Taking Care of Your French Bulldog
French Bulldog Care is important. Your new French Bulldog puppy will need to be kept inside for the first few months. Puppies who are not confined can injure themselves, get lost and be hurt by other animals. You will need a specific area for your puppy when you are not at home. You may either keep your puppy in a small room or dog pen somewhere inside your home. Make sure you have a warm blanket for them to sleep on. Spend time with your puppy as much as possible during this important period, and ensure they have enough food and water. Avoid loud noises and shouting around your pup (at any age).
Feeding and Water
- 1 – 3 Months of age: 4 times a day;
- 3 – 6 Months of age: 3 times a day;
- 6 Months – onwards: 2 times a day;
- Upgrade to adult dog food at 12 months of age;
- Always have plenty of clean, fresh water available for your dog at all time;
- Avoid Soya – which may causes gastric issues that may be fatal;
- Avoid supermarket and bulk supplier dog food;
- Avoid excessive fats.
Food Types
- Feed your new puppy dog food that is as natural as possible;
- This will ensure strong bone density, good health and a long life;
- Try the B.A.R.F diet;
- Try Eukanuba, Hills or Royal Canin from your local vet.
Feeding Routine
- Never give your dog tid-bits or treats, this will teach them to beg;
- Never over feed them;
- Feed them in the same place / same bowls;
- Wait until you (and your family together) have eaten, then only thereafter, feed your dogs.
Toys to Chew and Play With
All puppies chew on anything, this is part of the teething process and dental hygiene. If you choose a chew toy, make sure they are safe (Just Google It). Chew toys that can break into small pieces may get stuck in your puppy’s throat. Most pet shops stock nylon chew toys, which are safe. Avoid rawhide sticks, pig ears, pig hooves etc.
Housebreaking
Confinement will help in house training your French Bulldog. Your puppy must be confined when you are not at home and at night when you are sleeping. Make sure you walk your puppy outside so that they may relieve themselves. Puppies will at first, need to relieve themselves 3 or 4 times during a day, this will come down to once or twice a day after a few months. The more you show your when to do their business, the more it will become a natural routine for them.
Over Heating
Very much like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs can also overheat due to their short noses. Temperature, excitement, over-exercise or stress may cause overheating. This can be fatal for French Bulldogs. Always make sure your dogs have access to water when you take them for a walk.
If your French Bulldog overheats and throws up phlegm:
- Get your dog into the shade or a cool place;
- Cover them with a wet or damp towel/shirt;
- If the tongue turns blue, pour cold water over the body, or immerse the dog in an ice bath.
Vomiting
French Bulldogs on occasion may vomit or bring up phlegm. This is normal. If this happens regularly, consult your vet.
In Doors
French Bulldogs are predominantly indoor pets, if the weather is excessively hot make sure your home is air-conditioned or at least, a few windows are left open.
Body Care
- Keep your French Bulldog’s wrinkles clean and dry. Gently wipe/clean all of the folds on his/her face with a damp towel, and dry thoroughly. Rub Gold Bond medicated powder or Calendula cream into the folds after they are dried;
- Trim or gently grind your dog’s nails to avoid splitting;
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (1-2 times a month);
- Every so often, gently clean out your dog’s ears with non-scented wet wipes;
- Brush your Frenchie with a soft-bristled brush once a week;
- Wash your dog if it’s very dirty, smelly or once every three months or so;
- Check for fleas and ticks at all times and use a vet-approved tick/flea solution if needed.
Vaccination
Puppies require an initial series of 3 vaccinations. Annual boosters are required thereafter. Speak to your vet about vaccinations.
Deworming
Every 3 – 5 months.
Swimming
French Bulldogs don’t swim very well. Always make sure you are with your dogs near water.
Poisons
Chocolate, onions, lawn chemicals and rodent poisons can be fatal to your dog, if you think your dog has been poisoned, contact/take your dog to a vet immediately.
Discipline
Dog training is an essential part of French Bulldog Care – especially if you want your dog to be confident and feel safe;
- Be consistent in your dog’s training;
- Speak to your trainer about best practices;
- Always praise your dog for good deeds/behavior;
- Always walk your dog outside of his regular living space/garden;
- Make sure your dog is on a leash when walking him/her;
- Speak firmly and in a low tone (to discipline);
- Speak in a happy tone (to praise / acknowledge / motivate);
- Never shout at or hit your dog;
- Never teach your dog to fight;
- Never discipline after the fact;
- Never go jogging with your dog in tow;
- Never use a choke chain;
- Lead and protect your dog.
