6 Things Not to Do with a French Bulldog: Avoid These Common Mistakes

French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that are known for their friendly personalities and unique appearance.

However, despite their popularity, many people are not aware of the specific needs and care requirements that French Bulldogs require.

In this article, we will explore 6 common Things Not to Do with a French Bulldog.

Firstly, it is important to understand that French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning that they have a short snout and flat face. This characteristic can lead to a variety of health issues, including breathing difficulties and overheating. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid certain activities and situations that can exacerbate these issues.

One common mistake that French Bulldog owners make is overexerting their dogs through excessive exercise or play. While it is important to provide regular exercise for your pet, it is equally important to recognize when they need a break.

Overheating and exhaustion can be dangerous for French Bulldogs, so it is important to monitor their activity levels and provide plenty of rest and shade.

1. Overfeeding

One of the most common mistakes that French Bulldog owners make is overfeeding their pets. It’s important to remember that Frenchies are a small breed, and they don’t require as much food as larger dogs.

Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, which can cause a variety of health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.

So, how much should you be feeding your Frenchie? The amount of food your dog needs will depend on their age, weight, and activity level.

As a general rule, adult Frenchies should be fed twice a day, with each meal consisting of 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food. Puppies will need to be fed more frequently, usually three to four times a day.

It’s also important to pay attention to your dog’s body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without having to press too hard, and they should have a visible waistline. If your Frenchie is overweight, you may need to cut back on their food or switch to a lower-calorie diet.

Finally, avoid giving your Frenchie table scraps or human food, as this can contribute to overfeeding and weight gain. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet that is specifically formulated for your dog’s needs.

2. Leaving Them Alone

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and love for human interaction. They are not a breed that enjoys being left alone for extended periods of time. Here are a few things to keep in mind when leaving your French Bulldog alone:

• Don’t leave them alone for too long: French Bulldogs are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. It’s important to ensure that your Frenchie is not left alone for more than a few hours at a time.
• Don’t leave them without access to water: Make sure your French Bulldog has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can be dangerous for dogs, especially during hot weather.
• Don’t leave them in a hot environment: French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat and can easily overheat, which can be fatal. Make sure your Frenchie has access to a cool and well-ventilated area.
• Don’t leave them without appropriate toys: French Bulldogs are playful and active dogs. Leaving them without appropriate toys can lead to boredom, which can result in destructive behavior.

By keeping these things in mind, you can ensure that your French Bulldog is happy, healthy, and well-behaved even when you’re not around.

3. Ignoring Their Health

French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, and ignoring their health can lead to serious consequences. Here are some things to avoid:

• Skipping Veterinary Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial for maintaining your French Bulldog’s health. Skipping these check-ups can mean missing early signs of health issues that could have been treated if caught early.
• Not Paying Attention to Their Diet: French Bulldogs are known to have sensitive stomachs, and feeding them food that is not suitable for their dietary needs can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.
• Not Providing Enough Exercise: French Bulldogs may be small, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Not providing enough exercise can lead to obesity, which can cause a variety of health problems.
• Ignoring Signs of Illness: French Bulldogs are known to hide their pain, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes in behavior or signs of illness. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious health issues down the road.
• Not Keeping Up with Grooming: French Bulldogs have short hair, but they still require regular grooming to maintain their skin health. Neglecting grooming can lead to skin infections and other health issues.
• Exposing Them to Extreme Temperatures: French Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and exposing them to hot or cold weather can lead to heat stroke or hypothermia.
• Not Providing Proper Dental Care: French Bulldogs are prone to dental issues, and neglecting their dental care can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and at-home dental care are crucial for maintaining their oral health.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog stays healthy and happy.

4. Overexerting Them

French Bulldogs are known for their playful and energetic personalities, but they are not the most athletic breed.

They are prone to breathing difficulties and overheating, especially in hot weather. Therefore, it’s important not to overexert them with excessive exercise or physical activity.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don’t take them on long walks or hikes in hot weather.
• Avoid playing strenuous games like fetch or tug-of-war for extended periods of time.
• Don’t force them to run or jump excessively.
• Avoid taking them to crowded or noisy places where they may become stressed or anxious.

