February 2022 - Frenchie Globe Shop

February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

What Causes Seizures In French Bulldogs? General Info & Tips For Treatment

You should know one thing:

Your Frenchie’s health can take a turn for the worse at any moment.

Okay, that sounded scary, but here’s the thing:

One minute, you’re playing fetch, and in the next, your Frenchie is flopping around the floor uncontrollably.

It’s a tricky situation, no doubt.

We’re here to discuss one potential cause of those sudden and uncontrollable movements your Frenchie is making. It might be having a seizure.

Canine epilepsy is not uncommon at all – and it’s a pretty serious matter.

If you’re worried about your French bulldog’s health, or you’ve already witnessed seizures before you stumbled upon our article, this is your sign to keep on scrolling.

We’re going to talk about what causes seizures in French bulldogs – and we’ll even throw in some possible treatment tips.

Don’t go anywhere!

What Are Canine Seizures?

If you’re unfamiliar with canine epilepsy, here’s a chance to catch up.

Canine epilepsy is a neurological condition in dogs. It’s a sudden and temporary nerve cell disorder that results in involuntary muscle movement.

Epilepsy is a term that denotes repeated seizures. However, their repetition depends. Some of them are frequent and happen in regular intervals, while others are challenging to predict.

One thing’s certain, though – they’re dangerous, either way.

To bring the importance of this health issue closer to pet parents, here are some statistics:

The percentage of dogs that have recurrent seizures is close to 60%. What’s more, this can shorten their life expectancy to 8 years – down from the average of 11 years.

Leading Causes Of Seizures In French Bulldogs

The fact that your French bulldog is having a seizure tells you something’s wrong with their health; there’s no doubt about that. But what could it be?

There’s certainly more than one possible cause – so, let’s start by listing them.

#1 Infections

If you’re a pet parent, then your vet has probably warned you many times about the dangers of infections in dogs – specifically the ones affecting the ears.

Ear infections can be caused by many things – starting with dust mites, allergies, bacteria, in-grown hair, etc. Whatever the underlying cause is, the point is:

If you don’t treat the infection in time, it could grow into a bigger problem – epilepsy.

#2 Poisoning

Whether it’s food or chemical poisoning, unwanted substances can have a severe impact on your dog’s body. And some of them could lead to seizures.

That may happen easily if you’re not careful about your French bulldog’s diet – or avoid consulting with your vet.

#3 High/Low Blood Pressure

Abnormal – high or low – blood pressure is generally not a good sign for your pup.

If your Frenchie’s blood pressure is low enough, their body can react by going into a seizure, which can last for a couple of minutes. It’s worth noting that, during that time, their bodies are also experiencing low levels of oxygen.

It’s the same with high blood pressure, and it’s called systemic hypertension.

A piece of advice:

Check your dog’s blood pressure, just as you would check yours – regularly!

#4 Anemia

Make sure your French bulldog eats everything in the food bowl!

Why are we emphasizing this?

Because dogs that don’t eat their vitamins become anemic – and therefore more prone to seizures.

In short, canine anemia is followed by sudden weight loss, lack of energy, and faster heart rate. That can cause recurrent seizures – and once they get there, it can be hard to bounce back.

#5 Stroke

Strokes are almost identical in humans and dogs. Namely, when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted – or when blood vessels burst – the brain cells become deprived of oxygen and begin to die off quickly.

That’s when seizures might happen.

Strokes are a medical emergency. However, they’re much more common in older French bulldogs who already have a medical history of blood clots.

Note that severe seizures can cause permanent blindness.

#6 Liver Disease

This one’s different. It’s a bit more serious than some of the previous ones we’ve mentioned, and you shouldn’t take it lightly – especially if you want to avoid permanent consequences.

The liver is a crucial organ in your dog’s body. It regulates digestion, removes toxins, and is in charge of keeping blood clotting in check.

So, if something goes wrong, your Frenchie could be looking at severe side effects.

Liver diseases can happen with age, or it can be genetic – but it’s generally treatable. The problem arises when you skip regular checkups.

That leads up to seizures, which eventually cause liver failure. At that point, a fatal outcome is not impossible – so, you ought to be careful with this one.

What Are The Red Flags?

We’ve said it more than once – timing is vital. The faster you notice the red flags, the better. You’ll be able to help your Frenchie without seeing the ugly side of epilepsy.

Here are some warning signs that your French bulldog might be having a seizure:

Constantly running in circles
Suddenly falling on the floor
Being unable to look around the room
Excessive drooling
Going unconscious
Biting
Stiff muscles
Urinating uncontrollably
Twitching

How To Help Your Frenchie?

Treating seizures involves medical assistance, but there are a few things you can do for your Frenchie.

First things first, be by your dog’s side. If this is the first time your Frenchie’s going through a seizure, don’t leave its side until the episode has passed completely.

It would also help if you could time the seizures. It may not be of much help to you, but it will undoubtedly help the vet determine the possible cause.

Once it’s over, keep your dog calm, and move it to a safe location.

Try offering your Frenchie some food and water. Their body has suffered tremendous stress; they need some high-energy, nutrient-dense food.

And most importantly, don’t panic or raise your voice. That will only add pressure.

Seizures In Frenchies: Treatment Options

While some French bulldogs might experience two to three seizures during their lifetime, others struggle with regular episodes.

For dogs who suffer from recurrent seizures, many AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) are designed for this purpose. You can’t buy them over the counter, of course. Your vet will prescribe the best option for your Frenchie – and it’s up to you to follow the instructions.

It’s also important to mention that your Frenchie might be showing some side effects within the first few weeks, but it’ll get used to it with time.

The goal here is to reduce seizure frequency by 50%.

If you manage to accomplish that – well, kudos to you and your French bulldog!

Summing Up

From everything that you’ve read so far, we hope that one thing stuck – canine seizures can be serious.

There are a lot of causes for this disorder, and most of them are health-related. You’ve seen how quickly low or high blood pressure, anemia, and other conditions can cause your dog to have a seizure.

Whatever the cause, it’s your job to help your Frenchie get through it!

Oh yeah, one last thing:

We’re always looking for a way to improve. So, if you’d like to add something or share your own experience, feel free to do so.

Comment down below – we’d love to hear it!

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

French Bulldog Shedding And How To Prevent It? – Everything You Need To Know About It!

French bulldog shedding and how to prevent it is quite a popular topic. Why? Well, French bulldogs are notorious for shedding all over the place – despite their short hair.

Now, here’s the thing:

Shedding is unavoidable; it’s part of being a pet parent. And yes, it can undoubtedly cause quite a few problems around your home – but the sooner you make peace with it, the better.

It’s not like you can stop your Frenchie from shedding, anyway.

However, there are still things you can do to minimize it – at least to an extent. That’s what we’re going to talk about today:

How you can slow down the shedding, keep it under control, and, well, make it more “bearable.”

Are you ready? Let’s get to it, then!

Why Do French Bulldogs Shed?

French bulldogs are known to have a fantastic coat that’s silky, smooth, and easy to groom. But they aren’t that different from any other short-haired dog breed when it comes to shedding.

All dogs shed – some more than others. And having dog hairs all over the place – your furniture, your clothes, carpets, and floors – is just a part of it.

French bulldogs shed for the same reason as other dogs; it’s seasonal and part of their nature – but there are a few reasons behind it.

First off, their coat is what’s keeping them warm during the winter. And when spring comes, they have to trade in their “winter clothes” for something more appropriate for warmer weather – and that means spring-time shedding galore.

It’s all about avoiding overheating during the summer.

Then, as the weather starts changing and temperatures begin to drop, your Frenchie will, once again, switch its coat – now trading in the summer one for a thicker, warmer coat suitable for the colder months.

And even if all the other conditions are right, your Frenchie went through the seasonal shedding cycle, and you know that there’s no underlying cause to the shedding; you’ll still find dog hair all over the place.

Why?

Because, even if nothing else is going on, your French bulldog will still have to shed its old and damaged hairs. That’s the second reason why your Frenchie sheds, by the way:

To renew its coat and keep all of its “properties” intact.

