Congratulations on adding a new member to your tribe with the newborn French bulldogs! Considered the most common breed in America, these puppies can fill your house with endless fun and frolic. However, caring for newborn French bulldogs during their initial stage is easier said than done. Getting a new pet demands significant attention, effort, and care. You must be prepared for moments filled with fear and anxiety. But once you see the baby bulldog thriving and crossing new milestones, your chest is bound to swell up in pride like any other pet parent.
Taking care of newborn French bulldogs is tricky because the newborn Frenchies rely entirely on their masters during their initial weeks in this world for both safety and treatment. You must keep them warm, feed them timely, ensure they drink fresh water, groom them regularly, and potty train them. So, whether your French bulldog is ready to bring some pups into this world or you are all set to become a first-time parent, we have accumulated a well-researched guide that will answer all your queries on caring for newborn French bulldogs.
Childbirth
Around 80% of Frenchies must undergo a C-section to securely remove the pups, given their enormous head and broad chest that rules out vaginal birth. In most cases, the mother’s natural emotions aren’t discharged yet, and medication helps alert her system about the arrival of her pups. Despite all protections, a mother might lose her maternal instincts after C-section and turn violent towards her babies. Thus, planning for a safe and effective puppy birth is imperative. You should organize everything if the mother begins to whelp before the C-section.
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While you can correctly predict the dates, give or take, the timing might vary by 24 hours. To keep you on the safe side, we have prepared a checklist of the things that can help you prepare for the birth of the babies:
- Discontinue all pest and tick treatments one week before the delivery date.
- Get a whelping box to provide a sterile and secure environment for the mother and her pups. The whelping boxes are made of plastic, so you can wash them easily, unlike the wooden crates that serve as a lurking ground for viruses and insects. The box size should be such that the nursing mother can extend out while retaining her bundles of joy nearby.
- You must allocate a whelping spot a few days ahead of the expected delivery date. It should be in a quiet and comfortable space where the new momma and her puppies won’t feel disturbed. Frenchie parents tend to be very hostile, and you should keep small children away from them as they might snap at small hands if they get too close to their pups.
- Keeping the mother, babies, and the whelping spot clean is critical. You should use a sterile material and place a plastic cover either under the box or around the whelping area. Using ‘dog pads’ and other newspapers on the flooring can also help.
Newborn French bulldogs aren’t delivered to their human parents immediately after birth and usually stay with their mother for nine weeks till they attain maturity. These puppies cannot see, hear, excrete, pee, or control their body temperature on their own, making this initial time highly critical. Even if the mother is present, some might be unwilling or unable to raise all of their puppies. Your intervention will be required, and by following the guideline prescribed by our experts, you can fulfill your duties like a pet parent and help them thrive.
- It’s a new mother’s instinct to bite and break off each puppy’s umbilical cord, following which the stump will dry naturally and fall off in a few days. You shouldn’t cut the puppy’s umbilical cord unless it is evident that the mother won’t do it. It is essential to get a vet’s advice while doing the same as it can harm the puppies if the process is administered incorrectly.
- Once the puppies are born, the mother will lick off the placenta. They might swallow the placenta to replenish the lost nutrients in their body. Cleaning the amniotic sac from the newborn French bulldogs stimulates their digestive and breathing processes. You can encourage the mom if she doesn’t seem much interested. If she remains reluctant, you can remove the sac to help the puppies breathe. It is essential to thoroughly disinfect your hands and fingers with an anti-bacterial soap before handling the puppies. For cleaning the sac from the puppies, start with the head and gently work your way down.
Also Read: How To Train A French Bulldog Not To Bite?
How much heat is correct for the newborn French bulldogs?
Newborn puppies cannot keep themselves warm, which is done naturally by their mothers. However, you should always keep a tab to ensure that the moms don’t accidentally suffocate their puppies. You can use artificial sources like heating pads, heat lamps, or a space heater. It is essential to be careful during the process as the newborn French bulldogs tend to get dehydrated easily and might even die when exposed to excessive heat. The ideal temperature of the whelping box should be between 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should you feed newborn French bulldogs?
While the newborn French bulldogs receive essential nutrition from their mother’s milk, some puppies might not latch well or get the chance to latch for a long time because of their aggressive puppy siblings. You should check their weight routinely to ensure they are gaining proper weight. If they are not nursing adequately from their mom, then you can offer supplements like prepared formula milk or goat’s milk.
