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Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs face a serious welfare crisis in the UK, and heat is one of the biggest threats to their health. These flat-faced dogs can start overheating at temperatures as low as 21°C—a temperature most of us would consider mild—because their shortened airways make it nearly impossible for them to cool down effectively through panting.
The numbers are stark. French Bulldogs remain one of the UK's most popular breeds, with over 13,000 registrations in 2025 alone.[1] But this popularity comes with a cost. French Bulldogs are six times more likely to suffer heat-related illness than Labrador Retrievers, while Bulldogs are 14 times more at risk.[2] When the median temperature for heat-related illness events in UK dogs sits at just 16.9°C,[3] it's clear that what feels like a pleasant summer day to us can be life-threatening for these dogs.
The UK Brachycephalic Working Group—a coalition of vets, charities, and welfare bodies—has been sounding the alarm for years. Their message is unequivocal: the physical structure bred into these dogs causes severe health problems, and heat management isn't optional.[4] If you own a flat-faced dog, you need to understand why they struggle and what you must do to keep them safe when temperatures rise.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information and educational guidance only. It is not veterinary medical advice. Heat-related illness in brachycephalic breeds requires professional veterinary diagnosis and emergency treatment. The information here is designed to help you understand the risks and work effectively to prevent heat stress. Always follow your vet's specific instructions, and contact them immediately if your dog shows signs of overheating or distress. If your dog collapses or exhibits severe symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
Brachycephalic means "shortened head," and it describes breeds that have been selectively bred for flattened faces and compressed skulls. Popular UK examples include French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, and Boston Terriers. These breeds share a distinctive look that many find appealing, but that same appearance comes with serious anatomical problems.[5]
The conformation described by the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) as "extreme" isn't just about aesthetics—it causes measurable suffering. The BWG, formed in 2016 by UK veterinary professionals, charities, and kennel clubs, has one core message: "Maximising good health, welfare and temperament overrides all other considerations for dogs."[4] Their "Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog" campaign exists because these breeds are fundamentally compromised by their breeding.
Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting. When they get hot, they breathe rapidly, passing air over their tongue and through their respiratory tract. This evaporates moisture and cools the blood before it circulates back through the body.
Brachycephalic dogs have anatomical features that make this cooling mechanism dangerously inefficient:
| Feature | Labrador (Normal) | French Bulldog (Brachycephalic) |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Length | Long (efficient cooling) | Short (inefficient) |
| Airflow | Unrestricted | Restricted (turbulent) |
| Cooling Efficiency | High | Very Low |
| Heatstroke Risk | Baseline | 6x Higher |
Together, these features create a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Every breath is harder work than it should be. The RSPCA notes that for many of these dogs, breathing is a chronic struggle—they snort, snore, gag, and gasp even when resting.[6]
Here's the critical point: when a dog needs to cool down through panting, but panting itself is difficult, they can't regulate their temperature. The effort of trying to breathe faster generates more internal heat, making the problem worse. It's a vicious cycle that can turn deadly very quickly.
Most dog owners know not to leave their pets in hot cars or exercise them in blazing heat. What catches people out with brachycephalic breeds is how mild the temperature can be when problems start.
Brachycephalic breeds can begin to overheat at ambient temperatures as low as 21°C.[7] That's a pleasant late spring day in the UK—comfortable enough that you'd think nothing of taking your dog for a walk. But for a Pug or French Bulldog, that same temperature can push them towards heat stress, especially if they're exercising.
Research shows that the median ambient temperature on days when heat-related illness occurred in UK dogs was just 16.9°C.[3] Above 20°C, the risk of dehydration and heatstroke increases for all dogs. Above 25°C, walking any dog becomes risky, but for brachycephalic breeds, the danger is magnified.[8]
Age, weight, and health status make this worse. Overweight flat-faced dogs are at even greater risk, as are puppies and older dogs. If your brachycephalic dog is carrying extra weight, the combination of breathing difficulties and reduced heat tolerance becomes a serious threat to their life.