What we mean by “shedding to renew their coat” is that the follicles of their coat don’t stay as strong forever. And if the hair follicles aren’t renewed regularly, the old coat will become weak and won’t serve the initial purpose of protecting your Frenchie’s sensitive skin and helping with thermoregulation.

Shedding will occur two times a year no matter what you do – because your dog’s hair follicles will enter the anagen phase and grow new hair, pushing out the old ones. It’s what they do!

For the most part, though, Frenchies shed year-round, which isn’t uncommon for dogs that have short coats. It’s just not as bad as with long-haired dogs.

We’d like to add one thing:

These occurrences are natural. You shouldn’t be frightened if you see your Frenchie’s shedding more than you’re used to during certain times of the year.

How To Decrease Shedding With Frenchies?

The fact is that you can’t stop your dog from shedding completely.

There are some ways you can decrease shedding – but to completely stop it is, well, practically impossible.

But before we get into that, we need to emphasize one thing:

If you see your Frenchie shedding excessively at the time of the year when it’s not “normal” nor expected, go to a vet. That could be a sign of a health-related problem.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s see what you can do for your French bulldog if you want to decrease the shedding.

#1 Good Skincare Routine And Regular Bathing

A good skincare routine could be crucial to your French bulldog’s skin and coat. Like humans, Frenchies can also get irritated by something in their surroundings – which could, in turn, trigger shedding.

A proper skincare routine could prevent this and ensure that your Frenchie won’t experience this issue.

Granted, there aren’t as many skincare products for dogs as there are for humans, but you can still find a good shampoo, conditioner – and some creams.

So, pick something reliable and stick with it since adapting to a new product may be stressful for their skin – as well as for their coat.

Upping your Frenchie’s skincare could help decrease the shedding a bit by allowing the follicles to remain healthier for more extended periods.

Cremes are reserved for skin irritations and similar short-term problems – but it’s always good to have them around.

#2 Use De-Shedding Tools (Brushes) Regularly

Grooming is sometimes overlooked; people assume that short-coated dogs generally don’t shed as much – until they see their Frenchie shedding first-hand.

So, hear us out:

A de-shedding brush – or any other de-shedding tool – can be a complete gamechanger!

Invest in a good tool that will help both you and your dog go through seasonal shedding with as little stress as possible.

Regular brushing with a de-shedding brush is a good habit of responsible dog owners. However, keep in mind that it might still cause some skin problems when done too often.

So, aim for the golden middle – meaning two to three times a week at max.

That’ll allow your Frenchie to shed most of its hairs while you’re brushing it, not leaving much to fall out while your pet is walking around.

It won’t stop or decrease shedding per se, but it could prevent the “outcome” – finding their hairs all around the house.

#3 Water Intake And Proper Diet

Another thing humans and dogs share is a bad reaction to dehydration and poor eating habits. We are what we eat – and the same is true for our Frenchies.

A healthy diet and adequate water intake mean healthier and stronger hair follicles – which, in turn, means less shedding.

If you love your Frenchie – and we know that you do – you’ll be aware of their water intake and make sure they’re eating properly.

Oh, and one more thing:

Test your Frenchie for food allergies – just in case.

It wouldn’t be uncommon to notice increased shedding and other skin-related diseases in dogs with allergies. So, rule that out first.

If you love your French bulldog, you’ll treat their eating and drinking habits as your own.

Final Word: French Bulldog Shedding And How To Prevent It?

Now that we’ve discussed French bulldog shedding – and how to prevent it – it’s time to sum it all up.

First off, you need to be aware that you can’t stop the natural shedding process of any dogs – including French bulldogs. You can decrease the shedding intensity of your Frenchie in multiple ways, but you can’t – and shouldn’t – stop this natural process.

There are three distinct things you can do to decrease your Frenchie’s shedding – and they are:

Introducing a good skincare routine and regular bathing
Using a de-shedding tool to catch loose hairs
Feeding your pup a healthy diet and keeping them hydrated

A good skincare routine makes the most difference. However, using a de-shedding brush might eliminate almost all the hairs from your living space.

The crucial step is to keep track of your Frenchie’s water intake, diet, and test them for allergies, though.

That’s not only important shedding-wise; it makes a world of difference to your Frenchie’s health and wellness, too.

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

What Is The Mini French Bulldog? – Miniature Versions Of Your Favorite Bulldogs!

We’ve all seen bigger and smaller French bulldogs around, but what’s the difference between them?

It seems like more and more of you are taking an interest in the so-called teacup Frenchies, so we’ve decided to answer the question, what is the mini French bulldog?

The simple answer would be that mini Frenchies are just regular French bulldogs bred down to a smaller size. But that’s the oversimplified version.

A lot is going on here, from planning to genetics, so the answer isn’t as simple as it seems.

You don’t have to worry, though! We did the research – and we’re ready to walk you through it.

So, without further ado, let’s jump straight in and see what’s the deal with miniature Frenchies!

How Did Mini Frenchies Come About?

Well, this is an interesting question. The thing is, we can’t tell for sure where this tiny variation of French bulldogs originated.

What we can tell you, though, is that, much like other miniature dogs, teacup Frenchies are the result of specific breeding processes:

Crossbreeding French bulldogs with a smaller dog breed, such as the Yorkshire Terrier or miniature poodles
Introducing the genetic mutation that causes canine dwarfism
Breeding the smallest dogs in the litter with the idea of passing their smaller size onto the next generation

There’s one more thing you should know:

Mini Frenchies – miniature or teacup Frenchies, as they’re also called – aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club as a genuine breed.

That shouldn’t come as a shock, though. The AKC generally doesn’t acknowledge “teacup” as a distinct trait of any breed – not just French bulldogs.

Why?

Well, technically speaking, these are just French bulldogs that are smaller in size – and not an entirely different breed.

Teacup French Bulldogs are just that – French bulldogs, only more miniature.

What Are Teacup Frenchies?

Mini Frenchies – or teacup Frenchies – are essentially French bulldogs crossed with a smaller breed, preferably one with weaker genes, so that the dogs don’t change appearance.

Now, that might sound harmless at first, but these practices bring about several issues, most of which have to do with ethical principles and medical problems.

Think about it; “regular” French bulldogs are already pretty small as is, and shrinking them more can only spell trouble for the pups.

For instance, if breeders rely on cultivating canine dwarfism to achieve the miniature size, that essentially means they’re also introducing several health issues linked to this genetic condition.

Mini Frenchies are undoubtedly one of the cutest things out there, but the fact that breeding them with smaller dog breeds leaves them with dwarfism isn’t something to be proud of as a dog breeder.

And the effects of it aren’t only seen on the outside, either. The lack of growth hormones could also lead to a whole host of accompanying problems, including underdeveloped internal organs and underactive thyroid glands, which might pose a threat to your Frenchie’s long-term health.

Nobody wants to see their dogs suffer. So, you need to remember these things and keep them in mind if you’re seriously considering getting a teacup Frenchie.

We hate to be so negative, but here’s the thing – there are too many potential complications with mini Frenchies. We felt obligated to keep you informed!

Oh, and one more thing:

Since nobody approved and registered teacup Frenchies as a genuine breed, there’s still room for additional genetic problems that aren’t easily predicted.

We all agree that seeing these mini French bulldogs carried in bags around town is hilariously cute, but that doesn’t cancel out the fact that they might have serious health problems down the road.

How Big Are Mini Frenchies?

People seem to be confused about how big – or small – these Frenchies can be. So, we figured we’d take a moment to discuss the actual numbers.

Let’s look at the information available:

Your mini French bulldog shouldn’t be higher than 11 inches and heavier than 24 pounds. With that said, these are unofficial rules – loose guidelines that breeders will follow when attempting to achieve the “mini” size in their litters.

Medical Problems With Mini French Bulldogs

As we’ve said earlier, there are many potential health-related problems teacup French bulldogs might suffer due to their miniature size and genetics.

