One might think that with that muscular build, Bulldogs are indifferent to the cold. But the truth is actually quite another story. Bulldogs do get cold, quickly, and easily.
Extreme Cold
Bulldogs do not tolerate extreme temperatures well. Anytime a temperature goes below freezing, it’s going to be a problem. If one figures in the wind chill factor, things get worse because they cause temperatures to dip even lower.
If it’s below freezing outside and your Bulldog needs to go out, it should not be allowed out for much more than fifteen minutes. Longer periods can harm them. The ideal temperature for our canine friend will measure approximately between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit.
Extreme Heat
Because they cannot tolerate extreme cold does not mean that they can tolerate extreme heat. Just the opposite is true. This particular breed of dog doesn’t do well in “extreme” anything. Due to their thin fur coats, they are not well-insulated.
Plus, they have very short noses that cause them considerable difficulty when breathing. This means that your Bulldog will not be able to breathe deeply and consequentially have difficulty both warming up or cooling down.
What Cold Temperature Is Too Cold for My Bulldog?
Bulldogs fare better in moderate climates where temperatures are rather stable without sudden changes. Despite their origins, today’s Bulldogs have been bred as companion dogs and indoor pets. As such, they will not thrive when left outside continually unless climates are moderate and stable.
Your Bulldog should not remain outdoors for longer periods if the temperature measures below 50°F. Should the temperature be a bit lower, you need to check on your dog periodically to ensure its well-being.
If temperatures are closer to the freezing mark, your Bulldog should be allowed to remain outdoors only for a few minutes, perhaps just the amount of time necessary for urination and elimination.
How Will I Know If My Bulldog Is Too Cold?
Two immediate physical signs let you know your Bulldog is too cold for comfort.
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- Your Bulldog shivers
- Your Bulldog’s ears are cold
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A Shivering Bulldog
Bulldogs aren’t very different from us. When they get cold, they shiver. If you notice your dog shivering, you need to warm him or her without delay.
Cold Ears
If you have doubts that your Bulldog may be too cold, try feeling your dog’s ears. If the ears feel particularly cold, your Bulldog is not having an easy time managing the cold environment. Check your dog’s body temperature as well. Is it cold to the touch? If so, your dog needs help.
If your Bulldog has a doghouse outside, it needs to be adequately insulated, and with warm bedding such as straw and blankets.
What’s a Safe Method for Warming Up My Bulldog?
Initially, bring your dog indoors and cuddle him or her in a blanket to improve body temperature. Heated blankets can be used but at a low temperature and gradually. Your dog should never be left wrapped in a heated blanket without supervision.
And many professionals advise against using a heated blanket as a precautionary move. Claws can inadvertently pull or tear electrical wiring. It may likewise become too hot for your dog defeating the purpose of just warming him or her up.
Other safer methods include a gentle massage that can help get the blood flowing to increase body temperature.
And you may want to try the old-fashioned method of placing a hot water bottle under your dog’s blanket and allowing the dog to decide how close to stay to it and for how long.
Do Bulldogs Even Like the Cold?
As Bulldogs do best in temperatures that measure between 60° and 70°F, they should be supervised if temperatures vary too much from this range. They may enjoy it for a few minutes but not for much longer.
Do Bulldogs Like the Snow?
While a Bulldog may enjoy a brief romp in the snow, the key word here is “brief”. This breed loves to play, so it should be no surprise if your Bulldog finds snow a delightful playground.
Because these little dogs love to play they may not even realize how low their body temperature drops until they’re chilled to the bone.
There will, however, be some members of this breed that do not like snow precisely because it is too cold. If your Bulldog appears to be avoiding the snow, take that as a clear message that he or she doesn’t want to play in it.
Bulldogs that don’t like the snow may go so far as to do their business on a driveway, sidewalk, or surface free of snow, slush, and ice.
This personal preference may be influenced by age. An older Bulldog may prefer the couch to going outside in snowy weather, whereas a young puppy may have the time of its life rolling in all that white fluff.
Dressing the Part
Whether your Bulldog appears to enjoy going outdoors in the cold and snow or doesn’t, he or she will still need to do its business.
Considering how thin a Bulldog’s fur coat is, he or she should have an appropriate dog coat for colder weather even if for only several minutes or a short walk.
Bulldogs can also suffer frostbite, so you may want to think about purchasing dog boots. Some canines will prefer not to wear them, but it’s worth a try if you feel your dog is at risk in your home climate.
Why Are Bulldogs Unable to Handle Extreme Cold and Heat?
Bulldogs are not aided in supporting extreme temperatures due to their physical build. They have very small and short snouts that alter their breathing when compared to other canines.
Their snout size does not facilitate the passage of air and this condition can become more acute with aging. This breed’s nostrils are also very small which only complicates further how they breathe.
This breed is classified as Brachycephalic meaning that their skulls are broad and short. Due to this small and rather pushed-in or flat snout shape, these dogs are not able to pant with the same facility as other breeds.
Because dogs do not sweat, and panting is their substitute for sweating and cooling the body down, a breed with difficulty panting will always have more difficulty adjusting its body temperature in an extreme weather situation.
These dogs are also not known for physical stamina further limiting coping in extremes. They tire out easily and quickly.
A High-Maintenance Dog Breed
Bulldogs are high-maintenance dogs in terms of protecting their health because of their physical formation. They will be just as likely to suffer heatstroke as suffer the cold.
They are fundamentally a special needs breed. Delightful, funny, and affectionate all describe the Bulldog, but with special needs.
Tips for Bulldog Weather Management
1.) Be aware that your Bulldog cannot handle extreme weather and temperatures as well as other breeds. If you as a pet parent feel cold without a proper jacket, it’s probably too cold for your Bulldog to be left outside for an extended period. If you feel the heat, so will your Bulldog BFF.
2.) Bulldogs breathe differently than other dog breeds and may sound like they are struggling when breathing normally.
Know your dog’s standard breathing pattern so you will recognize if your dog is having difficulty and at risk.
3.) Provide a winter jacket if your climate calls for one together with a warm bed for the winter and a cool location for the summer heat.
If your Bulldog has its doghouse outdoors, make sure that it is rainproof and properly insulated for heat and cold, with proper bedding for each season.
A Final Thought
Today’s Bulldog is a gentle and affectionate companion dog. Despite their tough appearance, underneath all that muscle and brawn, beats a heart of gold. They have special needs and merit proper care from loving pet parents.
