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Poison List: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons
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Homemade Dog Shampoo recipes: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/easy-natural-homemade-dog-shampoo
Amazing Resource on the Breed, all around:
Frenchies are sensitive to heat
French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short snouts, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, especially in hot weather. Here are some tips to keep your Frenchie safe from heat:
Provide shade
Make sure your Frenchie has access to shade, whether it’s in the form of a canopy, an umbrella, or a shady tree.
Offer plenty of water
Keep your Frenchie hydrated by providing them with plenty of fresh water, and consider investing in a self-waterer if you’ll be away from home for an extended period.
Limit exercise
Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather and opt for early morning or late evening walks instead.
Use cooling products
Invest in cooling products, such as cooling mats, cooling vests, or fans, to keep your Frenchie comfortable.
Avoid overheating
Be mindful of signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, red gums, and a lack of energy, and take steps to cool your Frenchie down immediately if you notice these signs.
Keep your Frenchie fit
Keeping a French Bulldog fit and healthy requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, and preventive health care. Here are some tips to help keep your Frenchie in shape:
Provide a balanced diet
Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as Frenchies are prone to weight gain.
Regular exercise
Frenchies are a low-energy breed, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Offer daily walks, playtime, and other forms of physical activity to keep them fit.
Preventative health care
Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, are essential for maintaining your Frenchie’s health.
Avoid obesity
Frenchies are prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding. Offer healthy treats in moderation and avoid giving in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table.
Provide mental stimulation
Frenchies also need mental stimulation to keep them fit. Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other forms of mental stimulation to keep them mentally and physically fit.
Don’t forget the grooming
Grooming a French Bulldog is an important aspect of maintaining its health and appearance. Here are some tips for grooming your Frenchie:
Brush regularly
Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular brushing can help remove loose hair and prevent shedding.
Bathe occasionally *
Frenchies don’t require frequent baths, but when necessary, use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin. *Unless showing signs of being itchy, then bathe more often, as needed.
Clean their wrinkles
Frenchies have wrinkles on their face that can trap moisture and bacteria, so it’s important to clean them regularly with a damp cloth or wipes made specifically for dogs.
Trim nails
Regular nail trims are important to avoid painful cracks or splits. If you’re not comfortable trimming your Frenchie’s nails, consider having a professional groomer or veterinarian do it.
Clean their ears
Frenchies have floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria, so it’s important to clean them regularly with a damp cloth and a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner.
Brush their teeth
Regular teeth brushing can help maintain your Frenchie’s oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Watch out for common Frenchie health issues
French Bulldogs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. A responsible dog breeder will always screen the parent dogs before including them in their breeding program. By doing so, they can largely reduce the chance of passing over genetic diseases that may affect the French Bulldog lifespan. Here are some of the most common health problems seen in Frenchies:
Breathing difficulties
Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short snout, and this can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion. Loud breathing, snoring, and grunting are completely normal in French bulldogs. You should take your dog to a doctor if it is visibly bothering him.
Skin allergies
Frenchies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and other skin problems. French bulldogs are often allergic to chicken meat or various detergents, so it’s a good idea to substitute these if your dog scratches a lot.
Eye problems
Frenchies can develop various eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts. Cherry eye is common in bulldogs, but it can be reversed with massage and can be easily cured even when it’s more severe.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common genetic problem in many breeds, including Frenchies. It is a congenital abnormality that can cause arthritis and other joint problems. Hip dysplasia is always filtered by responsible breeders, and our puppies get tested too.
Intervertebral disk disease
Frenchies are also prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), which is a condition that affects the disks in the spine and can cause back pain and paralysis. 99% of French Bulldogs carry the predisposition to IVDD due to their short stature. It can be prevented by not letting them jump from high places or climb stairs too much.
Gastrointestinal issues
Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloat, and megaesophagus.
It’s important to work with a veterinarian to monitor and treat any health problems as they arise. Regular preventive care, including vaccinations, routine exams, and a balanced diet, can also help maintain your Frenchie’s overall health and well-being.
Prevent any ear problems
French Bulldogs are prone to ear problems due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Here are some tips to help prevent ear problems in Frenchies:
Keep the ears clean and dry
Clean your Frenchie’s ears regularly with a damp cloth or dog-specific ear cleaner to remove any dirt, debris, or wax buildup. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after each bath or swim to prevent moisture from accumulating.
Avoid exposing their ears to water
Try to avoid exposing their ears to water, especially during baths and swims. Consider using ear protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs, to keep their ears dry.
Avoid over-cleaning
Over-cleaning can irritate your Frenchie’s ears and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast, so be gentle and avoid using cotton swabs or anything that can reach deep into the ear canal.
Watch for signs of infection
Signs of a French Bulldog ear infection can include redness, swelling, discharge, odor, and excessive scratching. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.
Regular vet check-ups
They can help identify any potential ear problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious.
Sources:
ASPCA
Crowd Pleazer Frenchies
The American Kennel Club
All About Frenchies.com
TomKings Kennel
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