Blog

There’s nothing better than petting a French Bulldog with a coat that feels silky and smooth. 🐶 Maven, my little merle Frenchie, loves to sprawl in the sun, and when her coat catches the light, it looks like polished marble. Of course, that glow doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of some intentional care (and yes, a few funny mishaps along the way 🤭).

Let’s talk about the best ways to keep your French Bulldog’s coat shiny, healthy, and snuggle-ready.

---

Nutrition: Shine Starts from the Inside

A Frenchie’s coat reflects what goes into their body. If the diet is lacking, the coat will show it.

• 🐟 Omega-3s and Omega-6s – Found in salmon, sardines, or supplements, they keep coats glossy and skin hydrated.
• 🥕 Vitamins A & E – Support skin health and reduce dryness.
• 🍗 High-quality protein – Essential for growth and healthy fur.
• 💧 Hydration – A well-hydrated pup = softer, shinier coat.

Maven went through a stage where her coat looked a little dull. After switching to a food rich in fish oil, she practically shimmered. Now, I joke that she glows brighter than my skincare routine.

---

Regular Grooming Makes All the Difference

You don’t need daily spa sessions, but Frenchies benefit from consistent brushing.

• 🐾 Use a soft-bristle brush – Removes loose hair and stimulates natural oils.
• 🧴 Wipe downs between baths – A quick pass with dog-safe wipes keeps dirt from building up.
• 🛁 Bathing routine – Once a month with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo works best. Overbathing dries their skin.

👉 Tip: Always dry thoroughly, especially between folds. Moisture left behind can dull the coat and cause irritation.

---

Coat-Friendly Lifestyle Habits

A shiny coat isn’t just about food and brushing. Daily habits matter, too.

• ☀️ Sunshine & fresh air – Boosts vitamin D and overall health.
• 🎾 Exercise – Keeps circulation strong, which benefits the skin.
• 🛌 Quality sleep – Rest is when the body repairs and replenishes.
• 🧺 Clean bedding – Fresh blankets = less dirt and oil buildup on the coat.

Novacane, my late pup, used to curl up on any blanket she found—even the laundry pile. I learned quickly that clean bedding meant a cleaner, shinier coat (and fewer lint roller battles).

---

Supplements Worth Considering

Some Frenchies need a little extra help, especially if they’re prone to allergies.

• 🐟 Fish oil or krill oil capsules – Add shine and reduce shedding.
• 🥥 Coconut oil (small amounts) – Can be given as a treat or applied topically.
• 💊 Vet-approved multivitamins – Fill in dietary gaps.

⚠️ Always talk to your vet before adding new supplements. Too much of a good thing can backfire.

---

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• ❌ Overbathing – Strips away natural oils.
• ❌ Using human shampoo – pH is too harsh for dogs.
• ❌ Ignoring skin issues – Dull coats can signal allergies or infections.
• ❌ Skipping hydration – Dehydration dries skin fast.

---

Maven’s Glow-Up Moment

One summer, Maven’s coat looked a little flat. She was healthy otherwise, but I could tell something was off. After adding salmon oil to her kibble, within a few weeks, her fur was so shiny that people at the park started asking what shampoo I used. 😂 The truth? It wasn’t the shampoo—it was her diet and routine. That was my reminder that glow comes from the inside out. ❤️

---

Wrapping It Up

Keeping a French Bulldog’s coat shiny isn’t complicated—it’s about balanced nutrition, regular grooming, and good daily habits. With a little consistency, your Frenchie will glow like Maven in the sunshine, ready for cuddles and compliments.

So grab the brush, add a splash of omega oils, and watch your Frenchie strut like the star they are. 🐾

🐾

Back to the Blog

New posts, tips, and Maven’s latest snorts →

---

Picture this: you’re cooking salmon, and your Frenchie locks eyes with you like a tiny, snorting shark circling prey. 🐟 Maven, my blue merle Frenchie, has perfected the “silent beg”—she sits, stares, and somehow looks both patient and desperate all at once. 🤭 But here’s the question: can French Bulldogs actually eat fish, and is it safe to share?

The short answer is yes—but there are important benefits and risks to know before tossing a fillet into your pup’s bowl.

