21 Tips On How To Take Care Of a French Bulldog
Let’s discuss how to take care of a French bulldog…
This blog post is about the best ways to take care of a French bulldog, from grooming to feeding.
How To Take Care Of a French Bulldog
The following are some common ways to care for your French bulldog:
1. Brush your French bulldog coat regularly
The ideal time to brush a French bulldog is when they are dry, and not when they are fully wet.
You can use a slicker brush or a wire bristle brush with either the handle or head attached to it.
If you have to use the handle portion only, try placing it on top of your hand and pushing it through their coat from head to tail as well as down their back.
This will help remove dirt and loose hair that may be clumped together due to being wet at one point during their bath cycle (or what we call “drying”).
Make sure that you’re brushing in an upward motion, so there’s enough space between each stroke, so you don’t over-groom!
There are two of our most recommended brushing tools for French Bulldogs:
The Importance of Grooming Your French Bulldog
Here are some common benefits of grooming your French Bulldogs:
- Trimming nails reduces the risk of developing bad posture.
- Early detection of any skin
- Grooming makes them look better.
- Healthy and shiny coats which shed a lot less
- Grooming helps to check and treat fleas
- Grooming support better hygiene and smell.
2. Vaccinate your French bulldog
Vaccines are important for French bulldogs. They protect your dog from common diseases, such as canine parvovirus and leptospirosis, which can cause severe illness or even death.
To ensure that your pet is protected against these diseases, it’s recommended that you get them vaccinated every year with a vaccine called Bordetella (dog) or Canine Distemper Virus (kennel cough).
If you want to be extra safe with your pooch, he can also receive the Fluenz Pet vaccine annually instead of once every two years as most other vaccines do.
The good news is that vaccinations are required by law in many countries around the world so it’s best not to take any chances when it comes time to get yours done!
3. Get pet insurance
Pet insurance is a great way to protect your pet from unforeseen events, such as accidents or illness.
It’s also a good idea to get pet insurance before an illness strikes and you need it most—the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be.
Pet insurance companies offer different types of coverage, so make sure that you choose one that meets all your needs and budget.
Reasons You Should Get A Pet Insurance For Your French Bulldog
Here are the common reasons why you should consider getting pet insurance for your French Bulldog:
- Provides an easy way to budget pet care costs.
- This prevents dipping into the family’s emergency fund.
- Allows you to pick your veterinarian.
- Delivers peace of mind.
- Does not discriminate against any breed or age of the pet.
4. Feed your dog high-quality food
French Bulldogs are very sensitive to their diet and can easily become sick if you don’t feed them the right food.
One of the first things that should cross your mind when thinking of how to take care of a French bulldog is high-quality food.
Giving your Frenchie high-quality food will help solve some unnecessary health challenges associated with French Bulldogs.
French bulldog puppies should be fed 0.5 cups of high-quality puppy food three times a day until they are about six months old.
After six months, the Frenchie graduates to eat an adult diet, eating around 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality food each day, divided into two meals.
There are few foods French Bulldogs cannot eat and I advise you to keep such foods away from your Frenchie. There are also human foods French Bulldogs can eat.
5. Bathing Your French Bulldogs
Your dog’s skin is prone to allergies and other problems, so it’s important to keep your dog clean.
Bathing removes dirt, and dead skin cells from the coat and helps keep your dog shiny as well as comfy in warm weather.
A good bath can be done either by yourself or with help from a friend or family member who has experience bathing dogs.
You may want to use baby shampoo on their face since they tend to get oily sometimes when they perspire during hot weather!
6. Taking Care of French Bulldog Paws
Taking care of your Frenchie paws is very important as their paws will show you signs that your dog is not ok.
During the winter, French Bulldogs are affected greatly and it always shows on their paws, you see cracks.
Cracks could be signs of illness or the effect of winter, the only way to find out is by rubbing a balm or coconut oil on the paws.
If the cracks are not going away after one week of applying the balm or coconut oil, then you need to see the vet.
Always clean in between your Frenchie paws and apply the balm or coconut oil.
7. Keep Your French Bulldog Entertained
Entertaining your Frenchie is one of the best ways to take good care of a French Bulldog.
