Part 3 – Pregnancy Care for your Bulldog

The Diet. We will typically keep the female’s diet exactly the same as normal.  When she starts to gain weight, we will add a bit more food accordingly as we see fit. Adding things like coconut oil are important to keep her coat nice.  She will eat as needed so you know your bulldog.  Also, maybe feed multiple times instead of just once daily.  

C-section. We will only breed by this method.  This is a common method for both Frenchies and Bulldogs. The heads of the puppies are so large, naturally whelping is not ideal and could kill the mother.  Have the C-section lined up with your vet, so they are ready to go.  

The whelping box. Get her acquainted with this area at least a week before the due date.  We use a tiny plastic pool but any small box with low edges should work.  We line it with blankets on top of the heating pads, but you can also use newspaper or other things like that.  It should have a small shelf that the puppies can roll under to avoid getting smashed by mom. This should be away from other dogs, especially other females in heat or that have had puppies recently.  Let her try and nest while you are waiting for bulldog puppies or French bulldog puppies.

Items to have ready. You should be prepared for anything and not have to react after the fact.  Heating pads or lamps are a necessity.  You should have feeding tubes and bottles, scissors, artificial milk, clean towels and bedding and latex gloves.  There are many other things, but the point is be ready.

Signs of labor. The first stage is 24 hours and your Bulldog or Frenchie will start to become restless, going off their food and won’t be able to settle.  Check her temperature as it will drop below 100.  Have your vet on standby.

Prepare for the arrival of the puppies. Second-stage labor is the pushing phase of labor when the pups should be born. Her water will break, and she will lie down and strain hard, pushing with her flanks, in order to try and expel the puppy. If she labors hard for two hours and no puppy appears, call the veterinarian.Now it’s time to go to the vet and get that C-section.