Owning a French bulldog for the first time is a rewarding and exciting experience but they come with a set of challenges. No doubt they are a complete bundle of joy, who will give you endless love and companionship but you have to deal with the problem of maintenance and cleanliness when owning these pups. However certain cleaning tips can make things easier for you. Here in this blog, we will go through some expert cleaning tips for first-time Frenchie owners to keep their home and furry friends happy and clean.
Understanding Frenchie Characteristics
Being a first-time owner you need to understand that there are some unique characteristics of French bulldogs that if you understand will make it easier to take care of them.
- They have short and dense fur and they shed continuously throughout the year.
- Frenchie's face is full of charming wrinkles that can trap moisture and dirt, which will lead to skin infection.
- Many French bulldogs have sensitive skin and they need special products for bathing and cleaning.
- Their brachycephalic face structure makes them prone to breathing issues.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
To keep your home and Frenchie clean you will need some supplies. Here is the list of essential supplies for Frenchies:
- Dog safe shampoo
- Soft brushes
- Gentle wipes
- Ear cleaning solution
- Nail clipper
- Vacuum cleaner
- Towels
Bathing Your Frenchie
French bulldogs may not need regular baths just like other dog breeds but still regular cleaning is important to maintain their health and hygiene. Here is how you can do that:
- Bathe your French bulldog at least once a month. Don’t do excessive bathing because it will clear their skin of natural oils causing irritation and dryness.
- When bathing gather all the supplies and always keep a non-slip mat in the tub to prevent any slipping accident.
- Water temperature is very make sure it’s not too hot or too cold, hot water can burn their skin.
- Always use dog-specific shampoo and rub it carefully around the tail pockets and wrinkles.
- After bathing thoroughly rinse all the shampoo so there will be no residue left behind as it can cause itching.
- Dry their whole body with a towel and if necessary you can use a blow dryer. Make sure you dry their wrinkles completely to prevent any buildup of moisture.
Wrinkle Care
Frenchies wrinkles look adorable but they need proper care to avoid infections. Here is how you can keep their wrinkles clean:
- Take a dog-specific wipe or a damp cloth to clean the inside of the wrinkles on a daily basis.
- After cleaning make sure to dry the wrinkles thoroughly with a soft towel.
- Always check for any sign of irritation or redness or any odor as it will indicate an infection.
- Ask your vet, if he recommends using a wrinkle cream to keep the skin healthy and moisturized.
Ear Cleaning
Frenchies have bat-like ears that make them prone to infections. However regular cleaning will prevent this problem:
- Ear cleaning is recommended once a week so do it on a regular basis.
- Always use a cleaning solution approved by your vet and don’t use water or hydrogen peroxide on them.
- Take a cotton ball apply the solution to it and gently clean the outer ear. Never put anything inside the ear canal.
- Look for swelling, redness, discharge, or foul odor.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is essential for the mobility and comfort of your dog: Here is how you can do this:
- Trimming your Frenchie nails after every 3 to 4 weeks is very important.
- Use special tools like dog nail clippers to trim their nails. An automatic nail trimmer For French bulldog is the best option for your pup. It is free of noise and makes nail trimming a painless process.
- Follow proper technique by clipping a small tip at one time, try to avoid clipping the quick because it will cause pain and bleeding.
- If your pup is nervous about nail trimming get them used to it gradually with the help of treats and positive reinforcement.
Managing Shedding
French bulldogs have short fur but they do shed and keeping your home clean is very important.
- Brushing their coat two to three times a week is very important, especially with the help of a special Frenchie comb. Combify Frenchie comb is made especially for French bulldogs and it is recommended by veterinarians.
- Give them a diet full of nutrients especially Omega 3 fatty acids as it will help in keeping the skin coat shiny and healthy.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up all the loose fur from your home.
Potty Training and Accidents
Potty training is another important challenge but it can be done with consistency. Here are some tips to prevent these accidents and keep your house clean.
- In the start use puppy training pads to help your pup learn about the designated potty area.
- Make a schedule for potty and take your Frenchie out for potty after meals, especially in the morning and evening.
- If there is an accident immediately clean with the help of an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the odor and prevent them from peeing at the same spot.
- If your Frenchie does their business at the designated spot reward them with a treat.
Dental Care
Good dental hygiene is important for the overall health of your French bulldog.
- Brush their teeth many times a week with the help of dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Give them dental chews to keep their teeth clean between brushing.
- Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet
Conclusion
Owning a French bulldog is a great experience but it comes with a lot of responsibility of cleaning. By following the tips mentioned above, you can make sure that your Frenchie will stay healthy and your home will stay clean. Keep in mind that a little effort in cleaning will go a long way in making a long-lasting companionship with your French bulldog.