French Bulldog Care Guide: Tips for Keeping Your Puppy Happy and Healthy

The French Bulldog’s wonderful wrinkles are irresistible. Their small size, friendly personality, and playfulness make them a perfect choice for singles and families.

However, before bringing your puppy home, you should learn how to care for them in perspective. Here are some tips to know about French Bulldog care.

A unique face

The Frenchie has pleasant wrinkles and bright eyes that you’ll spontaneously pat on the head or scratch behind his soft, bat-like ears.

But when grooming you need to pay attention to their flat faces and lots of wrinkles. Be sure to wipe the dirt from each crease with a damp cloth or alcohol-free baby wipes at least once a week. If your puppy spends a lot of time outdoors or with other pets, you had better wipe its face once every two days.

In addition, remember to completely dry their faces after cleaning. Otherwise, the moisture that remains in those deep wrinkles may cause irritation and bacterial growth.

Keeping Your French Bulldog Healthy

French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise, but they can easily overheat and run low on energy, so you need to keep an eye on your puppy’s weight.

Short daily walks and good playtime indoors will help your French bulldog stay healthy.

Caution! Never take your puppy outside in hot weather. This breed is extremely sensitive to higher temperatures. Walks are best done in the early morning or late afternoon. If it is too hot to walk comfortably outside, indoor play is a very nice option, such as fetch or hide-and-seek with a favorite toy.

Too hot to handle

French Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat, so you should pay close attention to your puppy’s comfort level.

This breed is susceptible to heat exhaustion, so be sure to stay indoors on hot days and use air conditioning or proper fan airflow to keep the room cool.

One effective way to keep your puppy’s body temperature within a safe range is to maintain a cool supply of fresh water.

You need to pay great attention to these signs of heat exhaustion and hypoxia: excessive panting, lethargy, abnormal drooling, and bright red or purple gums.

Frenchies also do not tolerate cold. Watch for shivering or difficulty breathing. As with other flat-faced dog breeds, breathing cold air can put extra stress on their respiratory system. A warm coat and a long snuggle with you will keep your companion warm on cold days.

Health Problems

French Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems due to their short, flat faces. Watch for breathing problems, especially after play or walks. Both extreme heat and cold can make breathing problems worse.

French Bulldogs can also suffer from back problems. If your puppy has difficulty moving his hind legs, this may be a sign of degenerative myelopathy or a herniated disc. Only your veterinarian can diagnose these problems, and early intervention can extend your Frenchie’s life. So, if you notice a health problem in your puppy, take him to the doctor immediately.

Eye disease is also common in this breed. Watch out for these signs: red, swollen, discharging eyes, or trouble seeing clearly.

Some French Bulldogs may develop allergies to fleas and other insects, fabric softeners used for their bedding, or even cleaning products you use at home. Beware of what your puppy is constantly licking or chewing on.

The Need for Prevention

All dog breeds require proper preventative care. Not only should regular bathing, skin care, and attention be paid to your puppy’s weight, but you should also keep up to date on your puppy’s vaccinations.

This is especially important for those who are socially active and away from home. Your veterinarian will tell you how often your puppy needs visits. Be sure to ask questions about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Fun and Games

Your French Bulldog will love tug-of-war toys, teethers and chewers, and small toys that can be used for hide-and-seek. If your dog likes to play fetch or chase, then choose lightweight, soft toys that they can easily pick up.

Frenchies tend to be obese. You can get some low-calorie, healthy food from your vet.

The French Bulldog is an impish, companionable, and meek dog with a temperament that can adapt to many lifestyles. This is what makes this breed so popular, especially for families who live in apartments or don’t have large yards. With proper care, your French bulldog can be your best companion for a long time to come.