HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT OVER HEATING-

French Bulldogs have a much higher risk of over heating due to their flat faces. This can happen extremely fast so you should always be prepared. If you are taking your frenchie somewhere like the beach or park with lots of sun and heat, think ahead of time about different ways to cool them off. Always check the temperature outside and we do not recommend taking this breed in excessive heat. 

Having lots of water and something like a cooling bandana will help cool your dog down when they start to overheat. Be on the lookout for shaded areas or bring your own umbrella. Be sure to keep them in AC when you are gone. Never leave them outside unattended. 

What do you do when your frenchie does overheat? 

This has worked for us over the last decade: First thing, squirt lemon juice in their mouth, just a little bit at a time. Avoid squirting it directly down their throats to avoid choking/inhaling it. Lemon juice will break up that thick phlegm they work up when panting. I will then grab rubbing alcohol or antiseptic alcohol and wipe down their paw pads, bellies and under their neck. What this does is draws out the heat as dogs release heat from those areas. After that soak them in room temp water or grab a towel and soak it with room temp water, place it around them and put the fan directly on them. Do not use cold water as this could put them into shock. It is also very important to do your best to calm them down, try using a soft spoken voice and some affection. If you have medication to help calm your dog down give it to them.  Remember when you are doing this don’t force them to drink water, wait until they have calmed down or they could aspirate. The same goes for medication, don’t force them to swallow a pill if they are panting.

Having rubbing alcohol and lemon juice in your car and in your home is a great idea! We always bring water and a bowl for our dogs to drink out of when we go places. 

❇️INSIDE DOGS

Frenchies are inside dogs, they are not meant to be left unattended outside. Even on 75-80 degree days they can overheat. They will go lay in the sun until they get heat stroke. Mine will go lay in the sun on 110 degree days. 

Side note: If stranger sees a frenchie unattended they could try to steal them.  This happens often so please avoid this and never leave them outside unastended.