You can keep your French Bulldog entertained by providing lots of play toys and mental enrichment or stimulant.
You can also teach your Frenchie how to sit and watch other dogs play in a TV show, you can also play hide and seek or tug of war with your Frenchie.
8. Taking Care of French Bulldog Nose
French Bulldogs have sensitive skin and noses as well, so it’s good practice to take care of your Frenchie nose.
French Bulldogs have short noses which means that 95% of the time their tongue can’t get to their nose.
During the dry season, they may develop cracks on their nose because it’s not moist or wet, therefore it’s a good practice to help your Frenchie keep their nose moist to avoid cracks.
There are basically two ways to keep your French Bulldog nose moist which are to get a nose balm or to get coconut oil.
You can rub the coconut oil or balm on the nose of your Frenchie two to three times per week and be sure to keep it as a routine during the dry season.
9. Keep Your French Bulldog Tail Pocket Clean
Every French Bulldog has a tail pocket, which is the deep opening between the tail of a French Bulldog and the butt.
The tail pocket traps water and bacterial pathogens can grow there and cause rashes, therefore you need to clean your French Bulldog tail pocket once every two to three days.
You can use wipes or a clean towel to clean your French Bulldog’s tail pocket.
10. Keep Your French Bulldog Butt Clean
Most of the time your Frenchie poop stains its butt, always be sure to check on your French Bulldog each time he goes to poop.
If you don’t clean it your Frenchie can rub it anyway while trying to remove it, and you wouldn’t want to see poop around your house.
11. Provide clean drinking water
Keep the water bowl clean and change the water regularly.
Water should be fresh and clean, which means that you need to refill it at least once a day, or more if possible.
But keep in mind that dogs are creatures of habit and may require a longer interval between refills than you’d expect from humans (or even other animals).
If you have multiple dogs in your household, each one will need its own separate bowl of fresh water every day—and don’t forget about your puppy!
12. Keep your French Bulldog ear clean
French Bulldogs are known to have ear problems basically because their ears are wide open and trap lots of dirty things.
Ideally, you should clean your French Bulldog ear once every 3 to 8 days or even every 2 days, as it will help keep your French Bulldog ear clean and free.
How to clean French Bulldog ear
Cleaning the French Bulldog ear is very simple and does not require you to be a veterinarian before you can perform the task.
Here are the steps to clean French Bulldog’s ears:
- Get your French Bulldog treats ready
- Cuddle your Frenchie and use the sit command or down.
- Add two drops of a vet-approved ear drop.
- Massage the ear and allow your Frenchie to shake it off after 10 to 20 seconds.
- Use a wipe, cotton wool, or a clean cloth to clean up the ear.
- Do not go too deep down when cleaning
- Repeat the process for the second ear.
13. Clean the wrinkles on the face
Use a soft cloth to clean the wrinkles on the face. Do not use soap or water, as this will cause irritation and damage to your pup’s skin.
Avoid using a towel that has been washed with detergent; this can leave behind residues that may cause eye irritation or damage to the eyes, mouth, and lips.
If you must use an old towel, be sure it’s been thoroughly dried before giving it back to him/her for cleaning purposes!
Brush out any fur clumps with a pin brush or toothbrush if necessary (or both!)
14. Play with your French bulldog
French Bulldogs are naturally playful, so it’s important to let them play with you.
You can play fetch, tug-of-war, or just go down the street chasing each other.
15. Create a safe environment for your Frenchie
- Provide a safe environment for your Frenchie.
- Keep your dog away from dangerous items.
- Keep your dog away from children.
- Provide a comfortable bed for your Frenchie.
- Provide a place for your Frenchie to get some exercise (preferably outdoors).
- Provide an area where the Frenchie can eat and sleep at night.
16. Trim your French bulldog nails occasionally
Frenchies are known for their short, curved nails. If you want to keep your dog’s nails in good condition, it’s important to trim them regularly.
You can do this by cutting around each nail with an emery board or clippers and then filing off the excess material with a nail file or sandpaper (or both).
If you don’t keep up with the regular grooming process of trimming your dog’s nails, they will grow into a more difficult-to-manage shape—so think about scheduling regular visits at the groomer’s office!
