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How to Cool Down a French Bulldog (STOP Overheating)

If you’re a French Bulldog owner, you know how important it is to keep your French Bulldog cool in the summer.

With their short snouts and compact build, Frenchies are more prone to overheating than other dog breeds.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with ten practical ways to cool down a French Bulldog and stop overheating in summer.

From cooling mats to frozen treats, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned pro, keep reading to learn how to keep your French Bulldog cool and safe during the hottest months of the year.

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Why French Bulldogs Are Prone to Overheating

French Bulldogs are prone to overheating because of a condition called brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BOAS).

BOAS is a genetic trait that is common among Frenchies due to their short snouts and squashed faces.

Because of this trait, French Bulldogs have smaller than average airways, which can become swollen and problematic during warmer months.

As a result, Frenchies find it difficult to regulate their body temperature through panting, leading to overheating and heat exhaustion.

BOAS is a significant issue for French Bulldogs and can have serious health consequences if not properly managed, which is why it’s so important to keep them cool during hot weather.

Note: These genetics also work the other way too, as your Frenchie will suffer in cold weather as well. You can learn how to keep your Frenchie warm in the winter.

Tips to Cool Down Your French Bulldog in the Summer 

The most important thing to keep in mind during the summer months is the heat and humidity. If it’s too hot for you outside, it’s probably too hot for your French Bulldog.

Frenchie panting looking up

While mornings and evenings are cool times for a walk, mid-day can be miserable and is the best time to stay inside and keep hydrated!

Taking care of Frenchies during the summer is similar to taking care of yourself. A big component of this is hydration.

Your Frenchie should always have access to water. If they’re a big gulper that will drink all day long if you let them, monitor their water intake and set out small bowls on a regular basis.

If you can trust them to drink when they’re thirsty, leave out a large bowl all day. It’s also not a bad idea to hydrate their kibble during the summer months for an extra boost of hydration!

If, for any reason, your Frenchie isn’t drinking or you suspect they’re dehydrated, bring them to the vet, as this can be exacerbated during the summer and can cause a lot of complications due to the heat. 

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How to Cool Down an Overheated French Bulldog

Summer is a great time to take your French Bulldog out with the family. However, certain precautions should be taken to cool down your dog to prevent heat stroke. Keep reading to learn more.

Be Mindful of Car Trips During the Summer 

Though we all love bringing our Frenchies to the store on quick runs, it may be best to reconsider allowing them to wait for you in the car during the summer months. 

While a quick run inside may seem harmless, the inside of your car gets hot quickly during the summer and can pose a danger to your pet if they’re left unattended.

two French Bulldog on car

In fact, after an hour, the average car temperature is 43 degrees higher than the temperature outside of the car! The second that you turn the car off and close the door, it starts rising, and if your furry friend is left inside, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

Experts say that it is only safe to leave your dog in the car alone when the temperature is between 30 F and 70 F, and only for five minutes at a time.

Even at 70 degrees, the temperature can rise quickly and become dangerous. The best practice is to leave your dog at home while going to places that aren’t pet friendly, to stay on the safe side! 

Dog Houses 

Dog houses can get extremely hot during the summer due to a lack of airflow. If your Frenchie has a dog house outdoors, ensure that it is in the shade, and if possible, install a fan or even a small AC unit inside it.

If they don’t have a dog house, make sure they have access to somewhere shady every time they are inside! 

Remember that dogs do not sweat like us, so we have to look out for them and ensure that they are able to get out of the heat to cool down. They can’t communicate like we can, so our job as pet owners is to be proactive. 

For your convenience, we’ve put together a helpful dog body language guide so you can learn about all the ways dogs communicate with you. Check it out.

Check the Pavement 

Frenchie on a leash walking

Before taking your French Bulldog on a walk, check the pavement with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws! 

Check with Your Vet Before Grooming

Some Frenchie owners go straight to shaving their dogs during the summer months to cool them down, but this can do more harm than good!

In fact, fluffy Frenchies use their hair to regulate their body temperature, and shaving it can make them more susceptible to sunburn and skin irritation.

If you aren’t sure what a proper summer groom looks like for your Frenchie, contact your vet and put the shears down!

Shaved is not always the best, and keeping up with breed-appropriate standards is critical for ensuring they are comfortable in the heat. 

Take your Frenchie for a swim

Taking your French Bulldog for a swim during hot summer days can be an effective way to help them cool down and prevent overheating.

French Bulldog swimming in pool

It’s important to note that Frenchies can’t swim, so it’s essential to introduce them to water gradually and under close supervision.

A good starting point is to get a French Bulldog swimming vest and watch out for depths and anything toxic to your Frenchie, such as nutrients from fertilizers found in streams and lakes.

Fill up the kiddie pool 

If you want to be sure your French Bulldog is completely safe, use a kiddie pool.

