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New Puppy Check List
The Basics:
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Don't forget:
A puppy eats 3 to 4 times a day depending on their age. The younger the more often they'll eat. As they gradually stop eating as much each time, start to decrease the number of portions a day.
Establish a routine from the beginning. First thing in the morning the pup goes right out to potty. Associate a word such as "go potty" or I say "potty outside". Always praise after they potty outside. If they don't go wait until they do and don't give in. Trust me they have to go. Clean their pen and put down fresh newspaper. It's time to eat. Prepare their food and sit with them. Wash your puppy's face, put them back outside to potty then wash their bottom if they need it. Play with your puppy a few minutes or so, cuddle and give them a toy. Put them back in their pen with fresh water and clean newspaper. Now you can go to work, but arrange to have them checked on during the day if you can't make it home at lunch time. This is for young pups or first time away from their littermates. They may cry and be very lonely in the beginning.
When you get back take the pup outside to potty until they go. Clean their pen, prepare their food and it's time to eat afterwards it's time to play. Puppies usually eat, potty, play, potty then sleep. Repeat this process every day at least three times a day. The first thing they go potty outside and the last thing they go potty outside, and every time in between. I recomend installing a dog door.
If their stools become runny, you can try Kopectate approx .3cc's in a small syringe. If that does not help in a day or two, take a plastic bag and get a small sample of potty-poop in the bag and take to the vet. Have fecal test done and see if your pup has paracites or bacteria that could be effecting his bowles. It is very common your pups will be susceptible to worms and cocci that might be in your yard. Don't let your pup drink from standing water or foreign water sources.
If you notice your pup is not getting bigger and has a pot belly or a dry, dull coat those are signs of worms or paracites that maybe effecting your puppy's health. Worms and paracites can spread to other pets in your home.
Keep your pup on the recommended puppy food for at least, around four to six months before switching them to a different food. Gradually switch your pup by adding the new food in with the existing food until they are primarily on the new food. Make sure to check their stools that they are formed and solid like "tootie-rolls".
To help with healthy bacteria, you might want to add some yogurt to your pups food. If it loosens their stools stop. If your pup gets sick and can't keep his food down or has loose stools stop with their food and give them ground chicken and rice or ground chicken and rice cereal. Do not add dairy products, just chicken and rice in warm broth only. If they become dehydrated, give them some electrolites, like "Pedialite" (plain). To see if they are dehydrated, pull their skin on their backs and if it is clamy, taught and "tents" slightly they are dehydrated and should go to your vet. Frenchie are a very delicate breed so don't wait too long if you think they might need veterinary attention.
I don't recommend dog parks especially with a young Frenchie pup. There is a lot they can find that's not so good from other mature dogs. I recommend visits with freinds and other friendly dogs. Socialization is very important for all dogs to ensure a healthy temperament. You'll find French Bulldogs love people best.
If your Frenchie gets hot, cool them off right away with cold water or a cold, wet towel - anything just get them cooled down. And never leave them in a parked car with the windows up. And another thing, never leave them in your home when no one is there. Everything goes in their mouths, just like human babies except human babies don't often eat holes in leather couches. You'd be surprised what a little puppy can ruin when you're not looking.
For more information check other parts of this site and links page for health and genetic inquiries.