Pampering your Frenchie Pup

FRENCHIE BATH TIME

Be wary of over washing your Frenchie as this will dry out natural skin oils that keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny. It is recommended that short haired dogs, like your Frenchie, only bathe on a strictly as needed basis, perhaps once a month.  Since Frenchies don’t tend to get too dirty, especially since they spend a lot of time indoors, frequent bathing is not necessary or desirable.

There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store or even at your veterinary clinic. Be sure to choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin. In between full baths, spot clean them with wet washcloths or unscented wet wipes for sensitive skin. Their behinds occasional need to be wiped clean as well, as does any other breed.

BRUSH IT OUT

French Bulldogs are short-haired and have a single coat so they do not shed as much as most breeds. Brushing their coat regularly with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair and will reduce the amount of shedding.

WRINKLE TREATMENT

The wrinkles on your Frenchies face are really the main area that will require the most maintenance over. These areas are prone to becoming damp and this is where infection can result. They can also collect dirt and food which can also lead to infections .

The frequency of maintenance varies from Frenchie to Frenchie, and depends a lot on climatic conditions. For example, Frenchies with large wrinkles in a hot, humid environment would require the most attention while a lightly wrinkled Frenchie in a cool, dry environment would require the least. One of the most effective ways to keep the wrinkles dry after cleaning is to use some form of talcum powder, such as baby powder, dispensed using a small brush. It is recommended that you clean the wrinkles out at least once a week initially and then vary your schedule based on the requirements of each Frenchie.

SAD EYES

Tear stains tend to be more problematic on the lighter color Frenchies. There are many products on the market which claim to remove and or prevent tear stain removal, but the most commonly referred to method is actually the use of Desitin. The ointment is spread along the length of the stain and after two or three weeks of application the stains should have disappeared. Another home remedy is to apply a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide to the affected area using a cloth or cotton ball. Extreme caution must be taken in either treatment to assure that neither gets into the dog’s eyes.

SNIFF-SNIFF

Another potential problem area can be your Frenchies little sniffer. At times, their nose can be susceptible to drying out. The best way to remedy this is to regularly apply a smear of petroleum jelly  to the nose. This keeps the nose dark and moist. Also found to be highly effective is the topical use of vitamin E (just squeeze a little of the capsule).

MANI-PEDI

As far as their nails go, your puppy’s nails should only need to be trimmed every month or so, and it is really not much more difficult than trimming your own nails. Still, some do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money, with a little practice this is a fairly quick and simple task.

There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is by far, the easiest to use. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws because the blood vessels and nerves found in the toenail, called the quick, are easier to see. You will want to try to cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, it is not a huge cause for concern. Bleeding generally stops within a few minutes and you can help stop the bleeding by applying cornstarch or applying pressure with a paper towel.

Don’t be afraid to try again if this happens, it is a simple mistake that with practice you will learn to avoid making in the future as you become more familiar with where the quick lies. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. You can even choose to cut them once every week or two so that you only have to cut off a little at a time, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick.

BAT EARS

The signature bat ears of the Frenchie can act as big dust catchers and need to be cleaned and examined on a weekly basis. When washing your Frenchie be careful not to get water and shampoo down the ear canal. Wet ears encourage bacterial growth and yeast leading to ear infections.  Simply wipe out with a soft cloth, or if there is evidence of dirt and grime in the ear a spray with ear cleanser should be used.

Your vet will be able to recommend a good ear cleanser that will dissolve any dirt and wax build up deep inside the ear. Apply by spraying liberally into the ear then massaging the cartilage in the front of the ear for around 1 minute. This will encourage the cleanser to go deep into the ear canal and dislodge the debris.  You will hear a wet squishing sound if done properly. After the massage your Frenchie will shake the cleanser with the dissolved debris out of the ear and you can dry the ear canal with a dry soft cloth.