Based on this feedback I wanted to give you the ultimate list of questions to ask, plus all the warning signs that should make you walk away. Not just warning sings about the French Bulldog puppy, but also her mother and the breeder too.

Things to know before buying a French Bulldog puppy

The moment you see that adorable French Bulldog puppy for the first time will last with you forever, it certainly did with me when we first met our own dog. You’re bound to find it hard not to completely fall head over heels for them.

But…. Just take a step back for a second as there will be some red flags to watch for.

Yes, you might see one puppy in the litter that you have a particular affinity for, but how do you know it’s the right one for you to take home?

It’s easy to simply say yes, pay your money, and take a French Bulldog puppy home, but in hindsight there’s always thing you should look into.

We didn’t do this when we bought our first ever puppy many years ago. I wish we had, but luckily, our dog ended up being ok, but it could have been very different: French Bulldogs are a notorious breed for health problems and unscrupulous breeders.

With their cute squashed faces and cuddly squat bodies, they will tug at your heart strings. You will be tempted to just take that French Bulldog puppy and go. But please, please, please… before you do that, here are some things you should check before you pay your money.

Questions to ask a French Bulldog breeder / what to know when buying a puppy

Here’s my list of questions to ask a French Bulldog breeder when buying a French Bulldog puppy. Read these before you spend the money. By doing this due diligence you should hopefully get a puppy that not only fits your family and lifestyle, but also lives a long and happy life.

• Research your breeder’s credentials: Before you even visit, do a bit of Google research on the breeder. You want to choose one that has a track record, online reviews, and a good reputation in the French Bulldog world… not some first timer nobody has heard of.
• Be suspicious of low prices: If the French Bulldog puppies are advertised as a lower than average price, be wary. The old adage about if it looks too good to be true is almost always the case with puppies. Low prices can be a sign of an unhealthy litter.
• Find out how many litters the mother has had already: French Bulldog mothers should not have anything more than one litter each year. The best scenario would be a litter every couple of years. More pregnancies than this mean she has been over-bred and both her and the puppies could have health problems.
• Ask if both parents have up to date health checks and history:Knowing the health history of the French Bulldog puppy’s parents will give you an idea of what you might have in store. Look out for serious conditions and hereditary issues including dwarfism, hip and spine issues, soft palate issues, eye problems, and hearing problems.
• Ask how old the French Bulldog’s parents are: French Bulldogs that give birth when still aged under 3 years old might not yet have developed genetic health issues that can be passed on. I would recommend getting a puppy from a French Bulldog older than this just to be sure.
• Ask to see the parents of the puppy: Whilst it’s unusual to see the French Bulldog’s father, at the very least you should be viewing the puppy with the mother. Before 8 weeks of age, they should still be with her, and it can also help you understand what type of dog your puppy will grow up to be. If the breeder refuses access to the mother, walk away.
• Ask where the puppies have been living: If the French Bulldogs have been in a dark garage away from human interaction it will mean they will be harder to socialize and harder to train.
• Ask how often the French Bulldogs have been handled: When puppies are regularly handled by humans, they will be much easier when taken home. They probably won’t be as anxious and might take the separation from the litter easier.
• Ask whether a vet has checked the puppies: Puppies should have been checked by a vet and had their first set of vaccinations before going to their new home.
• Do your own checks on the puppy’s appearance: You can do your own cursory health checks including looking at the eyes and ears to make sure they appear healthy.
• Ask for a canine hearing test: This is more of a nice to have and won’t always be possible. Puppies can develop hearing loss at birth due to congenital defects, and it’s only something you can spot as they get older without a vet examination.
• Ask to speak to a previous buyer:A reputable breeder will let you talk to people who have bought a French Bulldog puppy from them before. If they are unable to supply references and contacts, they could be hiding something.
• Choose either male or female: Whilst there isn’t any scientific proof, French Bulldog owners will say that the males have more energy, and females tend to be more chilled out. Whilst there’s no guarantee, you might notice a subtle difference between the genders.

I hope you find these questions to ask a French Bulldog breeder helpful. Please do print them off before you visit the litter and decide to buy.

The personality of the French Bulldog breeder

This is so often over-looked, but I wanted to add it on as something to look for when buying a French Bulldog puppy. It’s so important to get a good feeling about the breeder; if they treat you badly and are rude, it could mean they treat those pups badly too!

Only buy a French Bulldog puppy from a breeder who is prepared to take the time to answer any questions and concerns you might have. They should also be happy to give you as much detail as possible about the parent’s history.

Breeders that treat buyers with respect will most likely extend that kindness to the French Bulldog mother and her puppies.

How to buy a healthy French Bulldog puppy

Earlier I explained how you should ask the breeder to show you the parent’s history. This gives you an indication of what health problems could in store.

It’s an unfortunate fact that dogs of a brachycephalic nature such as French Bulldogs, do suffer with some very unique health issues – not always, but the risks are higher. These can include:

• Allergies
• Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
• Demodicosis
• Distichiasis
• Elongated palate
• Entropion
• Hemivertebra
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
• Legg-Perthes disease
• Nerve degeneration
• Obesity
• Patellar luxation
• French Bulldog dog encephalitis (PDE)
• Seizures
• Skin infections
• Stenotic nares

As you can see, it’s a very large list, and in truth, I’ve missed some health issues out.

But I hope this at least gives you even more reason than before to make health history one of the most essential questions you ask the breeder when buying a French Bulldog puppy.

French Bulldog puppy health issues you can check yourself

This is one of the most critical sections of what to look for and know before you buy a French Bulldog puppy. Health problems are common, but there are some things you can check, often in the company of the breeder whilst seeing the litter.

Whilst not all health issues will be obvious, there are some which have visible signs. Here’s what you can check for easily:

1. Eye health: Eyes are very easy to check. Things to look for include cataracts which can be hereditary; look for cloudiness. Red eyes and visible gunk or discharge is also a sign of ill health. Also look at the health of the mother’s eyes.
2. Ear and nose health: Similarly, the ears and nose should be free of gunk, be free of nasty odors, and not have any discoloring such as redness or sores.
3. Coat health: French Bulldog puppies should have shiny and clean coats.
4. Dwarfism: French Bulldogs are a dwarf breed and always have been. However, puppies can suffer with dwarfism too, which is a hereditary condition. Look for shorter legs than a French Bulldog puppy should normally have. Dwarfism is genetic, and often happens when runts are bred, or inbreeding occurs. It leads to a lifetime of health issues, and possible euthanasia at a young age.

Is a French Bulldog puppy right for you and your family?

If you have decided to buy a French Bulldog, please make sure that it will fit into your lifestyle, work commitments and family life.

Whilst French Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise, they are very clingy and do demand a lot of attention. They are one of those breeds that suffer with separation anxiety and are often better when homed in pairs.

If you are active yourself and enjoy long walks, then a French Bulldog really isn’t the dog for you.

However, if you like a couple of short walks each day, perhaps live in an apartment, and like to have cuddle up on the couch, a French Bulldog’s a great choice.

What age should I buy a French Bulldog puppy?

This is another factor that comes into play when looking to buy a French Bulldog puppy and should never be overlooked: Puppies should not leave their mother before the age of 8 weeks old. If they leave the mother before this, it can affect their health and behavior in the long term.

Never buy a French Bulldog younger than 8 weeks as it won’t have received the nutrition it needs form the mother and will be much harder to train and socialize.

Don’t fall for a French Bulldog puppy scam!

There are so many scams going around with popular pedigree dog breeds that I’ve lost count of the amount of ways people come up with take your money.

There are scammers out there who know how easy it is to pull a fast one on a person who has fallen in love with a puppy.

Here’s a list of the most common scams you might come across when buying a French Bulldog puppy:

• Adverts that promise a free puppy, only to sell at a discounted price.
• Sellers who give sob stories about a family bereavement, moving away, not being able to care for the puppy.
• Asking for more money to complete paperwork.
• Promising to transfer a puppy across a long geographical distance.
• Prices and offers that look too good to be true.

Conclusion

French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country right now, and it’s easy to see why. They suit the lifestyle of owners who don’t have much room or have a more sedentary lifestyle.

However, with this explosion in popularity has also come a downside: unscrupulous breeders looking to make a quick buck.

For first time dog owners, it’s easy to quickly fall into the trap of buying the first French Bulldog you see. I implore not to do that, but instead ask the questions of a French Bulldog breeder I’ve laid out and know what to look for when buying your puppy.

If you do your due diligence, not only can you reduce the risks of buying an unhealthy French Bulldog, but you will also do you bit to get rid of the bad breeders.

You might also like…

Once you have your French Bulldog, please keep coming back for more French Bulldog love; here’s some of the latest:

• Why Frenchies have runny noses
• You can stop a Frenchie biting with some patience

The post What to Look for When Buying a French Bulldog Puppy? + Questions to Ask Breeder appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Some limping happens after sleeping and it will gradually wear off. With some limping you won’t even think your French Bulldog is in pain.

But it’s when the limping doesn’t quickly clear up within minutes but instead lasts for a few days it’s more serious. It most commonly is going to be attributed to a soft tissue injury or bone jar. This could be something like a sprain in your French Bulldog’s leg joints and tendons. These will often clear up inside of week when combined with vet-prescribed pain killers.

Whatever the scenario though, if you see your French Bulldog limping it’s worrying enough to want to know more and that’s what this guide is about.

Why? Because there will be times when a French Bulldog limping is something far more serious than just a strain. No matter what the situation, you should always call your own vet for professional advice if your French Bulldog suddenly starts limping. I am not a vet, but I do own a Frenchie so have been through all of this on a couple of occasions.

Why is my French Bulldog limping?

The most common reasons why your French Bulldog has started limping will be strains to a tendon, ligament, or muscle – this is the soft tissue injury I referred to earlier and will happen after your French Bulldog has been exerting himself; the limping will start suddenly afterwards.

Most vets can quickly diagnose this type of injury and could prescribe canine pain killers to help alleviate your French Bulldog’s discomfort.

Given time to recuperate, rest, and trying to stop them from jumping and running, your French Bulldog should be better in just a few days. That means no walkies or indoor play!

If you haven’t yet called your own vet, here are some checks you can make which might indicate why your French Bulldog is limping:

• Check for broken toe and claw nails.
• Check there is no visible bleeding or cuts on the paw.
• Check for any splinters or foreign objects in the paw.
• Check to see if your French Bulldog is lethargic and not eating.
• Check for any visible signs of swelling.

When you call your vet, make a note of what you see, if anything.

When you should call a vet about your limping French Bulldog

If there’s nothing obvious around the paw or leg, and you still don’t know why your French Bulldog is limping, then call your vet and book an appointment in.

This is particular important if your French Bulldog wakes up from sleeping with a limp and shows no sign of the limp going inside of 30 minutes. Anything longer than and I would suggest it’s not a limp due to the way they have slept, but instead something different.

