Dogs can’t tell us they aren’t feeling well with words. As pet owners, you are the best person at reading the signs your dog is sick. Although their indications aren’t verbal, they can be easy to see with a little practice and observation. Knowing the signs and taking your dog to the vet early can save money and suffering in the long run.

Look For These Signs Your Dog is Sick

• Changes in behavior – You know your pup best and will recognize if they are sleeping more than usual, hiding or spending more time alone than usual, are lethargic, aggressive, irritable or needy. Any odd shift in their normal routine can be a warning sign your dog is sick and should be taken seriously.
• Loss of appetite – Sudden loss of appetite is a warning sign that something may be wrong. If it lasts for more than a day, it is a good idea to get your dog checked out by a medical professional.
• Potty problems – This could be trouble peeing or pooping, urinating too much, diarrhea or constipation. Any extended change in your dog’s bathroom habits can be a cause for concern.
• Respiratory symptoms – If your dog is having difficulty breathing – see your vet! Other respiratory ailments like coughing, wheezing and nasal discharge can be a cold or flu and may require veterinary attention as well.
•  Drinking too much water – It may be difficult to determine what “too much” water is. A dog needs a fluid ounce of water for every pound of body weight each day. Rather than get out the measuring cups, a noticeable change in your dog’s intake can be a sign of a serious problem. Be sure to see a vet.
• Excessive licking – Depending on where your dog is licking, this can be a symptom of a couple of different things from allergies to gastrointestinal troubles. Visit a vet to determine the nature of the problem.

The above signs your dog is sick are not exhaustive and do not replace veterinary care in any way. If you suspect your dog may be ill or in discomfort, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Proper medical attention can extend the life of your pet and improve the quality of their lives. We all love our furbabies.

PlexiDor Dog Doors wishes all dog owners a happy and healthy spring. Our dog doors come in standard and electronic models in sizes for small to extra-large dogs. Our doors come in sizes for Chihuahuas to Great Danes and everything in between. Choose a dog door for your wall, exterior door, French door, sliding glass or other glass house door. Contact our Customer Service department for any questions today!

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each other’s behinds? It’s definitely not the way humans approach each other. People shake hands or wave hello. However, for dogs sniffing butts is normal behavior and expected. There is a scientific reason, a social reason, and some legendary explanations for why dogs sniff each other’s behinds. The reasons and the legends may surprise you and give your day a chuckle. Read further to find out more.

Reasons Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Behinds

• Greeting
• Anal sac secretions
• Native American legends

The Greeting – Sniffing each other is like a handshake and a hello. It’s a greeting between dogs. They immediately know if they are friend or foe.

Science – There are anal sacs on the sides of your dog’s butt with glands that secrete chemicals identifying a lot about your dog. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and use it to communicate. A dog can tell the sex, reproductive status, and tips on the health, diet and emotional state of another dog from the scent.

Legends Why Dog Sniff Each Other’s Behinds

There is an old Sioux legend that offers another possibility…

A long time ago, the dogs decided to hold an election. They needed someone to lead them. A strong, swift and wise dog. They congregated at the big dog convention. A dog spoke up and nominated the bulldog. “I nominate the Bulldog. He’s tough and he can fight.”

“But he’s slow. He’ll never catch anyone.”

Then another dog spoke and nominated the greyhound. “I nominate the Greyhound. He’s fast as anything. He will outrun anyone.”

“Sure, he can run, but he can’t fight! What happens when he catches up to them? He’ll get beat up and then what happens? All he can do is run away. He is no leader.”

An ugly dog jumps up and says, “I nominate the dog who smells good under his tail!”

Another ugly little dog jumps up and says, “I second the motion!”

All of sudden, there is a huge commotion as everyone starts talking at once. All the dogs start sniffing each other’s tails.

“Eww, that smells terrible!”

“That one’s not good.”

“He’s not the people’s choice”

“Wow! This guy’s not my candidate.”

“Gross! That’s awful!”

It went on and on…

So, when you’re out walking, watch the dogs. They’re still looking for a leader. That’s why they still sniff each other’s behinds.

Leni Lenape Legend

The Leni Lenape or Delaware people are indigenous to the Northeastern woodlands of the United States and Canada. They have a legend that involves dancing.

While the humans slept one night, the dogs had a party. They would always take their tails off for the party to enjoy dancing. After dancing the entire night, they’d put their tails back on and go home to their humans.