If you notice that your French Bulldog is panting excessively, drooling, or struggling to catch their breath, it’s a sign that they are overexerted and need to rest. Make sure they have access to cool water and a shaded area to relax in.

Remember, French Bulldogs are not built for intense physical activity, so it’s important to keep their exercise routine moderate and suitable for their needs.

5. Not Training Them

Training your French Bulldog is crucial for their well-being and your own. Not training them can lead to a lot of problems, such as behavioral issues, accidents, and even injuries. Here are a few reasons why you should not skip training your French Bulldog:

• Accidents: French Bulldogs that are not trained are more likely to have accidents in the house. This can lead to a lot of mess and can also be harmful to their health.
• Behavioral issues: Not training your French Bulldog can lead to a lot of behavioral issues, such as aggression, barking, and chewing. These issues can be difficult to correct later on.
• Lack of socialization: French Bulldogs that are not trained may not get the socialization they need. This can lead to anxiety, fear, and even aggression towards other dogs and people.

Training your French Bulldog can be a lot of fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. It can also help keep them safe and healthy. Make sure to start training your French Bulldog early and be consistent with your training methods.

6. Using Physical Punishment

Physical punishment can be harmful to any dog, and French Bulldogs are no exception. Hitting, slapping, or any other form of physical discipline can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in your dog.

Here are some reasons why using physical punishment with your French Bulldog is a bad idea:

• It can lead to fear and anxiety: Using physical punishment can cause your French Bulldog to become fearful of you, other people, and other dogs. This fear can lead to aggression and other behavioral problems.
• It can cause physical harm: Hitting or slapping your French Bulldog can cause physical harm, including bruising, broken bones, and internal injuries.
• It doesn’t teach your dog anything: Physical punishment doesn’t teach your French Bulldog what you want them to do. Instead, it teaches them to be afraid of you, which can lead to avoidance behaviors and other problems.
• It can damage your relationship with your dog: Using physical punishment can damage the trust and bond between you and your French Bulldog. This can make it harder to train and socialize your dog, and can lead to other behavioral problems.
• It can make your dog more aggressive: Using physical punishment can lead to increased aggression in your French Bulldog. This can be dangerous for you, your family, and other dogs.
• It can lead to more behavioral problems: Using physical punishment can lead to other behavioral problems in your French Bulldog, including anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors.
• There are better ways to train your dog: Positive reinforcement training is a much more effective and humane way to train your French Bulldog. This type of training focuses on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior.

Conclusion

French Bulldogs are adorable, loyal, and friendly pets that bring joy to their owners. However, they require proper care, attention, and training to ensure their well-being and happiness. In this article, we have discussed seven things that you should not do with a French Bulldog to avoid causing harm or distress to them.

Firstly, you should not leave your French Bulldog alone for extended periods as they thrive on human interaction and may develop separation anxiety. Secondly, you should not overfeed your French Bulldog as they are prone to obesity, which can lead to health issues. Thirdly, you should not ignore your French Bulldog’s dental hygiene as they are susceptible to dental problems.

You can check detailed article on Fun Things To Do With Your French Bulldog

Fourthly, you should not expose your French Bulldog to extreme temperatures as they are sensitive to heat and cold. Fifthly, you should not use harsh training methods with your French Bulldog as they respond better to positive reinforcement. Sixthly, you should not skip your French Bulldog’s regular vet check-ups as they require preventive care and vaccinations.

Lastly, you should not buy a French Bulldog from an irresponsible breeder or pet store as they may have health and behavioral issues due to poor breeding practices. Instead, you should adopt a French Bulldog from a reputable rescue or breeder who prioritizes the dog’s health and welfare.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your French Bulldog lives a happy and healthy life with you. Remember to provide them with love, care, and attention, and they will be your loyal companion for years to come.