How long newborn French should bulldog nurse?
The Frenchie pups are usually breastfed by their mums until they are between 3 and 6 weeks old. Initially, they will nurse every two hours, and after a week, they will have to be nursed every three hours. However, some pups might display greater aggression than others leaving the weaker lot malnourished. At times, the mothers might not have enough milk to fill up the tummies of their entire litter. In such cases, formula milk is given so each Frenchie can grow and develop properly.
What is the feeding frequency of newborn French bulldogs?
Newborn French bulldogs have to be fed around three times a day between the ages of 2-6 months. Once the puppy reaches the age of six months, you can lower the regimen to two meals a day.
What dietary routine should you follow for the Frenchie pups?
Frenchies are susceptible to fast weight gain and display low energy levels. You must follow a healthy dietary routine for your puppy and moderate exercise to prevent them from becoming obese. Despite an innocent appearance, your French bulldog shares a digestive system similar to other canine breeds and can easily gulp raw meats.
Rather than relying on dried food, you should offer them lots of raw and organic food rich in protein and calories. Their diet should be adjusted according to your pup’s activity level. After the initial mother’s milk stage, you can introduce the Frenchie pups to 1.5 scoops of puppy food that can cater to their nutritional needs before moving on to a raw healthy diet.
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How much exercise is considered suitable for the Frenchie pups?
Since Frenchie pups are full of energy, you can keep them engaged by playing with them in the garden. Once your puppy attains 12 weeks’ age and has their vaccinations, you can start taking them on walks. A play session with your French bulldog puppy should allow you to connect with your dog rather than feel like a chore intended to burn calories. You can toss in some chewable tug toys and rubber balls so that your small buddy feels thrilled.
Can you give treats to your French bulldog puppy?
Yes, you can give different treats like strips of beef jerky or dried cowhide which they will adore chewing. It is also advisable to moderate the treats and choose the ones with low-fat content. You can also space out the treats over long periods.
How much water should you give to your Frenchie puppy daily?
The amount of water given to your Frenchie puppy depends on the climate you live in and the size and breed of your dog. As a rule of thumb, you should give around ½ cup of water daily for each pound of your pup’s body weight.
How to stimulate bowel movement in newborn French bulldogs?
Mothers have to stimulate their newborn French bulldogs for them to defecate and urinate. While some mothers do this regularly, your efforts might be required in other cases. You can use cotton balls dampened with warm water or dab petroleum jelly over their genitals until they poop and pee. Once the newborn French bulldogs have excreted, you need to clean them thoroughly to avoid infection. It is essential to keep your hands clean while handling the puppies. You shouldn’t expose them to everybody as their immune systems are not yet adequately developed.
You can begin potty training once the puppy reaches around 12 weeks. The training can be conducted either in a crate using puppy pads or by encouraging them to go outside whenever nature calls. You can encourage your puppy to go to the toilet after meals before they go to bed or wake up. Puppies can hold their bladder an hour for each month of their age.
How to clean the folds of newborn French bulldogs?
Newborn French bulldogs have darkish and damp creases over their skulls, infamous for gathering dirt, dust, and even food scraps. The puppies might get infected easily if they aren’t cleaned daily. You can use a moist napkin or newborn baby wipes to clean your puppy’s folds. It is advisable to use the newborn wet wipes compared to the conventional toilet tissue as the former doesn’t contain ethanol.
Once you have washed them thoroughly, stuff corn starch within every fold to soak the extra grease and moisture. A weekly cleaning schedule can get the trick done. But if your pup goes for a walk or engages in outdoor dog sports, you should clean him immediately before coming home. Doing this prevents dirt build-up, which can cause contact allergies.
Is heat dangerous for the newborn French bulldogs?
The reduced nostrils of newborn French bulldogs make it challenging to inhale adequate air and keep themselves calm. Ideally, you should keep them in an air-conditioned space with a temperature ranging between 24-25 degrees Celsius. If you see the newborn French bulldogs panting, drooling, or feeling weak, you need to pour some cold water on their fur readily. Hydration is essential for these furry babies, and you need to offer them ready access to clean water, which can quench their thirst and keep them buffered from the heat.
How to clean the ears of the Frenchie pups?
