Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers and other short-nosed breeds have devoted fans for good reason. They are funny, affectionate and full of personality. They also need more careful handling in summer than many other dogs, because the same features that give them their charming faces make it harder for them to cool down.
The word for these breeds is brachycephalic, which refers to a shortened skull shape. Here is what that means in hot weather.
Why short noses and heat do not mix
Dogs rely heavily on panting to shed heat. Air moving over the moist surfaces of the nose, mouth and throat carries heat away. In a dog with a long muzzle, there is a lot of surface area for that exchange. In a flat-faced dog, the airway is compressed into a much smaller space, and many of these dogs have narrow nostrils, a long soft palate or a small windpipe.
The result is that panting is less efficient and takes more effort. A dog working harder to breathe also generates more heat, which can create a dangerous cycle on a hot or humid day.
Signs to take seriously
Many owners get used to the snorting and snoring that come with these breeds, which can make it easy to overlook real distress. Watch for:
- Loud, raspy or labored breathing that is worse than usual.
- Gums or tongue that look very red, pale or bluish.
- Reluctance to move, stumbling or collapse.
- Excessive drooling or vomiting.
Any of these on a warm day warrants immediate cooling and a call to your veterinarian. Do not wait for your dog to recover on their own.
Planning a safer summer
- Walk in the coolest part of the day, keep walks short and slow, and turn around early.
- Skip strenuous games like long fetch sessions when it is warm.
- Keep your dog in air conditioning during the hottest hours.
- Use a harness rather than pulling on a collar, which can put pressure on the throat. Ask your vet which style suits your dog.
- Carry water and offer it often.
- Help your dog stay at a healthy weight, since extra pounds add to breathing strain.
- Never leave your dog in a car, even briefly.
Car rides deserve special thought. Make sure the air conditioning is running and blowing into the back, and avoid long drives during the hottest part of the day.
Talk to your veterinarian
Brachycephalic dogs vary a great deal. Some breathe fairly easily; others struggle even at rest. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog’s airway, talk about what limits make sense for exercise and heat, and discuss whether any treatment might help. Ask before summer starts, so you have a plan in place.
With careful timing and plenty of air conditioning, flat-faced dogs can enjoy summer too. They just tend to prefer it from a cool spot on the couch.
