and therefore decreased air-intake ability. Because of that, warm weather that generally creates certain discomfort to all larger breeds and non-brachycephalic dogs, may turn out to be fatal to French Bulldogs. - See more at: http://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-hot-weather.html#sthash.xUqsmCQR.dpuf

All dogs have trouble adjusting to hot weather, because they don’t have sweat glands and all that fur makes the problem worse, so the only way dogs can regulate their body temperature is by panting. Now, the specific problem with Frenchies and heat is that, just like their relatives- Pugs and Bulldogs (which are also brachycephalic dogs) they all have short noses and therefore decreased air-intake ability. Because of that, warm weather that generally creates certain discomfort to all larger breeds and non-brachycephalic dogs, may turn out to be fatal to French Bulldogs. - See more at: http://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-hot-weather.html#sthash.xUqsmCQR.dpuf

All dogs have trouble adjusting to hot weather, because they don’t have sweat glands and all that fur makes the problem worse, so the only way dogs can regulate their body temperature is by panting. Now, the specific problem with Frenchies and heat is that, just like their relatives- Pugs and Bulldogs (which are also brachycephalic dogs) they all have short noses and therefore decreased air-intake ability. Because of that, warm weather that generally creates certain discomfort to all larger breeds and non-brachycephalic dogs, may turn out to be fatal to French Bulldogs. - See more at: http://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-hot-weather.html#sthash.xUqsmCQR.dpuf

 
Unfortunately, short-nosed dogs do not have the ability to cool themselves by panting so my advice during the summer months is to shorten your companion's walks (15 minutes or less) when the heat is at its peak and keep them cool indoors with plenty of water nearby.

Please remember the catchy rule of "the shorter the snout the less they stay out" and please pass this post along to anyone who might need a reminder.
  
Thank you!