05/11/2025
With Summer nearly here, it is critical that owners of Brachycephalic Dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, know what to do if their dog overheats.
This is our recommended first aid for any dog that is experiencing heat stress or heat stroke.
• Cool water immersion is most effective mode of cooling. Tap water is adequate – don’t use water from fridge.
If you are more than 10 minutes from a vet clinic:
• You should immerse the dog in pool (keep their head above water!) for several minutes, then proceed to the vet clinic. If there is no pool available, hose the dog off for several minutes with water from the hose (make sure the water in the hose isn't hot from being in the sun) or shower
• While the dog is being watered, someone should call the vet and start the car, cooling the car with the air conditioning on full blast
• Don’t wrap the dog in wet blankets for transport – these will inhibit heat loss
If less than 10 minutes from clinic:
• Quickly wet thedog, then drive to clinic with air conditioning on full blast, calling the vet while you're on the way
As with most things, prevention is much better than cure. Brachycephalic Dogs should be assessed for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome and treated for this if indicated. Although this treatment doesn't completely stop dogs from overheating it does significantly reduce their risk of heat stroke and subsequent airway swelling.
Keep brachycephalic dogs indoors in air conditioning on hot days, and only exercise in the early morning or late evening of cool enough.
Dr Braden at the Eaton Vet Clinic is very experienced at Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Surgery. If your dog is affected by BOAS, such as snoring, regurgitating, being slow to recover after exercise, or having loud breathing, please call the clinic on 97250399 to discuss treatment.