One night a wolf came upon them and all the dogs, in a panic, grabbed a tail and dashed home to safety. In their haste, many of them took the wrong tail. They were afraid of the wolf, so they never partied and danced again. For the rest of their lives, they were stuck with the wrong tail.

Have you heard any other legends explaining why dogs sniff each other’s behinds?  

There is a legend surrounding the pet door also! Visit PlexiDor Dog Doors Learning Hub for the details.  PlexiDoor Dog Doors has a solution for walls, doors, and glass. They come in standard and electronic models sized for dogs from Teacup Yorkshire Terriers to Great Danes. Warrantied and guaranteed, these are durable, long-lasting and energy efficient dog doors. Contact our Customer Service department with questions at 888-PETDOOR today.

A dog’s face has a lot to do with their ears. While there are lots of different styles of ears on dogs, nine stick out as the most common dog ear types. One type is so sought after it is regular practice to crop or surgically alter the ears to achieve the look. Other dog’s ears almost drag the ground and some appear they could take flight at any moment. What type of ear does your dog have? Is it one of the common dog ear types or are they a bit more unique?

Types of Dog Ears

• The Prick, Upright or Erect Ear is quite common and is characterized as sharp, pointed ears standing erect. The Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and German Shepherd are all examples of this type of dog ear.

The Cropped ear is an erect ear that was achieved through surgical alteration. This is seen on Boxers and Dobermans.

• Bat Ears are characterized as ears that are upright and seem too big for the dog’s head. The ears angle out past the side of the head sort of like bat wings. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Chihuahua are seen with these ears.

• Drop Ears hang down from the dog’s head where most are set upright at the base in some form or fashion. Drop ears come in a wide span of shapes and sizes, but the Bassett Hound has the longest and the droopiest.

• Folded Ears also lie against the dog’s head, but unlike drop ears that hang down at the base, the folded ear sits up away from the face and then folds down. Bloodhounds and many field spaniels sport this type of ear.

• The Cocked or Semi-Pricked Ear is exactly that. It’s an upright ear with the top part bent over sticking forward. Collies and the Shetland Sheepdog are known for these ears.

• The Button Ear is seen on a Jack Russell Terrier, some Pugs, and the Jack Parson Terrier. This is an upright ear but then it’s folded over to completely cover the inside of the ear.

• The Rose Ear is another upright ear, but it falls backwards not forwards. The ear folding to the back causes the top part to fall to the side creating the appearance of a rose petal. Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Bulldogs all have this type of ear.

• A V-shaped Ear is upright at the bottom and the flap folds forward from the base. The flap is flat and creates a triangular shape with rounded corners. The Bullmastiff, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and other retriever breeds all have this ear type in common.

Other Unique Dog Ear Types

• Hooded Ear is another version of the upright ear, but these ears curve inward just a little. The Basenji is an example of this ear type.

• The Candle Flame Ear will only be found on the English Toy Terrier. No other dog breed has these unusual upright ears that curve inwards slightly, like that ears of a Basenji. The candle flame appearance comes from the narrow base and wider middle then coming to a point on top.
• The Filbert-Shaped Ear is only seen on the Bedlington Terrier. This is a V-Shaped ear that has the tip covered in a tuft of fur.
• The Rounded or Blunt-Tipped Ear is characteristic of the French Bulldog and the Chow Chow. These are upright ears without a point. They instead have a smooth, rounded edge.

• Butterfly Ears can be found on the Papillion. These are upright ears set at ten and two on the dog’s head and tend to move like a butterfly’s wings when the dog is in motion.

Did you identify your dog? There are common dog ear types and a few specialized ones. Each makes the face special. Ears say a lot about your dog and they complete their face.

Whatever your dog’s ear type. Keep them happy by giving them the freedom to go outside and in, as they please, with a PlexiDor Dog Door. They are durable, energy efficient, guaranteed and warrantied. Available in sizes for any breed small, medium, large and extra-large. Contact our Customer Service team today at 888-PET-DOOR.

The Saluki sighthound, meaning they hunt by sight rather than smell, is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. There is a lot of archeological evidence that has been found to support this. Images have been found on mosaic sculptures and in tomb paintings that date back 5000 years of slender dogs with feathered ears, tails, and legs. These dogs originate from Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. This “Royal Dog of Egypt” has been found mummified in tombs along the upper Nile with Egyptian Pharaohs. They were known as a hunting dog to pharaohs and kings for thousands of years.

