Adding a French bulldog to your family is a decision that you won't regret. They will bring great joy and companionship and they make every single day an adventure. Here, our Orange vets talk about how to take care of a French bulldog and what to expect from life with a Frenchie.
French Bulldog Care: A Guide
French bulldogs are absolute cuddle bugs. They would be happy to spend every evening curled up on the couch with you while you watch your favorite show. Along with giving lots of snuggles, you'll want to be sure to meet and address all of their healthcare needs from routine care like diet and exercise to preventive care to prevent infections.
Routine Care
Regular care for your French bulldog is exactly what you would expect. Make sure that they are eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise, bring them to the vet for routine exams, bathe and groom them regularly, and keep their nails trimmed. By doing these things you can help them be happy and comfortable throughout their life.
Meeting Their Dietary Needs
Your French bulldog should be fed a diet that meets their needs. This will vary depending on their age and lifestyle. Take great care not to overfeed them as weight management is a common issue with Frenchies.
Just the Right Amount of Exercise
While French bulldogs aren't the most active breed, they still need daily exercise. Taking them for a walk or other similar activity each day will go a long way to keeping them healthy.
Regular Grooming
Grooming your French Bulldog is an important part of their care. Here are some of the key aspects of grooming your Frenchie:
Brush Your French Bulldog
French bulldogs have short fur, which makes grooming easy. By brushing them daily, you can help keep their fur free of loose fur and minimize any shedding.
Give Them the Occasional Bath
Your French bulldog shouldn't need a bath very often since they don't tend to get messy. If you do need to give them a bath, always use a gentle formula dog shampoo as their skin dries out easily.
Be Sure to Clean Between Their Wrinkles!
One thing Frenchies have a lot of is wrinkles. These wrinkles are known to trap bacteria and debris, so be sure to wipe these wrinkles regularly with either a dog-safe wipe or a damp cloth.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
To keep your French bulldog's nails strong, healthy, and free of splits, you will need to keep them trimmed. If you are unsure of how to do this safely, you can ask a groomer or vet to do this for you for a small fee.
Clean in and Around Their Ears
Like their wrinkles, the floppy ears of a French bulldog also tend to trap bacteria. These should be cleaned regularly using a damp cloth or gentle dog-safe wipe.
Brush Their Teeth Daily
By brushing your French bulldog's teeth daily, you can help care for their dental health and prevent serious oral health conditions from developing.
Preventive Care
Routine preventive veterinary care is crucial for your French bulldog to help prevent issues like dental decay, parasitic infections, and even reproductive concerns.
Disease & Infection Prevention
Dental Disease
Many pets develop dental disease. Without regular dental care both at home at at the vet clinic, your furry friend may experience tooth loss, dental decay, and infections, which can spread to other parts of your dog's body. Bring your dog in for yearly dental exams and cleanings and brush your pup's teeth at home daily to avoid complications.
Bacterial & Viral Infections
Without routine vaccinations, your French bulldog will be susceptible to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These vaccinations will be given on a specific schedule, usually with yearly booster shots to ensure efficacy.
Parasitic Infections
Parasites can be both internal or external and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms for your French bulldog. They may even be deadly if not treated quickly. Some of these pests can also infest your home, infecting both people and other pets. Bring your Frenchie in for routine parasite prevention to help ensure the health of your entire family.
Spaying & Neutering
By having your French bulldog spayed or neutered, you can help prevent the birth of unwanted puppies. With this surgery, you'll also protect their overall health from a number of diseases and conditions such as cancers and tumors, as well as curb behavioral issues.
Genetic Conditions Affecting French Bulldog Health
A number of conditions can affect the health and well-being of certain breeds of dogs. French bulldogs are predisposed to these conditions:
- Breathing difficulties
- Skin allergies
- Eye conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Gastrointestinal issues
Caring for a French bulldog can be a uniquely rewarding experience. With the right amount of care and attention, a Frenchie will make a great addition to your family, providing you with great love and companionship for the years to come.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.