Frenchie Care and Grooming Color Distinctions My New French Bulldog



MY NEW FRENCH BULLDOG

What to have ready and care for a new Frenchie(- The following may be partial information.  Other methods may also be valid or vary.

Food and Water

If you just got a new puppy, ask the breeder to send some food along with the pup, they're already eating.  Use the same food until it is recommended to change it.  If you plan on changing their food anyway or their current food is hard to locate, try whole basic bland foods and gradually combine a new puppy food (follow same suggestions as listed above in "Common Questions").  A puppy typically eats about 3 to 4 times a day, depending on their age.  You may choose to reduce that eventually to one to two times a day as they mature.  It is not a good idea to allow your Frenchie to become overweight.

It is a good idea to take water from the breeder of the puppy, if possible.  If not use bottled water until you can gradually add your own water to avoid any discomforts.  Otherwise you may get loose stools or worse, until your puppy becomes adjusted to your water.

Wire or enclosed crate 200 size or medium size

This doubles as your puppies home or bed and a place to be safe.  It is not unfair since dogs are den animals, they will become accustomed to the crate.  This is also a good way to transport your Frenchie to and from places safely.  To get your puppy use to the crate, leave the door open and place the crate in a family room.  This way the puppy can feel more comfortable trying out his new home.

X-pen (exercise pen)

This is about a 4 X 4 wire pen that folds up and can be adjusted to varying sizes.  It is recommended to get at least a 24 to 30 inch height.  Very handy when traveling and cordoning off area you don't want your Frenchie to go.  This is also helpful when introducing a new pet into your home.  The crate inside the pen becomes a bed like a protective home with a small yard.

It is not recommended to leave your puppy loose and unattended when not at home. 

Newspaper

To assist with potty training.  Keep on one side of X-pen at night and  during the day.  Or you might use a tray or pan big enough to help teach your dog where to go, when they are unable to go outside.

Rolling up a newspaper:  When correcting your dog try using the old fashion method of a rolled up newspaper.  Hit the floor or wall getting their attention and use a corrective tone.  Another harmless, corrective tool is a squirt bottle of water. 

Note:  It is important to reward your puppy when they do something favorable.  Hugs and kisses and lost of praise goes a long way.

Food and Water Bowls

Most recommend stainless steal bowls that will last, is safe, and does not retain odors or bacteria and will go in the dishwasher.

A Cozy Bed

Have a nice comfy bed for snuggling and to keep warm.  A good bed is where they can't get to the stuffing and either the cover or entire bed can be put in the washing machine.

Chew toys

All babies especially when teething even the adults will chew.  Puppies will chew anything and everything so be careful.  It is very important they have enough chew toys to keep them busy.  Get new chew toys from time to time to keep their interest.

Note:  It has often been recommended to not give your dogs rawhide chew bones or toys.

Benadryl Allergy
(over the counter)

Often is recommended by vets for minor allergic reactions. Benadryl will also relax your dog and can make them drowsy.  Please consult your vet in advance and for dosage information.

Note:  Bee stings can be highly reactive and should contact your vet

Bag Balm (utter cream)

Recommended moisturizer for noses, other areas and minor skin irritations.

Wash rag and mild antibacterial soap

Wash your French Bulldog's face and folds regularly.

Toe nail clipping

 

It is always a good idea to keep in the habit of cutting or having your dogs toe nails trimmed.  When you start hearing the sound of "clip-itty-clip" is when it's time to trim them down a bit.

Bathing your Frenchie

Frenchies are easy to bathe just toss them in the sink or tub, wash, rinse, towel dry and away they go.  Use a mild dog formulated shampoo or vet recommended allergy shampoo.  Conditioner is often helpful for rough, dry coats.

Ear wash

Frequently check your Frenchies ears and try and keep them flushed and cleaned regularly.  Make this a part of your routine after bathing your Frenchie and always use cotton.  Try a feed store, pet store or vet for a most often used antiseptic ear wash.

Small Clipper (optional)

Often show exhibitors shave their Frenchies muzzles however, is a nice and neat habit if you prefer.

Know your dog's schedule for shots and keep them current

Some areas of the country have different concerns protecting against virus not common in other regions.  If your puppy was shipped may not have been inoculated for potential parasites or diseases in his new area.  Be careful of Rabies shot reactions and inform your vet some Frenchies react adversely to LEPTO and may choose to avoid this.

Keep your dog wormed regularly and if concerned get a fecal examination performed by your vet.

If you find like rice or white parasites or if you have fleas, worms once they get out of control can be very devastating to your dog(s).  Common symptoms of exposure are skinny, pot-belly and slowed growth.  They have difficulty putting on weight and coats are flaky, dry and dull.  Do not let worms get a hold of your dog and can spread like an epidemic to other pets.  Curing one pet does not cure the epidemic and may require all your pets to be examined.


Make sure to keep your Frenchie out of the heat and the extreme cold.  Do not leave your Frenchie or any dog in a car with the windows rolled up, unattended.  Dog parks are fun, but keep in mind Frenchies can be fearless and get into trouble with strange or larger dogs.  They also have a tendency of going with just about anybody.  Take caution when exercising with your Frenchie and not let them overheat.  Avoid the heat of the day or too long or vigorous.  If your Frenchie starts to over heat, hose them down with cool water, use wet towels and calm them down.  If you're planning a long walk take periodic breaks.