Saluki Sighthound Speed

Salukis are graceful and agile sprinters. They average 30-35 miles per hour and have been clocked at 50 mph. Since they hunt by sight, it is paramount they keep up with their prey and this breed is swift. They were bred by Arab tribesmen for speed and endurance to bring down gazelle. Their slim, long-legged build is surprisingly strong and athletic. They have the stamina to keep up with the quickest of prey.

Characteristics

They are a gentle breed, dignified and loyal. The saluki sighthound is thought to be independent or sometimes aloof, although not difficult to train. They enjoy running and staying active and require and healthy dose of mental stimulation. With proper nutrition and good care, this breed will live 10-17 years.

Males will be 23-28 inches at the shoulder with females typically being smaller in stature. They weigh between 40-65 pounds depending on their sex. Their large oval eyes can be dark to hazel in color. The breed standard has an expression that is gentle and dignified with eyes that are deep, faithful and far-seeing.

The Saluki has a short coat, soft and silky to the touch. The breed comes with coats either smooth or “feathered”. Feathered being they have longer hairs on their ears, legs and tails. Their coats are easy to care for requiring only a weekly brushing and an occasional bath when necessary. These hounds are not prone to smelling bad and bathing more often is not necessary. Their beautiful coats make them adaptable to virtually any climate. These dogs can be found in many colors and patterns including white, fawn, cream, tan, red, gold, grizzle, and black.

Care

The Saluki sighthound requires daily walks and regular runs, at least twice a week. They do best with a large backyard where they are able to stretch their legs as they please. Along with basic obedience training, some type of canine sport training is also a good idea. These are active dogs and should be kept busy.

Salukis enjoy both mental stimulation and exercise and would be a good fit for lure coursing, exhibition jumping, flyball and agility training. When bored they have been known to get into mischief like escaping over fences and chewing things up. A strong fence at least six feet high and plenty of sturdy chew toys is suggested. It is in an owners’ best interest to keep their Saluki occupied and exercised.

Your Saluki sighthound can best be served to access their large backyard by a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors can be installed through a wall, door or glass and come in both a standard and electronic model. The Saluki would require a large size PlexiDor. These durable, energy efficient doors are guaranteed and warrantied. You’ll love how beautiful this product looks in your home. Contact our Customer Service today for questions on your new PlexiDor Dog Door or call 888-PETDOOR.

Wanting to Upgrade Our Patio Door

Whether you are able to enlarge the patio door isn’t really the question. The real question is, “how much will it cost?” No matter what you have planned, going from a single to a double French door or updating that old slider for sleek folding glass doors, the cost involved is directly related to if the wall is load-bearing or not.

A load-bearing wall supports the weight of the roof. When the wall you’re putting a large hole in supports a lot of weight, there are additional structural factors that need to be taken into consideration. This is where you bring in a structural engineer to determine what type of building materials need to be used and to advise on the appropriate building permits.

If you are not a DIYer on this scale, it is recommended you hire a structural engineer to file the permits and to suggest a professional contractor to enlarge the door opening and install the door. That leaves plenty of time for you, the client, to pick out the new door for the contractor to order. The goal is to the get the permits approved around the same time the door package arrives from the manufacturer. This is less about careful planning and has more to do with blind luck. Planning the project out completely before actually starting will save you heartache in the end.

To Enlarge the Patio Door:

To begin, the contractor will get rid of the wall where the new door will go from stud to stud. Then, take off all the sheetrock, trim, baseboards and crown moulding and remove all the insulation from inside the exterior wall. He will check for electrical and plumbing inside the wall. If there is electrical and /or plumbing, they will need to be re-routed by professionals in their respective trades. Electrical and plumbing changes can be costly.

Before cutting through the outside wall, the contractor may opt to put up some kind of temporary weather shield to protect your home from the elements until the door installation is complete.

The contractor will then saw through the outside wall. Sawing through the exterior wall can be tricky depending on the substrate of the wall. The old door hinges and frame will need to be removed as well. The header of the old door will need to be replaced by a new laminated veneer header that spans the distance of the entire new doorway on newly installed trimmers or jack studs. (See diagram)

The door is finally ready to be installed and then finishing work on both the inside and outside walls is completed. It is, of course, more detailed than that for the contractor, but that gives you a quick run down of what to expect from the process. While installing new glass doors to enlarge the patio door, consider upgrading the door further by adding a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors Glass Series inserts come in a range of pre-fabricated sizes ready for installation. They are a wonderful aesthetically pleasing addition to any remodel and are energy efficient, guaranteed and warrantied. Contact our Customer Service for questions or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions. We are always happy to help!

