What Do I Need To Buy For My French Bulldog Puppy?

Bringing home a new baby French Bulldog will probably be one of the most exciting things you will ever do in your life ;). I know that my wonderful families are eager to prepare for their new puppies before their arrival, and I provide them with a list of things I feel are essential to maintaining a happy healthy French Bulldog. ​

Crate Training

I can't stress crate training enough. I know these precious little nuggets are adorable, and it's hard to resist their pouting faces, but crate training is really important to housebreaking and training. I encourage our families to purchase the 36'' icrate available on Amazon. This size will work for your Frenchie even when they are full grown. My puppies go home trained to use a litter box, so at night (or during prolonged alone time during the day), I encourage families to put the litter box in the back and bed in the front of the crate to provide a positive potty option until pups are about 12 weeks old. After removing the litter box, the included divider can be inserted to cut off access to the area behind the bed. 
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Litter Box Training

The litter that I swear by, and may literally be magical, is So Phresh cat litter. It is non-toxic pellets made from newspaper. My French Bulldog puppies start training with it at 3 weeks old and it establishes much more positive potty habits than using pee pads. The only place I have found this locally is at Petco, but it is also available on their website.

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Nail Clipping

Getting your French Bulldog puppy used to you clipping their nails is very important. I always clip their nails myself, and decline the nail clipping at the vet. It is key to never have a stressful nail clipping experience and doing it at home with lots of treats provides that opportunity. I am not a huge fan of the the nail clippers that have a "hole" to place the nail, I find the scissor-like ones to be a safer and easier option to use. I also encourage puppy families to replace these about once a year, as i feel that they dull over time. The ones I have I purchased locally at Hollywood Feed on Sawmill. 

I also use a pet dremel,  especially in the winter months when they aren't walking outside as much. This helps cut down on scratching wood floors. The one I have was purchased from amazon. It has a rechargeable battery and came with several extra filing attachments.

Bathing and Shampoo

Since my wonderful, very tolerant husband is allergic to dogs, I bathe our French Bulldogs about once a week. This gets off any loose fur and dander that may aggravate his allergies. I use Pethaus Pear and Vanilla because its very mild and doesn't irritate their skin.  So far I have only been able to find this at Homegoods, so when I find it I really stock up.

Antimicrobial Wipes

Wiping face wrinkles regularly will go a long way in preventing irritation in that area. I use Chlorhexidine wipes for this. There are many brands of them available online, but i prefer to purchase mine in store locally to ensure proper storage. I have received some dried out tubs from ordering online. Hollywood Feed caries Nootie brand, which is great.​

Zymox Spray

Another magical product that will, at some time or another, be incredibly handy is Zymox spray. This spray stops itching instantly. at some point in time you will need this, so just have it on hand (side note: I also use it on myself when I get a mosquito bite and it. is. amazing). This is one, again, that is available online/Amazon but I prefer to buy in store at Hollywood Feed to be sure it has been properly stored.

Teeth Brushing

Brush your French Bulldogs teeth. Please. Going under anesthesia isn't great for bulldog breeds due to their airway anatomy. In order to prevent them from being subjected to a needless dental cleaning brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste is important. Start this habit early. I use Virbac enzymatic toothpaste in the beef flavor.

Allergic Reactions

You probably already have this at home, but go put some in your glovebox. If your French bulldog starts having an allergic reaction or is stung while outside its important to have this on hand!

Puppy Food

Puppy food is something that can change from time to time for me. So many studies, so many opinions. I will just say I am currently using Purina Pro Plan Under One Year puppy food and I'm happy with it so far.
When your puppy first goes home, you will want to soak the food in water for about 30 minutes so the food is soft and can be easily chewed.  You can phase out of softening the food as your puppy gets familiar with eating hard food.

Salmon Oil

Since Frenchies aren't a breed that need regular trips to the groomer, Salmon oil can also aid in preventing anal gland impaction. I started using salmon oil with my French Bulldogs about 8 months ago and I really have seen an overall improvement in their coat. They seem to like the taste as well, and it contains fatty acids to help them be their healthiest self. I use American Journey brand, and I purchase it from Chewy.

Dewormer

It is very important to deworm your puppy after you take them home.  We will already have given them dewormer, but maintaining a deworming program is critical to ensuring your puppy stays healthy.  We will send your puppy home with dewormer and the schedule for continuing deworming treatment.