Do you care for a flat-faced dog? These five summer tips could help save their life during a heatwave

Dog owners are being urged to take extra care this summer as rising temperatures pose a serious risk to flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and British Bulldogs.

Veterinary experts warn that brachycephalic dogs - breeds with shortened snouts and compressed airways - are far more vulnerable to overheating because they cannot cool themselves efficiently through panting like other dogs.

The RSPCA says flat-faced breeds are among those most at risk of overheating and can struggle even in relatively mild spring temperatures.

Recent warnings from vets and welfare groups have highlighted what some are calling a “flat-faced dog crisis”, with guidance stating that noisy breathing, snoring and struggling for breath during light exercise should never be considered normal. Research has suggested around 60 per cent of pugs and 50 per cent of French Bulldogs may be affected by BOAS - brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

With another warm UK summer approaching, experts say prevention is key.

Here are five important tips owners should follow to help keep flat-faced dogs safe:

1. Walk early or late - never during peak heat

Dogs rely heavily on panting to regulate body temperature, but for brachycephalic breeds that system is far less effective.

Experts recommend walking early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, avoiding midday heat altogether. Even temperatures around 20C can create risk for vulnerable dogs, while pavements can quickly become hot enough to burn paws.

2. Watch for “normal” breathing that actually isn’t normal

Snoring, snorting, raspy breathing and heavy panting are often dismissed as “just part of being a Frenchie or Pug” - but vets say they are often signs of genuine respiratory distress.

Owners should monitor recovery times after walks and pay attention if their dog takes too long to settle or appears distressed after light exercise.

3. Keep hydration constant - and focus on water quality

Hydration becomes even more important in hot weather because flat-faced dogs use more energy simply to regulate breathing.

Better hydration can help support circulation, cooling and recovery after exercise, particularly for dogs already under physical strain.

Consider hydration supplements, such as OxyPet, which produces oxygen-rich water made from Cornish spring water infused with nano-bubble oxygen, designed to increase dissolved oxygen levels and support hydration, circulation and recovery in dogs.

For flat-faced breeds, improved hydration can play an important role in helping the body cope with warmer temperatures and breathing challenges.

4. Never leave them in hot cars or conservatories

Even a few minutes in a warm car can become life-threatening.

Because brachycephalic dogs already struggle with airflow, heatstroke can escalate much faster than owners realise. Conservatories, enclosed gardens and poorly ventilated rooms can create similar risks.

Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, weakness, vomiting and collapse.

5. Keep weight under control

Extra body weight adds further strain to already compromised airways.

Vets say overweight flat-faced dogs often struggle significantly more in warm weather, with breathing becoming harder and recovery times increasing.

Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting over-exertion and using a harness rather than a collar can all help reduce pressure on the airway.

Karla Pearson, director of OxyPet and founder of No Bull Just Natural Health For Dogs, said many owners underestimate how hard summer can be for flat-faced breeds.

Karla, from Hartlepool, said: “People often think their dog is just being lazy or dramatic, but many flat-faced dogs are working incredibly hard just to breathe.

“In hotter weather that pressure increases massively. Recovery takes longer, walks become harder and simple things like excitement or stress can quickly tip them into distress.

“Sadly, many people don’t realise that most flat-faced dogs experience some level of hypoxia - a lack of oxygen - due to their physical structure. This is only made worse in warmer weather, so keeping them cool, well hydrated and properly oxygenated is key.”

She said hydration should be treated as part of everyday support, not an afterthought.

“Good hydration helps the whole body function better. When dogs are already struggling with oxygen demand, especially brachycephalic breeds, it can make a real difference.”

Lindsey John Taylor, 45, from Wickford, Essex, co-founder of OxyPet, said the company was seeing growing awareness among owners looking for simple ways to support flat-faced breeds.

He said: “We’re not talking about replacing veterinary care - this is about helping owners support their dogs day to day.

“Flat-faced breeds often live with breathing challenges their whole lives, so if better hydration and increased oxygen availability can help them recover faster and feel more comfortable, that matters.

“Summer is when many owners first realise how vulnerable these dogs really are.”

Find out more at https://www.oxypet.co.uk