About this guide
Why this exists
I built this site after years of caring for a French Bulldog and watching new owners get the same bad advice over and over. There was no single, science-backed, plain-English resource I could send people to. So I wrote one.
Meet Spike
This guide is named after Spike — my dark brindle French Bulldog and the reason it exists. Spike has been through the full Frenchie experience: BOAS symptoms, seasonal allergies, skin fold care, those 2 a.m. breathing noises that send first-time owners into a panic. Every page reflects real decisions made in real situations — what worked, what didn't, what the science actually says.
How I write each article
- Primary sources first. Peer-reviewed studies (PubMed, PMC), VetCompass data from the Royal Veterinary College, and official breed organizations — not pet blogs recycling each other.
- Specialist cross-reference. Health claims checked against board-certified vets like Dr. Kraemer (Vet4Bulldog), the FBDCA Health Committee, and the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Owner-experience filter. Does this match real life? Does it actually work?
- Clear sourcing. Every article includes direct links to studies and references.
- Honest about limits. Where research is conflicting or incomplete, I say so.
What this site is not
- Not a substitute for your veterinarian.
- Not affiliated with any breeder, pet store, or food brand.
- Not written by AI. Every page is written by a real Frenchie owner with years of hands-on experience.
- Not perfect. I make mistakes. When I find them, I fix them.
Every dog is unique. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. In an emergency, go to a vet — don't search the internet.
Questions, corrections, or just want to say hi? [email protected]
Privacy Policy
Last updated: May 2026
What we collect
Almost nothing. This site is a static reference — no accounts, no logins, no forms that store data. If you email me, I keep your message until I reply. That's it.
Automatically collected
Like every website, our hosting provider (Cloudflare) may log basic technical data:
- IP address (for security and abuse prevention)
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website
This is aggregate data, not used to personally identify you.
Cookies
We use cookies only when essential — for the site to function. We don't run advertising trackers or sell your data. If analytics are enabled in the future, you'll see a notice. You can disable cookies in your browser; the site still works.
Affiliate links
Some links on this site are affiliate links (see Section IV). When you click them, the partner may set a cookie to track your purchase so we earn a small commission. You never pay more.
Third-party services
- Cloudflare — hosting and content delivery
- Google Fonts — typography (loaded from Google's CDN)
Each has its own privacy policy.
Your rights
You can ask for any data we have about you, ask to delete it, or opt out of cookies. Email [email protected] and I'll respond within a few days.
Children
This site is not directed at children under 13. We don't knowingly collect data from children.
Changes
If this policy changes, the date above will be updated. The current version always lives at this URL.
Terms of Use
Last updated: May 2026
By reading, you agree
Using Spike's Frenchie Guide means you agree to these terms. If you don't, please don't use the site.
Everything on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for your dog. In an emergency, call your vet or drive to the ER — don't rely on a website.
What you can do with our content
- Read and reference it for your own dog
- Share links to our pages
- Print pages for personal use
What you cannot do
- Republish or copy entire articles to your own site
- Use content commercially without permission
- Scrape or download the site in bulk
- Pass off our writing as your own
Affiliate links
This site contains affiliate links. When you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See Section IV for the full disclosure. Affiliate relationships do not influence what we recommend.
Accuracy
I try hard to keep everything accurate and up to date. But:
- Veterinary science evolves — information may age between updates
- Individual dogs respond differently to the same treatments
- Cost estimates are approximations and vary by location
No warranties given. Use information at your own discretion, always in consultation with a vet.
Liability
I am not liable for damages, losses, or adverse outcomes arising from how you use or interpret content on this site. That's why "consult your vet" appears so many times.
External links
I link to external sites (studies, vet resources, product pages). I don't control those sites and am not responsible for their content.
Changes
These terms can change. Updates are posted here with a new date. Continued use = acceptance.
Affiliate Disclosure
Last updated: May 2026
The short version
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, the seller pays me a small commission. You pay the same price. The cost comes out of the company's marketing budget, not your wallet.
Where affiliate links appear
- Product recommendations inside articles
- Resource pages and buying guides
- Food and supplement reviews
- Tool and gear recommendations
Why I use them
Running a research-heavy site like this costs money — hosting, time, ongoing updates. Affiliate commissions keep the site free for every Frenchie owner who needs it. There will never be a paywall on health information here.
My promise
- Honest recommendations only. I only link to things I've actually researched and believe are good for Frenchies.
- Commission never decides what I recommend. If a product pays more but isn't great, it doesn't get a link.
- If it's not good enough for Spike, it's not good enough for your dog. That's the standard.
- No fake reviews, no inflated claims. If a product has downsides, I'll say so.
Programs we participate in
- Amazon Associates — for products available on Amazon
- Pet food and supplement brands — direct partnerships when the product is right for Frenchies
- Pet insurance providers — for plans that cover brachycephalic breeds fairly
- Pet supply retailers — other online stores carrying products we recommend
As the site grows, programs may be added or removed. This page always reflects the current list.
FTC compliance
This disclosure is provided in accordance with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials. Full transparency is non-negotiable.
Questions about a specific link or our affiliate relationships? [email protected]