Here’s a list of reasons given by vets for why your French Bulldog has a limping back leg or starts limping on the front paws only.

French Bulldog limping back leg: common causes

From my own research and talking to a vet friend of mine, here are the most common causes of limping. Keep scrolling down for the more serious French Bulldog lameness symptoms.

• Over-exertion: Your French Bulldog could be limping after some particularly excessive exercise. French Bulldogs get worn out very easily and will be exhausted after heavy exercise of just a few minutes. The limping could be due to utter exhaustion so give them water and time to recover.
• Injured claws: Your French Bulldog might have broken a claw. This injury can be extremely painful, especially if the tear in the claw gets to the nerve ending.
• Wound to the paw or insect sting: Your French Bulldog might have a splinter in his paw making him limp. It could be an open wound, a stone, chewing gum, or even a insect bite or sting so do a thorough check.
• Strain or muscle injury: Your French Bulldog might have strained a leg, joint, or muscle whilst playing or even just going about his day to day business.

French Bulldog limping on back leg: more serious conditions

One would hope that your French Bulldog’s limping back or front legs will quickly get better themselves. But there are more serious health conditions that limping legs are attributed to.

• Breaks, fractures, and dislocations: French Bulldogs are prone to leg injuries due to their genetics and can easily hurt themselves when active.
• Torn ligaments: Ligament damage will occur after your French Bulldog twists and jumps. It can be very painful but can be treated easily by a vet.
• Hip or elbow dysplasia: French Bulldogs are prone to these health conditions, being common with brachycephalic breeds. The hip dysplasia can occur in their back leg with elbow dysplasia in the front legs and paws.
• Luxating patella: This is the medical for a kneecap dislocation. It’s an injury common in French Bulldogs and will often manifest itself at first with a pronounced limp. It occurs on the back legs and you will notice your French Bulldog skipping or limping in pain.
• Inflammatory disease: Also known as panosteitis, French Bulldog puppies will often have this inflammation on their leg bones. You might see your French Bulldog shifting from leg to leg to balance the weight with this lameness condition.
• Bone cancer: Canine bone cancer tends to be more of a big dog breed condition but isn’t unheard of in smaller dogs like French Bulldogs. Your vet can check for it with a simple blood test.
• ACL injuries: ACL tears often affect the back legs and are often first noticed when your French Bulldog starts to lift up a leg. It can be fixed with an operation surgery, and your French Bulldog might even be back and walking inside of 60 days.
• Arthritis: This condition is most common in older French Bulldogs, where limping is a gradual thing as the joints become more swollen over time. Vets can prescribe therapy and medication for the pain.
• Lyme’s disease: This limping cause is one of the most difficult to diagnose as your French Bulldog won’t suddenly start limping, but instead will limp many months after being exposed to Lyme’s. It can be treated with antibiotics.
• Valley fever: This is a fungal disease found in the United States and can either make a French Bulldog puppy limp, or an older dog. It is not related to how old your dog is.
• Neurological disorders: This will often occur after damage to the spine where a disc will touch against the nerves, leading to potential lameness in your French Bulldog.

French Bulldog limping on front leg or paws

Many of the reasons I have already listed for French Bulldog lameness and limping will happen with the back and front legs. But there are some conditions which will only cause limps to one of the other.

For example; elbow dysplasia (front legs) or hip dysplasia (rear legs).

• Elbow dysplasia (front leg limping): This is very common in French Bulldogs and happens due to bone abnormalities in the elbow joints on the front legs. It happens due to cartilage fusing to the bone resulting in an elbow joint being pushed out of place. It will be very painful to your French Bulldog, with obvious swelling.
• Hip dysplasia (rear leg limping): This happens when your French Bulldog’s hip joints haven’t formed correctly when they were a puppy. Your French Bulldog probably won’t be able to walk upstairs, jump up, and will probably walk with what looks like a little bunny hop to deal with the pain.

Handy Hint: If you want to know more about hip dysplasia in French Bulldogs and what it means for your dog please check out the PDSA website. It explains what it is, how to treat it, and when to contact your vet.

How vets diagnose lameness and limping

Once you have booked an appointment in with your vet, they will do a manual check of your French Bulldog using just their hands. They will press and pull to see what the cause could be. The check will go something like this:

• Examine the paws for obvious signs of injury.
• Pull the legs stretched out to check for a reaction.
• Do gentle massage on all four legs.
• Lightly apply pressure to the spine to see if the French Bulldog puts up resistance.

If the manual checks don’t offer a conclusion on why your French Bulldog limps, there could be some more in-depth diagnosis test such as:

• Blood test.
• X-ray.
• Fluoroscopy.
• MRI scan.

How to stop your French Bulldog from getting leg injuries

A lot of limping can be avoided, so here are a few tips on how to avoid those injuries in the first place.

• Don’t let them walk on sharp, uneven, or surfaces covered in debris.
• Don’t let them walk on hot surfaces or surfaces that are too cold.
• Don’t overwork and over-exercise your French Bulldog, particularly in hot weather.
• Don’t let your French Bulldog jump up too high as it can jar their spine.

According to the UK Kennel Club, 8.4% of French Bulldogs will suffer with a back or leg problem during their lifetime,

Conclusion

French Bulldogs are prone to limping injuries, some more serious than others. If you French Bulldog is limping on a paw and you cannot find any obvious reason for doing so, consult your vet.

Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a vet, and this isn’t intended to replace professional advice on what to do if your French Bulldog is limping on his back leg or front paws. Instead it’s an overview of what I have learned as a dog owner when my own was limping, plus what vets have told me. If you are at all concerned, please call your own vet.

You might also like…

Here are some more health-related French Bulldog articles that all owners of this breed should be aware of.

• How to identify Frenchie skin problems
• Do this if your Frenchie won’t stop biting you or other dogs

The post French Bulldog Limping: Back & Front Legs: Quick Diagnosis or Lameness? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

I have a very clear memory of when we got Claude the Frenchie puppy. During the puppy months we would find tiny teeth on the floor which would come out as he chewed everything in sight to relieve his sore teeth and gums. This chewing is a huge part of the teething process, but is something you can actually help your French Bulldog puppy with.

So, today I want to share everything I have learned about why French Bulldogs teethe, at what age they lose their baby or milk teeth, what to expect as an owner, and how to help them plus ways to stop them chewing your furniture!

My intention is for this to be the only guide you would ever need to read about the dental development of your French Bulldog.

The teething stage of a French Bulldog puppy

First things first; don’t be concerned if you start seeing small blood spots on your French Bulldog’s toys or loose teeth in your carpet. This is completely normal during the teething phases. But when should you expect this to start and then finally stop?

Here’s an overview of the teething stages you can expect to experience with a French Bulldog puppy.

1. French Bulldog puppy baby teeth start coming through – between 2 and 3 weeks old

French Bulldogs are born without teeth. French Bulldog puppy milk teeth (aka baby teeth) don’t actually start to push through their gums until around the 14-day point at the earliest.

In terms of the puppy’s overall dental development, the baby teeth coming through do so at the same point that they begin to open their eyes. The 2-week point in their life is a massive time in their growth and becoming the French Bulldogs we know and love.

Of course, most French Bulldog owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as French Bulldog puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old.

Here’s the order in which your French Bulldog’s baby teeth will come though:

1. Front teeth (incisors).
2. Canine teeth (at which point they can start on solid foods).
3. Pre-molars (stop coming through after about 6 weeks).

By 8 weeks of age, your French Bulldog should have grown all of its 28 milk teeth.

2. French Bulldog starts teething and growing adult teeth – 12 weeks of age onwards

The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. French Bulldogs don’t have their milk teeth for as long as you might think and won’t be long until the adult teeth start to push through.

When do French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth?

French Bulldog puppies will lose their baby teeth at around 3 months or 12 weeks old. This the age at which French Bulldogs start to teeth as they lose the milk teeth which fall out.

There are 28 baby teeth in total, and surprisingly, 32 adult teeth which will grow through in the place of the milk teeth.

3. French Bulldog puppies stop teething – 7 to 8 months of age

When do French Bulldogs stop teething?

French Bulldog puppies will typically stop teething at around 7 to 8 months old. It’s not always this specific, as some French Bulldogs will stop the teething phase before this, and possibly even after this age.

4. How long do French Bulldogs teethe for – can be as long as 20 to 24 weeks

The majority of French Bulldog puppies will stop teething once they hit 6 months old, but don’t be surprised if it takes longer, it’s not an exact science.

French Bulldog adult teeth take a lot longer to grow and push through compared to their baby milk teeth. The molars at the back are the ones that are particularly stubborn.

At the very latest, your 8-month-old French Bulldog puppy should have stopped teething. Anything after that age would be unusual, but still not unheard of. Most French Bulldogs will now have all 42 adult teeth.

Signs of teething in French Bulldog puppies

As you might have already experienced with your French Bulldog puppy, the first sign of teething is them chewing everything in sight. Here’s all those teething signs in full.

• Small baby teeth: One of the more obvious signs is finding their cute little teeth. They might be on the floor, embedded in a toy, or near a food bowl.
• Blood spots on toys: As French Bulldogs teethe, they will chew on their toys to relieve the pain. This can result in blood when baby teethe come out or gums are irritated.
• Lots of drooling: Teething puppies can drool, so expect to see more saliva than usual coming from their mouths.
• Even more chewing: When French Bulldogs teethe, they need to relieve the pain and the best way to do this is by chewing. Give them chew toys and keep them away from anything that you value!
• Sore gums: Teething French Bulldogs will get inflamed and red gums. They will look really sore, because the larger adult teeth are pushing up through.
• Change in behavior: Your French Bulldog puppy will be in pain from time to time and might even be irritable. Try to distract them with teething toys and lots of attention.
• Mild fever: If you have ever had kids, you will know that they can get a little hot when teething. French Bulldog puppies are the same.
• Misaligned teeth: As the adult teeth come through, they might not always push a baby tooth. Your French Bulldog might have a bit of a redneck look at the two teeth sit together until the milk tooth falls out.

Recommended French Bulldog teething toys

All puppies need something to chew on when new teeth are coming through. They will try to chew your shoes, furniture… pretty much anything. To help them out, give them toys to chew on, but not the soft stuffed ones – those simply won’t cut it.

To help your French Bulldog puppy when teething, instead invest in some teething toys that are hard and durable enough to give their gums relief.

There are two teething toys we used with our own puppy which always worked a treat.

Firstly, there’s the Kong chew toy on Amazon. Not only is a great for French Bulldogs to get their teeth around, but you can also put treats inside of it to mentally challenge them as well.

What we also used to do was place ours in the freezer before letting our teething puppy have. That way it was really nice and cold and helped to soothe his sore gums.

My second recommendation is the Nylabone dog chew on Amazon. It’s a fantastic alternative to chews like rawhide, and our dog still has this chew toy 3 years down the line. It’s extremely durable and hard-wearing.

This is how much they will end up chewing it!

