Do French Bulldogs Need a Coat in Winter? + Tips To Keep Your Frenchie Warm

French Bulldogs are a highly sensitive breed and it’s known that their bodies cannot withstand cold weather. This puts them at risk of developing serious health issues such as hypothermia and frostbite.

That’s why it’s very important, as a dog parent, to take some precautions to protect your French bulldog and keep it warm. One of the most effective precautions you can take is to simply put your dog in a warm coat.

So, do French Bulldogs need a coat in winter? French Bulldogs do need coats in winter. That is because their bodies cannot handle cold weather and their natural coats do not offer them much protection. When choosing a coat for your dog, make sure that it is made of multiple insulating layers and that it covers the dog’s belly and neck.

Keep reading to learn more about why French bulldogs are sensitives to cold weather, the health risks that they face in winter, and the best winter coats that can offer them protection.

Why Are French Bulldogs Sensitive to Cold Weather?

The main reason that French Bulldogs are sensitive to cold weather is that their bodies are simply not built to.

They are a brachycephalic breed which means that the way their skulls and snouts are shaped makes them incapable of warming up the cold air they inhale.

They have short legs which means their bellies are more likely to come in touch with cold floors or ice when they’re walking.

They have short natural coats which don’t offer much protection against cold weather and allow their bodies to lose heat quicker.

How to Tell Your French Bulldog Is Cold?

It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for during winter so you can tell that your French Bulldog is feeling cold and take the proper action.

These signs and symptoms include:

• Refusing to go outside more often
• Lifting its paws off the ground when outside
• Feeling lethargic and shivering
• Making a nest by pulling at blankets or burrowing in bed
• Frequent barking or whining

What Happens If French Bulldogs Get Too Cold?

If French Bulldogs get too cold, they are more likely to develop serious health issues such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia can be fatal for French Bulldogs if it’s not treated immediately as it leads to slowed heart rate, lack of blood circulation, stiffened muscles, and eventually kidney failure

Make sure to look out for symptoms of hypothermia including:

• Severe shivering and trembling
• Lack of energy and trouble with movement
• Slowed heart rate
• Cold skin and fur
• Dilation in pupils
• Blue or pale gums and inner eyelids
• Breathing problems

Frostbite, on the other hand, is not fatal but still very dangerous as it affects certain areas of the bulldog’s body and causes their blood vessels to constrict in an attempt to preserve the core body temperature.

Make sure to look out for symptoms of frostbite including:

• Discoloration in the affected area (pale, gray, or bluish)
• Coldness in the affected area
• Pain when touching the affected area
• Swelling and blisters in the affected area

For more on what signs of problems to watch out with your Frenchie, make sure to check out this guide to why is your French bulldog limping.

Can Coats Keep Your French Bulldog Warm in Winter?

Putting your French Bulldog in a coat is an effective way of keeping it warm in winter.

However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing a coat for your dog:

• It needs to cover the dog’s belly completely to prevent it from coming in direct contact with cold floors. It is also recommended to have a high collar or a hood to keep the dog’s neck and ears warm.
• It needs to be snugly fitted on the dog’s body without restricting its movement
• It needs to be made from durable material with multiple layers to provide sufficient insulation
• It needs to be easy to put on and remove with attachment methods like zippers or Velcro. It’s best to avoid attachment methods like buckles and snaps as they are not safe for your dog.
• It’s recommended to have reflective strips on the back to make the dog easier to see when walking at night

The Best Winter Coats for French Bulldogs

Here are some of the highest-rated winter coats for French Bulldogs that you can purchase on Amazon:

Kuoser Cozy Dog Coat

This Kuoser Cozy Dog Coat is among one of the most popular winter coats available online.

• It’s made from Polyester fiber and lined with synthetic insulation that will help keep your dog warm in the coldest months.
• It’s very easy to put on and take off. It’s also designed to be reversible meaning your dog can wear it on both sides, with a stylish plaid pattern on one side and solid black on the other side.
• It’s available in multiple colors and seven different sizes. The XS size can fit dogs that weigh 4-6 pounds while the 3XL size can fit dogs that weigh 60-100 pounds.

Vecomfy Fleece and Cotton Dog Hoodie

The Vecomfy Dog Hoodie is ideal for keeping your dog warm in cold weather while also protecting its ears.

• It’s made of 3 layers of materials including fleece, cotton, and external waterproof material.
• It is designed with elastic edges on the foot and waist area which makes it easy to put on and take off and allows you to adjust the fit according to the dog’s size.
• It’s also designed with reflective steps on the back and a hole to attach your dog’s leash.
• It is available in multiple colors and six different sizes.

LESYPET Leather Dog Coat

The LESYPET Dog Coat is one of the most fashionable and durable coats designed for dogs.

• It’s made from a water-resistant PU leather fabric with high-quality stitching that won’t wear out over time. Its design also includes a thick fur collar to protect your dog’s neck and provide extra warmth
• It is very easy to put on and take off as it comes with Snap-On buttons.
• It is available in multiple colors and sizes.

How to Train Your French Bulldog to Wear a Coat?

You can start training your French Bulldog to wear a coat as early as 8 to 12 weeks.

First, you need to allow your dog to sniff the coat to be familiar with the scent of the material. Next, rub the coat along the dog’s body so it can get used to the feeling of the material on its skin.

Once you feel like your dog is comfortable enough, put it in the coat for 5-10 seconds before taking it off. Repeat this a few times while gradually increasing the amount of time your dog is in the coat until they’re completely used to wearing it for extended periods of time.

Make sure to give your dog treats and praise throughout the whole process to keep it motivated.

Related Questions

How Cold Is Too Cold for French Bulldogs?

A temperature of 4.4°C (40°F) or below is considered too cold for French Bulldogs and their bodies will not be able to withstand it making them prone to developing various health issues. The ideal temperature for bulldogs is usually around 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F).

Can French Bulldogs Play in the Snow?

French Bulldogs can play in the snow as long as you take proper precautions to protect them from the cold. You need to put your dog in a warm coat and winter boots before going outside. You also need to make sure your dog won’t eat any of the snow and avoid remaining outside for too long.

Helpful Resources

Does My Dog Need a winter coat?

Hypothermia in Dogs

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