---

Why Fish Can Be Good for French Bulldogs

Fish is lean, high in protein, and packed with healthy fats that can benefit Frenchies in several ways:

• 🐾 Omega-3 fatty acids – Support skin health, reduce inflammation, and keep coats shiny.
• 🦴 High-quality protein – Builds lean muscle without heavy, fatty calories.
• 🩺 Digestibility – Gentle on sensitive stomachs (which Frenchies are famous for).
• 💓 Heart health – Healthy fats support overall cardiovascular health.

Maven’s coat actually looked shinier after I started occasionally mixing in small pieces of cooked salmon. She strutted around like she knew she was glowing.

---

Best Types of Fish for French Bulldogs

Not all fish are created equal. Some are safe staples, while others are risky.

✅ Safe Options (cooked, plain, boneless):

• 🐟 Salmon
• 🐟 Whitefish
• 🐟 Cod
• 🐟 Sardines (packed in water, no salt)

⚠️ Fish to Avoid:

• 🐡 Raw fish (can carry parasites)
• 🐡 Smoked fish (too salty)
• 🐡 Fish with high mercury (like tuna or mackerel)
• 🐡 Fried or seasoned fish (garlic, onions, spices = dangerous)

---

Risks of Feeding Fish to French Bulldogs

While fish has perks, there are also risks if it’s given incorrectly:

• 🦴 Bones – Tiny fish bones can cause choking or internal injury.
• 🧂 Seasonings – Salt, garlic, and onion are toxic to dogs.
• 🐕 Mercury exposure – Certain large fish contain unsafe levels.
• 🦠 Raw fish parasites – Can trigger illness or digestive upset.

Novacane, my late pup, once swiped a piece of seasoned tilapia from the counter. She spent the rest of the night pacing with an upset stomach (and I spent it googling “can dogs eat paprika?”). Lesson learned—no seasoned fish, ever.

---

How to Safely Serve Fish to a French Bulldog

The key is keeping it simple and safe.

• 🍳 Cook it thoroughly – Bake, steam, or grill without oil, butter, or seasoning.
• 🐾 Remove bones completely – Even tiny bones are risky.
• 📏 Serve in moderation – Fish should be a treat or supplement, not the main diet.
• 🥗 Pair with kibble – Mix small chunks into their regular food.

👉 Portion tip: Treat fish as a once-a-week topper, not an everyday meal. A couple tablespoons for a Frenchie is plenty.

---

Signs Fish Isn’t Agreeing with Your Frenchie

Every dog reacts differently. Watch for these warning signs:

• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 🐾 Excessive scratching or itchy skin
• 🩺 Ear infections (often tied to food allergies)
• 💨 Excessive gas (yes, even more than usual for a Frenchie)

If you see these signs, stop feeding fish and talk to your vet about alternatives.

---

Maven’s Fishy Moment

The first time Maven tasted salmon, she gave me a look like, “Where has this been all my life?” She licked the bowl clean and then trotted back into the kitchen, clearly ready for round two. 😏 Since then, I only give her small, boneless pieces as a treat. Otherwise, I’d have a very spoiled, fish-demanding diva on my hands.

---

Wrapping It Up

So, can French Bulldogs eat fish? Absolutely—when it’s cooked plain, free of bones, and given in moderation. The benefits are real: shinier coats, healthier joints, and an extra protein boost. But the risks—like bones, mercury, and seasonings—mean you have to be cautious.

For Maven, fish night is special, not standard. It keeps her meals safe, balanced, and exciting without turning dinner into a risky business. And honestly, watching her wiggle with joy over a bite of salmon makes the extra care completely worth it. 🐾

So next time those puppy eyes beg for a taste of your fish dinner, you’ll know exactly what’s safe to share (and what belongs on your plate only). ❤️

🐾

Back to the Blog

New posts, tips, and Maven’s latest snorts →

Not all Frenchies are cut from the same squishy cloth. Take my two: Maven walks into the vet’s office like she’s running for mayor — tail nub wagging, ready to make best friends with every dog in the room 😍. The staff knows her by name, and I’m convinced she thinks the clinic is a social club.

But Novacane? She was the opposite. After a rough first vet visit, she became terrified of everything — the smells, the sounds, even the front door. Her whole body would tense up before we even got out of the car.

That contrast taught me something important: no two dogs react the same, and when it comes to vet visits, a little preparation makes a huge difference.

If your Frenchie leans more toward the anxious side (hi, Novacane 💔), don’t worry. With the right tools and a calm approach, you can help reduce stress and make vet trips less traumatic — maybe even positive.

