Washing and caring for French Bulldogs can be a major concern for new owners. These dogs are susceptible to skin allergies, so it’s important to not only consider how often you should bathe them but also the grooming products you use.
In this brief guide, we’ll discuss our approach to bathing our French Bulldog, Claude, the types of grooming products we prefer, and why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to these questions.
First and foremost, let’s address the fundamental question about bathing frequency.
How often should you bathe a French Bulldog?
Ideally, you should bathe a French Bulldog no more than five times a year to avoid stripping their natural skin oils.
However, practicality often requires a different approach. The general rule is to bathe them when they become dirty or start to smell, provided you use suitable grooming products.
So, why isn’t there a straightforward answer?
Let’s illustrate with a personal example. We live in the UK, where it rains a lot. We take Jack for daily walks, and during half of the year, he often gets covered in mud.
Jack enjoys cooling down in muddy puddles, resulting in mud sticking to his legs and belly. To keep our living space clean, we end up bathing him more frequently than ideal, which may apply to you as well.
So, how often do we realistically bathe Claude? For us, it’s probably a couple of times a month.
The rest of the time, we use towels and brushes to remove dried mud and occasionally use a dry shampoo spray. This spray is applied to his coat and wiped off with a towel, eliminating the need for a full bath.
Why should you limit baths?
As mentioned earlier, frequent bathing can remove the natural oils from a French Bulldog’s skin.
These oils are crucial for a healthy coat and skin. Due to their short coats, French Bulldogs are especially susceptible to losing these oils through bathing and grooming products.
What grooming products are best for French Bulldogs?
Considering the practical need for more frequent baths, it’s crucial to choose grooming products that not only preserve their natural oils but also alleviate itchiness or allergies.
Shampoo: Opt for a dog-specific shampoo that meets specific criteria: it should be pH balanced, hypoallergenic, deodorising, anti-itch, and anti-dandruff. One example that fits these criteria is EarthBath, which is not only effective but also cruelty-free.
Post-bath oils: After bathing, consider using coconut-based cream and oil to soothe dry and itchy skin in French Bulldogs. Coconut oil can help restore moisture and healthy fats to the skin’s lipid layer and even combat infections.
For French Bulldogs with allergies, AKC recommends you should consult your veterinarian for guidance on bathing frequency and suitable products.
How to bathe your French Bulldog:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bathe your French Bulldog:
Before You Begin:
- Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary items, including dog shampoo, towels, a non-slip mat, a brush, and treats.
- Brush Your Frenchie: Brush your dog to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils.
The Bathing Process:
- Prepare the Bathing Area: Ensure a non-slip surface and warm room.
- Wet Your Frenchie: Gently wet your dog’s coat, avoiding sensitive areas.
- Shampoo Application: Use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo, starting at the neck and working downward.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse until all shampoo is removed.
- Face Cleaning: Use a damp cloth or dog face wash for the face, avoiding eyes and ears.
- Dry Your Frenchie: Pat dry with a towel or use a low-heat pet dryer.
- Brush Again: Remove loose fur and fluff up the coat.
- Reward and Praise: Use treats and praise to create a positive experience.
Frequency of Baths:
French Bulldogs typically don’t require frequent baths due to their natural oils.
Frenchbulldogowner.com says bathing every 2-3 months or as needed is usually sufficient, but adjust as necessary based on your dog’s condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the frequency of bathing your French Bulldog depends on practical needs. For heavy dirt, a bath is necessary, while lighter dirt can often be managed with brushing and dry shampoo.
Reducing the frequency of full baths helps maintain the dog’s natural oils, skin, and coat health