Again, we don’t mean to scare you, but you should be aware that teacup Frenchies are prone to several conditions, including:

Hip Dysplasia – Don’t get us wrong; even your regular-sized French bulldogs could end up suffering from hip dysplasia. The same goes for much larger dog breeds, too – which, by the way, are more prone to developing this condition. Still, keep an eye on your mini pup; you never know.
Brachycephalic Syndrome – Brachycephalic syndrome is a combination of primary and secondary upper airway abnormalities that cause partial obstruction to a dog’s breathing. That’s why short-headed, flat-faced breeds, like French bulldogs, sometimes have those recognizable “snoring” moments.
Hemivertebrae – Hemivertebrae is a severe spinal deformity seen in screw-tailed dogs. This congenital condition is characterized by several fused or wedge-shaped vertebrae, leading to a twisted spine and, in turn, incontinence, pain, weakness in the limbs, and inability to walk. In severe cases, it requires euthanasia.
Underdeveloped Internal Organs – We’ve briefly mentioned this when we discussed the practice of introducing dwarfism as a means of getting miniature Frenchies. Because the dog’s growth hormone levels are affected, their small size could indicate issues with the internal organs.

Should You Buy Mini Frenchies?

Okay, given all of this talk about problems with this “sub-breed” of French bulldogs, we imagine that some of you who came here with the idea of getting a mini Frenchie aren’t so thrilled about it anymore.

And we get it; there are a lot of unethical practices – and potential health conditions – that would put many dog lovers off the idea of getting a teacup Frenchie.

But, there is a bright side to mini French bulldogs:

They keep all the mental characteristics of Frenchies, which means you’ll have a miniature ball of joy and happiness – all the cuteness, but in a smaller body.

If you’re struggling with living space right now and think that a regular-sized Frenchie won’t have enough room, then sure, a mini French bulldog might be the solution.

These dogs are also well-behaved, relatively easy to train, they don’t need a lot of exercise, and you can carry your pup around with you all the time.

One thing to note is that teacup Frenchies are extremely expensive; we’re talking $2000 – or up to $8000 in some cases.

What Is The Mini French Bulldog? – Conclusion

“What is the mini French bulldog?”

That’s such a simple question, but it requires such a complex – and pretty gloomy – answer. But in short, they’re still French bulldogs, only smaller.

We all know how miniature Frenchies look. One word – adorable.

And the fact that teacup Frenchies keep all the mental characteristics of “regular-sized” French bulldogs makes it even more tempting to get one. Getting a miniature version of this lovely dog doesn’t seem so bad, does it?

However, these teacup pups can have many health problems, which is why we’re not entirely comfortable with recommending that you get one.

Sure, these dogs can be great companions. But no matter how much love and effort you put into taking care of your teacup Frenchie, the truth is, you probably won’t be able to avoid some of the problems listed above.

Please remember this if you’re still considering getting a mini Frenchie.

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

How Do French Bulldogs Get Blue Eyes? – Find Out Here & Now

Gray French bulldogs with blue eyes are one of the most-searched-for dog breeds out there.

So, it’s not uncommon for people to wonder how do French bulldogs get their blue eyes?

And, well, that’s why we’re here today – to answer that question!

Now, there are several factors that need to be present for a dog to have blue eyes – but the most crucial role is played by the M-locus and S-locus genes in Frenchies.

That may sound confusing since the majority of French bulldog puppies are born with blue eyes, but that’s the catch:

It doesn’t mean that they’ll keep that eye color after they grow a little.

It’s much like human babies born with blue eyes; they’ll eventually develop different eye colors, usually after a few months.

That’s why the M-locus and S-locus genes are essential here; they are in charge of keeping the characteristic blue color of your Frenchie’s eyes.

But enough of the intro – let’s jump into the detailed explanation and see what else hides behind those unique blue eyes!

Blue Eyed Frenchies – How Do They Happen?

Generally speaking, the only determining factor for your Frenchie puppy keeping its blue eyes is if they carry a gene connected to the Merle French bulldogs or not.

French bulldogs come in a million different variants, colors, and sizes. Some Frenchies are rarer than others, and the Merle Frenchies – which all have blue eyes – are one of them.

The primary reason why this variation of French bulldogs is so popular is their distinct blue eyes.

Although there’s no guarantee that the Merle French bulldogs would keep their blue eyes after the puppy phase, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll keep the authentic eye color if they carry the recessive gene.

There are other variations of Frenchies that also have a bigger chance of having blue eyes – but again, there’s no guarantee if it will “stick.”

The M-locus and S-locus genes play the most significant role in the answer.

Will French Bulldog Puppies Keep Their Blue Eyes?

Like we’ve already said, dogs (including French bulldogs) are often born with blue eyes or very light-colored eyes. Still, there’s no guarantee that those blue eyes won’t turn black, deep brown, or amber when the puppy phase is over.

That can be a pretty stressful period for some dog breeders; they’re all hoping for their puppies to keep the authentic blue eye color.

Why?

Well, for one, blue-eyed dogs are becoming increasingly popular. And two, dogs with genuinely blue eyes are pretty darn rare.

This growing interest in blue-eyed dogs isn’t something new, though. Quite the contrary – it’s old.

People have been obsessed with dogs with blue eyes throughout history. So, the fact that these dogs are desirable is nothing new, honestly. And again, that’s because they’re so incredibly rare.

French bulldogs are one of those breeds where blue eyes are highly sought-after. We don’t know why exactly that is – but we can make some assumptions.

For example, regardless of what color your Frenchie is or what variation we’re talking about, all shades and hues of French bulldogs’ coats go well with blue eyes.

Think about it – a gray Frenchie with blue eyes. That would look so adorable, wouldn’t it?

Besides the aesthetics, there’s the feeling of prestige when you see a French bulldog with blue eyes, again, because they’re oh-so-unique and rare.

When it comes to Frenchie puppies, there’s a high possibility of them being born with blue eyes, but there’s always the question of will they keep them as they mature.

There’s no rule; claiming one or the other with absolute certainty is pretty much impossible.

The only number that we’re comfortable discussing here is that there’s about a 5% chance of your dog – including French bulldogs – having blue eyes.

We told you they’re rare.

Purebred Frenchies have a higher possibility of having blue eyes since Frenchie breeders do care about the DNA of their dogs and the genetic backgrounds of the dogs they’re breeding.

And that can sometimes result in the whole litter having blue eyes that they’ll keep even after the puppy phase.

Can You Influence Your Frenchies Eye Color?

There are some bold claims out there that, by manipulating the food or lifestyle of your dog, you can influence their eye color to a degree. Look, the Internet is a wild place – and not everything you read is true.

The same goes for this claim:

Saying something like this couldn’t be further from the truth. It goes against biology, DNA – and, well, science in general.

Your Frenchie’s eye color might change slightly throughout your pup’s lifetime. However, it has nothing to do with the lifestyle or food that they’re eating.

Outside factors can’t influence your dog’s eye color in any way. That’s flat-out impossible since eye color is determined by DNA – and not lifestyle-related things.

Oh, and one more thing:

If you notice your Frenchie’s eye color changing, and it looks like they’re losing the eye color, it might be an indicator of an underlying medical problem. So, in that case, it’s wise to visit a vet!

Do Blue-Eyed Frenchies Cost More?

Well, yes, the majority of dog breeders will likely charge more for blue-eyed puppies – provided that the puppies have outgrown the phase in which they might lose the distinct blue eye color, of course.

That brings us to the next point:

You should keep in mind that some dog breeders also try charging more for very young puppies just based on their eye color.

That isn’t justified, though, since those dog breeders can’t guarantee that the puppy with blue eyes won’t change eye color in a matter of weeks or months.

Our advice is to do your research and determine the possibility for that dog breed – in this case, Frenchies – to have blue eyes even after they grow out of their puppy phase.

How Do French Bulldogs Get Blue Eyes? – Finalizing Our Thoughts

It seemed like a simple question – but as you can see, there were many sub-topics to cover to educate you on the subject completely.

