20 Home Remedies for French Bulldogs by Don Chino the Frenchie Expert
- FrenchBulldog.com
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
20 Home Remedies for French Bulldogs by Don Chino the Frenchie Expert
1. Oatmeal Bath
Description: Grind plain, unsweetened oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it into warm bath water. Let your dog soak for 10–15 minutes.Purpose: Soothes itchy, dry, or irritated skin.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use flavored oatmeal?A: No, only plain oatmeal without sugar or additives is safe.
Q: How often can I give an oatmeal bath?A: 1–2 times a week or as needed for irritation.
Q: Will this help with hot spots?A: Yes, it can soothe discomfort but won’t replace vet treatment for infections.
2. Coconut Oil
Description: Apply a thin layer to dry skin or cracked paws. You can also mix ½–1 teaspoon into food occasionally.Purpose: Moisturizes skin, supports coat health, and provides antibacterial benefits.
Q&A:
Q: Is coconut oil safe for dogs to lick?A: Yes, in small amounts, but avoid overconsumption to prevent stomach upset.
Q: How often should I apply it?A: 2–3 times weekly or as needed.
Q: Can it help with flea bites?A: It can soothe bites but won’t kill fleas.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted)
Description: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar; lightly spray on skin or use as a rinse. Avoid eyes and open wounds.Purpose: Reduces odors, helps with minor skin infections, and repels fleas.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use it undiluted?A: No, always dilute it to avoid irritation.
Q: Can it be used inside ears?A: No, it may cause pain or damage.
Q: How often can I use it?A: Once a week for mild skin issues is safe.
4. Aloe Vera Gel (Dog-Safe)
Description: Use pure, dog-safe aloe vera gel and apply a thin layer to affected skin.Purpose: Provides cooling relief for burns, insect bites, or minor skin irritations.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use store-bought aloe?A: Only if it’s free of alcohol and additives toxic to dogs.
Q: Is it safe if my dog licks it?A: Small amounts are safe, but monitor for excessive licking.
Q: How often should I reapply?A: 2–3 times daily until healed.
5. Chamomile Tea Rinse
Description: Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and pour over irritated skin or use as a compress.Purpose: Naturally soothes inflammation and itching.
Q&A:
Q: Can my dog drink chamomile tea?A: Yes, in small, vet-approved amounts for calming effects.
Q: How often can I apply the rinse?A: Daily for skin irritation.
Q: Can this help with allergies?A: It can soothe allergic skin reactions but not treat underlying causes.
6. Pumpkin Puree
Description: Add 1–4 tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin to meals.Purpose: Helps with both constipation and mild diarrhea due to fiber content.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling?A: No, it contains sugar and spices unsafe for dogs.
Q: How quickly does it work?A: Usually within 24–48 hours.
Q: Is it safe for long-term use?A: Small amounts are safe long-term but not necessary daily.
7. Plain Yogurt
Description: Serve 1–3 teaspoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt as a snack.Purpose: Provides probiotics that support digestion and gut health.
Q&A:
Q: Can lactose-intolerant dogs have yogurt?A: Many tolerate yogurt, but monitor for upset stomach.
Q: How often can I give yogurt?A: A few times a week is safe.
Q: Does it help with yeast infections?A: It can aid in balancing gut bacteria, which may help indirectly.
8. Boiled Rice and Plain Chicken
Description: Boil white rice and skinless chicken breast. Feed in small amounts until digestion improves.Purpose: Gentle diet for upset stomach or diarrhea.
Q&A:
Q: How long should I feed this diet?A: 2–3 days, then transition back to regular food.
Q: Can I add seasoning?A: No, serve plain only.
Q: Is brown rice okay?A: White rice is easier to digest during stomach upset.
9. Ginger Tea (Small Amounts)
Description: Brew weak ginger tea, let it cool, and give 1 teaspoon to small dogs or 1 tablespoon to large dogs.Purpose: Reduces nausea and motion sickness.
Q&A:
Q: Can dogs eat raw ginger?A: Yes, in tiny amounts, but tea is gentler on the stomach.
Q: How often should I give ginger?A: Only when needed for nausea.
Q: Is it safe for puppies?A: Use with caution and only under vet guidance.
10. Bone Broth
Description: Simmer bones (no seasoning or onion/garlic) for hours, strain, and serve cooled broth.Purpose: Hydrates, soothes digestion, and provides nutrients.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use store-bought broth?A: Only if it’s low-sodium and free of onions/garlic.