17. Train your French bulldog well
French Bulldogs can be trained well with positive reinforcement methods using treats and fun activities.
Starting puppy potty training early is important to the success of the training.
French Bulldogs are intelligent and training them should be made into a fun game.
Consistency and application are essential to ensuring successful training, and good behavior can be encouraged through discipline.
A well-potty-trained French Bulldog will make for a great household member.
18. Deworm your French bulldog once in a while
Deworming your French bulldog once in a while is important for its health.
The most common types of worms are hookworms and roundworms, but there are many other kinds that can be harmful or even deadly to your pup.
Talk to your veterinarian about deworming your French bulldog.
19. Brush your French bulldog teeth regularly
One of the first things you should do when caring for your French Bulldog is brushing its teeth.
You can use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your veterinarian.
You should brush your French bulldog teeth at least once a week to keep their teeth healthy.
20. Spay or neuter your French bulldog
Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most important things you can do for your French bulldog.
It helps reduce the risk of cancer, it reduces the risk of unwanted puppies and it reduces aggression.
Spaying and neutering also help control some behaviors like marking (urinating) and humping.
21. Socialize Your French Bulldog
Socialization of your Frenchie provides you with lots of benefits, which will help you control and live with a stable Frenchie.
Benefits of Socializing French Bulldogs
There are lots of benefits you get from socializing your French Bulldog which are as follows:
- Less Fear & Anxiety
- More Playtime & Exercise
- Easier to Groom
- Stop Aggression
- Make Traveling Easier
- Help with Veterinary Exams
- Bringing Your Frenchies to Work
- Mental Stimulation
- Better Relations With Neighbors
- Build Confidence
As you can see from the list there are many benefits of socializing your French Bulldog so what do you socialize your Frenchie with?
You can socialize your Frenchie with all of the following;
- Socialize your French Bulldog with other dogs.
- Socialize your French Bulldog with cats
- Socialize your French Bulldog with humans
- Socialize your French Bulldog with loud sounds and noises.
You need to introduce your Frenchie to all elements that they will likely meet as they grow older.
Be sure to introduce your Frenchie to loud sounds and noises such as fireworks, loud musical instruments, and loud places.
How to Socialize French Bulldogs
Here are some common ways to socialize your Frenchie with both humans and other dogs:
- Register for puppy classes
- Visit other dog owners with your Frenchie
- Go to shopping centers with your French Bulldog
- Visit dog parks with your French Bulldog
- Go on vacation with your French Bulldog
- Go camping with your Frenchie
- Watch puppy movies with your French Bulldog
- Visit dog shows with your Frenchie
- Visit your family members with your Frenchie
- Pay a vet visit with your Frenchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my French Bulldog?
It’s important to feed your French Bulldog high-quality dog food that is nutritionally balanced for its size and activity level.
You may also want to add some fresh fruits and vegetables for additional nutrients.
Talk to your veterinarian about specific recommendations for your dog’s diet.
How often should I bathe my French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs have sensitive skin, so you should avoid over-bathing them.
Generally, you should bathe your French Bulldog once every month or two, depending on how dirty they get.
Use a gentle dog shampoo and be sure to thoroughly rinse your dog to avoid any irritation.
Are French Bulldogs good with kids?
Yes, French Bulldogs generally make good family pets and are good with children.
However, as with all dogs, it’s important to supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.
How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?
While French Bulldogs are not high-energy dogs, they still need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Daily walks and playtime in a fenced yard are typically sufficient for these dogs, but be sure not to over-exercise them in hot weather as they are prone to overheating.
How often should I take my French Bulldog to the vet?
You should take your French Bulldog to the vet for regular check-ups at least once a year, and more often if they have any health issues or concerns.
Be sure to keep up with vaccinations and parasite preventatives as recommended by your veterinarian.
Are there any health issues that are common in French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs are prone to a number of health issues, including breathing problems, hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin infections.
Regular veterinary care and proper diet and exercise can help prevent many of these issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of a French Bulldog is a rewarding experience that requires patience, love, and attention.
By following the tips we’ve shared, you can ensure that your furry friend is healthy, happy, and well-cared for.
Remember to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of affection.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a long and fulfilling life with your beloved French Bulldog.