Adult Care (1-7 Years)

Annual Health Checklist

Every adult French Bulldog should have a comprehensive vet visit at least once a year. Here's what it should include:

• Physical exam — Weight, body condition, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, skin, teeth, joints
• Vaccination boosters — DHPP (every 1-3 years), Rabies (per state law), Bordetella (annual if boarding)
• Heartworm test — Annual blood test + year-round prevention medication
• Fecal exam — Check for intestinal parasites
• Dental assessment — Professional cleaning if tartar buildup present
• Bloodwork — Baseline chemistry and CBC starting at age 3-4 (establishes normal values for your dog)
• Flea/tick prevention — Year-round, vet-recommended products

Weight Management

This is the single most important thing you can control for your Frenchie's health. Excess weight worsens every breed-specific condition — BOAS, joints, spine, heat intolerance, skin issues, and heart health.

Ideal Weight

Body Condition Check (Do This Monthly)

• Ribs: You should feel them with light pressure. If you have to press hard, your Frenchie is overweight.
• Waist: Visible when viewed from above — a slight indentation behind the ribs.
• Tummy tuck: Belly should tuck up from the chest when viewed from the side.

If Your Frenchie Is Overweight

• Reduce food by 10-15% (measure with a kitchen scale, not a cup)
• Eliminate treats or switch to low-cal options (carrot sticks, green beans)
• Increase gentle exercise gradually
• Weigh weekly and adjust
• Rule out thyroid issues with bloodwork if weight doesn't respond to diet

Exercise Routine

French Bulldogs need daily exercise but far less than most breeds. Over-exercising is as dangerous as under-exercising.

Daily Exercise Guidelines

• Two walks per day — 15-20 minutes each, moderate pace
• Morning and evening — Coolest parts of the day
• Indoor play — Short fetch sessions, tug-of-war, puzzle toys
• Mental exercise — Training sessions, snuffle mats, food puzzles (counts as exercise!)
• Rest days are OK — Frenchies are not marathon dogs. Some days they just want to lounge.

Preventive Care Calendar

Behavioral Health

Separation Anxiety

French Bulldogs are companion dogs — they bond deeply and can develop separation anxiety. Signs include destructive behavior, excessive barking, house accidents, and pacing when you prepare to leave.

• Practice leaving for short periods and gradually increase
• Don't make departures or arrivals dramatic — keep it calm
• Leave a Kong or puzzle toy to create positive associations with alone time
• Crate training provides a safe space (if introduced positively)
• For severe cases, consult a veterinary behaviorist — medication may help alongside training

Ongoing Training

Training doesn't stop after puppyhood. Adult Frenchies benefit from continued mental stimulation and reinforcement:

• Practice basic commands regularly (sit, stay, come, leave it)
• Teach new tricks — Frenchies are smarter than they look
• Use positive reinforcement only — Frenchies shut down with harsh corrections
• Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) — they lose interest quickly

Common Adult Health Concerns to Watch

• Weight creep — Gradual weight gain after spaying/neutering or with age
• Skin allergies — Often appear between ages 1-3
• Ear infections — Monitor for head shaking or odor
• Dental disease — Check for bad breath, red gums, tartar
• BOAS progression — Symptoms may worsen with weight gain or age
• IVDD — Watch for back pain, reluctance to jump, wobbly walking