French Bulldogs have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in recent years thanks to their delightful, playful attitude and adorable boxy frames.
Frenchies can show a tremendous amount of variation in colours and patterns on their shiny, soft coats. This is a result of their high status as designer dogs creating a demand for evermore exciting, exotic colourations.
If you’re thinking about picking up one of these loveable pooches, or perhaps you already own one, it’s important to know that this dog breed is prone to several genetic issues.
Today we’re going to look at how you can identify and soothe your dog’s sensitive skin with an effective French Bulldog grooming routine.
Cutting any dog’s hair is generally considered to be unhealthy for the dog, and this is especially true of short-haired dogs like French Bulldogs.
This dog’s coat has a single, sleek layer that sits very close to its sensitive skin. It is distributed naturally to afford them the right protection and allow the healthy distribution of natural oils.
French Bulldogs won’t ever need a haircut as their short, smooth coat will always stay the same ideal length for keeping them warm and protecting their skin. However, a haircut might be required by a vet for a medical procedure if need be.
Instead of a haircut, why not try equipping your Frenchie with an aesthetic accessory. Many people think their Frenchie benefits from a little scarf. Just make sure it’s light and gentle so it doesn’t aggravate them.
Regular bathing is a crucial part of the French Bulldog grooming routine to keep their skin clean and free of infections as well as to stop the buildup of any odour in their wrinkles and facial folds.
You should be bathing your dog every 6 weeks in lukewarm water with a hypoallergenic shampoo that doesn’t upset their skin. Try putting a rubber mat down in your bath, too, so they’ve got more stability while you wash them.
Massage the hypoallergenic shampoo into their skin thoroughly, working it through harder-to-reach patches hidden by their folds.
These folds are, unfortunately, breeding grounds for yeast infections and can be the source of bad odours, so when you’re drying them, make sure to dry them in their folds, as any leftover moisture can cause inflammation and lead to infection.
You might think brushing is less important with a short-haired French bulldog, but it’s still a crucial part of keeping them clean and healthy, not to mention an opportunity for simple, unspoken physical bonding with your dog. They love any extended period of attention, so a good brushing is a treat for them!
Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt removes dead hair and skin from their coat and encourages the healthy distribution of natural oils over their skin.
Brushing acts like a massage for your dog, stimulating the circulation of blood and helping them relax in the same way a good back rub does.
French Bulldogs shed lightly all year but heavier during two seasonal periods, at which point you may want to brush them twice a week.
French Bulldogs benefit from regular ear cleaning, which should be part of your grooming routine as your Frenchie, like other Bulldog varieties, can be prone to picking up bacterial or yeast infections in their inner ear.
Check your dog’s ears regularly and remove any wax, dirt, or moisture and keep your eyes peeled for any redness, itchiness, or yellow discharge. Use a cotton ball with a gentle vet-approved cleanser and avoid using Q-Tips which can compact inner ear debris and cause damage to the sensitive inner ear.
Frenchies are known for often having little ‘goobers’ in their protruding, sensitive eyes. These are easily cleaned up with warm water and a cotton ball or Q-Tip.
Eye discharge is fairly routine, but it can be the result of allergies, so if you notice an uptick in tear stains, try using a monthly ear mite or flea preventative.
Nobody likes bad breath, but with your dog’s meaty diet, it’s likely that without the right dental care, they’ll soon develop this undesirable trait. It’s also crucial to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to infections, tooth loss, and difficulty eating.
The jaw of a French Bulldog rarely has the clean symmetry of a dog like a German shepherd, so it’s important to make sure you’re reaching every tooth when you brush.
The crunch of hard kibble can strengthen jaws and teeth, and its rough texture can limit plaque build-up. Dental chews also do the same trick, and because they’re a treat, your French bulldog will be none the wiser.
Some French bulldogs can have difficulty expressing the natural scent that gathers in organs located in their anus. You can try and release them yourself or ask your vet, as it’s a simple, straightforward procedure.
Keeping your French Bulldog’s nails trimmed is important both for appearance and for their comfort. Overgrown nails can make your dog uncomfortable. Long nails can make walking difficult and can lead to cracked skin on their foot pads, leading to painful infections in some cases.
Get your Frenchie used to the sight of the nail clippers up close, and always only trim a little at a time off each nail to avoid cutting them too close to the nerve endings, which can be extremely painful.
How often does it need to be done?
A Frenchie’s nails grow quickly, so every 2-3 weeks is a good interval to attend to them. They shouldn’t be resting on the floor, so use this as a visual marker for when they need a trim.
You can begin brushing your Frenchie’s hair as soon as you like once they are home. It’s a great opportunity to bond and bring you closer, and it gets them used to the routine early on.
There’s no consensus on how much you should bathe your Frenchie. Some people say once a week, while others believe every 6 weeks is sufficient. You are best using your own judgment to decide whether your dog has had a muddy walk, smells a little, or maybe it’s simply been long enough since their last bath time.
Frenchie’s short coats are low maintenance and easy to keep shiny and presentable. If you are short on time, then a professional groomer can take care of the job for you.
Some owners prefer a groomer to deal with the delicate task of trimming their nails.
You should never shave your Frenchie’s coat. Cutting a short coat can result in it not growing back properly, resulting in potential skin issues and removing the natural protection from minor and larger injuries, as well as protection from UV rays caused by going about their daily life.
Frenchies are easy dogs to maintain with a short coat that only requires a few brushes a week to keep its natural sheen, best done with a rubber grooming mitt.
Remember to take care of their sensitive skin, taking extra time to remove any moisture from their natural folds after bathing and any dirt that may build up in them from their day-to-day life.
These charming, loveable dogs turn heads with their handsome coats that come in many colours, and with the right grooming routine, you’ll be turning heads with yours!
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