Grooming

Grooming The French bulldog

Brushing

Weekly brush is enough to remove dead coat and simulate natural oils , giving it a clean , health shine.

Use a rubber slicker or glove

Bathing

Frenchies don’t like Baths

Frenchies only need bathed a couple times a year. Unless pied or fawn, to remove dirt and discolouration

Put cotton wool in the ears to prevent water enter the ear canal

Fold the ears in, when washing the face

Use cotton wool balls and clean wrinkles with Diamond eye or diluted hydrogen peroxide mix

Towel dry first , some frenchies think it’s a game getting rubbed with a towel.. They will accept a dryer with some training..

Make sure you rinse REALLY well, residue from shampoo & conditioners will irritate a frenchies skin.

The Ears

The ears of the French bulldog are delicate. the breed are prone to ear inflections,

Wipe clean with cotton ball, Cotton buds if VERY VERY careful, using a Liquid cleaners. powders can clog the ear.

If you have any discharge, foul smell or redness and the dog is shaking their head contact your vet.

The Teeth.

“Oh My God.. this month is so bad, look its so badly undershot……”

IT’S SUPOSE TO BE LIKE THAT….

French Bulldogs will open their mouth long enough to clean teeth, use a small tooth brush either designed for your dog or a baby’s one will do

The Feet

As Yes the feet.

Frenchies HATE their feet being held…

Try to relax the dog as much as possible talk to him

Have someone on hand to hold the dog. Nooses don’t always help

Take your time. If you can try doing the nails with a break, (frenchies don’t have good memories!)

Cutting can be done with nail Files or grinding tools as well traditional cutters. If you train them to accept your preferred method as young as possible. Many adults do however prefer a filing, as nails can be thick and strong for their size.

Other bits and bob’s

Dew Claws are not removed so remember them when cutting nails

Whiskers- Remove with blunt end scissors once dog is over 6 months although many owners like left on.

Anal Glands. Some do have to be checked and cleaned so always check.

Health problems which may affect grooming

Skin – may be dry flaking, use a good quality shampoo and a little conditioner and rinse really well. Speak to owner to see what diet/ problems are behind it. long term skin complaints are not too common in the UK .

Abscess’s and sore wrinkles, make sure thoroughly clean and finish off with some Vaseline/ petroleum jelly between the wrinkles. Use extra in summer to prevent sunburn - no one likes a red nose!!

Back/ spinal cord injuries. Frenchies occasional back problems watch when lift in/out of baths and onto grooming tables. Remember to that they weight a lot for their sizes so watch your own back ..

Heating. The frenchies does suffer from overheating try to keep the dog calm and relaxed, and always have Fresh water available and try and keep Frenchies in a cool environment Keep fans or water handy. Remember too watch the water temp when bath, too hot and the dog will overheat too.