How to stop your French Bulldog puppy chewing when teething

Once those milk teeth start to fall out, your French Bulldog puppy will want to get his or her teeth around anything to give much needed pain relief. You might have to hide things, reduce their access to certain rooms, and keep a close eye on them.

It’s a dog’s natural instinct to want to chew during the teething phase, so as owners, it’s our job to help them out. Here’s what you can do.

• Chew proof your home: You might need to install stair gates to restrict access to certain rooms where your prized furniture is located. You might have to move things above their height. Nothing is safe from a teething French Bulldog puppy!
• Give them frozen treats: As well as chew toys, a piece of frozen carrot or an ice cube can really help to soothe their sore gums.
• Keep them exercised: French Bulldogs that have energy to burn will chew more than those that are tired out. Give your French Bulldog puppy a couple of walks a day and provide plenty of indoor play time too.
• Keep them entertained: Bored French Bulldogs tend to be destructive. Get their toys out to keep them mentally challenged and distracted whilst teething.
• Give them chew toys but not rawhide chews: I’ve already shown you what toys we use. But please don’t let them chew rawhide. It’s dangerous for dogs and can cause choking.

Puppies can cause utter devastation whilst teething. You just need to look at how chewed the corner of our wooden dining room table was during the teething phase.

Did You Know? If you find that your French Bulldog continues to chew on things after teething has finished then it could be the sign of something else. This can include stress, boredom, worms, gastrointestinal problems, or even a dietary deficiency.

What other owners say

I am part many different French Bulldog social media groups, and recently asked people about their own experiences with their own puppies and teething.

Here’s a selection of the best responses on how to help teething French Bulldogs that chew things:

“Make sure you have lots of chew toys, so your French Bulldog has options and doesn’t get bored. Bored French Bulldogs will start chewing your things when they teethe. Mine loves to chew but he’s always been good about only chewing his toys. I’ve always made sure he had many different kinds so he doesn’t get bored with them. Nylabone and Kong Toys are two of my faves.”

“Get lots of rawhide alternatives! Bully sticks and Himalayan cheese sticks are good. Kongs are wonderful too as you can stuff them with banana and peanut butter (make sure it isn’t the kind sweetened with Xylitol) and freeze it! We also use real bones from the meat department at our local store, frozen so they last longer, and our dogs love them.”

“As to teething, freeze your French Bulldog some ice cubes with some meat jelly in them. If your French Bulldog is teething and eats dry food try and soften the biscuits as chewing hard food can be a big turn off put for them as their gums can be quite sensitive.”

“French Bulldog puppies should have a variety of several different texture chew toys. Puppies crave different things at different times and are learning what their teeth can do in addition to the teething that they are going through. Don’t be surprised if you find your puppy chewing on the drywall. it’s all about the texture. I recommend 20 different teething toys and rotate them. Kong’s with treats are great as well.”

“When your French Bulldog is teething put lavender oil on things. They hate the smell and it will stop them chewing your stuff. And give him chews. It is boredom that makes them chew more than anything.”

“We used old tea towels when our French Bulldog was teething. Just put a knot in each end and wet them, then freeze them! He loved it and still just loves playing with tea towels now at nearly 2 years old. Would recommend putting the tea towel in a food bag when freezing.”

Conclusion

At the age your French Bulldog starts to teethe, he or she will suffer with sore gums and the pain of their baby teeth being pushed through. How much pain they are will vary from puppy to puppy – our own dog had quite mild teething pain from what we could tell, but it depends on the dog.

But, almost all of them will chew. You can expect to see little teeth on the floor or stuck into things they have chewed on, plus those little blood spots I mentioned.

During your French Bulldog’s dental development just give them plenty of love, attention, understanding… and chew toys!

At this time of their dental development, your puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding.

You might also like…

If you enjoyed this guide to French Bulldog teething ages and how long it all lasts, then you might also like these other French Bulldog puppy related articles:

• Why your Frenchie has suddenly started to limp
• Why puppies have such sharp teeth

The post French Bulldog Puppy Teething Stages, Age & Timeline of Baby Teeth appeared first on DoggySaurus.

How long is a French Bulldog pregnant for? French Bulldogs are pregnant for 63 days or 9 weeks on average, although this may vary by a few days depending on several factors. A veterinarian will be able to run tests to more accurately determine how far along the pregnancy is and when a dog will give birth.

How many days are French Bulldogs pregnant for?

Across all breeds, dogs have a pregnancy gestation period of around 2 months (around 63 days), and this is the same for French Bulldogs; with the length of the pregnancy measured from when the fertilized egg embeds itself into the lining of the uterine horn.

But what are the different stages of the Frenchie pregnancy, what are the symptoms and how do you properly care for a pregnant bulldog before, during and after labor?

French Bulldog pregnancy stages

Dogs have three trimesters, all of which will last around 3 weeks.

Once the eggs have been fertilized over the period of a week after breeding has occurred, between the 2^ndand 3^rd week they will embed themselves into the wall of the uterus. This is when the first signs of a French Bulldog pregnancy can start to occur, with your dog becoming more affectionate or irritable.

Implantation and the early development of the embryo begins at around week 3, with their mood changes becoming more pronounced, as well as changes in appetite and development of breast tissue.

The developing foetuses can be physically felt in the uterus at around week 4, which is when their spinal cord and facial features begin to develop (the mother’s uterus will also begin to fill with liquid in order to protect the foetuses, which will mean that you cannot feel them. Don’t worry, they are still in there).

Their heartbeat will begin to be heard after the first month of the pregnancy.

The foetuses will begin to actually look like French Bulldog puppies at around week 5, with their legs and toes developing. Your dog’s belly will begin to have a noticeable pregnancy-bump, and their appetite will decrease. They will begin to develop their pigmentation and eyelids on week 6.

The puppies will reach their birth-size at around week 7, when they will be physically feelable inside the abdomen of your dog. This is a sign that the pregnancy is coming to an end, and that you will need to start preparing to welcome the litter.

Handy Hint: If you are planning on breeding your Bully you will need to know about the French Bulldog heat cycle. Read that guide to see how to prepare for it, how long it takes, and what signs you need to look out for.

Week 8 will see your dog preparing for the birth, showing nesting behaviour and with the puppies moving around within the uterus as they prepare to leave.

At week 9 the puppies will be ready to be born and labour will begin. Keep checking their temperature with a rectal thermometer. While their normal temperature being around 100°F, once it drops to 97°F for two consecutive readings that is the sign that labour will commence with the next 24 hours.

Be with your dog to help with the birth, which can take between 3 and 12 hours for the full litter, helping to clean the puppies and unite them with their mother.

However, most French Bulldogs will deliver via c-section. It can be dangerous for them to have a natural birth.

If you would rather have them birthed in a more professional setting, ask your vet about what veterinary hospitals could assist in the labour. I do recommend c-section. This is how most French Bulldogs give birth.

How many puppies do French bulldogs have?

While an average dog litter is around five to six puppies, this can vary depending on the breed of dog. French Bulldogs typically have a litter of around three to four puppies, with your vet being able to identify the amount as they begin to more noticeably develop, with X-rays taking place at around the eighth week.

However, sometimes ultrasounds and X-rays are not 100% accurate, meaning that there is a chance that the litter may be bigger or smaller than originally suspected.

You will often be able to tell once the labor has finished, with the mother becoming more relaxed and is no longer straining. However, if you believe there are still puppies inside her, if she does not give birth to another within the next four hours, call your vet for assistance.

Once the birth has occurred, take the puppies and put them in a warmed box, only putting them on their mother for nursing. Make sure the dog can see the puppies but keeping them separated is safe because French Bulldogs are often not instinctive mothers at first, with it being very common for them to sit on and squish their puppies.

They can be reunited properly once the puppy’s eyes begin to open, with your Bulldog often being very happy to fully take over their care and feeding.

How can you tell if a French bulldog is pregnant?

All that being said, how do you tell whether or not your French Bulldog is pregnant? If you specifically want your dog to have puppies, or if it is more unexpected, there are several signs and symptoms to watch out for as early as the first and second week of the pregnancy.

French Bulldog pregnancy signs

• Change in mood: While this differs depending on the dog, your dog will often have a change in moods; either becoming more affectionate or more irritable. Some dogs seek company and extra attention, while others isolate themselves and do not want any attention, even if they are a normally friendly dog.
• Appetite change: The appetite of a pregnant dog can change and fluctuate depending the how far along the pregnancy is; having a decreased appetite early on but needing more food later on in the pregnancy. This can vary from dog to dog and is caused by their rapidly changing hormones.
• Vomiting: Along with a decreased appetite, some dogs experience nausea and vomiting. However, this usually only occurs around week 3 of the pregnancy and will not stick around for long. Sometimes though, the throwing up could mean something altogether different.
• Lack of activity: Your dog may become less interested in physical activities and play, which usually occurs around week two. Over time, your dog will most likely become used to their condition and become more willing to interact and play.
• Breast growth: Dog’s nipples and breasts only grow once a pregnancy occurs, with the milk glands developing to prepare for nursing at around two weeks. The nipples themselves may also change colour, becoming redder than their normal pinkish gray thanks to the increased blood flow.

Can a French bulldog give birth naturally?

Because of their history of breeding, certain Bulldogs struggle to give birth naturally, with French Bulldogs often needing caesarean sections because of their narrow hips.

French Bulldogs are much the same, with 95% of bulldogs needing C-sections in order to give birth safely. This is because the birth canal of the dog is often not big enough to properly, safely allow the puppies to pass through and can prove fatal for both the puppies and the mother.

Handy Hint: If you are buying a Frenchie puppy, here are some important things you need to look out for.

However, some French Bulldogs can give birth naturally, although repeated litters by breeders are usually done through C-sections as a safety precaution.

f you are concerned about whether or not your dog will need to have a C-section once labor commences, speak to your vet who will be able to recommend whether an unassisted birth or a medical procedure is needed for your particular dog.

If your dog is currently in the middle of labor and you are worried they are struggling, please phone your vet immediately for medical aid.

French bulldog labor signs

At around week 8 of the pregnancy, your dog will begin to show signs of preparing for labor, often called ‘nesting behaviour’. This is often shown through restlessness, making and remaking their bed and losing their appetite.

Once labor properly begins, your dog will begin to start to pant, as well as begin to pace and move around. Keep an eye on her and regularly check her temperature with a rectal thermometer.

Once the temperature drops from 100°F to around 98°F, this is a sign that the delivery is due within the next 12 to 24 hours. If you are going to the vet for delivery, this is when you should set off.

How to deliver French bulldog puppies naturally

Once your dog has begun her labor, she may become increasingly agitated and digging her bed, as well as vomiting. This is when you need to be by your dog, monitoring her progress.

Labor can last between 4 and 24 hours. If you are noticing her is straining too much or passing greenish discharge, call your vet immediately.