Pulling off a stress-free, dog friendly road trip can go smoothly with the proper planning and preparation. It is well worth the extra effort in the end for an easy-breezy trip to prep before you set off. It’s also worth it to have the company of your best friend by your side.

Plan your trip well. Reserve pet friendly accommodations that are a realistic distance from each stop. Don’t try to cover too many miles in one day. Also, keep in mind some hotels may have limitations on their “pet friendliness,” so be sure to ask questions about breed and weight restrictions and whether there are additional fees for dogs. You may need to make more frequent stops with your dog along for the ride. Take the opportunity to see the cities and towns you pass through along the way. There are many dog friendly restaurants and other attractions throughout the country that you can explore. After all, isn’t getting there half the fun?  Check out GoPetFriendly for fun ideas on things to do in, around and on the way to your destinations.

Before you set off, be sure your dog is caught up on all their vaccinations and make sure to take proof of those with you on your trip. If you need a shot or two, while at the vet ask about remedies for car sickness and uneasiness. If your dog isn’t microchipped, you may consider getting this done before you set off. Should your dog get separated from you, a microchipped pet has a better chance of being reunited with its owner.

The trip is all planned and vaccinations are current. It’s time to get the car ready. Your dog should be secured in a rear seat in either a crate or a harness while the car is in motion. This is safer for the dog and prevents distraction for the driver. Be sure to deactivate the airbag for the seat the dog will be in. If they are not already, familiarize your dog to the crate or harness before the road trip. Spend small amounts of time wearing the harness or being in the crate and then work up to going for short rides in the restraint and then longer ones. Getting your dog used to riding will make the trip more enjoyable for both of you.

Of course, don’t forget to pack all the items your dog will need while you’re away from home. Here’s a list to help you pack.

Dog Friendly Road Trip Packing List:

• Food and treats; if necessary, a can opener for wet food
• Medications, vitamins and supplements
• Drinking water
• Food and water dishes
• Dog bed and some toys
• ID tag and collar
• Leash
• Waste bags
• Paper towels/wet wipes
• Old towel(s)
• First aid kit
• Proof of vaccinations
• Medical records
• Photo of your pet

As always, when going anywhere with your dog be considerate of others. Put a good face forward for dog owners everywhere. Clean up after your pet, keep them on a leash and be safe. Some days may not go as planned. The best solution for these situations is to adjust. Pets, like children, bring a certain amount of unpredictability to our lives. As pet owners, we love them for it and have learned to adapt. Keep these things in mind while preparing for your dog friendly road trip this year and you and the pooch will have a great time! PlexiDor Dog Doors wishes everyone safe travels while out enjoying the open road and encourages everyone to crate or harness your dogs in the car for safety’s sake. Happy travels!

Some homeowners may have no other choice but to place their dog door in the French glass door or sliding glass door of their home. So, the ease of a glass door insert is the perfect option. The glass door insert does not obstruct the light coming in through the glass and does not interfere with the way the door functions. In most cases, installation is easy enough to handle yourself with a few tools you probably already have around your house and if you aren’t handy, PlexiDor Dog Doors has an extensive list of installers available to do it for you.

PlexiDor Glass Series Dog Doors are pre-fabricated for use in sliding glass doors, French doors and most other glass house doors. The PlexiDor Glass Series units are designed to replace the existing glass panel in the door. The durable dog door comes to you factory installed in double pane glass in a one-piece frame.

The inserts are available in sizes to fit most sliding glass and French style patio doors and is available in both regular, clear glass and low-E glass. The dog doors are available in a range of sizes; small (SM), medium (MD), large (LG) and extra-large (XL). There is a door to fit every breed. View our size chart to find the right door for your dog.

The dog door through the glass door option looks elegant and natural in your home. The dog door and frames are available in white or bronze. Along with the insert, the French door kits come with instructions to install the door yourself, should you decide to do so. There is also a steel cam lock and two keys and a steel security plate to keep out unwanted intruders.

These doors are energy efficient and built to last. They come with a 90 day money back guarantee and a 10 year warranty. Our Customer Service team is available to answer any questions Monday – Friday 9A-4P ET or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you!

