🐾 French Bulldog Whelping Tricks & Breeder Guide

1. Early Pregnancy Signs in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs show subtle pregnancy indicators, usually within 2–3 weeks after mating. Look for:

• Decreased activity or increased rest

• Slight nipple enlargement and pinking

• Mild appetite changes

• Behavioral shifts like nesting

💡 Breeder Tip: Track hormone changes and consider an ultrasound at 25 days for confirmation. Early detection helps plan nutrition and safe whelping arrangements.

2. Best Prenatal Nutrition

Proper nutrition ensures healthy mom and pups:

• Feed high-quality, protein-rich dog food (28–30% protein).

• Supplement with folic acid and omega-3s (vet-approved).

• Add cottage cheese or goat’s milk for calcium.

⚠️ Avoid: Excess calcium before whelping—it can cause eclampsia postpartum.

3. Safe Exercise During Pregnancy

Gentle exercise strengthens abdominal muscles for delivery:

• 10–15 min short walks, 2–3 times daily.

• Light play but avoid jumping or overheating.

💡 Breeder Tip: Use harness instead of a collar to prevent neck strain during pregnancy.

4. Preparing the Whelping Area

A clean, quiet space ensures safe delivery:

• Use a whelping box with pig rails to protect puppies.

• Keep temperature at 80–85°F for the first week.

• Line with washable, non-slip bedding.

🛠️ Tools: Heating pad (under half the box), thermometer, disinfectant wipes.

5. Recognizing Labor Stages

Stages of labor in Frenchies:

1. Pre-labor: Restless, nesting, temp drop to ~98°F.

2. Active labor: Contractions, visible pushing.

3. Delivery: Puppies born 20–60 min apart.

💡 Breeder Trick: Start temp checks 7 days before due date. A 1–2°F drop predicts labor within 24 hrs.

6. C-Section Planning & Recovery

French Bulldogs often require C-sections due to narrow hips.

• Schedule elective C-section if litter is large or mom is small.

• Post-op care includes monitoring incision, limiting activity, and supporting nursing.

💡 Breeder Tip: Have colostrum and puppy formula ready in case mom can’t nurse right away.

7. Manual Puppy Assistance

If a puppy is stuck:

• Apply gentle traction during contractions.

• Use lubricated gloves and steady downward movement.

• Clear airways and stimulate breathing if needed.

⚠️ Only assist if confident and trained. Have emergency vet backup ready.

8. How to Use a Whelping Box with Pig Rails

Pig rails are essential safety bars inside the whelping box:

• Prevents mom from accidentally crushing newborns.

• Should be 3–4 inches off the ground, sturdy, and smooth.

💡 Breeder Hack: Use PVC pipes for DIY pig rails—easy to clean and affordable.

9. Proper Cord Cutting & Cleaning

After birth:

• If mom doesn’t chew the cord, tie dental floss 1 inch from puppy’s belly.

• Cut with sterilized scissors.

• Dab iodine on the stump to prevent infection.

💡 Breeder Tip: Have a hemostat ready to clamp if bleeding doesn’t stop quickly.

10. Tube Feeding Newborns

For weak or rejected puppies:

• Measure feeding tube to puppy’s last rib for safe insertion.

• Use warm puppy formula every 2–3 hours.

• Keep pups upright during feeding to avoid aspiration.

⚠️ Always get vet training before attempting.

11. Maintaining Ideal Temperature

Newborn Frenchies can’t regulate body heat:

• Week 1: 80–85°F

• Week 2–3: 75–80°F

• Week 4+: gradually reduce to room temperature

💡 Breeder Hack: Use an incubator or heating pad under half the whelping box, allowing puppies to move if too warm.

12. Weighing Puppies Daily

Monitor weight gain to ensure proper feeding:

• Use a digital kitchen scale.

• Record weights daily for first 2 weeks.

• Healthy puppies gain 5–10% of birth weight daily.

💡 Breeder Trick: Color-code puppies with soft collars for easy tracking.

13. Spotting Mastitis in Nursing Moms

Mastitis is a painful mammary infection:

• Signs: swollen, hot, or discolored teats; refusal to nurse.

• Home care: warm compresses, gentle massage.

• Vet care needed for antibiotics.

💡 Breeder Tip: Rotate puppies on all teats to prevent clogged milk ducts.

14. Umbilical & Inguinal Hernia Care

Some Frenchie puppies develop hernias:

• Small hernias may close naturally by 6 months.

• Large or persistent hernias need surgical correction.

💡 Breeder Hack: Use a vet-approved hernia belt to gently support closure.

15. Immunity Boost for Puppies

Ensuring strong early immunity:

• First 48 hours of colostrum intake is critical.

• If mother’s milk is low, supplement with colostrum replacer.

• Keep environment clean to reduce infection risk.

💡 Breeder Tip: Avoid overhandling puppies the first week to let mom’s antibodies protect them.