Question for Fellow Bulldog Parents

[xsubsailor]

Hey everyone!
I have a question about sun exposure for my English Bulldog, Winnie. She has a mostly white coat with some brindle patches, and I’ve heard that light-colored dogs can be more prone to sunburn or even skin cancer.

We love our daily walks, which can last a few hours, and when we’re home she loves lounging or napping in the sunny window on her ottoman. I’m starting to wonder if she might be getting too much sun, especially around her head and neck where she’s the lightest.

How much sun is considered too much for a light-colored bulldog? And do any of you use UV-protective shirts or window film for indoor sun exposure?

Thanks in advance — trying to keep my little sunshine lover safe!

 

[Lennie. U.K.]

I never stop Jeffo sun bathing, when he gets to hot he will just move to the shade, and he doe's follow the sun around the garden, and in the house. One thing I will say, when I had Freyr all white EBT, I did put cream on her ears, and she was another sun worshipper, but EBT's ears are different to BBD's. Also here in the U.K. we are lucky to get sun maybe a little different in the States.

 

[helsonwheels]

They are prone but it’s not dangerous unless like any breed sits in the sun during hot scorching summers. But definitely not these months.

Btw, we’ve been all lied to about staying out of the sun. A body needs Vit D3. Why as a human it’s important to up your D3 till summer comes back. Dogs also need a good dose of sun. So walking definitely is fine.

 

[KillRbee18]

My baby gets some sun but I am careful in how much sun he gets- it seems he overheats quickly.

 

[helsonwheels]

My baby gets some sun but I am careful in how much sun he gets- it seems he overheats quickly.

In a nutshell, that’s all you have to worry about. Overheating which is not happening nowadays.

 

[KillRbee18]

In a nutshell, that’s all you have to worry about. Overheating which is not happening nowadays.

You’re absolutely right. I am so amazed how quickly they overheat.

 

[2BullyMama]

Agreed.. I worry more about overheating than exposure

 

[Donna-Marie]

Agreed.. I worry more about overheating than exposure

It’s because bulldogs can’t control their body heat. For a couple of reasons, one they don’t have the undercoat ( I forget what it’s called) that other breeds do and also they lose it through panting which for obvious reasons whilst they pant a lot their breathing control and capabilities don’t have the same effect. You should never let your bulldog out for more than 5-10 minutes in the heat and need to keep them in the shade with plenty of water available. I use a paddling pool in the warmer weather in a more shaded area and only walk Freya early morning and late evening during that weather. A vet advised me don’t open windows during hot days that lets more heat in. Wait until the cooler hours. Cooling sheets are helpful but the coats warm up too soon then trap the heat!