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or “Toller” for short, is ranked fourth overall of the six retriever breeds in popularity. It is ranked 83^rd overall of the 197 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. The word “toller” comes from their ability to entice waterfowl within gunshot range by frolicking in the shallow waters and along the shoreline. As a hunting dog, they were specifically bred for this task and are unique for it. Ducks are attracted to the sight of red foxes and move in closer to investigate them. Ducks mistake Tollers for a fox on the shore and become an easy target for the hunter’s rifle.

They are the smallest of the retrievers and more agile than most. Their athletic, compact body frame allows them to run and jump about tirelessly retrieving, always happy, with their tail wagging. Often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever, Tollers are affectionate and outgoing, but only weigh between 40-50 pounds and are an average of 19 inches tall depending on sex. A large PlexiDor Dog Door would be the best fit for this breed.

They are working animals, bred primarily for hunting, and happiest when they have a job to do. Eager to please, Tollers make good search and rescue animals. They were bred to retrieve from icy waters and have a water-repellent, double coat of medium length fur with a soft, dense undercoat. They also have webbed feet which makes them even better at maneuvering in water. Toller retrievers can be any shade of red from light golden red to coppery dark red.  A white marking on the face, tip of the tail, feet or chest is characteristic for this breed.

Tolling Retrievers need lots of exercise. They have lots of energy and will need to use it up playing and retrieving. You can’t throw the ball just once for a Toller. The game may never end, especially around water. They love the water!

Affectionate family dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are gentle and good with children and other dogs and pets. They are intelligent and learn fast making them easy to train. Tollers have a unique, shrill bark known as the “Toller scream”. They can be quite vocal when excited, but is not a “barker”. They are low maintenance dogs requiring only a weekly brushing.

When choosing supplies for your active Toller, don’t overlook a dog door providing convenient access to the backyard for these vibrant dogs. You will need a product that is durable, warrantied, guaranteed and energy efficient for all the coming and going they will want to do. A PlexiDor Dog Door is the perfect fit. Contact our Customer Service department or call 888-PETDOOR to get any of your questions answered. Our service specialists are standing by!

There is nothing scarier than the sounds of dogs and choking. It is a common emergency with over 200,000 reported incidences in the US each year. Coughing; accompanied by signs of severe distress like pawing at the mouth, drooling, rubbing the face along the ground, gagging and retching are all indications your dog may be choking. There may also be signs that your dog is experiencing trouble breathing and/or a loss of oxygen, such as panting or discoloration of the tongue or gums. In this type of situation, it is important to know what to do beforehand and act quickly. You may not be able to wait for veterinary care to help your dog.

Not only is it important to know the auditory, physical and sensory signs of choking, but more importantly what to do in case of a choking emergency. When dogs and choking go together, it’s easy to panic yourself. When your dog is in distress, what do you do?

Dogs and Choking: What To Do?

Well…  Your dog may start to panic. Keep them restrained so they are not able to hurt themselves or you. Next, check for external factors and remove anything around the neck that may be causing the distress. Look inside your dog’s mouth and remove any foreign object blocking the airway. Be careful not to push the object farther back into the passageway or put your fingers down the throat. The delicate tissues at the back of the throat are delicate and can be injured easily. Finally, has the choking dog retained consciousness.

It is best to get the dog to the vet as soon as possible when they are choking. Though your dog may have coughed out the blockage on their own, they should still be examined to see if medical attention is needed. Should your dog lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen, there is a Heimlich Maneuver for dogs.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs and Choking

For small dogs: Hold your dog against your torso with their head up and their paws down. Place your closed fist in the dog’s stomach just under the ribs. Hold the fist with the other hand and make 4-5 rapid thrusting motions, inward and upward.

For large dogs: If the dog is standing put your arms around the belly, one hand a fist and the other closing around the fist placed in the hollow of the abdomen, same as above. Push firmly, 4-5 times, up and forward on the stomach to dislodge object from throat.

If the large dog is lying down, use the same method as above but with one hand placed on the back for support.

After performing the thrusting motion 4-5 times, check the airway again and clear debris from mouth. You may repeat thrusts if necessary.