Preventing overheating in brachycephalic breeds requires changes to how you manage their daily routine. This isn't about occasional caution during heatwaves—it's about year-round awareness that these dogs simply cannot handle heat the way other breeds can.
Walk your brachycephalic dog only during the coolest parts of the day: early morning or late evening. Avoid walks entirely when temperatures climb above 20°C. Studies confirm that exercise is a major trigger for heat-related illness, accounting for nearly three-quarters of cases seen by UK vets.[9]
Even during cooler times, keep walks short and gentle. High-energy play, running, or prolonged activity pushes their compromised respiratory system too hard. Watch for signs that they're struggling—excessive panting, slowing down, or reluctance to continue all mean you need to stop immediately.
Use a harness rather than a collar. A collar puts pressure on the neck and can further restrict an already compromised airway. A well-fitted harness distributes pressure across the chest and makes breathing easier.
For unavoidable warm weather walks, consider the GWAWG Dog Cooling Vest - an evaporative cooling coat that helps regulate body temperature during exercise. Simply soak, wring, and wear.
Your home environment matters as much as outdoor temperature. Flat-faced dogs need access to cool, shaded, well-ventilated spaces at all times. If your home gets warm, use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Never confine your dog in hot areas. Conservatories, cars, and poorly ventilated rooms can become dangerously hot very quickly, even with windows cracked open. The temperature inside a stationary car can rise to fatal levels within minutes, and brachycephalic breeds succumb faster than other dogs.
On hot days, consider indoor activities instead of walks. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, or gentle play can tire your dog out without the heat exposure risk. Even locations you might think are safe—like dog-friendly beaches—can pose serious risks for brachycephalic breeds during warm weather due to limited shade and reflected heat from sand.
Create a cool spot anywhere with the Pressure Activated Gel Cooling Mat. This self-cooling, non-toxic pad requires no water or electricity and activates when your dog lies down, providing immediate relief.
Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water. Check and refill water bowls multiple times a day, especially in warm weather. Some owners place ice cubes in the water bowl to keep it cool, though ensure your dog doesn't try to swallow large chunks of ice.
If you're out and about, bring water and a portable bowl. Never rely on finding water sources when you're walking—dehydration combined with heat stress accelerates rapidly. For recommendations on portable hydration solutions and other essential pet tech, check our outdoor adventure guide.
Ensure hydration on the go with the COTOP Portable Dog Water Bottle. This leak-proof dispenser features a built-in drinking trough, making it easy to offer water to your flat-faced dog anywhere.
Excess weight significantly worsens breathing problems and heat intolerance. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do for a brachycephalic dog. Extra fat deposits around the neck and chest further compress airways, and the additional body mass generates more internal heat.
Talk to your vet about your dog's ideal weight and work with them on a nutrition plan if weight loss is needed. Even a small reduction can make a noticeable difference to their breathing and heat tolerance.
Many brachycephalic breeds have deep skin folds around their face, neck, and tail. These folds trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, which can lead to skin infections that cause discomfort and inflammation.
Clean and dry skin folds daily or every other day using vet-approved wipes or a soft, damp cloth. Lift each fold gently and wipe the area clean, then dry thoroughly with a soft towel. Moisture left in the folds creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
If your dog develops redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul smell from their skin folds, contact your vet. Infected skin folds can cause pain and add to the overall stress your dog's body is under, making heat management even harder.
When bathing your brachycephalic dog, avoid heated dryers entirely. Use room-temperature air, fans, or allow them to air dry. Never blow-dry their face, as this can worsen breathing difficulties.
For comprehensive guidance on managing your dog's coat during warmer months, including proper bathing techniques and post-bath care, see our summer grooming guide.
Keep skin folds healthy with MP Labo Pyoskin Antiseptic Wipes. These veterinary-grade wipes contain 3% Chlorhexidine to cleanse and disinfect deep folds, preventing the bacterial growth that thrives in warm weather.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that kills quickly if not treated. For brachycephalic breeds, the progression from mild heat stress to collapse can happen in minutes. Knowing what to watch for and acting fast makes the difference between recovery and tragedy.