Once puppies start coming out, they will be covered in fluid which the dog will break and lick the puppy to stimulate them to start moving. However, if your dog is exhausted, they may not have the energy, meaning you will have to do this for them, using a hand towel to break the sack and wipe their nose.

If the puppy is not breathing, wipe them more vigorously to help stimulate their breathing response (don’t worry about them being fragile, the rubbing needs to be forceful.)

In emergencies, you may need to perform CPR (see how) or rescue breaths. If it has a heartbeat, place your lips over the puppy’s mouth and blow gently. If there is no heartbeat, place the puppy on a solid surface, wrap your hand just below their front legs and press your thumb down on the front of their chest several times in a row.

Also, call your vet for help as they will be able to provide you with instructions on performing CPR as well as helping with other areas of the labor.

My pregnant French Bulldog’s temperature dropped

Is this normal?

Yes!

However, this is the most important symptom in a labor as it indicates that your dog will begin to give birth within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Once this has happened, you need to start preparing for imminent birth, preparing a whelping box and taking your dog to the vet if you are having an assisted birth at the animal hospital.

Conclusion

If you are a new breeder or suspect that your dog has become expectedly or unexpectedly pregnant, then that is great news! French Bulldog puppies are adorable and are no more difficult to care for than other breed’s puppies.

However, it’s not something I recommend if you aren’t a breeder as looking after a pregnant bully can be hard. It’s not just about knowing how long they will be pregnant for, but caring for them during this period, and then dealing with the big day itself.

You might also like…

• Why Frenchies will often have very runny noses
• Foods you should not feed to your Frenchie for toxic reasons
• Why Frenchie puppies are demonic when they are teething

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-french-bulldog-pet-view-grey-3701377/

The post How Long is a French Bulldog Pregnant For? + Signs of Pregnancy appeared first on DoggySaurus.

As a breed, French Bulldogs are prone to various health problems, with their skin being just one regular complaint. It’s not unusual for French Bulldog skin allergies, rashes, and bumps to develop over their lifetime.

But, it’s not all bad news. You can help your French Bulldog’s skin problems with a range of preventative measures and also look out for some signs of an allergy, such as bumps. Of course, if the skin issue doesn’t quickly clear, you should always consult with a vet – or if you are worried at any point.

They will typically prescribe an antibiotic and recommend special medicated dog shampoos to help remedy French Bulldog skin bumps and rashes.

French Bulldog skin problems & conditions

Below you can see a list of the most frequent French Bulldog skin issues I have researched. I’ve also added notes on how you might be able to help remedy them from home (based on my online findings), or when it’s best to seek professional advice and treatment.

1. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is one of the more common French Bulldog skin issues and can arise for various reasons including a food allergy or something in the home.

It can appear to look like a patch of red and irritable skin, eventually scabbing up, or even leading to pus. Vets prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication for more serious cases, with some milder dermatitis being treated at home.

For example, French Bulldog owners can clean the skin with antifungal cleansers or shampoos with cool water, or pet-friendly cleansing wipes (view on Amazon).

There are different types of dermatitis that can affect French Bulldogs, all detailed below.

Nasal fold and tail fold dermatitis

Your French Bulldog’s tail (or lack of) is often the place where dermatitis will occur most, as moisture and dirt can become trapped under the tail stump, leading to inflammation. Signs to look for include redness of the skin under the tail, and a nasty smelling discharge.

To help prevent this type of skin issue, keep the area under your French Bulldog’s tail as clean as possible with wiping. Use a clean and damp cloth, or a dog friendly wipe to help prevent infection.

Handy Hint: Read my guide explaining what type of wet wipes you should use on your dog, and how to clean their face, eyes, and ears properly.

With skin infections like this, vets tend to prescribe medication and will show you how to use an antifungal wipe on your French Bulldog. The two things combined will help you to get rid of any bacteria or a yeast infection in that area.

I have heard from many French Bulldog owners who have had to go to the vets with this particular French Bulldog skin rash. It’s a very common canine skin complaint.

Acute moist dermatitis – aka a “hot spot”

Also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis (see definition, hot spots are where your French Bulldog has created a self-inflicted wound, through excessive itching or rubbing.

What might start off as a skin rash on your French Bulldog, and possibly nothing that problematic, can soon become a hot spot if your French Bulldog starts to give it attention. Hot spots will become angry, with thick scaly skin and occasional discharge on the fur.

Of all the possible French Bulldog skin problems, it’s certainly one of the nastiest looking ones.

In terms of a home treatment, you can help this French Bulldog skin issue by trimming back the hair around the wound. That will let more air get to the area, letting it dry out. You can also help speed things along by using an antibacterial solution, like chlorhexidine or betadine.

If the problem gets more serious and struggles to heal, vets tend to give the French Bulldog an antibiotic. Some dogs will continue to chew at the wound, so might need to wear a cone (also known as an Elizabethan collar).

Handy Hint: If your dog does end up wearing a cone, please read these tips on how to make sure they heal quickly.

2. French Bulldog dry skin due to a food allergy

Some French Bulldogs will develop skin irritations and dermatitis due to an allergic reaction to certain foods. Food allergies are a common cause of problematic French Bulldog skin conditions.

Food allergies can manifest themselves anywhere on your French Bulldog’s body, and you might not realize it until your French Bulldog starts to paw at the affected area. For example, you might see your dog chewing a paw, or find some itchy bumps on their belly… it could even become an inner ear infection.

Allergic reactions to food can show in a different number of skin conditions with your French Bulldog, and treatment will mean figuring out what food is causing it. This isn’t always that simple.

As part of the process, your vet might recommend that you switch your French Bulldog to a hypoallergenic food, as well as the process of elimination in their diet.

3. French Bulldog skin allergies from environmental conditions

French Bulldogs can also develop skin problems due to things in their environment. That could be their home, yard, garden, or anywhere they frequently visit.

Like many of the skin problems already referenced, you might see some red patches on your dog’s stomach, or again, they could start chewing at their own paws and skin.

This is particularly true when it’s a contact allergy. In other words, something touches them which produces an allergic reaction in the form of a bump or rash.

It can be something as simple as a plastic bowl they drink from, to grass touching them, or to something in the air such as smoke.

Vets will often prescribe antihistamine for environmental French Bulldog skin allergies. It’s not unheard of for dogs to be given a human antihistamine such as Piriton, but there can be side effects as with any medicine.

Your vet will also explain how you can help to reduce the allergic skin reaction by cleaning your dog’s belly and paw down when they come into contact with an allergen.

If this doesn’t work, vets might then prescribe a stronger medication such as Apoquel and Cytopoint, which help to interrupt the allergen cycle in dogs.

4. French Bulldog skin bumps due to fleas

It’s almost impossible for your French Bulldog to not get fleas at some point; they tend to jump on when you’re out taking them for walks! You might also find that the first thing you notice will be your French Bulldog scratching intensely, before you even see a flea.

The majority of the itching will take place on the skin around your French Bulldog’s tail and neck. You might also see some skin bumps on your French Bulldog. Other than those signs, you could see one on your furniture – time to get the flea treatment out!

Fleas are simple enough to treat, with oral and topical medicines available as well as anti-flea collars from companies such as Seresto. You should always make sure your French Bulldog is up to date with worm and flea treatment, and always make the wear a collar – click the image below to buy one on Amazon.

If your dog is has really itchy skin due to fleas, your vet may need to put them on anti-itch medications such as steroids. Canine antibiotics are also an option if they have a bad skin infection from the fleas.

5. French Bulldog skin issues from autoimmune diseases

Another possible reason for a skin issue could be due to an autoimmune disease. This is where the dog’s body will attack itself; this can be triggered by genetic traits, existing medication, or often for no obvious reason at all.

Your dog can develop skin lesions, such as ulceration of its nose, or its body can even attack its red blood cells or platelets, leading to life-threatening anemia.

Unfortunately, there aren’t really any remedies you can do at home to treat autoimmune diseases. Instead, your vet will need to diagnose the disease, often with a skin biopsy, followed by starting immunosuppressive medications.

These may include prednisone or cyclosporine, and some pets need to be on a combination of medications to be effective treated.

6. French Bulldog skin rash from ringworm

Ringworm can also create a skin rash in French Bulldogs. The rash is the first sign of the fungal infection developing, which will then develop into hair loss, looking circular in pattern with scabs and scales.

Vets will treat ringworm with a topical antifungal medication, especially if the problem rash is in one spot on your French Bulldog’s skin.

With more serious cases of ringworm, vets will recommend treatments such as oral medications and medicated shampoos.

What other French Bulldog owners say

I am a member in various French Bulldog Facebook groups, and they can be a great resource for tips and advice. I found a few questions on there that people has asked concerning skin infections and rashes, so have replicated those below with some of the best responses.

“I’ve been asked to share my French Bulldog’s skin problems with you fellow French Bulldog lovers, in the hope it may help some of you. I am not offering any medical advice, or sure-fire cures, just sharing my experiences in the hope it may help some of you. I’ve tried a few different things which help such as avoiding a raw food diet but poultry and wheat free. For medication I use small amounts of Piriton. I bathe them in either tea-tree oil shampoo or coal tar. Needless to say regular walking and stimulation helps with the scratching of skin.”

“Our French Bulldog gets skin bumps and rashes due to food allergies. We’ve tried all sorts of lotions and potions and the things that have worked best are grain and poultry-free food, hydrocortisone spray for when there is an attack of the itchies, and a water pistol to discourage for foot licking.”

“My French Bulldog has terrible skin problems. After a lot of trial and error, I put him on salmon and sweet potato dried food, and it worked wonders. My French Bulldog’s skin is lovely now with no more scabs or redness.”

“We use coconut oil on our French Bulldogs, rubbing it into their skin and fur and also a spoonful into food once a week depending on the severity of the skin rash. We also had to put them on a salmon and rice-based food which has helped skin and stomach problems no end.”

“I’ve tried everything including steroids from the vets and honestly, the best thing that still works for our French Bulldog is Piriton twice a day and Sudocrem. Sudocrem is an absolute life saver and when his skin flares up, he gets covered in it for every night for 3 to 4 evenings and his skin calms right down. I have also used an antibacterial shampoo.”

Conclusion

French Bulldog skin conditions can be varied, and most will probably get one at some point in their lifetime. To help minimize the risk, try to feed your French Bulldog good quality food, keep their skin clean and dry, and keep an eye on them with daily checks.

Make sure to regularly clean out their ears. French Bulldog skin allergies can quickly start in darker and wetter areas like ears, so be careful not to get water in them, and if you do, dry it out.

It goes without saying really, but if your French Bulldog’s skin doesn’t get better in a day or two, get professional advice form a vet. They will be able to diagnose and treat your dog effectively, reducing their discomfort from dry skin conditions, allergies, bumps, rashes, and infections.

You might also like…

I regularly write about taking care of French Bulldogs, and here are some other topics that might interest you.

