BASIC CARE FOR YOUR FRENCHIE

Diet

When you collect your Frenchie, you will be given a diet sheet stating what and at which times of the day the dog has been fed. You should follow this advice. Changing homes is stressful for a dog/puppy so a change of food / feeding routine should be avoided for the first few weeks as this will help to prevent an upset tummy; Whether you choose to feed a fresh meat based diet, or a good quality complete dried diet, try to avoid foods with lots of additives & preservatives. Adult French Bulldogs do not need a diet that is very high in protein. It is advisable to split the recommended daily amount into two meals for adult dogs.

Water

Your Frenchie must have access to drinking water at all times. Keep his bowl clean, full and change the water regularly throughout the day.

Weight

Check your dogs weight regularly; your breeder or vet can advise you what is a healthy weight for your dogs' frame.

Exercise

French Bulldogs require a moderate amount of exercise. Do not expect him to go for a long hike; he much prefers a short stroll. Never exercise your Frenchie when the weather is hot.

Grooming

A daily brushing is sufficient for a French Bulldog, giving you a chance to spot any sore areas or lumps and bumps. Frenchies tend to shed their coat twice a year so extra brushing will be required at these times. Take care with his facial creases and tail kinks as they can become sore and need to be kept clean and dry. It is a good idea to apply a small amount of Vaseline to protect these areas.

Make sure his bedding is kept clean; choose bedding that is washable {fleece bedding sometimes called 'vet bed' is ideal)

Bathing

Bathing should not be over done, ask your vet / breeder which shampoo is best suited to your dog. Use warm water not cold and make sure you rinse the coat well and dry thoroughly.

Ears

Check the condition of your Frenchies ears at least twice a week. If they appear red, dirty, and smelly or look inflamed go to the vets straight away in order to avoid a major problem. Pet shop products are rarely good enough.

Eyes

Because of his flat face and short hair, a French Bulldogs eyes are not as protected as some breeds of dog and so can be prone to damage / infections during their lifetime, more so as they get older. Look out for redness, rubbing, discharge or any clouding of the eye, this should be done daily, to catch any problems early. Talk to your breeder / vet if you are worried.

Nails

Your dogs' nails should be kept short, this is normally maintained by general exercise but the front dewclaws and sometimes the nails, need to be clipped or filed. With dark nails, it's hard to see where the quick of the nail ends and cutting this is very painful to the dog and causes bleeding. Your breeder, a professional groomer or a veterinary nurse can show you how to trim the nails correctly

Teeth

Get your dog used to having his / her mouth looked at from an early age. This should be done calmly and gently. Not only will it allow you to check his teeth regularly, it will also make vet trips and tablet giving easier in the future. Bad breath is sometimes a sign of a problem in the adult dog. If you are worried, consult your vet.

Heat (summer sun)

French Bulldogs enjoy being able to lie in the sun but MUST have access to a shaded, cool area and cool water to drink. Do not leave your dog unattended in the garden for any length of time, as on a hot summer’s day, the shade of your garden may become too hot for a Frenchie, and you will need to remove him to a cooler area. Always keep cool water nearby and if he gets hot, damp down his coat, especially around his neck, throat and belly. Be extra careful with the white / pinkish areas of pied / white Frenchies in the sun. Avoid sunburn by applying a high factor sun block to these areas. NEVER let your Frenchie get overheated and stressed, this can be fatal

Identification

When you get your Frenchie, think very carefully about getting him Micro-chipped. It is a good way of reuniting you and your pet if you should become separated.

Travel

Make sure your dog is restrained in a cage or seat harness is whilst in the car. This will help prevent accidents as an excited Frenchie can squeeze out of the smallest gaps in the door or even the window. In the summer, avoid traveling in the heat of the day if possible. If not, keep your dog away from the glare of the sun on the windows. Make sure you make regular stops to be able to keep your pet cool. Chilled water and a few damp towels to rest on are a good idea and have at least two windows open to maintain a through draft of air in the car.

Kenneling

French Bulldogs do not cope well within a kennel environment. When you go on holiday, try to ensure that they can stay with a friend or member of your family, preferably in your own home or familiar surroundings.

Vaccination, Worming and Flea treatment

Follow your vet’s advice but with Frenchies it is recommended that you do not vaccinate, worm and flea treat all at the same time, try to leave a week between each as this puts less strain on the dogs system.

Help and advice

Contact your vet or your dog's breeder if you have any worries about your Frenchie.

(From FBCE information leaflet)