A kiddie pool is a great way to let your dog cool off! Fill it up and keep it in the shade to ensure the water stays cold all day long. Just be mindful of bugs and supervise small dogs. 

Keep them well-groomed 

Things like mats and tangles can weigh your French Bulldog down and make them hot, so ensure that they are groomed all summer long so that they stay cool and don’t overheat!

Turn on your sprinkler

Looking hot outside? I’m sure your grass and your Frenchie would love the sprinkler! Just be mindful if you decide to use your hose instead, as hoses store water in them and heat that water up in the sun.

If you want to spray your hose on your Frenchie or plants or even use it to refill your Frenchie’s water, spray it on the ground for a few seconds first to let all of the hot water run out. 

Cover your Frenchie’s feet while outdoors 

If you have to go out anywhere with pavement during the day, make sure that you use boots or shoes for your French Bulldog to protect their paws. See how to protect your Frenchie’s paws from hot pavement.

French Bulldogs are prone to overheating because of a condition called brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BOAS).

BOAS is a genetic trait that is common among Frenchies due to their short snouts and squashed faces.

Because of this trait, French Bulldogs have smaller than average airways, which can become swollen and problematic during warmer months.

As a result, Frenchies find it difficult to regulate their body temperature through panting, leading to overheating and heat exhaustion.

This condition is a massive issue for French Bulldogs and can have serious health consequences if not properly managed.

Therefore, it’s important to take precautions to keep Frenchies cool and comfortable during hot weather, such as providing plenty of shade and cool water and avoiding strenuous activities.

dog bone illustration

How Do You Tell If a French Bulldog Is Overheating?

It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of overheating in French Bulldogs, as this condition can lead to serious health problems.

Some common signs of overheating in Frenchies include:

Remember that these signs can appear even days later, so it’s important to stay vigilant. If you suspect that your French Bulldog is overheating, you need to take immediate action to cool them down.

dog paw illustration

Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke in French Bulldogs

The best way to prevent your French Bulldog from suffering a heat stroke is to keep them indoors and provide plenty of cool water.

The following tips will help your dog stay cool during a heatwave.

Dampen towels for cooling mats 

Wet some old towels and place them on the floor or porch for a cool place for your Frenchie to lay and rest. This gives them an excellent spot to cool down! 

Rinse their mouth with water to cool them down 

Dogs salivate and pant to keep cool, so rinsing their mouths with cool water is a great way to help them cool down.

You may also notice your dog sleeps with his tongue out, which is another way for your Frenchie to cool down and breathe easier as he sleeps. 

Frozen Dog Toys

Frozen dog toys are a great option for dogs, like Frenchies, who constantly bite their toys. A wide variety of toys are available on the market that are designed specifically to be frozen.

Aside from soothing teething puppies, this can also keep your French Bulldog cool during hot summer days.

You can easily cool your Frenchie with frozen dog toys by simply wetting them, placing them in plastic bags, and freezing them.

Frozen Dog Treats

Many frozen dog treats on the market can help your French Bulldog beat the heat. There are also a vast variety of DIY frozen dog treats that are simple to make and even nutritious for our pups!

Keep Your French Bulldog Cool this Summer

The summer heat can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Grab a thermometer and keep an eye on your pet this summer, and they will be just fine.

The best thing you can do for them and yourself is to be proactive, knowing the signs of heatstroke and keeping your Frenchie in the shade and cool as much as possible. Keep them hydrated, keep them well-fed, and have a great summer!

Do you have any secret tricks for keeping your French Bulldog cool in the summer? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs About Keeping Frenchies Cool in Summer

What are some ways to keep my French Bulldog cool in the summer?

To keep your French Bulldog cool in the summer, provide plenty of shade and cool water, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, use cooling mats or vests, and consider giving them frozen treats.

Can I take my French Bulldog for a swim during the summer?

Yes, swimming is a great way to cool down a French Bulldog during the summer, but make sure to supervise them and provide a life jacket as they are not strong swimmers.

Can I shave my French Bulldog to keep them cool?

No, shaving your French Bulldog is not recommended to keep them cool. Their coat helps regulate their body temperature, and shaving it can actually make them more susceptible to sunburn and skin irritation.

What are the signs of heatstroke in French Bulldogs?

Signs of overheating in French Bulldogs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. They may experience seizures, collapse, or even death in severe cases.

What should I do if my French Bulldog shows signs of heatstroke?

If your French Bulldog shows signs of heatstroke, immediately move them to a cooler area and apply cool water (not cold to avoid shock) to their paw pads, belly, and ears. You should seek veterinary care as soon as possible, as heatstroke can be life-threatening.

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Lisemaine is a dog lover. She currently owns two Frenchies and enjoys working with and training them. She'll share her best tips with you to keep your Frenchie happy, healthy, and active.


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