• The main reasons why my Frenchie pukes
• Why Frenchies can get runny noses
• This is how long a Frenchie pregnancy will last

The post French Bulldog Skin Problems, Issues, Allergies & Bumps + How to Treat appeared first on DoggySaurus.

However, this isn’t always the case. Yes, French Bulldogs can get congested with cold and suffer with sinus infections, but a runny nose doesn’t always mean something bad. Whilst it is true that the generations of breeding have made French Bulldogs’ nasal passages less than ideal, don’t be panicked by a runny nose… and here’s why:

Do French Bulldogs have runny noses?

Why does my French Bulldog have a runny nose? French Bulldogs do have runny noses, and it’s normal for a small amount of clear snot to be coming from their nose most of the time. Because French Bulldog noses are short and flat, things like snot are a lot more visible compared to other dog breeds.

When it comes to your French Bulldog’s runny nose, it is important to establish what is normal for them, as every individual animal has a slightly different definition of normal. If your French Bulldog is producing a noticeably larger amount of snot than before, or it changes colour to yellow or green, you should take stock of those abnormalities and take them to see a vet.

Please note: I am not a vet, but I am a Frenchie owner with experience of seeing this. The notes on this website are based on my own experience, talking to my vet, and my own research. If in doubt, you should always seek a professional opinion from your vet.

Can French Bulldogs get sinus infections?

French Bulldogs can get sinus infections more than other breeds due to the way in which their nasal passages and skulls are formed.

The unique look of French Bulldogs has been bred extensively down the years but does mean they can suffer with breathing issues and nasal / sinus infections more than other breeds might.

The causes and treatments for French Bulldog runny noses

The medical term for runny noses in dogs is nasal discharge, and this refers not just to snot, but also blood, fluid and anything else that comes out of your French Bulldog’s nose.

There are many reasons why your French Bulldog may have a runny nose or your French Bulldog sounds congested, and whilst some can be treated at home yourself, others need urgent medical attention from your vet.

This makes it important that you distinguish between the different reasons why your French Bulldog may have a runny nose, with some of the most common reasons being listed below.

1. Allergies

Just like humans, French Bulldogs can suffer from allergies too. It is one of the most common reasons behind an abnormally runny nose.

French Bulldogs can be allergic to all kinds of things, with some examples including pollen, chemicals, food (here’s what they should not be eating) and even our shed human skin (called dander)! But this list is far from exhaustive.

Symptoms

If a French Bulldog is suffering from allergies, they may display some of the following symptoms:

• Lots of clear nasal discharge.
• Eye discharge.
• Itchiness.
• Nose bleeds.
• Coughing.
• Struggling to breathe.

Treatment

If your vet suspects your French Bulldog has an allergy, they will perform an allergy test in order to confirm it. Once the allergy is confirmed, you will be able to reduce allergic reactions by avoiding the allergy trigger altogether.

However, if this isn’t possible, your vet can prescribe antihistamines, steroids and immunosuppressants amongst other kinds of medication.

2. Nasal blockages

If the nasal discharge is just coming from one nostril, this could mean that there is a foreign object (like a piece of grit or a blade of grass) partly blocking your French Bulldog’s nasal passage.

Symptoms

As well as this isolated nasal discharge, other common signs of a blockage in the nose include nosebleeds, sneezing and pawing at the nose.

Treatment

Here, you have a choice of either treating the blockage at home or at the vets. If you can see the cause of the blockage and have a steady hand, you can probably remove the blockage yourself with tweezers.

However, if your French Bulldog is fidgety or the cause of the blockage isn’t immediately visible, it is probably best to take them to the vets. The inside of the nose is incredibly sensitive, so even a small cut could lead to a lot of bleeding.

If you take your French Bulldog to the vets, they’ll be sedated, have the source of the blockage removed and be prescribed antibiotics to avoid infection.

3. Polyps and tumours

Some French Bulldogs have excessive nasal discharge as a result of growths in their nose. Nasal polyps are the medical term for overgrown mucus-producing glands, whilst nasal tumours, which present similar symptoms, can be benign or cancerous.

Symptoms

If you suspect your French Bulldog has growths in the nose, look out for the following symptoms:

• Blood, pus and mucus being discharged from the nose.
• A decreased appetite.
• A bulge on the side of the nose that wasn’t there before.
• Noisy breathing.

Treatment

Of course, if you see any kind of growth on your French Bulldog, it is paramount that you take them to the vets to be assessed.

Polyps and benign nasal tumours are often treated with surgery. Given the fact that polyps tend to reappear, your French Bulldog may need multiple bouts of surgery.

Unfortunately, whilst cancerous nasal tumours can be treated with radiation, they are inoperable and don’t have a great prognosis.

4. Nasal and sinus infections

French Bulldogs can also catch infections. This may be from other animals or from coming into contact with something unsavoury outside. They can catch bacterial, fungal or viral infections.

Symptoms

Although symptoms may vary based on the type of infection, some of the most common symptoms of an infection in your French Bulldog include:

• Green or yellow mucus or pus being discharged from their nose, which is often followed by coughing and choking.
• Nose bleeds.
• A pungent and unusual odor.

Treatment

Depending on the type of infection, your vet’s treatment plan may vary.

If your French Bulldog is suffering from a fungal infection, your vet will prescribe you specialist anti-fungal drugs, whereas if your French Bulldog has a bacterial infection, your vet will put them on a course of antibiotics.

If your French Bulldog ends up having frequent infections (which is often the result of a poor immune system, a lack of vaccinations or an underlying illness), your vet may decide that the best course of action is an operation.

Conclusion

Although your French Bulldog may experience breathing complications due to their short, flat noses, their noses oftentimes work just as well as any other dog breed, so it’s important not to panic if you see them experiencing nasal discharge.

However, it is also important to trust your judgement if you think something is not right about the nasal discharge or runny nose – and call your own vet.

It may be a different consistency, amount or colour than you’re used to or be one of many unusual symptoms your French Bulldog is experiencing at that time.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you aren’t fully confident about the cause of your French Bulldog’s runny nose it is important to take them to the vets. With their help, your French Bulldog will be back to their old selves in no time!

You might also like…

If you are a French Bulldog owner then here are a few other things to look out for in your pup:

• The top reasons I found that Frenchies are sick for
• How to nip Frenchie biting in the bud (quite literally)
• Skin problems and complaints that can plague Frenchies

The post Why Does My French Bulldog Have a Runny Nose? (Signs of Sinus Infections) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

In this guide I will explain how you can overcome French Bulldog puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved.

The training methods are all ones I’ve used with my own dog as a puppy. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping.

But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt.

Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a French Bulldog biting that you see anywhere on the Internet.

But first, why do French Bulldogs bite you?

Why French Bulldogs bite (what’s normal and what’s not)

Most French Bulldogs will show some fear or aggression at some point in their lives. Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away.

If you don’t keep your distance, the barks can turn into a growl, with their little (but sharp) teeth showing. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite.

Most French Bulldogs will bite you with a little nip when scared, and hopefully won’t cut you. But, with an older and more aggressive French Bulldog, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children.

Do French Bulldogs bite a lot?

When French Bulldogs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Most of the time it’s all about playing and teething, and most will grow out of the behavior.

Why French Bulldog puppies bite?

The teething phase is when you will notice your French Bulldog puppy biting the most. I’ve written at length about the French Bulldog teething phase, which explains how they explore their surroundings with little nips and chew on things to soothe their painful gums.

Some French Bulldogs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used.

You need to draw the line between biting and playing. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older.

French Bulldog puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Yes, that’s right, these little bundles of fun might think they are the ones in charge of your relationship, so it’s up to you to put that right.

Whatever the reason is for your French Bulldog puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult French Bulldog thinking that biting is acceptable.

An adult French Bulldog that bites is a problem

If your French Bulldog continues to bite as an adult and hasn’t grown out of the nipping, you need to train them to stop. Also, if your French Bulldog suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately – it could be the sign of a new illness or injury.

How to stop your French Bulldog puppy from biting

Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a French Bulldog from biting as a puppy.

1. Squeal like a puppy (bite inhibition)

When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off.

As French Bulldog owners we can imitate this behavior!

If your French Bulldog puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You can also use a firm command, like “no”, or “stop”.

This bite inhibition method is used by expert dog trainers and works because the puppy thinks you’ve been hurt after being bitten.

Some French Bulldog puppies won’t like this, because it’s a bit like being told off. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them.

This might sound mean but if you want your French Bulldog to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your French Bulldog will biting you and your family.

2. Don’t smack your French Bulldog puppy who bites

Dogs don’t understand physical punishment, and it never works. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear.

3. Don’t react to biting by playing back

If you want your French Bulldog puppy to stop biting you, don’t react back to them when they nip. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more.

I think it’s because you are mirroring the fun back to them and reacting in a playful way. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again.

4. Use chew toys instead of your hands

When puppies are young, it can be fun to use your hands when playing with them, and a little nip here and there probably won’t hurt you. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game.

Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten.

It’s all about positive association.

There’s a great chew toy on Amazon I let my puppy play with when we started training him not to bite. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below.

5. Teach your French Bulldog to accept your hands near their mouth

This leads onto having to teach your French Bulldog puppy that it’s ok to have your hands near their mouth without biting at them. It’s something they need to accept, and will also help with the points later in this guide.

Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums.

You won’t be able to do this if your French Bulldog won’t stop biting your hands anytime you attempt a check or intervention.

One of the best ways you can train a French Bulldog puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again.

Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back.

6. Train your French Bulldog puppy to not bite over food

One of the most common times a French Bulldog puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition.

Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl.

If your French Bulldog is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time – with no aggression from the dog.

What you do is put a bowl in front of your French Bulldog then quickly remove it again. If your French Bulldog doesn’t react with a bite attempt, praise them vocally and reward with a treat.

If you do get a growl and bite, give them a firm “no” command and keep hold of the bowl.

Repeat the process until you get the response that you want… the end game is your French Bulldog viewing you as the dominant alpha who controls the food source and doesn’t get bitten.

7. Put a thumb under the puppy’s tongue and a finger under the chin

With persistent biting you could try this tip. It seems to be quite cruel, and admittedly I’ve never tried it, but it is used by some dog trainers so could be a fall-back tactic.

Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the French Bulldog puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin.

Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy.

The French Bulldog will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time.

8. Wear gloves with a nasty tasting substance

Another French Bulldog bite prevention tip I’ve seen online on a dog trainer website was to use gloves that have a foul-tasting substance on.

Dog trainers use bitter spray (see on Amazon), and puppies soon learn that bites won’t taste good so should stop the aggressive behavior.

9. Let your French Bulldog know you are in charge

Older French Bulldogs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed.

Handy Hint: I’ve written an in-depth explanation to why dogs like to steal your seat when you get up.

You need to train your French Bulldog to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain.

Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will.

10. Socialise your French Bulldog puppy with other dogs

Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. That’s why it’s so important to socialize your French Bulldog with other dogs from a young age. It will help them learn to understand what’s acceptable and what’s not.

