In This Guide

1. Start with a Proper Fan

Typical cost  £40 – £300

A fan is normally the first thing we reach for, but not all fans are made equal.

A small, inexpensive fan may move enough air to make you feel slightly better when sitting directly in front of it. It may not create sufficient airflow across a larger room, particularly when the room, walls and furniture are already warm.

Look for:

Noise matters more than you might expect. A powerful fan that sounds like a small aircraft may be acceptable during the day but considerably less appealing at two in the morning.

Shark currently produces several cordless indoor and outdoor fans, including models with misting functions. Their smaller HydroGo misting fan has generally been priced at around £130, although offers have reduced it to approximately £100. Larger FlexBreeze misting models can cost nearer £200 to £250.

Misting can be particularly useful outdoors because evaporation helps remove heat. Indoors, use it cautiously because adding moisture to an already humid room may make conditions feel less comfortable.

It is also worth remembering that an ordinary fan does not actually lower the temperature of a room. It moves air and helps moisture evaporate from the body. That may improve comfort considerably, but it is not the same as air conditioning.

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2. Cooling Mats: Useful, but Not the Miracle Product

Typical cost  £10 – £50

Cooling mats are another popular purchase, although their effectiveness varies enormously.

Many pressure-activated gel mats initially feel cool because the gel absorbs some body heat. The problem is that the mat eventually warms up, especially when the surrounding room is already hot. It may then need a period without the dog lying on it before it feels cooler again.

There is also the rather obvious issue that many dogs simply refuse to lie on them.

You can spend £40 on an impressively scientific-looking cooling mat, carefully position it beside the fan and then watch your Bulldog sleep on the carpet next to it.

The gel inside cooling mats is not automatically highly poisonous. Many manufacturers describe their gel as non-toxic. However, that does not mean the contents should be eaten. A damaged mat could still cause sickness, digestive irritation, choking or an intestinal blockage, depending on the material and amount swallowed.

For puppies and dogs that chew bedding, I would be cautious about leaving a gel mat unsupervised.

Other options include:

Never drape a wet towel over an overheating dog. This may trap heat against the body. A damp towel can be placed underneath the dog, provided it is changed or re-wetted frequently.

3. Cooling Coats That Dogs Will Actually Wear

Typical cost  £40 – £65

A well-fitted cooling coat is, in my experience, more dependable than expecting every Bulldog to choose a cooling mat.

The coat is soaked in water, excess water is removed and evaporative cooling helps draw heat away from the dog. It needs to remain damp to work, so check it regularly and re-wet it when required.

Easidri cooling coats are widely used and are a particularly practical shape for Bulldogs. A Medium or Medium Wide will suit many adult Bulldogs, although every dog should be measured rather than buying on breed alone.

A cooling coat should fit closely enough to maintain contact without restricting breathing, movement or the shoulders. It should not be left on once it has become warm or dry, and the dog must still have access to shade, airflow and water.

Cooling coats are an aid, not permission to take a Bulldog for a midday walk.

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4. Water, Water and More Water

Typical cost  Free – £30

During hot weather, I keep tap water chilled in the fridge and make sure the water bowls remain clean and well filled.

Place more bowls around the house than you normally would, particularly if you have several dogs. Heavy ceramic or non-slip bowls are useful because they are harder to tip over.

Adding ice cubes to drinking water is generally safe for a healthy dog. The widespread claim that ice itself causes dangerous stomach problems or automatically triggers shock is not supported by veterinary advice.

However:

A dog that is already seriously overheating needs active cooling and urgent veterinary attention, not simply a bowl containing ice.

For normal hydration, a few ice cubes in a water bowl or an ice cube offered as a supervised treat are usually fine.

It is also worth thinking about water as a source of play and cooling, not just something to drink. Many people assume a Bulldog will happily potter about in a shallow paddling pool the way a spaniel or a Labrador might, but in my experience that is not a safe assumption. Plenty of Bulldogs actively dislike rain, refuse to walk through puddles and show no interest whatsoever in a plastic pool full of standing water, however hot the day is.

If that sounds like your Bulldog, a splash pad can be a better option than a traditional paddling pool. Rather than expecting the dog to stand in still water, a splash pad sprays or bubbles water across a mat, so the dog can dip a paw in, walk through moving water or cool their feet without being expected to sit or wade in a puddle they never asked for.

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5. Think Like a European and Shade the Windows

Temporary shading  £20 – £150   |   Professional exterior  £3,000 – £6,000+

One of the most effective ways to cool a house is to stop solar heat entering it in the first place.

Internal curtains and blinds help, but by the time sunlight has passed through the glass, much of its heat is already inside the room. Exterior shading blocks the sunlight before it reaches the window, making it considerably more effective.

This is something many European homes manage far better than we do.

Anyone who has travelled through Germany, France, Italy or Spain will have seen residential properties with external shutters, roller shutters, awnings or exterior blinds. They are there for a reason.

