Flat-faced dogs are some of the most popular companions around, with expressive faces and big personalities. Veterinarians call these breeds brachycephalic, which means short-headed. That short skull shape is what gives them their look, and it is also why warm weather can be genuinely risky for them.
How dogs cool down
Dogs do not sweat across their bodies the way people do. Their main cooling tool is panting. Air moves rapidly over the moist surfaces of the nose, mouth, tongue and airway, and evaporation carries heat away. The longer and more open that airway is, the better the system works.
What is different in a short-nosed dog
In brachycephalic breeds, the same soft tissues are packed into a much shorter space. Many of these dogs have some combination of features that veterinarians group under the name brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, often shortened to BOAS:
- Narrow nostrils that limit how much air can flow in
- An elongated soft palate that partly blocks the back of the throat
- A narrow windpipe
- Extra tissue in the throat that can swell with heavy breathing
The result is that these dogs work harder to move air even on a cool day. When it gets warm, they need to pant more, but their anatomy makes panting less efficient. Heavy panting can also cause throat tissues to swell, which narrows the airway further. That cycle is one reason flat-faced dogs can overheat faster than many other breeds.
English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Lhasa Apsos are among the breeds with shortened muzzles, though the degree varies a lot from dog to dog. Mixed-breed dogs with flat faces can have the same challenges.
Signs to take seriously
Snoring, snorting and noisy breathing are so common in these breeds that owners can come to see them as normal. It is worth mentioning them to your veterinarian anyway, because they can be signs of an airway that is working too hard. In warm weather, watch for loud or raspy breathing, gums or tongue that look bluish or very dark red, gagging, collapse or reluctance to move. These can be emergencies, so call your veterinarian immediately.
Everyday precautions
- Keep walks short and slow, and schedule them for the coolest parts of the day.
- Use air conditioning or fans at home when temperatures rise.
- Never leave a flat-faced dog in a parked car, even briefly.
- Consider a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat.
- Help your dog stay at a healthy weight, since extra weight makes breathing harder.
- Avoid excitement and rough play on hot days.
Talk to your veterinarian
Some brachycephalic dogs benefit from surgery to widen the nostrils or shorten the soft palate, and your veterinarian can assess whether your dog’s airway is a concern. Ask about a summer plan tailored to your dog, including how much exercise is reasonable and what warning signs should send you straight to the clinic. If you are traveling, check airline rules carefully, because many carriers restrict flat-faced breeds from flying in cargo.
