It's HOT Outside! Keep Your Frog Cool!

Many of you have read the articles we've written over the years about overheating and Frenchies, but just in case you are new to the world of frogdogs, here's a link to learn more about how important it is to keep your hot dog cool.

Here's Pongo, a dog owned by one of our volunteers, modeling a "cool coat."  These coats are made of polyester "chamois" and when dunked in water, will keep a dog cool via evaporation.  There are other styles and brands available.  There are also other options, like this cool collar.  You may want to spread a cooling pad on the back seat as you drive for your Frenchie to keep cool on.  Your vet may have other recommendations for you. 

Any time you are out and about with your Frenchie this summer, you should have some way to quickly cool her down. 

Pikachu finds her own way to bring down her temp pdq!

Keep some chemical ice packs in the car's first aid kit to apply to her tummy and neck if she goes into distress.  One of our grads died after a lovely day out in temps that were in the high 60's and low 70's; certainly not what we'd consider "hot" by any means.  But before her family could get her to the vet she had passed away from simply sitting in the sunshine watching a Little League game.  It was heartbreaking for everyone!

Here's Clyde, another volunteer's dog, dealing with brain freeze.  He's wearing a cool collar and sipping some icy cold water in the front seat getting the full AC while he and his mom wait in the car.  Of course, when the car is in motion, he is in the backseat, strapped into a safety harness.


It's important to stress to any family or friends who are visiting this summer that Frenchies cannot tolerate heat and mustn't be walked in the heat of the day.  They also can't swim, and shouldn't be allowed near water without a lifevest.  Frenchies are high maintenance little dogs.  Many people who have not grown up around brachycephalic dogs don't understand--might not even believe you--when you tell them about Frenchies' special needs.  It's your responsibility to make them understand.  Every summer we learn about a grad who has drowned or who has died from overheating.  Who knows how many Frenchies die each year unknown to us?

With a little preparation, everyone can have a great summer, and your Frenchie can spend time outdoors with you.  Be prepared, pay attention to her, and have remedies on hand, like bottled water and instant cold packs, if they should be needed.

Speaking of heat, it might be time to dabble our toes in the baby pool in the royal garden, reckons

The Frog Princess