How to Keep a French Bulldog Cool in Hot Weather

French Bulldogs are one of the best breeds a family can have, making these dogs very popular! Unfortunately for these adorable, snorty little companions, summer heat can be brutal for them. If you’re a Frenchie parent, especially a Fluffy Frenchie parent, you need to know how to help them stay cool, safe, and happy when temperatures rise.

Let’s break it down with facts, products, and personal experience with our Frenchies!

Why French Bulldogs Overheat So Easily

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic—that means they have short snouts. While that’s part of their cuteness, it seriously affects their breathing and heat regulation.

What’s Happening Inside Their Bodies:

Dogs pant to release heat but Frenchies can't pant efficiently. So heat builds up fast, especially in humid or high-temperature environments.

Why Fluffy Frenchies Overheat Faster:

They still have the same short nose and compact build as regular Frenchies, so when you add a thick coat on top, their risk of overheating goes way up.

Tips Just for Fluffy Frenchies:

• Brush their coat regularly to reduce excess fur and mats
  
  

• Never shave them (it removes protective insulation and natural air conditioning for the dog)
  
  

• Prioritize cooling mats, AC, and fans during summer, but he sure not to aim fans directly at the puppy's face as that can cause breathing difficulty.
  
  

• Limit outdoor time even more than regular Frenchies 
  
  

With our Fluffy Frenchies, we always ensure to get them groomed regularly, to ensure there is no stuck undercoat preventing proper ventilation. The best time to start this is when you notice your dog beginning to shed excessively. This is almost always aligning with the change of seasons and should continue daily if not weekly through the summer months. You can see Mawoo Pet’s available Frenchies and Fluffy Frenchies here!

Signs Your Frenchie is Overheating

Recognize the early warning signs:

• Rapid, heavy panting
  
  

• Excessive drooling
  
  

• Bright red or bluish gums
  
  

• Lethargy, wobbliness, or confusion
  
  

• Vomiting
  
  

• Collapsing
  
  

If these happen: move them to shade or AC, offer water, and call your vet immediately.

Proven Ways to Keep Your Frenchie Cool

These are strategies that actually work based on both science and personal experience.

1. Keep Them Inside During Peak Heat

• Walks only in early morning or after sunset
  
  

• Keep indoor temps below 75°F (24°C) if possible
  
  

2. Hydration is Critical

• Ensure cool, fresh water is always available
  
  

• Ice cubes or frozen dog treats are great. You can find lots of great recipes on Pinterest!
  
  

• Add a splash of unflavored Pedialyte (electrolytes) during extreme heat if vet-approved only
  
  

3. Invest in Cooling Gear

Tip: Stick cooling Gear in the fridge before use for extra chill power as long as advised on the packaging.

4. Cut Back on Exercise

• Keep walks short and slow. If your dog gets stressed on walks, it may be best to skip walks all together and opt for lounging in the yard in the shade instead.
  
  

• Try puzzle toys or indoor treat games instead
  
  

5. Use Airflow to Your Advantage

• Place fans at floor level for your dog’s height
  
  

• Use crate fans for safe cooling if they’re crate-trained but be sure to not have the fan pointing directly at the dogs face as this can cause labored breathing.

• Purchasing a small slab of marble tile is also helpful as it retains cold so long as it is left in the shade. My dog always runs for our tile at home!
  
  

Why These Methods Work

These aren't just "feel good" tips, here’s what’s happening:

• Evaporative cooling (used in vests & mats) draws heat from the skin as water evaporates
  
  

• Airflow under the body (elevated beds) helps release trapped heat and keeps your dog cooler
  
  

• Hydration & electrolytes Helps your dog’s body stay balanced and working properly
  
  

Quick Buy List

Skip the guesswork. Here are top-rated, dog-safe products that actually work for French Bulldogs:

You can find these on Amazon, Chewy, or your local pet store.

FAQ: Keeping Frenchies Cool

Q: Can French Bulldogs swim to cool off?
 A: No. Most French Bulldogs can’t swim well due to their body shape and short legs. They can easily sink. Stick to shallow splash pads or supervised baby pools. You can purchase life vests for dogs, but due to Frenchie's unique shape, they can often be difficult to size correctly and slip out of them. Never allow your Frenchie to swim without a life vest, and no matter what, never leave them unattended. Swimming can also cause a risk of inhaling water, which can be deadly to Frenchies. 

Q: Is it safe to use ice packs on my Frenchie?
 A: Yes, but wrap them in a towel and never apply directly to skin, to prevent frostbite. Cooling mats or vests are safer for long-term use. 

Q: Can I shave my Frenchie to keep them cool?
 A: Nope. Shaving their coat removes natural insulation and can make them hotter and expose them to sunburn. Instead, opt for brushing frequently to remove dead undercoat.

Q: What indoor temperatures are safe during summer?
 A: Aim to keep your home under 75°F (24°C). Use AC and fans. If you're hot, your Frenchie is way hotter. Always look for the signs of overheating as there as every Frenchie is different. 

Q: Can I leave them in the car with the windows cracked?
 A: Absolutely not. Even with windows cracked, a car can hit 100°F+ in minutes. Frenchies will not survive in hot cars. There is no option where this is safe for your pet. 

Final Thought: Prevention Beats Emergencies

It’s way easier to keep your Frenchie cool than to recover from overheating. Summer fun is great, but heat can be dangerous for short-nosed breeds. Learn about other health concerns related to Frenchies here!

Be proactive. Stay alert. And let your Frenchie enjoy the sun safely.

Stay cool out there!