As many of you know, my own house remains an ongoing “project”. Once the front porch is completed and the front bedroom window has been reduced, I am seriously considering installing external shutters. Keeping the bedroom cooler would be the main purpose. Blocking some of the traffic noise would be a welcome bonus.

Before buying anything, watch how sunlight moves across your property throughout the day. Ask:

Even temporary exterior shade cloths or awnings can make a noticeable difference, provided they are fitted safely and do not obstruct ventilation or create a fire risk.

6. Do Not Forget Garden Shade

Typical cost  £30 – £500

Shade is not only required inside the house.

A garden that appears shaded at 9am may be completely exposed by midday. Equally, the cool area beside a fence in the morning may have disappeared by late afternoon.

Watch the garden throughout the day and identify where the shade moves.

Where there is insufficient natural shade from mature trees, fences or buildings, consider:

A basic parasol may cost approximately £30 to £80. Larger cantilever parasols, gazebos and permanent shade structures can range from £100 to £500 or more.

Always secure them properly. A large parasol becoming airborne is not the cooling solution anyone had in mind.

Position water in the shade and remember that paving, patios and artificial grass can become extremely hot. Check surfaces with the back of your hand before allowing puppies or dogs to remain on them.

Most importantly, do not assume that a dog choosing to lie in the sun means it is safe. Recent heatstroke cases have included dogs that simply remained in sunny gardens for too long.

7. Ceiling Fans: Normal Abroad, Strangely Rare Here

Fan cost  £100 – £300   |   Professional fitting  £100 – £250+

Another feature we rarely install in British homes is the ceiling fan.

It took me some time to understand why, and I think one reason is that many modern houses have multiple LED downlights rather than a central ceiling light and fixing point. Without that central electrical position, fitting a ceiling fan becomes a slightly larger job.

It is still completely possible, but the ceiling structure, wiring and fixing point must be suitable for the fan’s weight and movement. A ceiling fan should be secured into appropriate structural support rather than simply attached to plasterboard.

For a bedroom or living room, I would look for:

A fan around 52 inches is often appropriate for a medium-sized room of roughly 14 to 20 square metres, although the manufacturer’s guidance, ceiling height and room layout must all be considered.

A ceiling fan improves circulation across a much larger area than a small floor fan, takes up no floor space and cannot be knocked over by an enthusiastic Bulldog.

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8. Air Conditioning: No Longer Just for “Three Days a Year”

Single-room, installed  £2,000 – £3,500   |   Multi-room  £4,000 – £9,000+

The most obvious solution is air conditioning.

For years, the standard British response has been:

That argument is becoming increasingly difficult to defend.

Modern fixed air-to-air systems are not simply coolers. Many can also heat, circulate air and dehumidify. This makes them useful throughout the year rather than during one short heatwave.

Current UK estimates commonly place a professionally installed single-room system at around £2,000, with larger or multi-room installations costing substantially more.

Prices advertised from approximately £1,200 may still exist for very small or straightforward installations, but once the correct unit, pipework, electrical supply, mounting, drainage and professional installation are included, budgeting nearer £2,000 is more realistic in 2026.

Air conditioning must be sized correctly for the room. A unit that is too small may run continuously without cooling effectively, while an oversized unit can cycle inefficiently. The installer should assess the room dimensions, glazing, insulation, orientation and typical occupancy.

Check whether planning restrictions apply, particularly for flats, listed buildings, conservation areas or installations close to neighbouring properties. The outdoor compressor must also comply with relevant noise requirements.

The Real Answer Is a Combination

There is no single product that will make every home safe during prolonged hot weather.

Realistically, most Bulldog homes need a combination of:

The bare minimum for a Bulldog household should probably include a strong fan, accessible shade, plentiful fresh water and a properly fitted cooling coat.

However, the longer-term objective should be to stop the house overheating in the first place.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Possible warning signs include:

Heatstroke is an emergency.

The current principle is cool first, transport second. Begin cooling immediately, contact your veterinary practice and follow its emergency instructions. Use cool tap water rather than freezing water, maintain airflow with a fan or air conditioning and transport the dog for urgent veterinary assessment. Do not cover the dog with a wet towel because this may trap heat.

Even when a dog appears to recover, internal damage may have occurred and veterinary assessment remains essential.

Preparing Is Cheaper Than Panicking

Fans, cooling coats, shade sails, shutters, ceiling fans and air conditioning can feel like significant expenses, particularly when purchased together.

However, we need to be realistic. The UK is getting warmer, our houses are not well designed for prolonged heat and Bulldogs cannot adapt their breathing anatomy to suit the weather.

An emergency veterinary admission for heatstroke can cost considerably more than preventative equipment. More importantly, severe heatstroke can cause organ damage or prove fatal.

Preparing your home is not excessive.

It is becoming part of responsible Bulldog ownership.

1. Bamboodles — For Puppies and Adults

Bamboodles are one of my favourite Bulldog chew toy options because they come in puppy and adult sizes. This is important because a tiny puppy and a fully grown Bulldog do not need the same thing. Puppy mouths are still developing, puppy teeth are sharp but not strong in the same way, and everything should be chosen with teething and safety in mind.

