8 Week Old French Bulldogs: Raising a Healthy and Happy Puppy

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At 8 weeks old, French Bulldogs are still getting used to their new surroundings and need plenty of love and attention to feel secure. They need to be socialized with people and other animals to prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors.

French Bulldogs at this age are still learning to navigate their environment and may get into mischief if left unsupervised. They need close monitoring to ensure their safety.

It's essential to establish a routine for feeding, playtime, and sleep to help your French Bulldog feel secure and develop good habits. French Bulldogs need to be fed 3-4 times a day until they're about 6 months old.

French Bulldogs are prone to health issues like respiratory problems and allergies, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential issues early on.

What You Need to Know

At 8 weeks old, your French bulldog puppy is ready to leave the kennel and start its new life with you. This is a crucial time for development, as the first 6 months of a dog's life shape its hips, spine, and muscles.

Your puppy will have all 28 baby teeth at this age, and some may even develop permanent frontal incisors.

Recommended read: French Spaniel Puppy

Dog Size

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Your Frenchie will grow fast during the first 6 months, depending on its parents and genes.

Puppies need a well-balanced diet that includes enough proteins, calcium, and phosphorus to support their growth.

Calcium and phosphorus are especially important for bone and teeth development.

A diet lacking these minerals can lead to hip, spine, and elbow deformities in your Frenchie.

Your vet can recommend the best supplement therapy for your puppy during the growth period.

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Sleeping

French bulldogs sleep a lot, approximately 18 to 22 hours per day, which is similar to infants.

Providing a cozy and safe place for your pup to sleep is crucial. Your Frenchie should have their own dog bed to prevent Velcro behavior in the future.

Teaching your French bulldog independence from an early age is very important, especially since they can suffer from separation anxiety.

For another approach, see: Do French Bulldogs Sleep a Lot

Feeding and Hygiene

At 8 weeks old, your French Bulldog puppy needs a balanced diet to support their growth and development. Feed them 3-4 times a day, with a high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional needs.

Make sure to provide fresh water at all times, and consider adding a water fountain to encourage drinking.

French Bulldogs are prone to skin issues, so keep their coat clean and brush them regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Puppy Care: Feeding

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Feeding your French Bulldog puppy requires attention to their digestive system and energy needs. Puppies need a lot of energy, just like growing children.

At 8 weeks old, feed your puppy 4 times a day, with feeding times adjusted for the season. In the Summer, feed at 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm, while in the Winter, feed one hour later each day.

A 5lb puppy will eat approximately one handful of a balanced and complete raw diet (5 ounce) at each feeding, or 1/2-3/4 cups of kibble per feeding. Adding boiled and mashed carrots to their food can help keep their digestive system settled.

If feeding kibble, you can mix in canned food from the same brand to make it more appealing. However, avoid mixing other cooked meat into their kibble to prevent them from associating kibble with meat.

Offering goats milk kefir or yogurt, as well as egg yolks, can help a puppy experiencing separation anxiety to eat. These foods are hard for puppies to resist and provide hydration and calories.

French Bulldog puppies should be kept on their original diet for a few months to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea.

Puppy Hygiene

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As a French Bulldog owner, I've learned that their unique wrinkles require extra attention to keep them clean and healthy. Baby Frenchies only need a bath once every six to eight weeks.

To keep their faces clean, you'll need to wash them more often, ideally after meals and playtime to prevent dirt and food from building up. Use a gentle dog shampoo that's specially made for bulldogs.

Gently massage the shampoo into their front legs first, then work your way down to their back legs, giving their paws a soft scrub. Don't forget to clean their neck, all the way to the back of their ears.

Remember to rinse the shampoo off thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Letting the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing can help loosen dirt and debris.

Puppy Care and Training

At 8 weeks old, your French Bulldog puppy is ready to start learning basic routines and commands. They can learn to meet limits in the house and understand who's the pack leader.

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Potty training is a must, and it's essential to use positive reinforcement with snacks and toys to encourage good behavior. Discourage unwanted habits like jumping, howling, and biting early on.

Socializing with your puppy is a great way to make them happy and energetic. They'll love playing and moving around with you, so take advantage of this age to get them used to new environments and people.

Feeding your puppy three times a day is best for the first few months, with each meal consisting of around 1/3 of a cup of dry kibble. Stick to a regular schedule to keep them full and happy.

As they grow, you can cut back to two meals a day, but keep the meal schedule consistent to avoid confusion. Make sure to only keep food out when it's time to eat to prevent overeating.

Socialization and Teething

At 8 weeks old, your French Bulldog is bursting with energy and curiosity. They're happy, energetic, and inquisitive, making socialization a joy.

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Socializing with your young Frenchie at this age is crucial, and it's essential to make the most of it. The sooner you start playing with them, moving around with them, and showing them the house, the better for you.

This age can be messy, with poop and pee accidents happening frequently, but it's a small price to pay for the fun and companionship you'll get in return. Having more than one French Bulldog at this age can be beneficial, as it keeps them company and makes them enjoy having a brother or sister.

Socializing Your Puppy

Socializing your puppy is crucial, especially during the 8th week when they're happy, energetic, and inquisitive. At this age, they'll enjoy exploring their surroundings and meeting new people.

You should start socializing your puppy immediately, and the sooner you do, the better. This is the perfect time to play with them, move around with them, and show them the house.

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Socializing with multiple puppies, like having a brother or sister, can be beneficial for their development and happiness. It's a great way to keep them company and entertained.

However, be cautious not to adopt a puppy too early, ideally not before the 8th week. They might be too young to enjoy your company, and you might find it challenging to manage their needs.

The Teething Stage

The Teething Stage is a challenging time for both you and your French bulldog. Their baby teeth will make an appearance when theyā€™re about two to three weeks old.

At around two months of age, most French bulldogs will begin to teeth. This is when they'll start seeking out anything they can find to relieve the pressure and discomfort of their sore teeth and gums.

Look for special teething toys designed to help soothe your Frenchieā€™s sore teeth and gums. These toys are usually made from ropes and rubber that are tough and harder to tear through.

Curious to learn more? Check out: When Do French Bulldogs Go into Heat

A Cute French Bulldog Sniffing Eggs on the Ground
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Avoid picking up rawhide bones or similar edible chews, as they can present a choking hazard and could become a blockage risk. If your pup were to swallow a fairly large piece, it could become lodged in their digestive tract.

You can find plenty of safe and effective teethers that avoid this issue and are great alternatives to traditional rawhide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a 8-week-old French Bulldog?

An 8-week-old French Bulldog typically weighs between 6-10 pounds, but individual weights may vary. Consult with your veterinarian for a more accurate assessment of your dog's size.

How much to feed an 8-week-old Frenchie?

At 8 weeks old, an Frenchie typically requires 1.5-2 cups of kibble per day, depending on the caloric guidelines of the puppy food. Consult the puppy food's label for specific feeding recommendations tailored to your Frenchie's needs.

Can I bathe my 8-week-old Frenchie?

Yes, it's safe to bathe an 8-week-old puppy, but a gentle wipe down with a warm washcloth and mild shampoo or baking soda solution may be sufficient for a clean and odor-free Frenchie.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.

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