Heat skin rashes aren’t just conditions that can occur in humans. Our dogs can also develop heat rashes during warm months when they become exposed to too much heat. When we talk about Frenchies, they’re on a higher tendency to get a rash because of the excessive wrinkles on their heads and legs. Since this type of rash can be easily mixed with other types of rashes, you should take your Frenchie to see a vet if he/she developed any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive scratching and licking body parts
- Red skin under skin folds and armpits
- Small pimples or boils in a concentrated area
- Sores and scabs all over the body
- Irritated skin and itchiness
- Painful skin in touch
French bulldog heat rash is detected – What to do?
Treating a French bulldog heat rash in home conditions definitely sounds challenging. If you leave it untreated, your pet can only get worse and result in great discomfort that will spread all over his body. When the dog is scratching and licking for a prolonged time, his skin can even become infected with bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus. In that case, the dog will require antibiotic and corticosteroid treatments.
French bulldog heat rash usually occurs when the dog spends time exposed to sunlight and when his folds are left wet after swimming and bathing. Therefore, drying your Frenchie’s folds after these activities is over needed if you want to save him from different skin irritations.
How can I prevent French bulldog heat rash?
A dog’s normal body temperature should range between 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit. And…when you add a layer of fur on top of that, you get a dog who will be on a higher tendency to get heatstroke and not only a heat rash.
The best way to prevent your French bulldog from heat rash and heatstroke during the summer season is to limit the time your pet spends outdoors in direct sunlight. Besides providing him with summer-cooling clothes for French bulldogs, our advice is to offer him a splash of the water hose if you love to spend plenty of time in your yard. Placing a French bulldog cooling bed under the shade of a tree will also be of great help, as well as paying attention to his hydration.
As one of the best cooling beds for French bulldogs, we suggest you check the following Self Cooling™ pad bed. It features a cooling gel that will help your dog keep his body temperature within normal limits. The most important thing about this dog bed is to place it out of direct sunlight. Otherwise, the gel can become hot and your dog won’t get a cooling effect.
Limit the time spent outdoors
Since Frenchies are on a higher tendency to suffer from heat rash, you should avoid taking your pooch outside during the hottest part of the day. Choose early morning and late evening for relaxing strolls through a local park and fields covered with grass.
Wear protective summer-cooling vests
To protect your Frenchie’s skin from direct sunlight, and prevent him from heat rash, we recommend you dress him/her into the following Summer Cooling Vest. It’s available in two colors, and it’s made of special heat-resistant fabric. You should soak the vest in cold water and twist it before put it on your Frenchie. As your Frenchie spends time outside, the vest will start to dry, so you can repeat the process as needed.
Pay attention to your French bulldog’s hydration
Every dog should drink plenty of water during hot weather. Therefore, make sure your Frenchie has an access to fresh and clean water throughout the day. FRENCHIE WORLD® Anti Wet Mouth Bowl is perfect to keep the water clean. The float will slowly rise when the water is added to the bowl.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel
To naturally treat French bulldog heat rash in home conditions, you can apply Aloe Vera gel to affected spots. It’s not safe for dogs to ingest, but it is safe to put on their skin. Therefore, do not allow your pooch to lick it and wrap the injured areas if it’s possible.
Use a Wet Towel
If your Frenchie deals with severe itchiness, then you can help him soothe the symptoms by wrapping his body into a wet towel. It will help him calm down and release anxiety.