Let’s recap some of the most important things and see what’s imperative to remember:

First, French bulldogs get their blue eyes from M-locus and S-locus genes found in their DNA.

If your Frenchie doesn’t have those genes, the chances of your pup having blue eyes after the puppy phase are slim to none.

Also, there are some variations of French bulldogs that are more prone to having blue eyes throughout their lifetimes, such as Merle French bulldogs with lighter coats – and lighter eye colors.

And make things clear, again, there’s no way of you influencing and manipulating your dog’s eye color in any way, shape, or form:

Regardless of what your dog eats and what kind of lifestyle it has, its eye color will change a bit throughout the years. But that’s not because of something you did; it’s because of biology.

One last thing to recap is that some French bulldog breeders will boost the price solely because some puppies have blue eyes.

Keep an eye out for that since there will be instances where you won’t be able to tell – at least not with absolute certainty – if the Frenchie puppy will have blue eyes when it grows up or not.

We wish you and your blue-eyed doggo a great day!

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

The Magnificent Appeal Of Rare Blue French Bulldogs – Why Are They So Special?

As you probably know, there are a lot of different variations of French bulldogs – but amongst them, there are some that are a bit more “special” than others.

Blue French bulldogs fall into that category of rare, special Frenchies; everyone will agree with us on that. So, we’ve decided to tell you all about the magnificent appeal of rare Blue French bulldogs!

This particular rare sub-breed of Frenchies is becoming quite popular and has gained popularity over the past few years. People seem to have noticed the appeal of these Frenchies and started buying them like crazy.

But why? Why are Blue Frenchies more appealing than the rest of them?

These dogs aren’t the most expensive or the rarest French bulldogs out there – and yet, they are one of the most sought-after. Sure, they’re adorable – but is that all there is to it?

Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Looks

Considering how many variations of Frenchies are out there, there has to be something that’s drawing people towards the Blue Frenchies.

We firmly believe that a big reason – and possibly the biggest one – is their unique looks.

Blue Frenchies have a characteristic gray (blue) color that often comes with bright blue, green, or grey eye color. This combination of colors makes Blue Frenchies stand out from the crowd – and, while we’re at it, from most other color variations that you can get a French bulldog in.

Now, let’s point out the obvious:

These dogs are called “blue” when, in reality, they’re grey. We get how that can be confusing to some of you.

Here’s a short explanation:

All dog breeds that have this variation in color – pit bull terrier, Stafford terrier, French bulldogs, and so on – are called blue for a good reason.

In the sunlight, their coat has a blue-ish color to it, and that’s why they are called Blue French bulldogs, blue Pitbull terriers, blue Staffords; you get the idea.

Unfortunately, this color comes from a genetic mutation, and that’s why a significant majority of French bulldog associations worldwide don’t – and more than likely, won’t ever – recognize the Blue Frenchie as a legitimate variation of this breed.

“What genetic mutation we’re talking about?” you might ask yourself.

They’re “suffering” from a condition known as color dilution, which essentially means that they’re black French bulldogs with pigmentation discoloration. That’s what leads to their coat being grey or silver – instead of black.

That means that Blue Frenchies are just black Frenchies with a lighter coat! How fascinating is that?

This rare color draws the eyes of those looking to get a Frenchie – since Blue Frenchie puppies stand out from the others. The color is stunning and oh-so-unique!

Plus, when Blue French bulldogs are young, their coats are even lighter in color, and their eyes are brighter.

We suspect that that’s a big part of the reason why these Frenchies are as popular as they are currently.

Their coat darkens a bit as they grow up, and their eyes sometimes become brown or dark grey – even black. But they’re still easily recognizable and distinguishable from other, similar-looking French bulldogs.

These dogs also often have a big white spot on their belly and chest that’s quite bright. That is one of the features that they share with other Frenchies, but the whiteness on their chest is “a bit whiter” than the rest, as some owners described it.

All of this – and the phases their coat and eyes go through in life – is a major factor in why pet-parents-to-be are starting to buy rare Blue French bulldogs more and more.

People tend to pick out the most beautiful puppies to take home, and Blue Frenchies are – well, flat-out stunning.

Of course, you’ll love your dog regardless of how it looks, but let’s be honest:

An aesthetically pleasing dog is always a plus – and Frenchies are not an exception to this rule.

Genetics & Health

Since we’ve mentioned genetic mutations quite a bit, some people might assume that these rare blue Frenchies might be more prone to some diseases more than other Frenchies.

Well, we’re pleased to inform you that that’s not the case:

Blue Frenchies aren’t more prone to hip dysplasia, kidney diseases, or respiratory issues than the rest of the pack!

You’re probably aware that dogs – particularly French bulldogs – tend to develop specific medical problems. But, there are a few examples where Frenchies are more prone to some conditions.

For example, teacup or mini Frenchies – which often come in a blue coat color – are more prone to certain diseases. They’re born with a type of dwarfism that makes them more likely to get hip dysplasia or respiratory problems, mainly affecting the upper airways.

But that’s the thing we’d like you to remember:

Just because these mini French bulldogs often come in a color that we’re discussing right now, that doesn’t necessarily imply that “regular-sized” Blue French bulldogs are also more prone to these conditions.

Teacup Frenchies experience these problems due to their size, not color – but somehow, people tend to forget about that.

As long as your Blue French bulldog comes from healthy parents, gets plenty of daily exercise, eats a good diet, and has a healthy lifestyle overall, you can avoid the majority of these potential medical issues.

Should You Get A Blue French Bulldog?

Due to the popularity of Blue French bulldogs, some of you reading might be considering getting a Blue French bulldog, too. And we get it.

We should warn you about something, though:

Some people are extremely against breeding these Frenchies since most accredited breeders – and associations – don’t recognize the Blue Frenchie as a legitimate variation of this dog.

If you don’t care about that, though, then there’s nothing stopping you from getting a Frenchie pup in whichever color you’d like!

The question of “should you” is totally up to you.

The list of diseases that French bulldogs are prone to developing is widely available knowledge – and the same applies to Blue Frenchies, as well.

But, if you’re planning on bringing your Frenchie to any kind of dog competition or dog show, we highly suggest you pick another color other than blue – or grey if you want to get technical about it.

This color is considered a “disqualifying color” since none of the judges will approve of a French bulldog’s blue coat.

Dog shows aside, though, it’s okay to go with a blue French bulldog.

The Magnificent Appeal Of Rare Blue French Bulldogs – Summary

As you can see, there’s a lot to figure out when talking about the magnificent appeal of rare Blue French bulldogs.

But one thing that we can tell you is that they’re definitely unique-looking and that they’ll catch many looks on the street. And when is that a bad thing?

These dogs have become popular in the last couple of years, and that’s why their appearance isn’t such a “taboo” topic as before.

Despite their unique looks, many breeders and associations don’t recognize Blue Frenchies as a breed standard.

But, their appeal isn’t in the official recognition, anyway.

The grey coat makes them stand out – not just from other dogs, but also from other Frenchies!

Also, Blue Frenchies come with a fantastic range of eye colors. These Frenchie pups can have blue, green (light), or grey eyes.

And in case you didn’t realize, these eye colors are pretty rare and aren’t something you’ll see in dogs that often.

In addition to that, you have to remember that any breed that comes in these colors – pit bull terriers, Staffords, and the like – also end up being the most sought-after color amongst those breeds.

The appeal is in the unusual color and coat – and that’s what the emphasis should be on when it comes to Blue French bulldogs, too.

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

French Bulldog Pregnancy Revealing – French Bulldog’s Pregnancy Guide

We can all put our hands up in agreement that there’s no greater joy for Frenchie breeders and owners than learning that their exquisite Frenchie female is expecting puppies.

It’s undeniable that both the owner and the dog have come a long way and exerted a great effort to arrive at that delightful stage.

Now, many people believe that all dogs give birth to puppies naturally. However, in the case of French bulldogs, things are a bit different.

When entering this enormous life chapter, the first thing every dog owner must do is prepare their female pooch for pregnancy.

