Hot weather can be tough on certain dogs. Some breeds have short noses, heavy coats, or big bodies that make cooling down harder.
With a few simple changes, you can help them stay safe and happy when temperatures rise. Try the tips below to keep your buddy comfortable on scorching days.
French Bulldog
Big personality meets small airways, so summer hits Frenchies hard. Their short muzzle makes panting less effective, which slows cooling.
Shade, cool floors, and a quiet schedule keep them steady.
Walk at dawn or after dark, then swap midday play for puzzle toys indoors. Fresh water in multiple bowls helps, and a cooling vest is smart during car rides.
Watch for glazed eyes, floppy tongue, and wobbling.
If signs appear, move, wet, and call fast.
Bulldog
Stocky frames carry heavy heat, and Bulldogs tire quickly in sun. Their thick necks and narrow nostrils limit airflow during panting.
Cool tile, fans, and a slow morning routine make days safer.
Keep walks short and shaded, then practice gentle enrichment inside. A splash pad or damp towel offers relief without overexertion.
Skip tight collars, and use a well fitted harness to reduce throat pressure.
If breathing sounds raspy, end activity and contact your vet.
Pug
Those round eyes and snorts are adorable, yet heat stacks up fast. Pugs can overheat in minutes during rough play.
Choose an air conditioned room, soft lighting, and cool water nearby.
Short sniff walks beat long adventures at noon. Teach calm games like scent finds under furniture.
For travel, crack windows, run the AC, and never leave them alone in a parked car.
Dribble cool water on paws and chest at the first wobble today.
Boxer
Built for bursts, Boxers often forget to slow down. That drive plus sleek coats means sun can outpace their cooling fast.
Plan flirt pole fun at dawn, then trade midday workouts for mental puzzles.
Offer shaded rest stops and electrolytes approved by your vet. A cooling bandana around the neck helps between sprints.
If gums turn brick colored or drool thickens, stop, soak towels, and chill indoors.
Resume only when breathing is quiet again outside.
Shih Tzu
Silky coats look royal, yet heat hides beneath that fluff. Shih Tzus benefit from a summer trim, not a shave.
Keep a gentle brush handy to prevent mats that trap warmth.
Stroll in shaded gardens and linger near fountains. Provide raised beds for airflow and place water bowls on both levels of the home.
When panting turns rapid and shallow, pause, offer ice chips, and cuddle somewhere cool.
Check face folds and gently pat dry.
Pekingese
That lion mane was built for palaces, not heat waves. Pekingese have flat faces and dense coats that hold warmth.
A light trim, cool mats, and very short walks keep them comfortable.
They enjoy slow sniffing along hedges at sunrise. Indoors, set up a breezy corner with fans angled safely.
If you notice staggering or glassy eyes, spritz lukewarm water, place by an open window, and phone the clinic.
Skip stairs when the day blazes.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Soft eyes and a gentle swirl of ears make Cavaliers hard to resist. Still, heart concerns and warm weather can clash.
Choose quiet games like hide and seek indoors after a calm morning walk.
Groom weekly to thin the undercoat, and keep water refreshed. A cooling collar during errands helps.
Should breathing speed up while resting, settle them on a cool surface, offer tiny sips, and message your veterinarian.
Avoid crowded parks during peak heat.
Chow Chow
A lion-like ruff and blue tongue look majestic, but insulation is real. Chow Chows have thick double coats that trap heat.
Keep grooming steady, bathe lightly, and use a blower on the cool setting.
Walk shady forest paths early. Frozen broth treats offer distraction without heavy effort.
If their posture stiffens and panting roars, move to air conditioning, lay damp towels along the belly, and monitor until breathing eases.
Never shave the coat for summer.
Newfoundland
With a heart as big as its paws, the Newfoundland is every child’s gentle guardian. That sweet nature comes with a water resistant coat that holds heat.
Provide shade near kiddie pools and keep hose time brief.
Morning swims are fine under supervision, but avoid rivers during heat spikes. Indoors, position beds near vents and offer cool, damp cloths.
Tired eyes plus slow responses signal trouble, so rest, rehydrate, and call for guidance from professionals.
Saint Bernard
Snowy legends aside, Saint Bernards run warm in summer. Their giant bodies heat quickly during even short strolls.
Pick quiet routes with grass, then schedule active play for chilly mornings.
Split meals to smaller portions so digestion does not add heat. Provide kiddie pools and thick shade tarps.
If drool turns ropey and steps slow, stop, sponge with cool water, fan gently, and monitor closely.
Resume activity only after calm breathing and normal energy returns.