By Sarah Chen · Reviewed by Dr. James Carter, DVM · Last reviewed: May 15, 2026
Flat faced breeds overheat 2 to 3 times faster than other dogs. Here is what to buy and how to use it.
Dogs cool down by panting. Air moves over the wet surfaces inside the nose and mouth. Water evaporates and pulls heat with it. Long nosed dogs have plenty of surface area inside the snout for this. Flat faced breeds do not.
The AVMA reports that brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds have compressed nasal passages, narrow windpipes, and elongated soft palates. The bundle of breathing problems is called BOAS, or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. The result: less air movement, less evaporation, slower cooling. A pug at 80 degrees F is doing the cooling work of a Lab at 95 degrees F.
Add a short, stocky body with a thick chest, and heat takes longer to escape. The answer is to prevent heat buildup with shade, AC, cooling mats, and cooling vests, not to wait for symptoms.
Cooling mat for indoor rest
A water based or gel mat in a shaded indoor spot is the foundation. Use year round in any home above 72 degrees F.
Cooling vest for short outdoor time
Wear a vest for any walk above 70 degrees F. Pick a wrap style that covers the belly, where bulldog chests hold the most heat.
Skip walks 11 AM to 4 PM
Pavement reaches 140 degrees F in summer sun. Walk before 8 AM or after 7 PM only. Use grass paths when possible.
Paw protection on hot pavement
Press the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws. Use dog boots or stick to grass.
Best cooling bed for flat faced breeds
The K&H is the safest option for flat faced breeds. Sustained indoor cooling beats outdoor activity in summer.
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Best cooling vest for short, broad chests
Best vest for the stocky, short bodied build of bulldogs and frenchies. Full belly contact pulls more heat than back-only vests.
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Best for car rides and travel
Toss it in the back seat or crate for vet trips. Pug and bulldog owners use this for car rides where heat builds fast.
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Best cooling vest for humid climates
If you live in the Southeast US or any humid zone, gel beats evaporative. Best pick for bulldogs in Houston, Miami, or New Orleans summers.
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| Time | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Before 8 AM | Walk now. Pavement is cool, air is cool. |
| 8 AM to 11 AM | Short walk on grass only. Avoid pavement, which can be 30 degrees F hotter than air. |
| 11 AM to 4 PM | Stay indoors with AC and a cooling mat. Skip the walk. |
| 4 PM to 7 PM | Indoor play only. Pavement is still hot enough to burn paw pads. |
| After 7 PM | Evening walk. Check pavement temp by pressing your hand on it for 5 seconds. |
You should follow this guide
Skip if
Brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and frenchies have compressed nasal passages. Dogs cool down by panting, which evaporates water through the airways. Short snouts mean less surface area for evaporation. The AVMA reports flat faced breeds cool down 2 to 3 times slower than long nosed breeds. They are also more prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which makes panting even less effective.
75 degrees F is the warning zone. 80 degrees F is dangerous for any flat faced breed. 85 degrees F or higher means stay indoors with AC. Even short walks above 80 degrees F can trigger heat stroke in pugs, bulldogs, and frenchies. Humidity above 70 percent makes any temp more dangerous.
Yes, but pick a wrap style. The HURTTA Cooling Wrap covers the full chest and belly. Standard back-only vests miss the belly, which is where bulldogs need the most cooling because their short, broad chest holds more heat. In humid climates, choose a gel vest instead of a wet evaporative vest.
Skip the walk. Pavement at 75 degree F air temp can hit 105 degrees F in direct sun. Pugs cannot cool fast enough. Stick to walks before 8 AM and after 7 PM in summer. Use indoor play for exercise during peak heat hours.
Yes, if your bulldog is not a chewer. Most cooling mats use non toxic gel, but the gel is not safe to eat if the mat is ripped open. Supervise the first few days. If your dog chews bedding, use an elevated bed or a water-based cooling bed like the K&H instead.
BOAS stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. The AVMA describes it as the bundle of breathing problems caused by flat faced anatomy. Affected dogs cannot move enough air through the nose to cool down by panting. Surgery can help severe cases. For most bulldogs and pugs, the answer is to avoid heat, stay indoors during peak hours, and use cooling products year round.
No. Bulldogs and pugs have short coats already. Shaving exposes skin to sunburn and removes the thin layer of insulation that protects against heat. Brush regularly to remove loose hair. Use cooling mats, vests, and indoor AC instead.
Most bulldogs and pugs are poor swimmers because of their short snouts and heavy front bodies. The AKC warns against unsupervised swimming for these breeds. If your dog likes water, use a kiddie pool with 4 to 6 inches of cool water in a shaded yard. Stay with your dog. Use a life vest if going in any deeper water.
Heavy panting that does not slow down, drooling thick rope-like saliva, bright red or pale gums, stumbling, vomiting, and collapse. Rectal temp above 104 degrees F is heat exhaustion. Above 106 degrees F is heat stroke and a vet emergency. See our heat stroke first aid guide for the 6 step rescue plan.
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