Summertime, Summertime, Good Ole SUMMERTIME

Our Foster baby last summer.

Hot Weather Tips for Your Frenchie and Other Smooshy-Faced Friends

If you have a French Bulldog or any other smooshy-faced dog, and it’s hot where you live, it’s essential to understand the urgency of cooling products and summer safety. Frenchies are especially sensitive to heat, and living in South Florida, I’ve learned the hard way that you need to act fast when your dog starts overheating.Here’s how we handle the heat and how you can, too.

Recognizing the Signs of Overheating

Overheating can escalate quickly, so it's important to recognize the early warning signs:

1. The insides of the ears are red

2. Eyes appear glassy

3. Tongue is red and swollen

If you see these signs, take action immediately:

- Move your dog to a cool, shaded area with a fan or air conditioning

- Use cooling cloths or wet paper towels on their chest, neck, and belly

- Offer small sips of water, or gently drip water into their mouth if they refuse to drink

- Carry your dog to the coolest nearby place whether it's your car with AC, a tiled floor, or a spot with ice packs wrapped in a towel.

Hot Weather Hacks: How to Keep Your Pup Safe

1. The Pavement Test

If you're walking on pavement, try this: take off your shoes and walk barefoot. If it burns your feet, it’s burning your dog’s too.

Try this instead:

- Walk early in the morning or after the sun goes down

- Use heat-resistant dog socks or shoes (bonus: their training sessions make hilarious reels)

2. Cooling Cloths and Bandanas

- Keep a small cooler in your car stocked with cold water and frozen microfiber cloths

- The night before, wet and freeze a few cloths in Ziplock bags

- Use them on your dog’s armpits, chest, and neck to cool them down. Rinse, wring, and repeat as needed

3. Fans on the Go

- Grab a couple of Ryobi clip fans and a car clothing bar for the back seat

- These fans can run on rechargeable batteries (which can also be charged in the car)

- Use them to keep air circulating while you’re out of the vehicle

4. Cooling Pads

- Use them at home or in the car

- Perfect for placing on furniture, floors, crates, or the backseat for post-play cooldowns

5. Alcohol Wipes

- In a pinch, these can help cool your dog’s underarms or paws if you don’t have cloths handy

6. Make a “Hot Weather Kit”

- Keep it by the door for quick grab-and-go outings

- Include: cooling cloths, water bottles, a collapsible bowl, alcohol wipes, and dog-safe sun protection

7. Dog Wipes in the Fridge

- Store a pack of pet-safe bath wipes in your refrigerator

- These are great for quick refreshes after a walk

8. Backyard Splash Zone

- Pick up a small plastic kiddie pool and place it in the shade

- Fill it with just enough water to cover the bottom and let your dog splash around and cool off

Final Thoughts:

Be Mindful of the Heat

Please remember the golden rule for summer walks:

If the sidewalk is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early mornings or late evenings, and always carry water for both of you.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy this beautiful season with your best friend.

XOXO,

Vicki & King Wrex