As the summer sun heats up, veterinarians are urging dog owners to take extra precautions—especially if their furry friend has a squishy face.
A New York-based veterinary technician recently issued a warning about the dangers of warm weather for flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dog breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs. These dogs are known for their signature short snouts and snorty charm—but those same adorable features can make them extremely vulnerable to heatstroke.
Why These Breeds Are at Higher Risk
Brachycephalic breeds have a compressed airway, which means they already struggle to breathe efficiently even in ideal conditions. When temperatures rise, their bodies work harder to cool down, and their limited ability to pant effectively puts them at risk for overheating fast.
“Short walks are OK,” the vet tech cautioned in a now-viral Reddit post, “but anything over 10–15 minutes in warm weather and you’re begging for a trip to the emergency vet for heat stroke.” Alluding to having to take your dog in for treatment for overheating immediately, which may involve IV fluids, oxygen support, and sometimes even a breathing tube, as well as a hefty vet bill.
Heatstroke Can Happen Fast
Heatstroke in dogs can develop quickly and is a medical emergency. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and collapse. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly.
“Long-term breathing difficulties and an inability to cool down normally are commonly seen in extremely brachycephalic dogs. This breathing disorder is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, and is a progressive, lifelong disorder that can impair a dog’s ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep,” The Kennel Club, a dog charity, said in a statement.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
Experts suggest the following tips to help keep your brachycephalic pup safe in the summer heat, starting with avoiding midday walks, stick to early morning or late evening strolls when temperatures are lower. You can also limit outdoor time, keep walks short—under 15 minutes—and take breaks in the shade. Very importantly never ever leave them in a parked car even for a minute, the temperature inside a car can spike to dangerous levels.
Keeping your dog hydrated at all times is highly important in the summer months, always have cool water available, especially after exercise. Getting to know the signs of overheating, for example if your dog starts panting heavily, seems lethargic, or wobbly, bring them indoors immediately, get them to shade or soak them in water to cool them down, also be sure to contact a vet.
A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
For brachycephalic dogs, summer isn’t about sunbathing—it’s about staying cool, calm, and safe. While their short noses and big eyes might make them the stars of Instagram, their anatomy puts them at serious risk when temperatures climb.
As you plan your summer outings, remember: just because you can handle the heat doesn’t mean your dog can. Keep walks short, monitor for signs of overheating, and when in doubt, opt for an air-conditioned cuddle session indoors.
Because sometimes being a good pet parent means trading the beach for the couch—and your pup will thank you with every slobbery snore.