🩺 Why Vet Visits Freak Frenchies Out

French Bulldogs, for all their snuggly squish and goofy confidence, can actually be super sensitive. They’re masters at reading our energy — and drama runs deep in their DNA 🤭.

Here’s what typically sends their stress soaring:

• 🐶 Separation anxiety: Frenchies are Velcro dogs. Being away from you (even in the next room) can be overwhelming.
• 🧪 New environments: The smells, sounds, and strangers at a vet clinic can trigger sensory overload.
• 💉 Handling & procedures: They don’t love being restrained, especially by unfamiliar hands.
• ⏱️ Waiting room chaos: Barking dogs and unfamiliar animals = stress cocktail.

Understanding the “why” makes it easier to plan the “how.”

---

💕 Get Familiar Before the Big Day

Desensitization is the name of the game. The more routine it feels, the less scary it becomes.

🐾 Do a few “just for fun” visits:

Bring your Frenchie to the vet’s office when no procedures are scheduled. Let them explore, sniff around, meet the staff, and leave without anything “bad” happening. Toss in a treat or three for good measure.

🐕‍🦺 Practice handling at home:

Start gently playing with their paws, ears, and mouth during cuddle time. Reward with a treat so they associate handling with something positive — not pokes and prods.

📦 Use a travel crate or carrier:

If your pup’s not used to the car or gets anxious on rides, let them hang out in their crate with the door open at home first. Add a blanket that smells like you. Make it cozy.

---

🎯 The Day Before: Set the Stage

Vet visit tomorrow? Time to become a relaxation expert (for both of you).

• 🍖 Skip breakfast, bring treats. Especially if your Frenchie is food-motivated (most are), withholding breakfast makes those vet-office rewards way more exciting.
• ☀️ Burn off energy. Take a walk or have a solid play session in the morning. A tired pup is less reactive.
• 🪥 Pack their stuff. Bring a familiar toy or comfort item, treats, vaccination records, and a written list of any symptoms/questions.
• 🧘‍♂️ Stay calm yourself. Dogs feed off your energy. Take a deep breath, cue the zen playlist, and remember — you’re the emotional anchor.

---

💉 At the Clinic: Make it a Chill Zone

This is where it all goes down — but a few tweaks can change the vibe entirely.

🚗 Stay in the car until it’s time

If the waiting room is a chaotic zoo, ask if you can check in from the parking lot and wait in your car until your appointment. That way, your pup avoids overstimulation before even entering.

🦴 Use high-value treats strategically

Bring the good stuff — tiny bits of cheese, boiled chicken, or freeze-dried liver. Offer treats for:

• Walking into the clinic
• Getting on the scale
• Meeting the vet tech
• Allowing handling or shots

Basically, reward everything. Be the treat fairy. No shame.

🐶 Keep it low and slow

If your vet tries to rush or grab your dog too quickly, speak up. Ask them to let your dog sniff their hands first. A gentle, slow approach builds trust.

Maven used to scream (literally scream) if someone tried to trim her nails too fast. But now, our vet tech kneels down, lets her come over first, and does one nail at a time. It changed everything 🐾.

---

💊 Tools That Help (And Actually Work)

💜 Calming treats or supplements

There are natural calming chews on the market made with ingredients like L-theanine or melatonin. Start a few hours before the appointment. Always check with your vet before trying anything new.

🎧 Doggy calming music or pheromone sprays

Yes, they exist — and yes, they help. Look for:

• Adaptil spray for your dog’s crate or car blanket
• Calming playlists like “Through a Dog’s Ear” (available on Spotify)

😌 Anxiety vests or wraps

Some Frenchies benefit from wearing compression vests (like a ThunderShirt) to feel more secure.

---

👂 Advocate for Your Dog

You know your pup best. If something feels rushed or wrong, say so. You have every right to:

• 🐾 Request a different handling method
• ⏸️ Ask for breaks between procedures
• 👥 Stay with your dog during exams, if allowed
• 📅 Book a tech-only visit for just vaccines or nail trims to keep things efficient

Also, if your dog has a meltdown every single time despite your best efforts, ask your vet about pre-visit medication options. There’s no shame in a little pharmaceutical support if it prevents trauma.

---

🧘 Post-Visit: Decompress & Reward

After the appointment, don’t just rush home and move on. Your pup just went through a lot.

