Flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic (or brachy) breeds, require extra care, especially during Brisbane’s hot summer months. Their short noses and narrow airways make them more susceptible to breathing difficulties in warm weather, which can pose serious health risks.
If you have a flat-faced dog, such as a boxer, bulldog, pug, or shih tzu, it’s crucial to take precautions to keep them safe and comfortable during the heat.
Read on for our top tips to help your brachy dog cope with the challenges of heat during summer in Brisbane.
Why does a brachy dog struggle in the heat?
With their short muzzles and narrow airways, brachycephalic dogs aren’t very efficient at panting. This means that in hotter weather, they can overheat quite quickly.
When it’s hot, dogs with a longer nose and more conventional face use panting to good effect, cooling themselves down quite efficiently. The shorter nose and smaller airways of brachy dogs means that they need to put much more effort into panting, which can lead to overheating and breathing difficulties.
Signs of heat stress
Brachycephalic dogs are more susceptible to heat stress because they have narrow airways that result in inefficient breathing, which means they can’t cool themselves down properly. Their airway is also more at risk of swelling, and can obstruct easily too. Heat stress is a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to know the signs to look out for:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Glazed eyes
- Constant snorting
- Difficulty walking
If you think your dog may have heat stress, you need to try and cool them down as quickly as possible and call your vet for advice. Move them into air-conditioning, and if possible, place them in a small amount of water in the bath. Only allow them to drink small amounts of water at a time to minimise any choking risk.
Exercising in summer
Any excess weight can add to breathing difficulties, so it’s important that you continue to exercise your brachycephalic dog, even in the heat of summer. However, you must exercise them safely.
- Go for walks in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or in the evening
- Take it slow, and allow for plenty of breaks during your walk
- Consider two shorter walks rather than a longer walk
- Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting any further pressure on your dog’s airways
- Buy them a cooling pad to lie on to keep a cooler body temperature during hotter temps
- If you have the space inside your house, opt for some indoor games with your dog to get them moving
Preventing overheating
To protect your brachycephalic dog from overheating, focus on keeping them in a cool environment. During the hottest parts of the day, keep them indoors with curtains drawn to block out the sun. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature, and always provide access to fresh, chilled water, whether at home or out and about. For an extra way to cool off, consider a swim in a safe pool, a visit to the beach, or even a refreshing splash under the garden hose.
And it goes without saying, but never leave your dog in the car. Even if you have the windows down and parked in the shade, your car will heat up incredibly quickly.
Looking for guidance on caring for your brachycephalic dog?
Owning a brachy dog means being aware of the unique health challenges they may face and knowing the warning signs to watch for, particularly in the summer heat. These breeds are more susceptible to issues like breathing difficulties and overheating, so understanding what’s normal for your dog is crucial.
If you’re ever unsure or need advice about caring for your brachy dog, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To schedule an appointment with our Loganholme vet clinic, book online, or call us on 07 3801 1744.