Early signs of heat stress can escalate rapidly. Look for:
A dog's normal body temperature is 38.1°C to 39.2°C. Anything above 39.4°C is abnormal, and a temperature above 40°C indicates heatstroke.[10] If you have a rectal thermometer and can safely check, do so, but don't delay first aid to take a temperature reading.
UK veterinary bodies including the BVA and RSPCA stress a critical protocol: "Cool first, transport second."[11] Starting to cool your dog immediately, even before getting in the car, gives them the best chance of survival.
Here's what to do:
Critical: What Not to Do
Do NOT use ice or ice baths—extremely cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body and potentially causing shock. Do NOT cover your dog with wet towels and leave them on, as this traps heat rather than releasing it. Do NOT delay getting veterinary help even if your dog seems to be recovering—internal damage from heatstroke can continue to worsen after symptoms improve.
Even if your dog appears to recover after cooling, they need immediate veterinary assessment. Heatstroke causes internal damage that isn't always visible from the outside. Organ failure, brain damage, and blood clotting problems can develop hours or even days after the initial incident.
At the vet, treatment will include:
The cost of emergency heatstroke treatment can run into hundreds or thousands of pounds. If you have pet insurance, make sure it covers emergency care, as these costs can add up quickly when intensive treatment and overnight monitoring are needed.
Brachycephalic breeds can start overheating at temperatures as low as 21°C, especially during exercise. Above 20°C, you should be cautious about any outdoor activity. Above 25°C, avoid walks entirely and keep your dog in a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned environment. Remember that heat stress in UK dogs has occurred at median temperatures of just 16.9°C, so even mild days require vigilance.
Yes, but only during the coolest parts of the day and with extreme caution. Walk early in the morning (before 8am) or late in the evening (after 8pm) when temperatures have dropped. Keep walks short and gentle—no running or high-energy play. Always bring water, watch for signs of distress, and be ready to stop immediately if your dog shows any difficulty breathing or seems tired. On truly hot days, skip walks entirely and focus on indoor mental stimulation instead.
Their compromised airways make panting—a dog's primary cooling mechanism—inefficient and exhausting. Brachycephalic dogs have narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and compressed nasal passages that restrict airflow. When they need to cool down through rapid breathing, the physical effort of panting generates additional internal heat, creating a vicious cycle. This is why French Bulldogs are six times more likely to suffer heat-related illness than Labradors, and Bulldogs are 14 times more at risk.
Heavy panting in a brachycephalic dog is a warning sign—act immediately. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area or inside with air conditioning. Offer cool water if they'll drink. If the panting continues or worsens, or if you notice other symptoms like drooling, weakness, or confusion, start cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water and contact your vet urgently. Don't wait to see if they recover on their own—heatstroke progresses rapidly in flat-faced breeds.
Yes. Avoid any heat-generating grooming practices and keep sessions short. Never use heated dryers on brachycephalic dogs—the warm air can trigger breathing distress and overheating. Air dry or use fans set to room temperature instead. If you're bathing your dog at home, use cool (not cold) water and work quickly. Keep the environment cool and well-ventilated. Clean and dry skin folds thoroughly to prevent infections that could add to their body's stress. If you're taking your dog to a Professional Dog Groomer, ensure they understand the specific heat risks for flat-faced breeds and ask how they manage temperature during the grooming process.
All brachycephalic breeds are at significantly higher risk than dogs with normal skull structures, but some breeds are more vulnerable than others. Research shows Chow Chows are 17 times more likely to experience heat-related illness than Labrador Retrievers, Bulldogs are 14 times more likely, French Bulldogs are 6 times more likely, and Pugs are 3 times more likely. Individual factors like age, weight, overall health, and the severity of their airway obstruction also play a role. Even within the same breed, some dogs cope better than others, but all require careful heat management.
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