Pregnancy in a French bulldog necessitates various dietary adjustments and several medical procedures.

So, let’s discuss French bulldog pregnancy revealing and everything that comes before – and after – shall we?

The Health Concerns

While a French bulldog is one of the loveliest animals around, they are prone to respiratory problems and a variety of other medical issues:

The narrowed noses of French bulldogs, known as stenotic nares, might be the most severe health risk. That’s because they’re a brachycephalic breed of dog.

Because of their head, snout, and neck structure, they’re often prone to difficult, obstructive breathing.

Moreover, hip dysplasia, abnormal vertebrae, and early intervertebral disc degeneration are common health concerns for the breed, as well.

Breeders must continue to seek ways to improve French bulldogs’ health and well-being due to these common health issues. One way to ensure healthy Frenchie puppies is for breeders to do the necessary genetic tests.

The Minimum Mating Age In Frenchies

The maturity age varies depending on the dog breed. It’s worth noting that small breeds, on average, mature faster than huge ones.

After roughly six months, male French bulldogs become reproductive. They’ll generally attain sexual maturity between the ages of 12 and 15 months.

After six months, your dam’s first heat season, or estrus, occurs. However, in extreme cases, estrus can be delayed to 18 months or even two years. From there, your dam’s heat season should occur every six months until your Frenchie reaches old age.

It is, however, considered contentious and against the standards to breed your dam during her first heat season. That’s because they aren’t entirely mature at that age, and, in addition, the pregnancy might put the dog and the puppies at risk.

Also, the American Kennel Club does not accept the registration of a litter out of a dam that’s less than eight months old or more than 12 years old.

The Frenchie’s Dam Cycle

It’s critical to understand your female Frenchie’s cycle. That’ll allow you to keep track of her reproductive cycles – which are divided into four stages:

Proestrus – When your dam has a bloody vaginal discharge and her vulva swells, she’s in her proestrus. That’s when she attracts males, and this period lasts around nine days.
Estrus – Estrus occurs after the proestrus and lasts roughly nine days. The female is fertile throughout this period and will allow breeding. Please remember that ovulation typically happens during the first 48 hours, which is vital for breeding purposes.
Diestrus – Also known as the “pregnancy” stage, this is the time when the hormone progesterone is in charge of the reproductive system. It lasts roughly 60 to 63 days and will happen whether or not your dam conceives.

If your female Frenchie becomes pregnant in estrus, she’ll be in the diestrus stage until she gives birth or whelps. However, it’s possible to have a false pregnancy. In this case, your Frenchie may appear pregnant – even though she is not.

Anestrus – Anestrus is a three-to-four-month phase of infertility. There is no sexual activity at this time.

How Do You Know Your Frenchie Is Pregnant?

You must search for specific symptoms of pregnancy in your dam after the estrus phase. An increase in hunger, weight, or nipple size are examples of these symptoms.

That, however, is not proof in and of itself.

Your dam could still present pregnancy indicators yet not be pregnant, as previously stated. Ultrasound and an examination of her abdomen palpitation at 28 days could confirm this for you.

Once you’ve determined that your dam is pregnant, you’ll need to consult your veterinarian about the specific considerations that come with breeding a French bulldog.

That will entail learning how to recognize emergency scenarios that demand rapid medical assistance. Details on your Frenchie’s labor and what to expect after she gives birth to the puppies should be part of the discussion, as well.

The Behavior

When it comes to pregnant French bulldog behavior, we must acknowledge that they have a lot in common with women. To put it another way, they’re all the same:

During pregnancy, both female dogs and women undergo mood swings.

Your adorable four-legged female might appear kind and cuddly one minute – and then turn violent the next. As a result, it’s not a good idea to let a pregnant French bulldog alone with children.

Also, keep in mind that pregnant Frenchies dislike being touched on their “full bellies” during pregnancy; therefore, you should avoid it – no matter how cute they might look.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

In the case of a pregnant French bulldog, nutrition is crucial.

Feeding your pregnant furry friend a diet rich in high-quality animal-based protein is strongly recommended.

That’s why most Frenchie owners feed their four-legged beauties high-quality puppy kibble. Feeding the dam byproducts might cause major allergies, which is the last thing you want to happen.

Because your pregnant Frenchie’s tummy swells by the day, it’s best to feed her several tiny meals throughout the day. She’ll have sufficient space for her babies and avoid stomach gas and discomfort this way.

The Lenght Of Pregnancy In Frenchies

When it comes to pregnancy length, French bulldogs are much like any other dog breed.

The duration of this time should be between 58 and 68 days. The typical pregnancy lasts 63 days from conception to delivery, though, so it will take roughly two months in total.

Your dam may stop eating or have a diminished appetite a few days before giving birth. Your Frenchie might also begin to construct a “nest” where she intends to raise her puppies.

She should start the first stage of labor around 24 hours after her fever drops, as the cervix dilates and opens the delivery canal to allow the pups to come through. She’ll pant, strain, and seem agitated at this point.

Her body temperature can drop to 99 degrees or lower in the minutes leading up to delivery.

The actual abdominal straining and birthing stage follows this stage.

Bear in mind that, because of their breathing challenges and tiny hips combined with bigger puppy heads, vaginal delivery is not recommended for French bulldogs.

How Many Puppies Can You Expect?

French bulldogs only have a few puppies compared to other dogs, who typically have a large litter.

When you breed a French bulldog, you can anticipate a litter of three to five puppies. There have been a few uncommon cases where French bulldogs gave birth to as many as seven puppies – but these are exemptions, not the rule.

French bulldogs are petite dogs by nature. As a result, a reduced litter size would result in better circumstances for the puppies in the womb.

Conclusion

You should not breed French bulldogs unless you are a qualified and experienced breeder. The issues that might emerge as a result of this will not only put the female in jeopardy, but they might also result in unnecessary birth abnormalities in the puppies.

That said, do everything you can to make your Frenchie’s pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible!

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

Rare French Bulldog Colors: Choose A Puppy In Your Favorite Color!

French bulldogs are ultra-popular all over the globe. So, it should not come as a surprise that they have become subject to new “designer” colors that are not typical for this breed.

Even though Frenchies already come in many different colors accepted by the AKC, there are many breeders that raise puppies with unusual coat colors.

The fact that these colors are “disqualifying” doesn’t prevent the owners from falling in love with their exceptional Frenchie pup, and that is why you can now find these stocky, cute doggos in all sorts of color combinations.

In this article, we’ll talk about the rare French bulldog colors. Stay tuned – perhaps you’ll find a Frenchie that will match your favorite outfit! Wouldn’t that be adorable?

Acceptable AKC Color Standards

If you want your Frenchie to have a chance of winning a prize at a dog show, you can’t go wild when it comes to its coat color. There’s a list of colors approved by the AKC that you must stick to – and the list looks a bit like this:

Fawn
White
Cream
A combination of the three allowed colors

AKC has thought about markings, as well, and they decided to allow:

Brindle markings
Black mask
White markings
Piebald (pied)
Ticked

As for the so-called Fawn French bulldogs, they can have several coat color variations, such as:

Light tan cream
Reddish tan
Golden tan

The AKC welcomes all these fawn-colored Frenchies. These puppies typically have a visible black mask, too.

That’s it.

Can’t find a color you like?

Maybe you’ll have more luck exploring the list of rare Frenchie colors. Your pup might not be AKC-approved – but it will be unique.

Rare Frenchie Colors

Choosing to adopt an unusual Frenchie will attract a lot of attention. Of course, opinions will be divided – some people will approve, and others will frown upon your decision.

Don’t choose your pup based on what others think!

Your puppy will be your companion for life, and it is ONLY up to you to choose one and make it your BFF.

One thing to know is that your dog’s color will not affect its health. As long as you get your puppy from a reputable breeder that can vouch for the health history of its parents and do your best to raise it properly, you should not worry much.

Ready to learn more about the unique coat colors Frenchies have?

