French Bulldogs are great companions and they do well with other pets and children. However, warm weather and stress may harm their health. This is why you need to make sure that your Frenchie is not exposed to extreme heat. You also need to monitor his weight.
Many pets are overweight and their owners are not even aware of it. French Bulldogs are susceptible to weight gain, so it is even more important that you are aware of your dog’s weight. By keeping your pet healthy, he will live a happier and longer life.
French Bulldog Average Weight
The average French Bulldog weightis between 20 and 28 pounds. This breed has a muscular and solid bone structure, short tail that is either curled or straight and snubbed nose. French Bulldogs are lighter than English Bulldogs. They are friendly and calm.
Although they have a sad look, they are actually funny and entertaining. This breed doesn’t require a lot of exercise, so it is perfect for those who live in apartments. However, they can gain weight easily.
Causes of Weight Gain
French Bulldogs may gain weight due to low activity levels, overfeeding, breed, and age. Their reproductive status may also influence their weight. Spayed or neutered dogs are prone to weight gain.
If your female French Bulldog suddenly gained weight and she’s unsprayed, it’s possible that she is pregnant. Take her to the vet before changing her exercise routine or diet. Other possible causes of weight gain include health problems such as Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism.
The body of a healthy French Bulldog is hourglass-shaped. If you stand over your pet and you can see his ribs, he may be too thin. Your Frenchie could be overweight if you can’t tell his rib cageapart from his waist.
An overweight French Bulldog may develop various health problems such asarthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. He may also suffer from muscle, joint and bone injuries. The lifespan of an overweight dog is 2 years shorter than that of a pooch with a healthy weight.
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight
When we gain weight, we can change our activity level and diet anytime. French Bulldogs, however, can’t do this. It is your responsibility to monitor your dog’s weight. This is particularly important if you have an adult Frenchie because they have a tendency to become a couch potato. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog healthy and active.
French Bulldog Diet
Look into your dog’s diet, maybe he’s getting too many treats. Perhaps his meal portions are too large. Reduce his food consumption by 25% and gradually increase his exercise levels every day. Consider changing his current diet to a raw one. This kind of diet provides a lot of protein, which is important for muscle strength.
A raw diet will help your Frenchie lose fat. Your dog will also feel full, so he won’t be looking for crumbs or asking for treats. This will help them lose weight.
You can also give your Frenchie several smaller meals every day instead of letting him eat 1 or 2 large meals. By switching to this kind of diet, his blood sugar level will remain consistent all day and his body won’t store extra calories. In other words, he won’t gain weight.
If you are worried about changing your dog’s diet, you can speak with his vet first. They know the right portion sizes for your Frenchie.
French Bulldog Exercise
Take your Frenchie out for a walk. This breed loves exploring the outdoors, so a 30-minute walk twice a day will be enough for them. You can also benefit from this because you can also exercise and relieve stress at the same time.
Perhaps you can’t walk your dog due to your busy schedule. Regardless of your reasons, you have to make sure that your Frenchie gets at least a few minutes of exercise every day.You can play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog. Let him find treats around your house. Too much weight puts a lot of stress on their body and may also aggravate an existing health problem.
French Bulldog puppies are extremely playful and love chasing balls. Some of them, however, are quite aloof. This breed is a little stubborn, so training them may be challenging.However, French Bulldogs are sensitive and respond well topersistent and proper training. You can motivate them by giving treats. Just don’t give them too much because they might put on weight.
Your Frenchie may also find the heat unbearable during the summer. Don’t let him overexert himself because this breed is susceptible to heatstroke. You can let your dog play in a small children’s pool to cool off. However, you should be there to keep an eye on them because they can’t swim.
French Bulldogs have a short nose and few sweat glands. Most of their sweat glands can be found on their feet. These traits make it hard for them regulate their body temperature. This is why you should be aware of your Frenchie’s climatic requirements.
Don’t leave your dog outside for too long because this breed is an inside dog. You have to monitor your Frenchie closely when the weather is too hot.It is also important to be careful during the colder months. If you see your Frenchie trembling when he is outside, you should get him to wear a sweater.
He will also love it when you give him a hug. If you are not seeing results even after changing your dog’s diet and exercise, you should speak with your veterinarian. You should also make sure that everyone in the family is working together to maintain your pet’s weight.
Maybe your children have been giving your dog extra treats without your knowledge.It doesn’t really matter what changes you make to your Frenchie’s diet or how often you take him out for walks. If your dog is having a lot of midnight snacks or leftovers, you will not get your desired results. Everyone should be dedicated to your pet’s weight loss program.