Dogs and Choking Prevention

Of course, the best way to protect your dog from the dangers of choking is to do your best to prevent it in the first place. Exploring the world with their mouths is true of dogs and choking can be a reality. Many dogs will put lots of things in their mouths they should avoid and are able to choke. Follow these basic guidelines to help keep your dog from choking:

• Be careful with the chews and toys you give your dog. They should be weight, breed and bite strength appropriate. An object that is too small can easily be swallowed whole and become a choking hazard.
• Be safe and don’t leave your dog unattended while chewing. Small pieces can break off and pose a choking threat.
• Be aware of the size and type of bones you give your dog. Take a look at this article on bone safety for dogs.

Preparation for the possibility of choking in your dog is recommended as a responsible pet owner. Information and education on pet safety are the best ways to love on your dog. Another way to keep your dog safe and secure is with a PlexiDor Dog Door. You can offer them the freedom to access to the outdoors and the safety of a lockable dog door. Contact our Customer Service for more information at 888-PETDOOR. We’re always happy to help!

Electronic dog doors take the convenience of a dog door a step further and provides the security of only opening when your pet needs to use it. The PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door is only triggered to open when your pet approaches wearing the state-of-the-art RFID technology key, clipped onto the collar of your dog or cat. The collar key automatically reads the pre-programmed code to open and close the door, allowing your pet access while keeping other animals out.

There are three waterproof collars keys included with your electronic dog door; each collar key weighs less than an ounce. The keys securely clip onto your dog’s collar and no batteries are required.

The length of time the door stays open is adjustable to suite your needs. Then, the dead bolt automatically locks to ensure the security of your home through a ¼ inch steel deadbolt locking system. The unit can be plugged into a standard household power outlet or can be directly hard wired. The heavy-duty aluminum frame and composite panel door are built to last. There will never be a need for replacement flaps again.

The PlexiDor electronic dog doors can be installed in an exterior house door or a stud, brick, block or cement wall up to 12 inches thick. An aluminum tunnel is included with the door to connect the interior and exterior frame on the wall unit models.  PlexiDor has installers in all 50 states and Canada. The PlexiDor Electronic is available in bronze and white for both the door and wall applications and will accommodate dogs up to 125 pounds.

The units are manufactured in the United States. The PlexiDor Electronic Series has a 5-year residential warranty. All our PlexiDor products include a 90 day money back guarantee. Contact us anytime via email or call our Customer Service department. They are happy to assist with questions Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM EST at 888-PETDOOR.

The most popular small dog among Americans, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club), is the amiable and very adorable French Bulldog. They rank fourth overall on the 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds list and lead the pack for small dogs. Frenchies stay under 28 pounds and are about a foot high fully grown. Their coats come in a range of colors including cream, brown, and black. Their most distinctive feature is the “bat ears” that stand up off the top of their head.

Except for the ears, Frenchies resemble a bulldog, but in miniature. They have the same stocky, muscular build of the Bulldog covered with a short, smooth coat of fur. They have large, square heads with heavy wrinkles and folds of skin around their short, stubby noses. Their small stature and good-natured disposition, coupled with the fact that they seldom bark, has made them a favorite among apartment dwellers. They do not require a lot of outdoor exercise which is also perfect for city life.

While well suited to the city, they make excellent pets for anyone and are great with kids. Their alert and playful nature make them great watchdogs in any environment. The French Bulldog is a very adaptable breed and is just at home in a couple’s New York flat as it is in a suburban family of five’s split-level ranch in the suburbs. They get along well with people and other animals alike and make great family dogs.

Training for your Frenchie puppy is recommended for proper socialization and to curb their propensity to be stubborn. They do want to please their owners, so they are easy to train. The proper motivation, such as treats, make training easier. The French Bulldog is susceptible to obesity, so give treats in moderation.

Frenchies don’t shed much and are considered low maintenance dogs. They only require a weekly brushing to remove shed hair and an occasional bath. Their facial folds should be given regular attention to ensure they are kept clean and dry. It is important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed so that long nails do not cause pain.

As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems and do not do well in hot and humid weather. Exertion in these environments should be kept at a minimum. They are also susceptible to eye conditions, skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders. Be sure to contact a reputable and responsible breeder if you are considering a French Bulldog as a companion. As a small breed under 40 pounds, but larger than 9 pounds, a medium PlexiDor Dog Door would be perfect for your new French Bulldog. Contact PlexiDor with any questions or call 888-PETDOOR. Our Customer Service is always happy to help and enjoy your new French Bulldog furbaby.