Good Bloggie!

The weather is moving into the 90°s here in Central Texas (it’s a damp heat!) and that means taking extra precautions with the Snorty Set. Frenchies and other short-snouted dogs just can’t take the heat!

First up, found this really interesting item online. Would love to hear from anyone using it for their Frenchie.

Here’s some things which work for us:

Ice Cubes
If one of our guys has come in from a walk panting hard, we take ice cubes and rub their ears, armpits, and tummy. A dog’s ears act as a blood-cooling device and this is a quick way to cool down their blood and body temperature. However, don’t immerse an overheated dog in ice-cold water. This could shock their system. Cool water is fine. They like that!

You can also use rubbing alcohol to cool down a dog. Pour it over their tummy, paws, and body. It evaporates faster, thus cools faster. Just be careful not to let them drink any.

Ice cubes are also great for tossing on the back deck for a pup-cooling treat and for gnawing fun.

Cooling Collars
These have a water-retaining gel. You soak them in water for a few minutes and the collar cools with evaporation. Great for walks. There are many variations. Check your local pet store or try these online places.
Too Cool Dog Collars
Cooling Bandana

Cooling Coats
Cool Coats
Kool Koat 

Crate Fan
Use these for trips in the car. Keeps a breeze going across those ears.
Battery-operated crate fan

Schedule Adjustments
We try to make vet appointments and errands early in the day. Same with walks. Either earlier or later in the day. For later walks, we wait till the sun is lower and the sidewalks have cooled a bit. Because, even though the breeze may be cool topside, it can be several degrees hotter at pup level from radiant heat coming off the sidewalk. We also try to walk on the shady part of the street, but look on the sunny side of life. (Boo hiss!)

Spray Bottles
Have seen many handlers spraying down their bulldogs at shows with a spray bottle of water. Nothing like having your own personal mister.

Haven’t used these. Would love to hear from anyone who has.
Cooling Beds
Cool Bed
Body Cooler Pet Mat

HEAT STROKE
The hints above are for mild overheating and to prevent heat stroke. Heat stroke is a serious and life-threating condition for a French Bulldog. Now is the time to review the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what you can do to treat or prevent them. If you see the symptoms below, act immediately to cool down your dog and get him/her medical attention.

Symptoms of heat stroke

• extremely heavy panting
• staggering
• loss of consciousness
• seizures, convulsions
• high body temperature (107°F+)

Your dog is having a medical emergency and needs to be cooled immediately! But careful with giving them water. If the airway is blocked from swelling, they could choke on the water. Give water in small amounts or wait till they have cooled down a bit before offering water.

This is an excellent article on how to treat a Frenchie having a heat stoke:
Heat Stroke – The Sudden Killer

Here’s more on the topic:
Dog First Aid
Heatstroke and the French Bulldog

Of course, never leave any dog in the car, even with the windows cracked. Summer heat just turns a car into an Easy-Bake Oven. And the last thing you want is to do, is come back to a crispy critter.

Follow up: Refrigerating the cooling collars helps quite a bit. Thought of freezing them, but didn’t want anyone to get frost-bite around the collar.