Here’s the list:

Blue (blue and tan, blue and fawn)
White
Black (black and white, black and tan)
Chocolate
Merle
Lilac
Isabella
Sable

Blue

If your goal is to be noticed, blue Frenchies are right up your alley. They will attract attention wherever you go!

Unfortunately, blue French bulldogs aren’t recognized by the AKC or any other organization.

These dogs boast a light bluish-gray coat which is usually solid but can sometimes have a few white patches in the chest or belly area. Blue and tan have a dominant blue color on their coat mixed with fawn, white, or cream markings.

The markings are usually located around the eyes, cheeks, bellies, or legs.

The unusual coat is a result of a very rare recessive dilute gene carried by both parents. Some suggest that this gene influences dogs’ health, but such opinions are highly controversial.

The only proven fact is that the gene in question affects the color of Frenchies’ eyes:

Blue Frenchies often have blue or grey eyes to match their coat.

White

You might think that we’re wrong and that white Frenchies are common – but you’re mistaken. A lot of people have such misconceptions simply because they mix cream and white Frenchies.

Namely, cream and white French bulldogs look very much alike at first glance. The color of the coat might easily fool you, even though cream Frenchies boast an eggshell-like coloring.

That’s why you should look into the dog’s eyes:

“True” white French bulldog puppies have pink eye rims and lips, while cream-colored puppies have darker, somewhat dusky eye rims and lips.

This coat color is much rarer than cream – but white Frenchies are recognized by the AKC and other kennel clubs. You get the best of both worlds:

A unique puppy and a prize at a dog show!

Chocolate

Frenchies are already so cute you can eat them up, so having a chocolate-colored coat might be a bit risky for them! All jokes aside, though, you’ll be pleased to know that these Frenchies are pretty rare.

Breeders get the chocolate-colored puppies by breeding French bulldogs with a recessive gene. Both parents have to have this gene for the puppy to inherit this unusual color.

The trouble is well worth it:

Besides getting a super-cute chocolate-like Frenchie, you will also get to enjoy the unique eyes.

Namely, chocolate French Bulldogs come with green, golden, brown, or even bright yellow eyes. How attractive is that?

Black

It may come as a surprise that black Frenchies are considered rare since most other dog breeds naturally come in this color. Yet, it’s a fact!

There are two variants – pure black French bulldogs and black and tan ones.

Both look very powerful and unique.

Pure black French bulldogs are solid black, while black and tan pups have gorgeous cream or reddish-tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, or their bellies and legs.

Unfortunately, neither of the two coat colors is accepted by the AKC. The good news is that black Frenchies are high in demand on the puppy market.

Merle

The merle-colored French bulldogs might be the most unique amongst them all.

Their coat is covered in dark-brown or black markings, while the dominating color is usually one of the three – cream, white, and fawn.

Unfortunately, more often than not, the merle color is a result of cross-breeding. As it turns out, these Frenchies usually have a Chihuahua as a distant relative.

The so-called merle gene is dominant and doesn’t cause any health issues in dogs. That means you can mate your merle French bulldog with a dog that has a single colored coat, and you’ll still get a merle puppy.

Merle Frenchies are popular due to their eyes, too.

Namely, they often have different colored eyes due to a genetic condition called Heterochromia. This phenomenon can be a great conversation starter!

Lilac

Lilac French bulldogs – doesn’t that sound lovely?

Unfortunately, it costs a lot of money, too:

Lilac Frenchies are very popular, very rare, and very expensive.

They carry a recessive gene that makes puppies bluish at birth – and lilac when they grow up. Their coat becomes lighter as they age.

Lilac Frenchies often have unique eyes, as well. They can be yellow, light brown, or blue.

Isabella

Isabella-colored French bulldogs are breathtaking little creatures.

These pups have a liver-colored coat with a gray-blue hue to it and light-colored eyes – yellow, light blue, green, or grey. They often have white or cream markings on their chests, too.

Isabella Frenchies require you to pay special attention to their skin protection due to sensitive pink skin around their mouth, eyes, and nose.

Sable

Sable French bulldogs have a fawn-colored coat with a unique reddish pigment. The coat color ranges from light tan to dark red.

Sable Frenchies have black and black-tipped hairs, as well. In fact, their coat is one of the rarest variants breeders can get!

Final Thoughts

Rare-colored Frenchies are delightful and charming, so if you are contemplating adopting one – go for it.

The color of the coat will not influence the dog’s health or personality, so there are no reasons why you should not choose the one you like. A disqualifying color is the least of your worries if you have a playful, healthy puppy!

Our only advice here is to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices. From then on, your Frenchie’s well-being depends on you.

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

What Are The Best Separation Anxiety French Bulldog Toys?

French bulldogs are so-called velcro dogs.

What does that mean?

Velcro dogs are clingy and often suffer from separation anxiety. Why are Frenchies like that?

It’s in their genetics. Namely, French bulldogs were bred to be companion dogs and depended on their human owners. They thrive on attention and feel best when you’re around.

Besides, dogs are social animals. They used to live in packs and do not feel comfortable when alone. In your case, your Frenchie perceives you as a leader of the group and feels secure and protected when you’re around, wanting to follow you wherever you go.

Finally, separation anxiety can be caused by a lack of physical and mental exercise. If you play with your dog or take a long walk before leaving them alone for a couple of hours, your dog is less likely to feel anxious.

So, what can you do when you notice that separation anxiety is a problem for your Frenchie?

There are numerous methods you can use to relieve separation anxiety in dogs. The main goal is to teach your Frenchie how to stay entertained while you’re not around. It may seem difficult in the beginning, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Dog toys can be beneficial. That’s why today we’ll answer the question:

What are the best separation anxiety French bulldog toys?

Let’s begin!

Separation Anxiety In French Bulldogs

Okay, first things first. You need to familiarize yourself with separation anxiety in dogs before you can do anything to address it – and that’s what this section is all about!

What Is Separation Anxiety?

You are your Frenchie’s pack, and when you are not around, your pooch is likely to exhibit some degree of discomfort, referred to as separation anxiety.

No one can tell you – not with absolute certainty, anyway – why your Frenchie has developed separation anxiety.

Still, you should remember that your puppy’s behavior is not an attempt to punish you for leaving them alone or seeking your attention. It’s a genuine expression of distress and panic.

When Does Separation Anxiety Usually Occur?

Separation anxiety typically kicks in once your Frenchie has to stay home alone for a more extended period. It could also be triggered by a sudden death of their owner, another family member, or another pet your Frenchie is attached to, as well.

Dogs can feel abandoned when you go on a vacation or are absent for a few days. It doesn’t matter if you leave your Frenchie in good hands; you’ll still be greatly missed.

If you’ve adopted a dog that already had an owner or was left in a shelter, you can expect them to have separation anxiety issues for obvious reasons.

Older French bulldogs are more likely to become clingy because they start losing their sense of hearing and vision. This change is stressful for our little canine friends – and they tend to stick closer to their owners.

A dog can also become “Velcro” when not given enough separation anxiety toys. It might sound silly, but having a favorite toy genuinely helps our furry friends cope with their owner’s absence.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Anxiety?

The symptoms of anxiety vary from dog to dog and have a lot to do with your Frenchie’s general character and upbringing.

Some of the most common signs are:

Digging and scratching at doors, walls, or windows; it’s your pup’s way of attempting to escape and reunite with you
Destructive chewing of furniture or your things (usually shoes and slippers)
Excessive howling, barking and whining
Uncontrolled urination and defecation due to distress (if this is the only symptom you’ve noticed, your dog might have some health issues that need to be addressed by the vet)

The listed modes of behavior are most evident when you start preparing to leave the house and immediately after you’re gone.

Most dogs calm down after some time – but you can expect another burst of emotion upon your return. Most dogs act all excited when reunited with their owner, no matter how short they were apart.

So, expect to be chased from room to room for at least five minutes.

How Should You Treat Separation Anxiety?

