--- title: Boarding Flat-Faced Dogs in the Heat | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/flat-faced-dogs/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Breed guides](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/) - Boarding flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs in the heat # Boarding flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs in the heat Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and other flat-faced dogs fit an Economy kennel at $52 a night on the 2026 rates, and every run is air-conditioned in summer. Veterinary sources report flat-faced dogs overheat more easily because a short airway cools them less well. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) nearby Vacaville, the closest weather station, averages about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or higher. For a dog with a short nose, that is the number to plan around. ## What veterinary sources say The Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass heatstroke guidance says the narrowed airway and shorter muzzle of brachycephalic dogs enable less effective cooling, contributing to their increased risk of heatstroke. The IVIS veterinary evidence review adds that flat-faced breeds may show early heat signs such as panting more often and may be less tolerant of exercise. Panting is how a dog sheds heat. When the airway is short and narrow, a dog has to work harder to get the same airflow. ## Breeds with short noses Weights are from each breed's AKC page. Boxers and some other breeds are also short-muzzled, so tell us if your dog is not on this list. Most of these dogs fit Economy comfortably. **Flat-faced breeds and their AKC weights** | Breed | AKC weight | | --- | --- | | Pug | 14 to 18 pounds | | Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 pounds | | French Bulldog | under 28 pounds | | Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 pounds | | Bulldog | 40 to 50 pounds | | Boxer | 65 to 80 pounds (male) | ## What the kennel offers in summer Every run is air-conditioned in summer, and your dog chooses inside or out through the doggie door. On a very hot afternoon, the indoor space is the place to be. Dixon sees about 28 days a year at 100 degrees or more at the nearest weather station, and July averages a high near 97. Drop-off and pick-up are open 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM, so the cooler morning window is a good choice for a flat-faced dog. Staff carry belongings and walk your dog in; on hot pavement they may scoop a small dog up and hurry. ## Exercise and rest Walks are included, and a flat-faced dog does best with short, easy ones. The large fenced play areas and the grass field are better used in the cool of the morning. Tell the staff how your dog breathes at rest and when it pants. ## What to tell us at booking List any breathing problems, snoring, past heat trouble and medications. Medications are given at no extra charge. Bring your own food in its original bag if your dog has a diet, with the amounts in cups. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Royal Veterinary College VetCompass - Heatstroke in dogs](https://rvc-web-app01.live01.azure.rvc.ac.uk/Media/Default/VetCompass/Documents/pet-gazette-heatstroke-in-dogs.pdf) - [IVIS Veterinary Evidence - Heatstroke and brachycephalic dogs](https://www.ivis.org/library/veterinary-evidence/veterinary-evidence-vol-7-n%C2%B04-oct-dec-2022/heatstroke-and-brachycephalic-dogs-%E2%80%93-there-an-increased-risk) - [American Kennel Club - Pug breed page](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pug/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Pug](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/pug/) - [French Bulldog](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/french-bulldog/) - [Bulldog](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/bulldog/) - [Boarding small dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/small-dogs/) - [Summer vacation boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/occasions/summer-vacation/) - [Economy Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/economy-class-kennel/) ## Which kennel class fits? How many dogs? Biggest dog They will share one kennel Pick how many dogs and the biggest one's size. A guide from the sizes on our facility page. The staff confirm the right kennel when you book. ## Bath price finder Your dog's weight Coat Pick a weight and coat. From the bath chart effective January 1, 2024. The 2026 sheet prices baths on request, so please ask to confirm. Baths are for overnight boarders. ## Read next - [Boarding working & sporting dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/working-and-sporting-dogs/) - [Boarding toy breeds](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/toy-dogs/) - [Boarding hound breeds](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/hound-dogs/) - [Boarding terriers](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/terriers/) - [Boarding herding breeds](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/herding-dogs/) - [Boarding non-sporting breeds](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/non-sporting-dogs/) - [Boarding small dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/small-dogs/) - [Boarding medium dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/medium-dogs/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Are flat-faced dogs at higher risk in summer? Veterinary sources, including the Royal Veterinary College, say they are, because a short airway cools less well. ### Is the kennel air-conditioned? Yes. Each run is air-conditioned in summer, and your dog chooses inside or out.