When I first bought a French bulldog, Charlie, I was overwhelmed and my excitement was on another level. His cute wrinkled face, erect ears, and lovely personality won my heart. However, as time went by I realized that that there are a lot of challenges in caring for French bulldogs, so I started understanding and learning their needs. In the past few years, I have gathered information from vets, breeders, and other Frenchie owners to make the world a little different for Charlie. Here in this blog, I will share the most impactful advice that I got for raising a healthy French bulldog.
1. Prioritize Their Breathing Health
One of the best advice that I got about French bulldogs is to take care of their breathing problems. Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have flat faces and short noses that make it difficult for them to breathe. According to the veterinarian's recommendation
- Don’t take them in extreme temperatures like in hot weather it will exacerbate their breathing issue. It's best to keep them in a cool place during the summer months. Give them plenty of water, use air conditioning, and don’t take them for a walk during the middle of the day.
- Always use harnesses instead of collars as it will keep their windpipe and throat secure and it will be easier for them to breathe when walking. The astronaut Frenchie harness can switch up the style of your Frenchie with very little effort.
It is made of comfortable and breathable mesh-like material. It also has a D ring to which you can attach a leash. So next time you are taking your dog out use this Frenchie. - Keep their weight in check as overweight Frenchies are at more risk of respiratory problems, provide them balanced diet and take them regularly for exercise.
2. Nutrition Matters
I learned very early that most of the dog foods out there have almost the same nutritional composition but French bulldogs have different dietary needs. The best advice from breeders is to choose a high-quality diet for them.
- Most of the French bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and they can suffer from allergies. Always opt for grain-free food as it reduces the risk of a digestive problem and skin irritation.
- Keep an eye on allergens, common allergens in food are beef, chicken, and dairy. Switching to another protein source like a duck will decrease the chances of adverse reactions like gastrointestinal issues and itching.
- The most important thing is to maintain a feeding schedule and stay consistent with it as it will help in managing digestion and weight. Do not feed them table scrap as it will lead to digestive issues and obesity.
3. Exercise, But Not Too Much
French bulldogs are a bit different when it comes to exercise. They need exercise but too much of it will cause harm to their health especially because of their breathing issues. A balanced approach told by an experienced Frenchie owner is:
- Take them for short frequent walks instead of long hikes. Short walks will keep them active without exerting any extra pressure on them.
- Engage them in indoor playtime and games as they are good for mental stimulation and provide light exercise when outside weather is not suitable for activities.
4. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Regular visits to the vet are important and should not be overlooked. Frenchies can suffer from different health issues and early detection will help in treating it easily. My vet gave me special guidelines like:
- Taking your Frenchie for annual health checkups will help in monitoring overall health and catching health issues early.
- Regular vaccination and preventive treatment for parasites are equally important.
- Dental issues are very common in Frenchies, so regular cleaning and dental checks will prevent oral diseases.
5. Skin and Coat Care
French bulldogs can suffer from many skin issues and allergies so taking good care of their coat are important. Some Frenchie owners suggest that:
- Give regular baths to your Frenchie with hypoallergenic shampoo as it will keep their skin clean and decrease the risk of infection and irritation.
- Apply a moisturizer or coconut oil to prevent dry and flaky skin.
- Regularly check their skin for hotspots as they are very common in Frenchie due to their skin folds.
6. Training and Socialization
Training a Frenchie needs a lot of consistency and patience. They are intelligent but they can be stubborn, a professional trainer advises about:
- Use positive reinforcement in training your dogs, use praise and treats to reward them for good behavior. Harsh methods can only harm this sensitive breed.
- Early socialization is very important, taking your pup out to meet with different animals, and people at a young age will help in becoming a well-adjusted adult dog.
- Consistency in training is also very important. Keep the session short and consistent to prevent confusion.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Having an emergency plan ready is very important, especially if your Frenchie to many health issues. My vets advise me to:
- Keep an eye on the signs of distress like overheating, breathing problems, or allergic reactions it can save your dog's life.
- Keep the information of the vet, who is available for 24 24-hour emergency period.
- Keep a first aid kit at home as it can be a lifesaver in different difficult situations.
8. Bonding and Love
Finally the last and the best advice is to love them and cherish every movement with your Frenchie. They are affectionate and thrive on companionship. So the best thing you can do is:
- Spend quality time with them; French bulldogs are people pleasers so they will need a lot of attention and affection.
- Each Frenchie is different from others so understanding their unique needs will strengthen your bond.
Conclusion
Owning a French bulldog is an experience full of laughter, love, and challenges. The best advice that I get is to face these challenges and give the best care to your pup. If you provide the best possible care to your dog in return you will get unconditional love and countless memories. If you have a Frenchie in your life or planning to bring one these tips can change your life.