For puppies, Bamboodles can give them something satisfying to mouth without being too awkward to manage. For adults, the larger versions are better suited to stronger jaws and more serious chewing. The shape is Bulldog-friendly too. They are not flat little things that get shoved around the floor while the puppy snorts at them in frustration. They have a bit of substance to them, which makes them easier for a Bulldog to hold, chew and enjoy.

PuppyAdultChewTeething

Good for

Teething, quiet time, supervised chewing and helping puppies settle.

Sara says

Choose the correct size, supervise use, and retire it when it starts looking too loved.

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2. Yakers — Crunch Bits for Puppies and Chews for Adults

Yakers are a brilliant option when you want something a bit more natural and satisfying. For puppies, I would look at the Crunch Bits rather than giving a young pup a big hard chew too soon. They are easier for little mouths and more suitable for the puppy stage.

For adult Bulldogs, the larger Yakers chews can be a great longer-lasting option. They give dogs something to focus on, which is exactly what you want when your Bulldog is looking around the house wondering what chaos to create next.

Chewing is not just about keeping them busy. It can help them settle, decompress and self-soothe. A good chew can be the difference between a peaceful evening and a Bulldog deciding the skirting board needs redesigning.

PuppyAdultNatural

Good for

Calm chewing, natural enrichment, older puppies and adults.

Sara says

Once a Yakers chew becomes very small, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and it puffs up into a crunch bite — a brilliant way to get the last of the chew safely rather than taking it away.

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3. Coffee Wood Chew or Root

A coffee wood chew or root chew is a lovely natural-style option for dogs who enjoy chewing. Despite the name, coffee wood chews do not contain caffeine. The root section is denser and longer-lasting than standard coffee wood, wearing down gradually rather than splintering like ordinary sticks.

This makes them a much better option for dogs who think garden sticks are the finest delicacy known to Bulldogkind. Normal sticks can splinter, jab the mouth, lodge across the roof of the mouth, or cause injuries. So if your Bulldog is a stick collector, a coffee wood root chew may be a safer swap.

As always, choose the right size. Bulldogs need something substantial enough to chew safely, not something they can wedge into the back of their mouth or swallow.

AdultNaturalWood

Good for

Adult Bulldogs, natural chewing, stick-loving dogs and supervised quiet time.

Sara says

No caffeine, no splintering like ordinary sticks, but still supervise because Bulldogs are professionals at making questionable decisions.

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4. Noisy Pineapple Toy

The Noisy Pineapple is one my dogs personally recommend as a favourite. And honestly, sometimes the dogs have the final say.

The pineapple shape makes it far more Bulldog-friendly than flat, boring toys that end up being pushed around the floor. Bulldogs need toys they can actually get their mouths around. If they cannot pick it up properly, they either lose interest or get frustrated.

This toy has a nice chunky shape, a bit of texture, and enough presence to make it worth investigating. It is the sort of toy that can work well for supervised play, chewing and general Bulldog pottering.

All AgesPlayTexture

Good for

Bulldogs who like texture, independent play and carrying something around with great importance.

Sara says

If the dogs keep choosing it, that tells you something.

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5. Kong Wubba

The Kong Wubba is a great option for gentle, controlled tug and interactive play. The big advantage with a Wubba-style toy is that it gives both the dog and the owner somewhere sensible to hold. That matters with puppies, because hands, sleeves, hair and trouser legs should not become part of the game.

Tug can be brilliant for bonding, confidence and teaching manners, but only when it is done properly. The rule is simple: all four paws stay on the floor. No dragging, no swinging, no lifting, no children pulling the puppy around like a toy on wheels.

A Bulldog puppy is heavy-fronted, still developing, and far too enthusiastic for their own good. Keep tug low, gentle and controlled. Let them win sometimes, teach them to release, and end the game before they become overtired and feral.

PuppyAdultTugInteractive

Good for

Gentle tug, recall games, owner-led play and building toy manners.

Sara says

Tug is not the problem. Silly tug is the problem.

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Hot Tip — Use a Toy or Treat Holder

A toy or treat holder can be a brilliant little helper, especially with natural chews. Instead of handing over a chew and hoping your Bulldog makes wise life choices, a holder can make the chew easier to grip and can help stop them getting down to that small, risky end piece quite so quickly.

This is especially useful for Bulldogs because their short faces and determined chewing style can make some chews awkward to hold. A holder gives them something chunkier to work with, which can make the whole experience calmer, safer and less frustrating.

It can also help slow them down a bit. Bulldogs are not always known for thoughtful chewing. Some are more “crunch first, ask questions later”.

All AgesSafetyChew Aid

Good for

Supervised chew time, natural chews, puppies learning to chew sensibly and adults who need a bit of extra management.

Sara says

A holder does not replace supervision, but it can make chew time a lot more sensible.

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Toys I Am Not a Fan Of