Frenchie Heat Survival 101: How I Turned My Apartment into a Summer Spa for Grimly (and You Can Too)

You know it’s summer in New York when your French Bulldog starts acting like he’s starring in a tragic opera: dramatic sighs, slow-motion collapse onto cold tiles, and mournful eyes that scream “Why is the air touching me?”

Grimly, my four-legged best friend and professional ball thief, is a tough guy with a soft belly and zero tolerance for heat. As a proud brachycephalic king, he was not built for summer. He was built for velvet couches, AC vents, and gourmet treats.

So when the temperature rises, I spring into action. Think less “dog owner” and more “personal spa concierge.” And since I live in Brooklyn — not a château with a backyard waterfall — I had to get creative. Here’s exactly how I turned my tiny apartment into a Frenchie-friendly, Amazon-powered, heat-busting oasis for Grimly. You're welcome.

🧊 1. The Royal Chill Throne: Grimly’s Cooling Mat Obsession

Step 1: Get the dog off my tile floor and onto something made for him.
Step 2: Realize he’ll only move if it feels like luxury.

I found the perfect solution in a pressure-activated cooling gel mat that doesn’t need freezing or electricity. I laid it out on the floor and—I kid you not—Grimly looked at me like I just gave him a penthouse upgrade.

🛒 Chillz Cooling Mat – No Plug, No Ice, Just Chill

Grimly’s review: “I shall not be taking visitors. Leave treats by the edge of my throne.”

🛁 2. Balcony Dog Spa: Just Add Water & Frothy Drama

Yes, I turned my balcony into a dog spa. No shame. Every couple of days, I fill up a collapsible pet pool, plop in some lukewarm water, and turn on French jazz. It’s our thing.

I wash him gently with Earthbath’s oatmeal shampoo—great for sensitive skin and his summer itchies—and sometimes throw in a couple of frozen blueberries as “spa snacks.”

🛒 Pecute Foldable Pet Pool – Perfect for Small Spaces
🛒 Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo – Frenchie Skin Savior

Pro tip: bring a microfiber towel and treats on a stick (like a frozen peanut butter spoon) to keep them from shaking off mid-rinse.

🍦 3. Frozen Frenchie Snacks = Instant Summer Happiness

If your Frenchie’s eyes light up when he hears the freezer door open, you’re doing it right.

I make Grimly his very own doggy popsicles:

• Banana

• Spoon of xylitol-free peanut butter

• Splash of goat milk or water

• Frozen in paw-print molds

🛒 Silicone Dog Treat Molds – BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe
🛒 Organic Goat Milk for Pets

Bonus idea: freeze plain bone broth in small ice cube trays and add to meals or his water bowl. Fancy? Oui.

💨 4. Fans, Misters & The Art of Portable Breeze

Grimly now has his very own clip-on rechargeable fan, which I attach to his crate or his travel bag when we’re outside. And yes — I also bought him a neck fan. I said what I said.

🛒 COMLIFE Clip-On Fan with USB Recharge – Rotates 360°
🛒 JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan – Lightweight & Silent

At home, I place a bowl of ice behind a fan to create a little DIY AC. Works great while we cuddle and binge old Italian movies.

🧴 5. Cooling Sprays, Wipes & Fold Maintenance

Frenchies = folds. Folds + sweat = disaster. So I keep a Frenchie-fanny-pack stocked with cooling wipes, aloe-based sprays, and drying powder (yes, it’s a thing).

🛒 Petkin Cooling Wipes – Great for Belly & Paws
🛒 Natural Dog Company – “Cool It” Mist Spray

I wipe his paws after every walk and clean his face folds at least twice a day. He tolerates it. Barely. With many offended grunts.

🧢 6. Diva Gear: Cooling Vests, Hats & Frenchie Sunglasses

Grimly never goes outside without his reflective cooling vest. I soak it in cold water, wring it out, and it stays cool for a good hour. Add a UV-blocking sun hat and doggles (yes, sunglasses for dogs), and we are unmissable.

🛒 Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest – Lightweight & Stylish
🛒 Doggles ILS Sunglasses
🛒 Sun Hat for Small Dogs – Adjustable, Cute AF

Fashion meets function, baby.

🚶‍♀️ 7. Summer Walk Strategy: The Grimly Heat Survival Schedule

Rule #1: No walks between 10AM and 7PM.
Rule #2: If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for his paws.

We walk early in the morning or after sundown. I use:

• Paw balm for protection

• Cooling harness

• Portable water bottle with attached bowl

🛒 Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax
🛒 MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
🛒 Voyager Step-in Mesh Harness – Breathable & Comfy

🕶️ 8. Indoor Chill Zone: Curtains, Tiles & Zen Vibes

Our living room turns into Grimly’s summer cave. Here’s how I keep it cooler than a Brooklyn speakeasy:

• Blackout curtains

• A tile mat in the shade

• A lavender candle (pet-safe)

• Lo-fi beats for dogs on YouTube (he loves them, no joke)

🛒 AmazonBasics Blackout Curtains
🛒 Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
🛒 Pet House Lavender Candle – Non-toxic, Soy Wax