Providing Quality Food for your French Bulldog

There is nothing quite like having a dog at your home. But sometimes, a dog can be a bit of a nuisance too. So if you’re not ready to have a dog just yet, then put your plans off owning one off first. Some people would rather not have a dog just yet even though they are ready for it because they don’t have enough space to spare, but with French bulldogs, with their small stature, even a small home or condo would be sufficient for them.

But aside from providing them with enough space, another consideration and responsibility of owning a dog is providing them with ample nutrients through the food they eat. Like babies, homegrown dogs need to be provided with their food, they tend to lose their hunting instincts and needs to be taken care of. So if you want a healthy dog that would be able to live a long and quality filled life, make sure that you will be able to provide it with top quality food. And remember, quality food doesn’t always mean its expensive, you can be able to provide good food for your French bulldog without having to break your piggy bank.

For French bulldog puppies, it is always best to provide them with dry dog food. They don’t only dispel the nutrients better, but they are also good for the developing teeth of your puppy. And like humans, French bulldog puppies can be picky at times, so it’s also a matter of trial and error which would be able to help you find which dog food your frenchie will actually eat. No matter how nutritious the dog food is, if your dog won’t eat it, then it’s useless.

When you are picking out dog food, read first the labels, there should not be excessive fillers. The ingredients should always contain protein as French bulldogs have muscular bodies that need protein to maintain its healthy body. If you’re able to, try to mix in your dog’s diet some homemade food, this will ensure that there are no chemicals are included in their dinner. A raw diet containing vegetables would also be good for them. This will help prevent the many different health conditions that plague this particular breed.

If you can afford it, try to get the premium brands of dog food. There are less fillers in them, but, if you want to save some money, find dog food that you can afford and compare their labels. See if there is not much of a difference. And when transferring one dog food to another, make sure that you do it gradually. Try to mix in the new with the old bit by bit. This will help your dog to get accustomed to the new taste.

You can try to ask your breeder as well to help you out mixing homemade dog food. They have the proper knowledge in mixing dog food as this is more cost effective than purchasing canned dog food, and healthier too.

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.

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.