French Bulldog Must Haves

Oftentimes, we are asked what are some MUST HAVES for new French Bulldog and puppy owners. In our puppy packs, we include multiple guides to help you pick the best products that will work. Below we have listed some of our favorite products as French Bulldog owners.

---

Basics

Food/Water Bowls: French Bulldogs are recommended to have tilting bowls in order to be able to reach their food without complications. 
Harness/Leash: French Bulldogs should never use collars for walking, always harnesses. Collars promote trachea damage which leads to breathing issues.

Cleaning Supplies

Enzyme Cleaner: Urine does not fully break down and clean without an enzyme cleaner! We also love our Bissell SpotBot upholstery cleaner and carpet steam cleaner for stains.
Other Cleaners: Most cleaners are safe as long as they are non-toxic, environmentally friendly or made for use around pets. Gaia Canines tries to stay with natural, chemical free products. 

Feeding

Food: High quality food is a must! Good nutrition plays a key role in longevity of life and health. Gaia Canines uses and recommends Purina Pro Plan, however there are many quality brands such as Victor, Taste of Wild, Instinct, Orijen, Royal Canine and Earthborn. Only feed according to your dogs weight and the feeding chart, obesity leads to health problems.
Treats: Treats should be limited and preferably in dog safe fruits/vegetables. Gaia Canines likes to use freeze dried liver for healthy treats. 
Water: In order to avoid eye tears/stains, use filtered water! Gaia Canines uses the PUR Faucet system and loves it. 

Grooming

Bathing: Monthly bathes with blue dawn dish soap or any dog shampoo work great.
Balms/Wipes: Gaia Canines highly recommends Natural Dog Company Balms and ear/wrinkle wipes biweekly to avoid infections. 
Nails: Weekly to bi-weekly nail trims help avoid grooming anxiety and upkept paws. Long nails can cause nerve damage.

Health

Dental: Quality dental chews and a supplement such as Plaqueoff will keep breath great! 
Flea & Tick/Heartworm: Regular vet scheduled prevention is preferred, but having a Seresto collar on during walks and having a bottle of blue dawn dish soap is not bad to have.
Vitamins: Multi-vitamins are always recommended, especially as growing puppies and seniors. Puppy-vite is great for developing puppies. Glucosamine should be supplemented after 4 years for joint health.

Housing

Bed: French Bulldogs love sleeping with their humans, but they also love a good quality bed. Don't get one too expensive at first, they are known to rip them up! 
Crate: Crates are excellent tools to have with dogs, they create a safe space. Gaia Canines highly recommends crate training and crating while sleeping/away from home to prevent injury or mischievous activities. 

Miscellaneous 

Fan: It is always recommended to have a fan blowing air to help exchange fresh air, this helps French Bulldogs breath better and cool faster.
Swim Jacket: French Bulldogs can not swim because they are too heavy, so life vests are a must have for beach days! 
To-Go Water Bottle: Frenchies always need to cool fast, so we recommend to go bottles! 
​Cooling Vests/ Bandanas: Great must have for hot summer days! Helps Frenchies cool down. 

Toys

Bones: Horns, antlers, hooves, and other natural bones are great for teeth and gut health. Gaia Canines also loves the faux bones such as Benebones and Bambones. 
Enrichment: Puzzle toys and enrichment toys are a must have to keep a smart mind at ease.
Other Toys: French Bulldogs can never have too many toys, Gaia Canines finds our dogs love the more interactive toys that make a variety of sounds or have multiple textures. Avoid plush and plastic!

Potty

Pee Pads/ Grass Pad: Gaia Canine puppies are started using grass pee pads. Puppy pee pads are also great to have on hand for easy cleanup.
Potty Bells: Puppies leave also starting on bells, these are a great way for your dog to indicate that it is their time to go potty.
Potty Training Spray: Natures Miracle House Breaking Spray is magical! Perfect to spray on pee/grass pads or the area you want to encourage for potty time.