We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting.

There’s another thing here too; they will also tire each other out. This means your puppy hopefully won’t have the energy to bite you!

11. Expose your puppy to loud noises and fearful situations

As well as socialization, it’s also important to expose your French Bulldog puppy to situatons that can spark fear and aggression such as vehicles, children, and busy public places.

The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear.

12. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present

A French Bulldog that bites a child is a massive problem.

In most case the bite won’t be serious. But it’s still enough of a risk to make sure you supervise younger kids during French Bulldog play and at all times.

Kids can easily be knocked over by an excitable French Bulldog, and I’ve seen puppies try to go for ears and faces when they are over-excited. The same goes for when you have visitors of all ages come into your home.

When to get help with your French Bulldog’s biting problem

If even after using all these training methods to stop a French Bulldog biting, you still have problem behavior, do contact a professional vet.

They can very quickly tell you if it’s simply mouthing to do with teething, or something more behavioral or health-based that needs to be addressed.

There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in French Bulldogs. If you are in the United States you can find help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist on the CAAB website (for UK readers take a look at the RSPCA website).

Something to consider though is how long your French Bulldog could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase.

The dangers of a dog bite

Adult French Bulldogs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness.

“A dog’s front teeth will grab and compress your tissue, and their smaller teeth can also tear your skin. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. 1 concern with these bites is infection. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. You should always see a primary care provider if you’re bitten.” Dr Sayles of the Cleveland Clinic.

What do so when bitten by a French Bulldog

If you get bitten by a French Bulldog and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps:

1. Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound.
2. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound.
3. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding.
4. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage.
5. If serious, contact a health professional for advice.

Conclusion

To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a French Bulldog from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad.

Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your French Bulldog puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy.

Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your French Bulldog, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing.

You need to take the role of the pack leader.

You might also like…

I regularly write about French Bulldog related issues, some of which you can explore below.

• Foods that will make your Frenchie sick
• Why Frenchie puppies throw up all the time
• Why your Frenchie always has a runny nose

The post How to Stop a French Bulldog Biting: 12 Ways to Stop Puppy Nipping appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Being prepared for all of these changes during their heat cycle will make the whole journey much easier for both of you.

I am going to start off this introduction to the French Bulldog heat cycle with some very quick pointers on how often it happens, how to tell, and how long the heat will last. I will then go into each aspect of the heat cycle in more detail.

How often do French Bulldogs go into heat?

Unless you have spayed your French Bulldog, she will enter her first heat (also known as a season) at around six to eight months of age.

How often do French Bulldogs go into heat? After her first heat at 6 to 8 months, your French Bulldog will then go into twice a year, typically every 6 months. Initially, her cycle may be sporadic, but after the first year or two, you should notice her reproductive cycle settling into a regular pattern.

The average French Bulldog will go into heat once every six months. Occasionally, she might show signs of going into heat between these regular cycles, but she will typically be infertile during these additional seasons.

Once an French Bulldog reaches six years of age, her fertility will start to slow down. Fertility will continue to drop off until roughly ten years of age when her ability to reproduce typically ceases altogether.

That said, unless spayed, a female French Bulldog will continue showing signs of going into heat for the rest of her life.

How do you know when your French Bulldog is in heat?

You will know your French Bulldog is in heat due to a range of signs including:

• Swollen vulva.
• Bleeding from the vulva.
• Increased mounting behavior.
• Licking her genital region.
• Obvious nervous or agitated behavior.
• Increased urination.

The French Bulldog heat cycle length in detail

The reproductive cycle for dogs is made up of four distinct stages, each with its own physical and behavioral changes. Read about each stage below, including the French Bulldog heat cycle length and what to expect.

1. The Proestrus stage

Typically, this is the stage that most people are referring to when they say that their French Bulldog is in heat. On average, this initial stage of the reproductive cycle lasts nine days for most dogs, but it can last anywhere up to twenty-seven days in total.

During this stage of the reproductive cycle, estrogen levels will begin to peak in your dog, and the follicles (eggs) will start to develop. Most owners may start to notice male dogs showing an interest, although the female French Bulldog will not reciprocate during this time.

Handy Hint: Despite what you think, spayed female dogs can still attract males for a number of reasons you might be surprised about!

If anything, she may even seem more on edge than usual. It’s not uncommon to see dogs holding their tails close to their body and becoming a little clingier with their owners during this first stage.

Physical signs include a swollen vulva and a blood-tinged discharge. Although many dogs will keep this area clean, French Bulldogs tend to have a hard time reaching this area. To avoid any messes, many owners recommend using diapers.

You may also notice your dog urinating more often during this stage.

2. The Estrus stage

This second stage can last anywhere from four to twenty-four days in total. On average, however, the Estrus stage only tends to last nine days for most dogs and marks the fertile window in a dog’s reproductive cycle.

Attention from male dogs will continue, but now the female French Bulldog will be receptive to these advances. One of the most common ways your dog may show her availability is by “flagging”, where she lifts her tail up or to one side.

Physical changes will include an enlarged vulva and brown or clear discharge.

With the pheromones she emits during this period, the attention she receives from male dogs will be heightened.

It may also result in aggression from females, which can sometimes escalate into fights. If you have no intention of breeding your French Bulldog during this period, it will be necessary to keep her away from other dogs as much as possible during this time.

3. The Diestrus stage

During this stage, your dog will once again lose interest in reciprocating male attention. On average, this third stage of the reproductive cycle will last two months.

Physical changes include her vulva returning to normal, and an absence of any discharge.

There are instances where she may act as though she is pregnant, even if she isn’t. If this happens, you may notice your dog exhibiting the following behaviors:

• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Nesting (may involve digging bedding or moving it around)
• Nursing (may show increased attachment to a favorite toy)
• Depression
• Aggression

Aside from these behavioral changes, you may also notice several physical changes. Even though a loss of appetite is common during false pregnancies, the female French Bulldog may stay at the same weight, owing to fluid retention.

Other physical changes include a swollen belly and enlarged mammary glands that may or may not lactate.

If you suspect that your French Bulldog is pregnant, it would be best to take her to see your vet as soon as possible. Pregnancies in French Bulldogs must be carefully monitored from the onset due to the health risks involved, both for the puppies and the mother – here’s how long it will last.

4. The Anestrus stage

During the fourth and final stage of the reproductive cycle, the body will begin to prepare itself for the next season.

Typically, this final stage lasts an average of four months for most dogs, although for certain breeds it can take a lot longer. During this time, there are typically no physical symptoms or behavioral changes.

Handy Hint: There are some ways that breeders use to make their female dogs come into heat faster.

Can a spayed dog still go into heat?

Generally, no.

The process of spaying a dog means removing all the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus. As this eliminates the possibility of reproducing, it also means that her heat cycle will usually stop as well.

However, if you do notice your dog showing signs of going into heat once spayed, this may be an indication of ovarian remnant syndrome.

If the surgeon misses some of the ovarian tissue during the surgery, this can result in the remaining ovarian tissue still producing estrogen. If this happens, it will continue to trigger your dog’s usual heat cycles.

It can be annoying, since this may only become obvious several months after the initial surgery. However, it is a non-threatening condition, and also relatively easy to remedy.

If you notice that your dog is showing signs of going into heat once spayed, you will need to get your dog booked in to see your vet again. Typically, ovarian remnant syndrome can be treated with a simple operation to remove any remaining ovarian tissue.

Breeding French Bulldogs

When it comes to breeding, French Bulldogs are some of the most challenging, time-consuming, and expensive dogs to breed.

Owing to the many health problems this breed faces, owners must be present through every stage of the pregnancy and delivery. Owners will also need to keep a very close eye on the litter for the initial few weeks of development to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

You can expect a female French Bulldog to have an average litter size of 3 to 5 puppies. Although it may be possible for a French Bulldog to give birth naturally, many people advise against this owing to the risks involved.

As a result of this, many French Bulldogs will give birth via C-section. The cost of this, as well as the costs involved with the regular veterinary visits you will need to make, can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £6,000 in total.

Why it’s might be better for French Bulldogs to have C-sections

Although it may be tempting to try and reduce the cost of breeding by opting for a natural birth, many experts advise against this.

The health risks involved with a natural delivery for this breed makes it a dangerous option, not just for the mother, but for the puppies as well. Some of the most significant risks include:

The size of the puppies

French Bulldogs have been bred to have large heads, broad shoulders, and narrow hips. Owing to the puppy’s large head and stout shoulders, it often can’t pass through the mother’s narrow pelvis.

Overheat and stress

As the French Bulldog is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, owners must be cautious of any over-exertion. Owing to how these dogs have been bred, they have a harder time breathing and are more prone to heat exhaustion as a result.

In light of this, it’s important to note that C-sections will help to reduce the intense stress of delivering puppies for the mother.

Dystocia

Canine dystocia is an umbrella term used to describe any birth difficulties faced during labor and the delivery of puppies. Typically, the most common birth difficulties faced by French Bulldogs include:

• Small pelvis: This occurs where the mother’s pelvis is too narrow to deliver puppies naturally.
• Fetus position: Where a fetus is abnormally positioned in the womb, this can also cause complications.

Anasarca puppies

Some French Bulldogs can be born with water puppy syndrome, this is, unfortunately, a very common condition faced by bracycephalic breeds. You can read more about it on WagWalking.com.

Puppies born with this condition suffer from an excessive accumulation of fluid in the organs, body tissues, and cavities.

As a result of this, some puppies with the syndrome can be two-to-four times as big as a healthy puppy. They appear swollen, especially in the face, where the eyes and nose can appear sunken.

Unfortunately, most puppies born with Water Puppy Syndrome will pass away immediately after delivery, or they will be stillborn.

If they survive, they will typically be afflicted with a range of health conditions. Issues such as cleft palates and vertebral column defects are not uncommon.

If even one in the litter has this condition, they will often be too big to deliver naturally. As a result, an Anasarca puppy has the potential to block up the delivery passage, and a C-section will be necessary.

How to prepare for your French Bulldog being in heat

Now you know how long and how often your French Bulldog will be heat, it’s time to get prepared. By doing so, you can guard against your girl getting pregnant unexpectedly, leaving messy blood spots on the floor, and even possible changes to behavior including aggression.

Here’s how you get prepared using some inspiration I found on Chewy.com.

1. Track her heat cycles

On the day your French Bulldog starts her heat cycle, place a note on your calendar. I’d use your phone’s calendar as you can record day 1, and then put a reminder in that it could come again in 6 months’ time.

Set the reminder up a week before the 6-month point, as that gives you time to prepare again.

2. Buy dog diapers

A dog in heat will leave blood spots and mess on her bedding and the floor. You can mitigate this by using specialist dog diapers.

If you don’t want to spend this money you can use human baby diapers but will need to cut a hole out of the back of them for the tail to come through.