Newborn French bulldogs can be easily distinguished from others in the crowd courtesy of their fully open bat ears. This offers an easy path for dirt, grass clippings, and dust to find their way into the Frenchie’s ears, given their open build. You can use ear ointment specified by the vet to prim the Frenchie pup’s ears weekly. Simply place a few drops of the cleanser in the ear and gently massage around the outer ear.
Once your Frenchie pup has turned his head a few times, you can clean its ears with cotton swabs. Having their ears checked isn’t appreciated by most dogs. You should thus stroke them and offer them some treats while showering them with positive phrases before starting to inspect and clean their ears.
Are Newborn French bulldogs prone to health issues?
Just like any other newborn living creature, newly born french bulldogs are equally prone to infections. If not cared for properly there are chances your french bulldog puppy might have to go through an ordeal dealing with painful health conditions. Among these, the most common health issues are ear infections, eye infections, skin problems, breathing problems, and mobility issues.
- Eye Infections: these are very common due to their bat-like pointed ears that are exposed to environmental elements like dirt and dust
- Eye Infections: Frenchies have bulging eyes that have very little protection from the external environment and are very easily infected if exposed to irritating agents.
- Skin Problems: Due to their natural skin folds they are at greater risk for skin problems like dermatitis.
- Breathing Issues: French bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs which makes it difficult for them to breathe and conditions like overheating and exercise can cause them to wheeze.
- Mobility Issues: As french bulldogs naturally have short legs it makes them susceptible to mobility issues.
Should you bathe your newborn French bulldogs regularly?
Yes, you should bathe them regularly. However, it is essential to note that newborn French bulldogs have delicate skin that is highly sensitive to infections, and you need to be extra cautious while choosing the products. Since newborn French bulldogs have distinctive pH levels, you shouldn’t use any human personal care products on them. The same also holds for infant shampoos. Grooming the folds of your Frenchie pup cannot serve as an alternative to his regular showers. You should never miss your pup’s weekly bath with your trusty dog shampoo.
How to clean the tail pockets of the Frenchie pups?
The tail pouch is a unique attribute of newborn French bulldogs. Their short tails collect feces and dust, leading to dangerous tail pocket diseases. You can avoid this problem by wiping your dog’s tails every time they pee. This can be done using either infant wipes or a damp towel.
Should you groom the Frenchie puppies regularly?
Though French bulldogs don’t shed much, they need to be groomed constantly to get rid of dead hair. You can use grooming gloves to access all of their challenging body regions. However, make it a point to disinfect the accompanying gloves after every usage.
Should you buy a harness for the French bulldog puppies?
Dog harnesses are becoming a common choice of pet parents for their French bulldog puppies as they cover the dog’s body almost completely while offering robust protection. Pups learn how to walk patiently while on a leash, and it becomes easier for their humans to walk them around compared to ropes which can lead to tugging injuries.
French bulldogs have a short neck and narrow trachea, which is susceptible to developing a condition known as a brachycephalic syndrome. This upper airway abnormality causes difficulty in breathing. A comfortable harness can offer proper support to your Frenchie and keep them buffered from all chances of neck injuries that can cause breathing distresses.
Can French bulldog puppies swim?
No, Frenchie pups cannot swim. However, if you plan to spend some time at the seaside with your French bulldog, you need to buy a good security life vest for him.
Do French bulldog puppies love attention?
French bulldogs often suffer from anxiety issues leading to their nomenclature as Velcro dogs. These adorable four-legged creatures cannot survive without their human companions, so they constantly follow their humans around, begging for attention. Thus, it is always advisable to tag along the Frenchies with you while running some quick errands so that they don’t feel left out.
Should you trim your Frenchie’s nails regularly?
Yes, you should make it a point to cut your Frenchie’s claws every 4-8 weeks with a dog nail clipper. Failing to do so may lead to significant problems, and your puppy might experience excruciating pain while walking.
Conclusion
Frenchies are a popular breed of tiny toy dogs that are always bubbling with energy and can serve as lovable companions whether you live alone or with a family. There is something irresistible about newborn French bulldogs with bat ears, short noses, ear mites, cute wrinkles, and friendly personalities.
The unique body build of Frenchies calls for special attention and care. Our today’s discussion can answer all your common queries as you welcome the newest member of your family. While some dog breeds are hard to train, Frenchies can become obedient after training for four to six months. Frenchies are very intelligent, and you can teach them well with treats and positive reinforcement.