Q: How long can I store homemade broth?A: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for months.
Q: Can bone broth replace meals?A: No, it’s a supplement, not a full diet.
11. Coconut Oil Brushing
Description: Dip a soft toothbrush in coconut oil and gently brush teeth.Purpose: Natural antibacterial to freshen breath and support oral health.
Q&A:
Q: How often can I do this?A: 2–3 times weekly.
Q: Does it remove tartar?A: It helps but won’t fully remove hardened plaque.
Q: Is it better than dog toothpaste?A: Dog toothpaste is best; coconut oil is a natural alternative.
12. Parsley
Description: Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle ½–1 teaspoon on food.Purpose: Acts as a natural breath freshener.
Q&A:
Q: Can I give parsley daily?A: Yes, in small amounts.
Q: Will dried parsley work?A: Yes, but fresh is more potent.
Q: Does it cure bad breath completely?A: It helps but dental cleaning may still be needed.
13. Epsom Salt Soak
Description: Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your dog’s paws for 5–10 minutes.Purpose: Relieves soreness and mild swelling.
Q&A:
Q: Can dogs lick Epsom salt?A: Prevent licking during soaking; rinse paws afterward.
Q: How often can I soak?A: Daily until swelling subsides.
Q: Does it help with infections?A: It can reduce bacteria but isn’t a replacement for antibiotics.
14. Witch Hazel
Description: Dab witch hazel on a cotton ball to gently clean ears or soothe minor skin irritations.Purpose: Acts as a natural astringent for cleaning and reducing irritation.
Q&A:
Q: Can it be used inside the ear canal?A: Only on the outer ear, not deep inside.
Q: Does it sting?A: It’s usually mild but avoid open wounds.
Q: Is it safe for daily use?A: Occasional use is safe; daily use isn’t typically necessary.
15. Honey (Raw, Dog-Safe)
Description: Apply raw honey directly to minor cuts or hot spots.Purpose: Natural antibacterial and wound healer.
Q&A:
Q: Can I feed honey to my dog?A: Yes, small amounts help soothe coughs and boost immunity.
Q: How often can I apply it to wounds?A: Daily until healing occurs.
Q: Is honey safe for puppies?A: Avoid giving to very young puppies (under 12 weeks).
16. Calendula Salve
Description: Apply calendula salve to minor wounds or irritated skin.Purpose: Promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
Q&A:
Q: Can dogs lick calendula?A: Small licks are safe but use a cone to prevent ingestion.
Q: How many times a day should I apply?A: 2–3 times daily.
Q: Can it help with insect bites?A: Yes, it soothes itching and speeds healing.
17. Lemon Water Spray
Description: Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and spray lightly on the coat.Purpose: Natural flea repellent.
Q&A:
Q: Can I spray near my dog’s eyes?A: No, avoid eyes and sensitive areas.
Q: How often can I apply?A: Every few days during flea season.
Q: Does it kill fleas?A: It repels but doesn’t kill fleas.
18. Rosemary Rinse
Description: Boil rosemary leaves in water, let it cool, and pour over your dog’s coat after a bath.Purpose: Acts as a mild flea repellent and improves coat shine.
Q&A:
Q: Can dogs eat rosemary?A: Small amounts in food are safe.
Q: How often can I use the rinse?A: After each bath or weekly.
Q: Will this help with ticks?A: It may deter ticks but isn’t a strong repellent.
19. Lavender Aromatherapy (Diluted)
Description: Use a diluted lavender oil spray (few drops in water) near bedding or during car rides.Purpose: Calms anxiety and stress.
Q&A:
Q: Can lavender oil touch my dog’s skin?A: Only in very diluted form; undiluted oil can irritate skin.
Q: Is it safe for puppies?A: Use with caution and always dilute.
Q: Can I diffuse lavender oil?A: Yes, in a well-ventilated room.
20. Massage with Olive Oil
Description: Warm a small amount of olive oil and gently massage into your dog’s muscles and coat.Purpose: Relaxes muscles, boosts circulation, and conditions the coat.
Q&A:
Q: How often can I massage my dog?A: A few times per week is safe.
Q: Can dogs eat olive oil?A: Yes, in small amounts, it’s healthy.
Q: Will it make the coat greasy?A: Use lightly and wipe excess oil with a towel.