3. Think about security

Some dogs will try to escape during their heat cycle and can show aggression. If this sounds like your French Bulldog, think about keeping her secured using door gates, or just being more vigilant than usual – perhaps an off-leash walk isn’t a good idea during this period!

Conclusion

My wife and I recently looked after a female French Bulldog who came over to play with our Frenchie, Claude. The female hasn’t been spayed yet, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she started to show signs of going into her first ever heat cycle very soon – she’s 7 months old.

When that happens, our friend will need to be prepared, as the French Bulldog heat cycle can be quite a shock if you’ve never owned a female dog before.

I’ve told them to be prepared for some changes to her personality!

You might also like…

There’s a wealth of information on the DoggySaurus website about French Bulldog ownership:

• Why Frenchies can throw up a lot
• Don’t let your Frenchie eat these foods
• Why some dogs will bark and howl when in heat

The post French Bulldog Heat Cycle: How Many Times a Year & Signs appeared first on DoggySaurus.

But whatever the age of your dog, when your French Bulldog throws up it can be worrying. It could be something as simple as eating too fast, but in some cases a French Bulldog that vomits up sick all the time could signal a serious health problem.

Important: I am not a vet, but I am a dog owner who has a lot of experience with vomit. Nice, I am sure you would agree! The bottom line is; if you are worried then please do consult with your vet at any point your dog starts vomiting for a professional opinion. What you see here is what I have found online or heard from vets when calling them about my own dog.

However, what I can give you is what I personally know and have found out about the reasons why your French Bulldog throws up, and what the different types of vomit and sick could mean. This is based on my own online research, as I said, always consult with a vet.

Why your French Bulldog is vomiting and puking

There are multiple types of vomit and regurgitation that can affect French Bulldogs. I’ve consulted with my own vet and read professional forums to give you an idea of what they could all mean, and what action you should take.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up white foam?

The reasons your French Bulldog keeps throwing up white foam appear to be very varied. In the majority of cases I read about, they said it might not be anything serious, but for peace of mind always seek professional advice.

The first thing you need to do is actually examine what has been throw up by your French Bulldog. It might not actually be vomit but could instead be them clearing their airways. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic and their airways can become blocked. It could actually be some saliva that they need to regurgitate.

Vomiting and regurgitating are two different things, and I will explain the differences at the end of this article. But for simplicities sake, I am going to address both things as the same thing; throwing up.

Causes of white foam vomit

1. Indigestion and stomach upset

Your French Bulldog could be throwing up white foam just because they have an upset tummy. The most common reason is gastroenteritis where they have an empty stomach and then puke up a white foam vomit.

They might also have an allergy to food which is making them puke. You can try different foods to try and eliminate things.

This condition is also known as bilious vomiting syndrome. The bile produced can not only be white but also have a yellow color. Sometimes it’s smelly too.

2. Puking up something they ate

French Bulldogs love to put anything in their mouth they can get their teeth around, particularly during the teething phase. It might be that they ate something their stomach disagrees with such as grass or dirt.

If your French Bulldog hasn’t eaten in a while, they won’t have any food to puke up, so the foreign objects they ingested can get puked back up as a white foamy or slimy material.

3. Kennel cough

Another reason why French Bulldogs throw up white foam will be kennel cough. It’s not actually vomiting but instead is where your French Bulldog coughs so hard they expel white foam out of their mouths.

Kennel cough can be contracted when your French Bulldog has been exposed to other dogs, usually in kennels as the name suggests. It is an upper respiratory infection that your vet can treat.

4. Bloat

One of the more serious conditions I read about was bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). As one of the most serious reasons for French Bulldogs puking up white foam and slime, it needs a vet diagnosis.

It occurs when their stomach becomes twisted after expanding. The stomach can expand when filled with food, fluid, or gas which then puts pressure on their internal organs. If not treated quickly it can stop blood flowing to your French Bulldog’s heart… so it is potentially fatal.

White foam will be vomited up when the nothing can get in or out of the French Bulldog’s stomach. It’s more common in elderly dogs.

You can reduce the chances of bloat and white foam vomit by making sure your French Bulldog doesn’t over exercise after eating. Some vets recommend you wait a good 30 minutes after their meal, even with light walks.

If you have even the smallest suspicion of bloat, call a vet immediately.

5. Pancreatitis

Another serious health condition that results in your French Bulldog throwing up white foam is pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that aids digestion of food.

Your vet will need to diagnose this condition, but other signs to look out for include your French Bulldog hunching his back up, being in obvious pain around their abdomen, having diarrhoea, not eating properly, being listless, and becoming dehydrated due to not drinking enough.

6. Kidney disease

Another serious possibility related to white foam vomit can be kidney disease. Other symptoms to look out for can include increased urination or pooping the house when your French Bulldog was previously house-trained.

White foam puking can be an early indicator of the disease. However, with early treatment, French Bulldogs can go on to have a good life with a reduced chance of any further complications.

7. Parvovirus

Parvovirus can be contracted through exposure to other dogs, in particular contact with faeces. It’s a viral infection that will become apparent within a week of contraction, with white foam vomiting and blood in diarrhoea.

It is a fatal disease but is rare as long as your French Bulldog has had the correct vaccinations as a puppy. Parvovirus should only be contracted by an unvaccinated French Bulldog so it’s an unlikely cause of throwing up white foam for responsible dog owners.

8. Rabies

Another unlikely reason for white slimy foam can be rabies. It’s going to be very rare in countries such as the UK and United States, but it still a possibility.

Dogs with rabies will foam at the mouth.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up yellow foam?

Yellow foam sick can also relate to many of the possibilities I’ve already listed under the white foam section, but it can sometimes differ if it’s a yellow bile and liquid.

A French Bulldog that throws up yellow liquid and bile could have:

• Bilious vomiting (the most likely): in simple terms, a stomach upset.
• Bowel problems: an irritation in the GI tract.
• Pancreatic problems: an inflammation of the pancreas.
• Intestinal blockage: your French Bulldog’s meal can’t get to the stomach.
• Stomach ulcers: can also result in weight loss, fever, and pain.
• Liver problems: your French Bulldog may not be able to digest food properly.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up brown liquid?

Brown bile and vomit will often smell like dog poop… and that can actually be what it is in some cases. Puppies, French Bulldogs included like to eat dog poop for a variety of reasons including:

• Seeking out nutrients that aren’t getting their diet.
• Simply due to hunger as gross as that sounds.
• Sometimes for attention knowing it will get a reaction.
• Sometimes due to boredom or stress (for example being stressed due to fireworks)

Brown vomit won’t always be dog poop though, it could be blood that has become browner inside of the mucus and bile being thrown up. It could result from:

• Blocked intestine.
• Bleeding ulcers.
• Something that they ate.
• Possible gum disease or tumors where the brown color signifies bleeding.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up clear liquid?

A clear and foamy slime or foam that doesn’t include any undigested food could be related to a range of medical issues. If there’s no food in the clear liquid, it probably isn’t due to anything your French Bulldog has eaten.

Doctor Jeff Werber, a well-respected vet based in Los Angeles, explained to PetMD.com that clear liquid vomit could indicate something other than a reaction to food:

“Fluid means we are looking at some other reason, such as kidney, liver, pancreas, or severe gastritis, where the cause is not food or an irritant. It could also indicate oesophageal reflex which is like our heartburn.”

However, it’s key to not panic if your French Bulldog is throwing up a clear liquid as there could be a far simpler explanation.

On another vet website I read a comment from a professional. They said that dogs who are distressed will often start to drool heavily. That can often be mistaken for vomit when in fact if no food comes up, it’s not actually puke, and could be just excessive drooling.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up green liquid?

Green bile and vomit shouldn’t be viewed as seriously as some of the other sick colors. For example, dogs love to eat grass and weeds and so anything they throw up will be of a natural green color – sometimes even lime green in appearance.

Here’s a breakdown of what green foam or liquid could mean in your French Bulldog’s vomit.

• Plants or grass: dogs will eat grass to sooth their stomach, clean their insides, make up for a lack of minerals, or due to boredom and anxiety. When the organic material is ingested the chlorophyll in the grass will stain the vomit a green color. If you can see plant-based matter in your French Bulldog’s vomit, it’s not a cause for concern but do try to discourage them eating grass.
• Green bile: green vomit could signal bile being thrown up. Bile is stored in your dog’s gall bladder and is designed to absorb fats and breakdown other nutrients. Green bile can reflux into your French Bulldog’s stomach, but that color also means its fresh. But it might also mean there is something stuck internally, so consult with your vet.

Why does my French Bulldog throw up pink or red foam?

A French Bulldog that throws up pink foam could have a tummy bug. The act of vomiting hard can actually burst some of the smaller blood vessels in your French Bulldog’s stomach, which then dilutes into the vomit and mucus to create a pink tint.

Alternatively, it could be a stomach ulcer. However, as soon as you see any signs of pink sick it almost certainly means there is a degree of blood in their vomit, so should be checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Small ulcers or damage to the stomach lining can be treated with medicines and your French Bulldog should normally respond very well to treatment in a few days.

Other reasons why your French Bulldog could be sick

Aside from the serious possibilities regarding French Bulldog puking I’ve already detailed, there are some other occasions where your French Bulldog could be sick. I’ve listed those below, giving examples of when your French Bulldog might throw up vomit and why.

You might also like this awesome infographic on the reasons for vomiting.

After exercise or on walks

Imagine for one moment that you ate a huge dinner and then immediately went for a 10-mile run. Can you imagine what would happen? I think we all know…

And it’s the same with French Bulldogs. If they eat heavily and then exercise or over-exert themselves, that food can quickly get puked up.

I would recommend that you don’t walk your French Bulldog for at least 2 hours after eating. Some vets say that exercise so soon after eating can lead to bloat, torsion, or GDV (gastro dilation-volvulus) all of which can make your French Bulldog throw up.

After the exercise, let your French Bulldog cool down for at least 30 minutes before letting them eat. These two tips should in theory mean your French Bulldog no longer vomits after exercise or walks.

After drinking water

There are a few different reasons why your French Bulldog could be vomiting after drinking water, including:

1. They could have drunk the water too fast which will stimulate the dog’s gag reflex.
2. It could look like water but actually be a mix of gastric juices, saliva, and water.

In the second example, it might be because your French Bulldog hasn’t eaten for a long time, has a digestive blockage, or even one of the more serious conditions listed further up this page.

As with all vomiting, for peace of mind please call your vet if you don’t think it’s related to your French Bulldog drinking too much too quickly.

Handy Hint: Find out what a runny nose means for your Frenchie.

In the morning or late at night

French Bulldogs that throw up in the morning or late at night will usually do so due to their eating habits. If your dog has gone a long time without eating, when the food hits their stomach it can irritate the bile reflux.

Morning sickness can also be just that; related to pregnancy. Here’s a list of more possible reasons your French Bulldog could be sick in the morning:

• Colitis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Pancreatitis.
• Pregnancy.
• Reflux gastritis.

