The Proper Care of French Bulldogs

When we are asked what do we look for in a partner, many characteristics often throw out, like, loyal, playful, affectionate, thirsty for knowledge, trustworthy, funny and looks out for your welfare, just to name a few. It may be hard to find someone that possesses all these qualities, but it’s not impossible, not with the french bulldog anyway.

French bulldogs can be perfectly described with all these adjectives, and then some. They may not be a candidate as a partner, but they are certainly perfect companions. But the thing about dogs is that they don’t have a long lifespan, with French bulldogs, its bout 10 to 14 years. So if you want to enjoy their company, you have to make sure that you will be able to take fully care of them.

Here are some examples that you should keep in mind to ensure that your French bulldog would always be healthy and live a long and loving relationship with you.

If you don’t plan on breeding your French bulldog, make sure that you get it spayed or neutered. When you neuter your male French bulldog, you decrease the chances of testicular cancer from happening, and curb aggression. For your female French bulldog, you dramatically decrease the chances of uterine infections and breast cancer.

Make it a habit to keep a regular visitation schedule with your French bulldogs vet. Regular medical checkups will prevent any health conditions to proper and nip it in the bud before it becomes too damaging and untreatable. Also, it would be best if you learn how to give your French bulldog a home exam of their eyes, ears, skin, nose, gums and teeth.

Make sure that the gums and teeth of your French bulldog are kept clean. Aside from making it a habit to regularly clean them with a special toothbrush and toothpaste, you can also get professional help for deep cleaning of the tooth and gums.

Keep your French bulldog on a healthy and well balanced diet. An overweight French bulldog can develop different health conditions like the swelling of the abdomen and labored breathing. Raw diets are recommended for French bulldogs, you can also give them natural dog food which contains real meat and vegetables. Avoid processed food as much as possible.

Develop a moderate exercise regimen for your French bulldog. Make sure that you don’t stress your pet too much s their body structure do not allow it. Allow ample rest time so that they don’t overstress their body.

Keep your French bulldog clean. Brush its coat regularly to remove dirt and grime, and also dead hair. Using a wet cloth, wash the mouth and the folds of the face of your French bulldog. This is necessary as French bulldogs are known to drool quite often. Clip the nails from time to time, just keep it on a comfortable length. Also, using a cotton ball and some baby oil, or an ear cleaning solution, make sure that the ears of your French bulldog is devoid of dirt, this will help prevent any infection.

Warm Climates and French Bulldogs are Not the Best Combination

A cool temperature

Many dog lovers have found that French bulldogs look very lovable and find it hard to resist them. This is the reason why a lot of them would like to own one, but they don’t understand that owning one requires a different approach and care from other dogs. Aside from the unusual attention that they demand, French bulldogs should also be kept in a cooler temperature. This canine breed has unusual physical characteristics which don’t allow them to adapt well to warmer climates. They are also not outdoor types of dogs.

While the unique shape of the French bulldogs head and its shortened nose makes it uniquely appealing, it also is one of the cause why they can suffer difficulty in breathing, especially in warmer temperatures. Other breeds also experience this condition and it’s also known in the medical community as Brachycephalic Syndrome.

The same short snub nose that makes the French bulldog look irresistible is the same aspect that causes them to suffer from this condition. Because of their diminutive nose, this kind of dog is unable to have maximized air intake, which they need to dispel heat. Dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their body like humans do. So they pant to dispel heat from their body, with their nose, they aren’t able to do so effectively, especially in warmer climates. So, if this particular breed is kept at a very warm climate and heat is no expelled from their body, this condition can result to the death of the dog.

Home is their best place to be

If you live in a warm climate area and really want to own a French bulldog, then there are certain conditions that you have to consider first. Remember that the outdoors will be very hot, especially in the summertime, plus, bulldogs are not really outdoor dogs, they are bred to be kept inside the home. So, monitor their outdoor activities, don’t allow them to stay outside in a prolonged period of time.

If you plan to play with your dog in your backyard, make sure that there is adequate shade for you to play in, Also, make sure that fresh cool water is accessible at all times. Overheating can result to the death of your beloved pooch. Make sure to check the humidity periodically, if the levels are high, bring your dog indoors. Keep in mind that the higher the humidity and heat, the less time the doig should spend outside, lessen their exercise and walking.

Unlike other dogs, French bulldogs should be accompanied when they venture outside the home, whether to play, exercise, or to do their business. If you notice that your dog is having a hard time breathing, take him indoors immediately to cool off. If your home is also warm, make sure that an air-conditioned area is ready for him. To help your pet overcome overheating, make sure to rinse them off in cool water and place your pooch in wet towels. Make sure not to use ice cold water as it may cause the dog to go under shock.

This may sound too much work, but French bulldogs are definitely worth it.

Checklist of the Vital Needs of a French Bulldog

To some, a dog may just seem the same as the other one, they eat, they play, they sleep, and they leave a mess, could it get more complicated than that. Well, basically they do have the same needs, but there are still some distinct differences in every breed which can require some special attention. Sure they all need to exercise, but there are some differences as well. So if you own a French bulldog, or is planning to own one, then you need to know what this differences are to ensure that you will have a happy French bulldog and a healthy one at that.

In this article, there is a vital list of the basic things that any French bulldog owner should know. This list will not only help you become a responsible owner, but also help those that are thinking about buying a French bulldog to decide whether they are ready to own one today. Here is the list of those instructions in no particular order:

Cool area in their home or in their garden – French bulldogs find heat as their waterloo. Because of their oddly shaped head, French bulldogs find it difficult to dispel heat. They also have trouble breathing when it’s too warm and when they are tired. Make sure that if you live in an area with a warm climate, an air-conditioned room should be available for them. Also, your garden should have areas where shades are available where they can lunge around in not too warm days. Providing your pet with a good shelter makes him feel important and valued.

Have water accessible – Water will help them dispel heat. French bulldogs tend to overheat so they need to rehydrate often. Even with just a small time spent exercising, they will soon become thirsty and panting, so have a water bowl ready inside and outside your home.

Exercise your French bulldog – Unlike other dogs though, French bulldogs cannot be kept active for a prolonged period of time. They tire easily and needs short breaks from time to time. Walking and exercising is necessary for strength development of the dog, so dog owners usually do it twice a day. This also helps them to dispel waste outside your home. Plus, prevent your French bulldog from overheating when walking him by doing your exercises at dawn and at night time where the sun can’t bet down hard on your pet.

Well balanced diet – Quality dog food should be the norm. A healthy diet will help keep your dog strong to ward off any health conditions. It will also keep your dog looking good with its coat shiny and vibrant.

Respect your dog – treat it humanely and as part of the family. Provide it with the attention it needs and spend quality time with it. French bulldogs in particular need more human attention than other dogs. Try to spend also on dog products like chew toys and treats. A good collar will not only keep it nearby with a leash, but also help it find its way home if it gets lost.

And finally, keep some time and money for vet visits. Your vet is your best friend and ally in keeping your French bulldog healthy and happy.