Try to act cool when you’re about to leave your Frenchie home alone. Do the same when you return. Don’t say “Goodbye” or pet your dog, nor take them into your arms as soon as you get back. Wait for your Frenchie to calm down to show affection.
Make sure that your Frenchie has their home within the home – a place where they can relax and feel secure while you’re gone. It’s best to leave a part of your clothes there as your smell will comfort Frenchie while you’re away.
In cases of more severe anxiety, you might ask your vet to recommend some calming products.
Young puppies that are yet to adjust to your home should best be taken to a pet daycare or left with a friend or a family member you trust.
If your Frenchie destroys your furniture and belongings, you should restrict them to one room. The room should not be dark or empty. In the best-case scenario, it should be the room in which your Frenchie spends a lot of time.
Your Frenchie should have some interactive toys to play with when alone.

How Not To Treat Separation Anxiety?

First of all, never punish your dog.

Your Frenchie’s not to blame for feeling stressed. In your French bulldog’s eyes, being without you is the greatest punishment they could receive.

You should also restrain yourself from:

Adopting another dog to keep your Frenchie company. That never works because your French bulldog is not lonely – they are attached to you.
Crating your dog. It’s a two-way street – even though it helps in some situations, in this case, it can make your Frenchie even more anxious and eager to escape.
Obedience training. It’s not helpful because your dog isn’t disobeying you here; they’re just anxious.

What Is The Role Of Separation Anxiety Toys?

Your Frenchie is an extraordinarily curious little creature. We bet you have noticed that from the first day you brought your puppy home.

For this reason, Frenchies thrive from playing with all sorts of toys.

When dealing with separation anxiety, you should opt for interactive toys that will stimulate and captivate your dog’s unique senses.

The best separation anxiety French bulldog toys can entertain your dog for hours. For example, a toy that makes your Frenchie work for a treat will keep your dog occupied even when no more treats are left. Hope dies last, as they say.

Many medical studies proved the effectiveness of different dog toys in relieving canine stress and anxiety.

For instance, a swaddling jacket’s been confirmed to ease a dog’s anxiety by providing constant pleasant pressure on its body.

What Separation Anxiety French Bulldog Toys Should You Choose?

First-time owners often buy the toys they like, but experienced dog parents already know what their dogs enjoy.

Don’t worry if you’re a rookie; you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.

That said, the toy you buy for your Frenchie must be of an appropriate size and shape. In this way, your pup will be able to carry it around, chew it, and paw at it.

The next step is to observe your pet’s mood and actions when you play together and determine which toy is their favorite.

It’d be best to consult your vet – or a dog behavior specialist – to recommend a few toys that have been established as best in the treatment of separation anxiety. You can then offer them to your Frenchie and see which one they enjoy the most.

We’ve asked around and found out that interactive food eggs and different treat-dispensing balls are often French bulldogs’ top picks.

These toys will help you with separation anxiety and get you through different training aspects – as well as the notorious teething phase.

Be persistent even if your Frenchie doesn’t figure out how interactive toys “work” right away and seems frustrated by that.

You can help your dog learn new skills and become better at problem-solving. And in time, your Frenchie will build self-confidence – and become more interested.

Finally, our advice is to always opt for a toy that includes some food. Feeding toys are the best at creating positive associations.

Give your Frenchie toys filled with their favorite snacks, and let them play with them while you’re around. Once your puppy falls in love with them, they might not even notice when you are gone!

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February 10, 2022

JohnnyBlog

French Bulldog Teeth – How To Deal With Tartar And Plaque?

Your Frenchie’s teeth have a lot of work to do – they act as the main tool for eating, playing, and exploring the environment. Thanks to their teeth, French bulldogs are able to discover the world, so it’s essential to keep them clean and healthy.

If not suitably taken care of, your Frenchie’s teeth could develop some severe issues.

So, if you’re worried about your dog’s dental health, in this article, we’ll discuss French bulldog teeth – how to deal with tartar and plaque. Be sure to stick around until the end and learn how to prevent your Frenchie’s teeth from going bad!

What Are Tartar And Plaque On Your Frenchie’s Teeth?

Tartar and plaque build-up on your little friend’s teeth could result in some pretty serious dental problems.

Plaque refers to the sticky mix of all kinds of food leftovers combined with your dog’s saliva. And in case that plaque isn’t cleaned regularly and adequately, it can turn into tartar.

Tartar, also called calculus, develops from collecting plaque on your Frenchie’s teeth. It presents a brown or yellow porous cover that’s hard to remove – and can lead to gum inflammation.

However, issues don’t stop here:

Painful gums often grow to periodontal disease – which results in tooth loss.

Common signs that your French bulldog’s suffering from dental problems include:

Swollen gums
Red and bloody gums
Unpleasant odor coming from your Frenchie’s mouth
Brown or yellow substance covering your dog’s teeth
Appetite loss
Inability to chew food

If you notice these signs, please, visit your vet as they can help you Frenchie the best.

How To Prevent A Frenchie From Getting Tartar And Plaque?

Let’s look at some of the best ways to deal with tartar and plaque on your Frenchie’s teeth.

Regular Teeth Brushing

Even though it sounds a bit hard to perform, it’s crucial to brush your Frenchie’s teeth frequently.

You should never use toothpaste that we humans use because it contains fluoride that can be highly poisonous to Frenchies – and dogs in general.

The best time to teach your Frenchie to get used to brushing is when they’re still a puppy. We suggest you gradually teach your puppy to become relaxed by allowing them first to sniff the toothbrush and the toothpaste.

Some praise words and tasty snacks as a reward can go a long way in the learning process.

Interestingly enough, you can also select a toothpaste with the taste of dog food – there’s no way your French bulldog will not like it!

Adding A Dental Additive Into Water Bowl

If your puppy doesn’t like the feeling of brushing teeth, another solution might be to include a dental water additive in your Frenchie’s water bowl.

This dental additive reduces plaque on your dog’s teeth that harbors bacteria and freshens your Frenchie’s breath. It’s a win-win!

Using Dental Wipes

You can also use dental wipes to remove plaque from your Frenchie’s teeth. Dental wipes are great for many reasons, mainly because you can gently go over all your dog’s teeth – without the need for using a toothbrush.

Using Dental Treats

Let’s be honest, what dog doesn’t love treats?

Dental treats are created to protect your dog’s teeth and gums from tartar and plaque build-up – and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and tastes, too.

We recommend you reward your French bulldog with dental treats while training or playing and use them about three times per week. In the meantime, you can use the previously mentioned teeth-cleaning solutions.

Using Dog Chewing Toys

Every Frenchie needs toys – not only to play and learn new tricks but also to clean their teeth on their own.

Toys can be an excellent solution for Frenchies that go through a terrible teething phase. They’ll teach your pup what to chew, too. That way, you won’t have to come back home from work and find your furniture ruined.

The Role Of Diet In Teeth Care

Besides all the previously mentioned tips, the diet you provide your Frenchie with can impact its dental health – a lot.

We recommend that you try feeding your French bulldog the so-called “BARF” diet.

It doesn’t sound great, we know – but a biologically-approved raw food diet is generally suitable for your Frenchie’s sensitive digestive system and skin that’s usually prone to allergies.

Benefits Of BARF Diet

As a dog owner, you’re probably thinking of the best foods and ingredients that you can add to your Frenchie’s diet.

When you feed your little friend with canned food or dry kibble food, the only thing left is to trust in what’s written on the label.

Sure, there are plenty of great choices when it comes to canned food and dry kibble dog food – but a carefully thought-out menu is something that will suit your Frenchie’s sensitive body the best.

Considering how much you spend on canned food, the BARF diet is not only a healthier alternative but also a cheaper choice.

Let us remind you of something before we continue:

Dogs are part carnivores, part omnivores, and were around for hundreds of years – their genetic material remained pretty much the same.

That means that, throughout history, dogs ate raw meat and other fresh ingredients; their bellies are made to digest that kind of food.

In other words, Frenchies need the same type of nutrition as their wild ancestors to stay healthy.

When we talk about providing a Frenchie with the BARF diet, we can assure you that it’s going to improve your dog’s mood and energy level. Other benefits of the BARF diet include healthier skin, a shiny coat, and, of course, healthy teeth.