Stress, excessive excitement or anxiety

I have never met a French Bulldog who doesn’t get excited, especially when it’s feeding time. They still have their competitive pack mentality from puppyhood, so will try and eat their food as fast as possible to stop anybody else getting a look-in.

When dogs eat too fast, they can throw up. The same happens with humans, so it’s not really that surprising.

However, French Bulldogs can also be sick when they get excited outside of mealtimes. This can be due to being stressed and anxious. It’s because their stomach muscles become tense and their bodies react with vomiting.

After over-eating or eating too fast

Coming back to the quick eating now, and there’s a good reason why your greedy French Bulldog will be sick and puke up;

• They don’t give themselves enough time to chew larger pieces of food.
• They can swallow lots of air which will then be regurgitated back up.

When on car rides

Just like humans, dogs can suffer with car sickness. Motion sickness isn’t the only reason your French Bulldog pukes in your car though… it could also be due to the stress of not liking car journeys.

If you have a puking French Bulldog in your car, try to introduce them to smaller car journeys at first so they learn there’s nothing to be worried about.

When you should call the vet

There are a lot of scary reasons why your French Bulldog throws up in this guide. But I don’t want you to panic, in most of the cases listed here, the slime and bile will just be due to a stomach upset and something your French Bulldog ate.

I am a firm believer in letting the professional decide, so when our dog has vomited, in most cases we’ve called the vet if we can’t see any undigested food in the sick.

Here are some signs that you should definitely call the vet after vomiting:

• Your French Bulldog throws up all the time and vomiting last more than 24 hours.
• Your French Bulldog is in obvious signs of pain or lethargic.
• Your French Bulldog also has blood in their stools.
• Your French Bulldog is projectile vomiting.
• Your French Bulldog throws up all the time.

Is it vomiting or regurgitation?

I mentioned earlier that these are actually two different things. They can also have very different causes. Here’s a quick explainer:

• Vomiting: this is when materials coated with bile come up from the stomach. Your French Bulldog will start to retch, hunch, lick his lips, and drool. It will probably be a mix of digested food coated in a yellow bile.
• Regurgitation: this is when your French Bulldog throws up undigested food covered in saliva, mucus, and slime. It comes up from the oesophagus or pharynx so won’t have actually reached as far as the stomach.

Conclusion

I hope I’ve given you some insight into why your French Bulldog is vomiting or keeps throwing up his food.

With most French Bulldogs I don’t think a few sicks here and there will be an indication of a serious health problem (unless it’s regular), but I would always err on the side of caution and speak to your vet. I would especially say this if you are wondering why your French Bulldog puppy keeps throwing up – these young pups need a closer eye looking at them at all times.

You might also like…

• The top 25 foods that will make your French Bulldog sick
• The French Bulldog heat cycle signs
• How to stop a Frenchie puppy biting you all the time

The post Why Does My French Bulldog Throw Up? 8 Reasons + White Foam Vomiting appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Whilst it’s not always possible to keep your Frenchie from reacting badly to certain foods, you can still eliminate a lot of sickness by not letting them eat foods that are bad for French Bulldogs and their diet.

Please consider printing this list of bad foods off and stick it your refrigerator… some of the foods I list that your dog should avoid, aren’t just bad for your French Bulldog, they could even be fatal. Some will poison your dog and are foods that are toxic to French Bulldogs.

Because of this, I’ve put the most poisonous foods to French Bulldogs first on the list. It explains why they are toxic and even how much they might eat before you call a vet about your poorly Frenchie.

Bottom line though; if your French Bulldog eats anything they shouldn’t, don’t wait to read notes like this on the Internet – call your vet!

So, if you want to find out what food French Bulldogs can’t eat, plus some plants that are poisonous to them too – read on.

Poisonous foods for French Bulldogs

Like most dogs, French Bulldogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. If you happen to drop something on the floor and they gobble it up, in most cases, they should be fine with eating things in moderation.

Our own Frenchie Claude is like a garbage collector. He will vacuum anything that he comes across, so we need to be extra careful in the kitchen and dining room.

However, there are some foods that are extremely toxic and not safe for French Bulldogs to eat, even in small amounts. Knowing what French Bulldogs cannot eat is really important in keeping your dog safe.

Here’s the most dangerous foods for French Bulldogs, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.

1. Chocolate

This is most commonly misunderstood food that French Bulldogs cannot eat, and the one that leads to most people having to call a vet. You might think you are giving your Frenchie a tasty treat – but please don’t!

It’s all due to the toxic theobromine substance in chocolate. Just small amounts can make your French Bulldog sick, so if chocolate drops on the floor, pick it up immediately. In large amounts your Frenchie will vomit, and in more serious cases develop an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizure, and even death.

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous and poisonous to French Bulldogs as it contains more of the theobromine substance.

2. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

All of these foods are in the Allium family. Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for French Bulldogs, whether it’s been boiled, cooked, or whatever – it’s not something your French Bulldog should eat ever.

These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage. You won’t always see symptoms of poisoning straight away as it can take a few days for the toxic effects to take effect.

3. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints

Xylitol is one of the most toxic things a French Bulldog could eat, and is commonly found in some mints and sugar-free gums. Avoid it at all costs.

According to research (see research published on MSU.edu), xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate is for dogs. If they just eat one stick of gum with xylitol, a small dog could see their blood sugar levels dip considerably.

If a small dog went onto to eat a whole pack of gum with 10 sticks containing toxic xylitol, it could damage their liver irreparably and possibly even kill them. Be particularly careful around Frenchie puppies.

Other foods and household items that can contain xylitol include:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Peanut butter
• Sugar-free candy
• Sugar free breath mints
• Fruit drinks
• Jellies and jams
• Cereals
• Baked goods
• Sugar-free puddings and Jello
• Over the counter vitamin supplements

4. Candy and sweets

It’s not just the foods above that come with toxic xylitol. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling.

To be frank, you shouldn’t be letting your Frenchie eat candy anyway, even if it’s free of poisonous xylitol. Why? It’s due to the sugar levels plus there’s also the risk of choking or blockages in your French Bulldog’s digestive tract or tooth fractures.

5. Certain peanut butter brands

Our French Bulldog loves peanut butter. It’s one of his favorite treats, especially when we put it in a Kong Toy.

However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning.

6. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for French Bulldogs, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs.

Sweetcorn is ok though, as this will be easily digestible though.

7. Cooked bones

Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but they are dangers with this food type.

When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when Frenchies eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health… with possible fatal consequences.

8. Avocado

Fruit is a great food for French Bulldogs, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for French Bulldogs but only when prepared in a particular way.

Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part.

So, should your French Bulldog eat an avocado, chances are you probably won’t have any problems. But it’s still worth avoiding, especially the toxic parts – the skin and stone.

9. Grapes and raisins

Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your French Bulldog are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for French Bulldogs and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities.

10. Macadamia nuts and walnuts

All nuts should really be avoided in a French Bulldog’s diet, as they are just the right size and texture that lead to choking. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs.

When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis.

The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for French Bulldogs… the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy.

11. Cherry, peach, and plum pits

Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of smaller dogs like Frenchies. Blockages are a very real risk, so don’t let things like this anywhere near your dog’s mouth.

There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. It would take a heck of a lot to poison your French Bulldog, but it’s a bad food either way.

12. Mustard seeds

Mustard is so vomit-inducing to French Bulldogs that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs.

13. Coconuts and coconut oil

A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your French Bulldog, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs.

The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too.

14. Yeast dough

When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. This is very problematic in a French Bulldog’s digestive system, leading to extreme pain, bloating, and possibly the twisting of their gut.

It’s potentially fatal, so if your French Bulldog eats yeast dough, visit a vet immediately… the yeast can also change into ethanol, a highly potent alcohol.

15. Alcohol

This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs.

Alcohol consumption can make your French Bulldog have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death.

Giving your dog alcohol isn’t funny and can kill them.

16. Hops

On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for French Bulldogs to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia.

That means your French Bulldog’s temperature can rise rapidly, possibly causing permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death.

17. Coffee, caffeine, and tea

Drinks with in are bad for French Bulldogs. It’s all down to the methylxanthines in the caffeine which causes similar bad reactions in dogs to chocolate.

If your French Bulldog has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. But in large amounts such as loose tea and coffee beans, it could be very harmful and require vet’s help.

18. Nutmeg

Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations.

19. Moldy food

If your Frenchie has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for French Bulldogs as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested.

Handy Hint: Here’s how you can help to secure your trash cans from your dogs so they don’t eat something that they shouldn’t.

Bad food for French Bulldogs

In addition to the foods that are bad for French Bulldogs, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain.

20. Milk and dairy products

Many French Bulldogs will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Dogs don’t have the same digestive system as us and can find it hard to break down lactose in milk, meaning runny diarrhea issues!

21. Blue cheese

Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs.

This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your French Bulldog could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese.

22. Meat and eggs that have not been cooked properly

Many owners now feed their French Bulldog a raw diet, and there’s nothing wrong with that providing they get all the nutrients and goodness required.

However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contracted by dogs eating raw meat.

23. Food and drinks with high sugar content

Sugary food and snacks aren’t good for us, so they certainly aren’t for your dog. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for French Bulldogs, and can result in a range of health problems.

Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate French Bulldog tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs.

24. Food high in salt and sodium content

Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your Frenchie… but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food.

If your French Bulldog does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures.

25. Fatty foods

Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers, and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your French Bulldog gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis – don’t be tempted into letting your Frenchie eat even small amounts of junk, no matter how many times you hear about the McDonald’s dog friendly menu.

Yes, it’s hard to say no to those pleading eyes when they beg for your food, but often the tastiest food is the worst for French Bulldogs.

What plants are poisonous to French Bulldogs?

There are also things your French Bulldog should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants.

• Aconitum
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Citrus
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Day lilies
• Delphiniums
• Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hibiscus
• Hostas
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Lupins
• Morning glory
• Mushroom plants
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tomato leaves and stems
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

This list contains just the most common plants that are poisonous to French Bulldogs. For a more comprehensive list, please download this print out from the Dogs Trust.

Conclusion

The reality is, most of the time if your French Bulldog has just eaten a very small amount of any of the bad foods listed here, they “should” be ok.

But, please never leave anything to chance and also consult with a professional veterinarian for advice.

I am not a vet, just a dog owner so all I have written here today is what I have personally learned and research myself. It should not replace veterinarian advice.

You might also like…

In addition to this list of foods toxic to French Bulldogs, I also write individual guides about other things they can eat, and the health implications. Here’s a small sample of recent content.

• Can dogs eat horseradish mustard safely?
• Can dogs eat sunflower seeds safely?
• Signs your Frenchie is going into her heat cycle

The post What Foods Are Bad, Poisonous, & Toxic to French Bulldogs? 25 Bad Foods! appeared first on DoggySaurus.