• 🎉 Throw a little “you did it!” celebration.
• 🐾 Go on a decompression walk — let them sniff freely.
• 🥩 Give a high-value reward meal or long-lasting chew.
• 💞 Offer extra cuddles and calm energy to wind down.

Maven knows that after a vet visit, she gets a frozen lick mat with plain Greek yogurt and blueberries. She practically forgets the trauma once her tongue hits that thing 😋.

---

🔁 Make Vet Visits a Normal Thing

The less “rare and awful” vet visits seem, the more they become just another thing. If you only go when something’s wrong, your dog will associate the place with pain or fear.

Try:

• Booking “happy visits” every few months
• Popping in just to say hi and grab a treat
• Celebrating after each visit (even if it’s just you overdoing it with praise 😅)

Consistency + positive associations = less stress over time.

---

❤️ Final Snorts of Encouragement

Look — no one likes seeing their dog panic, especially when you’re just trying to keep them healthy. But the truth is, reducing stress for a French Bulldog during vet visits takes a little prep, a little advocacy, and a lot of love.

You’re not doing it wrong just because your pup still panics sometimes. You’re doing your best — and that matters more than anything 💌.

Keep showing up, keep celebrating the wins (even tiny ones), and eventually, that cold metal table won’t feel like the end of the world. It’ll just be another weird stop on your Frenchie’s snort-filled journey through life.

🐾

Back to the Blog

New posts, tips, and Maven’s latest snorts →

Frenchie nails grow faster than their attitude — and if you’ve ever heard that tap-tap-tap across your floor, you already know it’s time for a trim. Not only do overgrown nails look messy, they can actually affect your dog’s posture, joints, and comfort. Thankfully, learning how to trim your French Bulldog’s nails at home doesn’t have to feel like a gladiator match.

---

Why Nail Trimming Matters for Frenchies

Healthy nails help distribute weight properly through their paw pads. When nails get too long, your Frenchie may shift their stance forward, causing stress on their wrists or elbows. Over time, that can lead to pain or arthritis — especially since French Bulldogs already have joint sensitivities.

---

How Often Should You Trim?

Most French Bulldogs need a nail trim every 3–4 weeks, but every dog is slightly different. Listen for clicking on hard floors — if you hear it, it’s time.

---

Tools You’ll Need 🛠️

• 🐾 Dog nail clippers (scissor or guillotine style)
• ⚡ Electric nail grinder — gentle, precise and great for smoothing edges
• 🍯 High-value treats
• 💡 Bright lighting so you can see the quick

I like to use an electric nail grinder for Maven because it makes the process fast and minimal work for me. It’s also easier to see what I’m doing and do it precisely and it makes her nails smooth so they don’t scratch the floors or furniture. 😏

---

Step-by-Step Trimming Tips

1. Pick a calm time of day

A sleepy Frenchie is a cooperative Frenchie. Try post-walk, post-meal, or even while they’re lounging on the couch.

2. Introduce the tools slowly

Let your dog sniff the clippers or grinder. Turn it on near them so they get used to the sound before using it.

3. Hold the paw gently but firmly

Separate each toe and start with small trims — just the tips.
🐶 Look for the pink quick inside white nails and stay far away.
🖤 For black nails, trim a little at a time to avoid bleeding.

4. Use lots of praise and treats

Reward after each nail if needed — this keeps the experience positive and prevents future battles.

5. Grind or file the edges

If you trim with clippers, smooth the nail with a grinder or nail file so it doesn’t scratch furniture, floors or your legs.

---

What If You Cut the Quick?

Stay calm — it happens to even seasoned groomers.

• 💉 Apply styptic powder (cornstarch works in a pinch)
• 🕒 Apply mild pressure for a few seconds
• 🩺 Watch for limping or licking, but most stop bleeding fast

---

Maven’s Nail Trim Survival Trick 🐕❤️

I put a spoonful of peanut butter on a lick mat and stick it to the bathtub wall. She ignores everything I’m doing to her paws because she’s too busy having a gourmet spa snack. 10/10 recommend if your Frenchie is a drama queen during grooming.

---

Final Snorts of Wisdom 💌

French Bulldog nail trimming doesn’t have to be stressful — with the right tools, patience, and lots of treats, it can become just another easy part of your care routine. Not only will your floors thank you, your Frenchie will stay safer, healthier, and happier in the long run. 🐾

🐾

Back to the Blog

New posts, tips, and Maven’s latest snorts →