Flat-Faced Dogs in Summer: How to Keep Pugs, Frenchies and Bulldogs Safe

Pugs, French bulldogs, British bulldogs, boxers, shih tzus, cavaliers and other flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are among Australia's most popular dogs. They are also among the most likely to suffer in the heat. With a little planning, you can help them enjoy summer safely.

Why flat-faced dogs struggle in the heat

Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting. Air moving over the moist surfaces of the nose, mouth and throat carries heat away. In flat-faced breeds, the shorter skull often comes with:

• Narrow nostrils that restrict airflow
• An elongated soft palate that partly blocks the airway
• A narrow windpipe
• Less internal surface area in the nose for cooling

Together, these are known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS. Many affected dogs breathe noisily even at rest. In hot or humid weather, they cannot pant efficiently enough to cool down, and the extra effort of breathing generates even more heat.

Warning signs to watch for

• Loud, noisy or rasping breathing
• Panting that does not settle with rest
• A wide, flat tongue that looks dark red or purple
• Gagging, retching or bringing up froth
• Restlessness, then lying flat and not wanting to move
• Stumbling, weakness or collapse

A flat-faced dog that is struggling to breathe in the heat needs to be cooled and taken to a vet urgently. These breeds can deteriorate very quickly.

A summer plan for flat-faced breeds

Exercise

• Keep walks short, slow and only in the coolest parts of the day.
• On hot days, skip the walk entirely and play gentle brain games inside.
• Avoid ball games, running and excitement in warm weather.
• Use a harness rather than a collar, so there is no pressure on the throat.

At home

• Air-conditioning is the gold standard for these breeds on hot days.
• Give them several cool places to lie: tiles, a shaded spot and a cooling mat.
• Keep fresh water everywhere, including in wide, shallow bowls that suit a flat face.
• Never leave them outside alone on hot days.

Travel

• Travel in the early morning or evening with air-conditioning running.
• Never leave them in a parked car, even for a minute.
• Avoid stressful situations in the heat, as stress increases panting.

Weight matters

Extra weight around the neck and chest makes breathing harder, and overweight flat-faced dogs are at much higher risk in the heat. If your dog is carrying extra kilos, ask your vet for a safe weight-loss plan before summer.

Talk to your vet about BOAS

If your dog snores loudly, breathes noisily at rest, struggles with exercise, or has collapsed in the heat before, talk to your vet. In some dogs, surgery to widen the nostrils or shorten the soft palate can make a big difference to breathing and quality of life. Your vet can assess whether it is right for your dog.

First aid for an overheated flat-faced dog

1. Move them into the shade or air-conditioning.
2. Wet their coat with cool (not ice-cold) water and put them in front of a fan.
3. Keep them calm and quiet. Excitement makes breathing harder.
4. Offer small sips of water if they are alert.
5. Call your vet and go straight away.

Other heat-sensitive breeds

Flat-faced cats such as Persians, Himalayans and exotic shorthairs face similar breathing challenges, as do thick-coated dogs and senior pets. Many of the same precautions apply.

Choosing a cool spot at home

Flat-faced dogs often take themselves to the coolest place in the house, which is a useful clue. Make that spot as comfortable as possible:

• Lay a cooling mat on tiles or concrete in the shade.
• Keep a wide water bowl within a few steps.
• Close blinds on nearby windows before the sun hits them.
• Make sure air can move through the room, or run a fan or air-conditioner.

Excitement and stress count too

It is not only exercise that raises body temperature. Barking at the postie, playing with visitors or a stressful car trip can all make a flat-faced dog pant harder. On hot days, keep things calm: limit visitors, close the curtains at the front of the house, and give long-lasting chews instead of energetic games.

Buying a flat-faced puppy?

If you are thinking about a pug, French bulldog or bulldog, ask the breeder about the parents' breathing, and look for open nostrils and quiet breathing at rest. Your vet can check your puppy's airway early, so you know what to watch for before their first summer.

A hot-day checklist for flat-faced breeds

• Walk before 7 am or skip it
• Air-conditioning or a fan running in their room
• Cooling mat in the shade, water within a few steps
• Harness instead of collar for any outing
• No car trips in the heat of the day
• Calm day: limit visitors and excitement
• Vet and emergency vet numbers saved in your phone

Flat-faced cats such as Persians need the same calm, cool approach on hot days.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to walk my pug in summer?

Short, slow walks in the cool of early morning are usually fine for a healthy pug. On hot or humid days, skip the walk and keep them inside.

Why does my Frenchie snore so much?

Snoring is common in flat-faced breeds because of their airway shape, but loud snoring can be a sign of BOAS. Mention it to your vet.

Do cooling mats help flat-faced dogs?

They give your dog a comfortable cool place to rest, which helps alongside air-conditioning, shade and water. They are not a substitute for keeping your dog in a cool environment.