Frenchies will die if left outside in the heat or high humidity.
Prevention Tip #1: Outside Time
Stay outside with your pet if they are going to be out longer than ten minutes. When you let them go outside on their own, DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THEM. If you are inside, make sure they have access outside to cool water in case they overheat. If they are panting, they are overheating.
Prevention Tip #2: Car Safety
Never leave your dog in a car. It gets extremely hot quickly. Don’t ever leave your dog in the car using a plastic carrier even if you leave the air conditioning on. Plastic carriers do not provide good air flow and I know of dogs that have died under this scenario.
Prevention Tip #3: Walk, Don’t Run
Don’t let your dog “fence run” during hot weather, whether it’s running up and down with the neighbor’s dog, or because you have the lawn mower going. They don’t know when to stop.
Prevention Tip #4: Keep Cool with a Toddler Pool
Most frenchie’s love wallowing in a small pool of water. Since most frenchie’s can’t swim this gives them pleasure without drowning. And it helps them if they overheat. Fresh cool water is a must whether for drinking or playing.
How to Treat Overheating
- If your dog overheats, do not throw extremely cold water on them as it will throw them into a shock.
- Take them inside to air conditioning.
- Cover them with cold wet towels and put a fan on them.
- Let them drink small amounts of cool water as they recover, but not all at once.
- Monitor them until they are recovered.