All of this implies reduced vet visits, too.

How To Tailor The BARF Diet?

Ideally, this diet should consist of raw meat – between 25% and 75% – and the so-called natural additives.

“Natural additives” refer to organ meat, veggies, bones, and supplements. The percentage of meat depends on your dog’s age and energy level, of course.

If you have a Frenchie puppy, their diet should be 50-75% meat. On the other hand, adult and senior Frenchie’s diet shouldn’t consist of more than 25% meat.

What To Pay Attention To?

Dogs – especially puppies – require a sufficient amount of minerals, especially phosphorus and calcium. These are important for keeping your French bulldog’s teeth, joints, hips, and bones, in general, healthy.

While meat is rich in phosphorus, bones are rich in minerals. So, you should add some calcium to your Frenchie’s diet, too.

You can include fish and eggshells in ⅓ of your French bulldog’s meal, or you can use a calcium supplement.

That said, we don’t recommend raw eggs or eggs in general for French bulldogs since they can lead to allergies. Also, we suggest you don’t feed your Frenchie chicken heads and skin.

Conclusion: French Bulldog Teeth – How To Deal With Tartar And Plaque?

So, how to deal with tartar and plaque in your Frenchie? There are several things you can do to take care of your Frenchie’s teeth.

Regular teeth brushing, use of dental wipes, dental treats, and dog chewing toys are all great examples of good teeth health care for your French bulldog.

Additionally, diet plays a massive role in your Frenchie’s teeth, health. We recommend checking out the BARF diet.

Ultimately, if you notice your little friend suffers from swollen gums, appetite loss, or inability to chew, don’t hesitate to visit your vet. They’ll be able to help your French bulldog with their dental troubles.

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February 8, 2022

JohnnyBlog

How To Eliminate Frenchie Aggression? – Guide To Frenchie Behavior

French bulldogs are dogs that love their families and are generally perfect companions. But your Frenchie is still a dog – and like any other dog, it could show some signs of aggression at times.

The question is:

How to eliminate Frenchie aggression?

Well, one thing’s certain – if your dog displays signs of aggression, the sooner you figure out the reason behind this problematic behavior, the sooner you can work towards eliminating it.

In this article, we’ve covered some of the most common reasons why your French bulldog can show aggressive behavior, as well as methods on how to deal with it – and ultimately eliminate aggression.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Why Do Frenchies Get Aggressive?

French bulldogs aren’t known for uncontrolled aggressive outbursts. However, just like any dog breed, Frenchies can display such unwanted behaviors under certain circumstances.

To address aggressive behavior in your French bulldog, you first need to figure out the reason behind it. Once you’ve successfully managed to do that, you can proceed to find a solution to the problem.

With that said, let’s look at some of the most common reasons for aggression in Frenchies – from fear and pain to boredom.

Pain

Underlying health conditions and injuries are some of the most commonly overlooked causes of aggression. If your French bulldog has recently started showing aggressive behavior, they might be lashing out in pain.

If that’s the cause, you might also notice other unusual behaviors such as weight loss, lethargy, change in sleeping and eating patterns, alopecia, and even convulsions.

Older dogs can also experience vision and hearing loss, arthritis, or cognitive problems – all of which can lead to confusion and out-of-character behaviors.

Fear

If your French bulldog has had a frightening encounter or has developed negative associations with certain things, they might be showing aggressive behavior out of fear.

When your dog perceives something as a threat, its fight or flight mode will kick in. And if your pup is unable to escape the thing that’s frightening it, it’ll resort to aggression in an attempt to make the thing go away.

Puppies that haven’t been socialized tend to develop fears more easily as they grow older.

Separation Anxiety

French bulldogs love being in the center of attention. They love companionship, and if they don’t receive it, they could become lonely – and, in some cases, develop aggressive behavior patterns due to loneliness.

If you’re away from home for extended periods, your French bulldog could become stressed. Once your Frenchie develops separation anxiety, you can expect all kinds of aggressive and destructive behaviors.

Territorial Instincts

Frenchies may seem cute, but like all dog breeds, they’re capable of experiencing some intense emotions – such as territorialism. Usually, this extends to barking at anyone who dares to invade their personal space.

Frustration

If your Frenchie sees something they want and can’t get it, they can get frustrated.

When something like that happens, French bulldogs will often take out their frustration on the nearest target – and that will usually be family members or other dogs in the household.

Adolescence

When a French bulldog hits puberty, all hell breaks loose. Parents of teenagers will know what we mean.

Your previously cute and happy pup can get moody and prone to temper tantrums. Male French bulldogs will start to see other male dogs as competition, while females can get a bit grumpy.

Boredom

Despite their small size, French bulldogs still need plenty of mental and physical stimulation – and without it, Frenchies can become bored and frustrated.

If you don’t provide your Frenchie with proper “energy outlets,” they’ll likely exhibit that built-up energy in ways you hadn’t expected – such as aggression.

Stress

French bulldogs are creatures of habit like other dog breeds – they thrive when they have a proper routine. But life can sometimes ruin even the most carefully laid plans.

If your working schedule has changed, you’ve welcomed a baby or another pet into your home, or if you moved houses, your Frenchie might be feeling off-balance.

And when your dog becomes anxious and stressed, it can start acting aggressively.

How To Stop Aggressive Behavior In French Bulldogs

Without proper intervention, even minor displays of aggressive behavior could quickly escalate into something much more severe – and potentially dangerous.

As we’ve explained earlier, the first step in tackling aggressive behaviors in French bulldogs is to work out the cause. And once you find out the reason for your Frenchie’s aggression, you can think of a solution accordingly.

One thing you should start working on straight away is emotional control. Regardless of the actual cause for aggression, introducing new training techniques will be much easier if your Frenchie’s calm and focused.

In addition to exercises, the following methods can all make a massive difference in your French bulldog’s behavior.

Visit Your Vet

If you suspect that a health-related problem is the cause of aggressive behavior in your French bulldog, be sure to take it to your vet:

Dogs usually tend to keep their aches to themselves for as long as they can. If those pains are causing behavioral changes, you need to take action as soon as possible.

Be sure to share any physical and behavioral changes you’ve noticed in your Frenchie to help the vet reach a diagnosis sooner.

Socialize Your Frenchie

A puppy goes through two fear periods – the first comes when the puppy is about two months old, and the second comes at around the fifth month.

During these periods, your Frenchie might start reacting anxiously, which could escalate into aggression around the people and things they earlier took in their stride.

It’s crucial to socialize your French bulldog properly during these periods to prevent fears from taking over. Introduce the pup to new environments, new animals, and new people, or, in short:

Teach your Frenchie the world isn’t a scary place they might think it is.

Even though puppyhood is the perfect time for socialization, a dog is never too old to learn new stuff.

Avoid Triggers

Dog aggression is often a sign of anxiety. You could reduce their fears through desensitization methods over time – but for now, reduce exposure to triggering situations as best as you can.

For instance, if your Frenchie’s alarmed by other dogs, avoid walks in busy areas. And if loud noises scare your French bulldog, keep your home as quiet and calm as possible.

You get the idea.

Wear Your Frenchie Out

When you fail to meet your dog’s requirement for exercise and playtime, it’ll look for other ways to release that built-up energy.

If you’re lucky, this could simply mean digging a hole in the garden. What if you’re not?

Well, it could mean barking and growling.

Despite being relatively small, French bulldogs still require some exercise. Aim for an hour of various activities a day.

In addition to walking, games are also a great way of burning some energy off – and having fun in the process.

How To Eliminate Frenchie Aggression – Final Thoughts

Aggressive behavior is always worrying – even in smaller dog breeds, such as French bulldogs. So, how to eliminate Frenchie aggression?

There isn’t a magic trick that’s going to solve this behavior problem overnight. But don’t despair:

With a proper strategy, almost every issue is easily solvable.

By keeping calm, patient, and consistent, you can address the reason for aggression and move towards the solution by utilizing the methods outlined in this guide.

Let us know how it goes!

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