French Bulldog puppies are incredibly adorable and lovable, but they can also be challenging to raise if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we are here to help guide you through the whelping process for your French Bulldog puppy.
This comprehensive guide will cover every important stage, from picking a breeder to preparing the whelping box to delivering the puppies and caring for them afterwards.
We will also provide you with tips and advice on how to keep your French Bulldog puppy safe and healthy during and after the process. You will learn about when to take them to the vet, what vaccinations they need, and how to introduce them to other animals.
So if you’ve been looking for an easy-to-follow guide on how to whelp a French Bulldog puppy, then you’ve come to the rightplace. Let’s get started.
Whelp Basics: What to Expect
Understanding the basics of whelping is key when raising French Bulldog puppies. Unlike many other breeds, French Bulldog puppies are not given to pet owners right after birth. Instead, they must stay with their mother for at least eight weeks as they learn essential socialization skills.
During this time, the puppies begin to regulate their own temperature and slowly open their eyes and ears. As a caregiver, one must ensure that these puppies are kept clean and warm as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. This includes providing plenty of food and water for the mother canine and monitoring the whelping box or room temperature. Additionally, it is important to be mindful that newborns are vulnerable to hypothermia or overheating.
Keeping a close eye on the mother as she learns to care for several puppies in her litter is also advisable because this can be a difficult period for her emotionally and physically. Finally, it’s essential to research any possible medical problems that may affect your Frenchie puppy so that you can be ready if such an event arises.
Preparing for the Big Day
When you’re preparing for your French Bulldog’s whelp, setting up the whelping box should be the priority. Your box should be big enough for your French Bulldog to move around and rest comfortably, while also making sure it can be secured so that absolutely no outside intruders can get in.
The most important thing when whelping French Bulldog puppies is to make sure the whelping box is heated to a consistent temperature of around 85 degrees. You’ll also want to make sure the puppies are stimulated with a baby wipe every few hours—this helps with blood flow and oxygen levels in the puppies.
Finally, the whelping box should have a layer of brand-new newspaper or warm, dry towels. As you start this exciting new period of life, you should always keep an eye on both the mother and the pups to make sure everything is going as planned.
Best Practices for Whelp Time
When you are ready to welcome your French Bulldog puppies into the world, it is important to follow best practices during whelp time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Daily Monitoring
During the first week, puppies should be weighed and had their temperature taken everyday to assist you catch any issues early. Puppies’ bedding should changed regularly to ensure they remain clean and comfortable.
Weaning Starts at Week Four
Weaning typically takes place at about week four – gradually introduce solid food as the puppies’ mother begins to produce less milk. Puppies should be supervised at all times during feeding and given clean, fresh water as needed.
Ensuring Mom & Pups Safety During Whelping
Providing a safe space for both the mother and her puppies during whelping is essential for their health and wellbeing. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your new French Bulldog family remains comfortable and safe:
Maintaining Temperature
Keeping the temperature in the whelping box at around 85 degrees during the first few weeks of a puppy’s life will help them to remain comfortable, as they are not able to regulate their own body temperature yet. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature levels on a regular basis.
Burping The Puppies
After nursing, it is important to burp the puppies. This will help them expel any trapped air that may have been swallowed while nursing, which can cause discomfort or abdominal pain.
Weighing & Monitoring Health
Weighing and monitoring both mom and pups throughout the whelping process is critical for ensuring everyone is healthy. You should weigh each puppy at least once daily, preferably at the same time each day, and take its temperature with a rectal thermometer. Make sure to document all of this information for future reference.
Recognizing Any Complications That May Occur
Knowing the warning signs of complications during your Frenchie’s whelping is essential to find the best solution quickly. According to research, French bulldogs are 15.9 times more likely to suffer from difficult births than crossbred bitches, which makes it especially important for you to know what to look out for.
The flat-faced characteristic of French bulldog puppies means they are particularly prone to birth complications. Other brachycephalic breeds such as boxers and pugs may also have major difficulty giving birth due to their lack of facial structure. The most common issues include:
- Contractions that last more than two hours without producing a puppy
- Difficulty pushing a puppy out
- Neonatal distress caused by umbilical cord problems or malformations in the puppy
You should seek immediate professional assistance from a licensed veterinarian or dog birthing specialist if any of these issues occur.
Post-Whelp Care & Nutrition
After a successful whelp, proper nutrition is the next step in ensuring the puppies have a healthy start on life.
Weight Check
It’s important to check the puppies’ weights daily to monitor their growth and ensure they’re gaining weight. If a puppy is not gaining weight or appears unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Feeding Schedule
Puppies should be fed every two hours – even throughout the night – for the first two weeks of life. After two weeks, feedings can be spaced out to every three or four hours. Puppies should be encouraged to self-latch onto their mother for feedings until about six weeks old.
Diet
The mother’s diet should be switched to a high quality puppy or performance food to assure adequate consumption of calcium, protein, and calories, helping her support the puppies’ rapid growth. Moreover, it’s crucial that she have enough water at this time; make sure there is always a fresh supply on hand.
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Conclusion
Welping French Bulldog puppies is a process that needs to be done with care and attention. You need to have the right supplies, the right knowledge, and the right techniques. It’s exciting to become the happy father of a new litter of French Bulldogs, and ensuring that your puppies are born healthy and safe is a critical duty.
By taking the time to properly research and prepare for the process of whelping, you can make sure that you are providing the best care and environment possible. Be sure to consult a professional and use the advice provided in this guide as a resource to ensure that your French Bulldog puppies have a successful start to life.
