The dogs with the most intimidating names but the cutest cuddles are the most troubled during summers. Bulldogs and heat simply do not mix. Bulldogs have a tendency to overheat easily, as do many brachycephalic breeds. They are not efficient panters, and therefore are not able to cool as easily as other breeds.
Overheating can come on quickly and cause devastating effects, including organ failure, stroke, heart attack, permanent neurological damage, and even the loss of your pet.
Signs of overheating in your pet
Overheating, dehydration and heatstroke are fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for. All of the following signs/symptoms are associated with overheating in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive, unusually thick drooling
- Dark, dry or pale gums
- Faster than normal heart rate
- Fever above 105° F
- Noisy, labored breathing
- Disorientation
- Difficulty walking/standing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Sunken or glassy eyes
5 fun ways to keep your bulldog cool
Overheating is scary but with a few precautions, your cuddle companion can survive the harsh summers without being troubled by the heat wave. And who says taking care off your pet has to be a cumbersome task.
Here we bring five fun ways of keeping your bully baby comfortable.
- Keep them company.
In days of hot weather or on a road trip, keep an eye on your Bully and never leave it unattended in a car or otherwise. Let that extra attention be a part of their routine.
- A Shady and Air-Conditioned Area
Make sure they are always in an air-conditioned and well ventilated room of your house. Tile can help them cool down when it is hot outside. A shady and breezy area foe r them to relax and sit will help your bull dog to tolerate the rising temperature of its body.
- Treat time
Its time for the treats come in. Make sure you are giving your trusted buddy a lot of cool (-not cold) water to drink and frozen treats to relish. Pupsicles, frozen veggies and even dog ice-creams – pamper your mate with all the love.
- Summers means relaxing & reduced play time
Limit your dog’s time outside to the cooler times of the day, i.e. early mornings and late evenings. Instead of taking long walks, try to go twice in the evenings or early mornings.
- Use cooler mat or wet towels to rest & water to play in
Although the fur babies are usually floor buddies, but summer time requires extra care – put a wet towel for them or a cool mat for them to rest and wear the heat off.
Playing in water can help to lower a dog’s body temperature in the scorching summer heat. Your dog only needs to be in enough water to get their paws and belly wet and should be supervised if they swim in deeper water. Involving some water play with your dog under sprinklers, in pools or lakes can all be fun and cool for you and more importantly your dog!
How do you plan to keep your bull baby cool this summer?
Comment and let us know below.