|
STRUCTURAL
TENDENCIES:
The breed was
developed by human engineering resulting in "dwarfing"
or "miniaturizing". . A chrondrodysplastic breed, such as the French Bulldog, is
predisposed genetically to structural problems. To do
selective breeding of the best, I xrayed spines of every puppy
born in a 10 -year period. There were very few spines without
hemiverterbraes of some category. Compared to my foundational
dogs, I did find this selective and planned breeding process led
to better spines overall but seldom found a puppy with a perfect
spine.
While
attending a seminar given in 2004 by Dr. Keller, DVM, director of
the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, I heard Doctor Keller make
the remark that in spite of the tendency of the French Bulldog
breed to have bone and joint anamolies we, as breeders,
could lower the incidences by nutrition. I came home
from the seminar and immediately studied nutrition, the effects of
dwarfism and chondrodysplasia on humans and canines, and made
adjustments in our dogfood and supplements. I do my part by
health screening all adults in my breeding program and by
management of nutrition prior to breeding, during gestation, and
nutritional management of pups after weaning. I
believe an informed owner can contribute to the longevity and
prevention of structural problems, the tendency for allergies and
digestive issues reported to plague some French bulldogs by giving
immune system support, enhancing typical nutrition, and adjusting
their environment and management of their pet.
The following
are measures I use:
1.
FOCUS on strengthening the structure and immune system with a good
supplement. FANCIBULS get NUVET vitamins
This supplement has human-grade calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and
Vitamin C along with a variety of trace minerals.
NUVET was
voted as the Breeder's Choice for canine supplements in the
USA. This supplement is my choice because it is made with
organic, high quality organic minerals , and the NuVet labs have
thoroughly tested the ratio/balance of ingredients to perfect the
product. (Vitamin C is necessary to aid absorption).
For the geriatric FANCIBUL, the supplement NUJOINT is given to
keep bone/joints lubricated, promote regeneration and restoration
of cells damaged by erosion.
If you would like to try NuVet, please call
1-800-474-7044 and use my order No. 93839 for a 15% discount. Check out this product at
www.nuvet.com.
2.
Quite by accident, I discovered that NORWEGIAN KELP not only
boosted pigment on the muzzle and nose area, but there was less
shedding.
3.
Puppies are given prebiotic/probiotics on kibble to develop
healthy digestive systems. During their 18 mos., dogs are
completing vaccine protocol, receiving wormer, perhaps have the
need for a round of antibiotics, must adapt to the stress of
becoming well-behaved, domesticated canines, and experience a
variety of climate conditions. All of this can disrupt the
"good" gut bacteria.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL:
1. Dogs
need exercise, fresh air, and sunshine even if they are of the
"couch potato" variety. The internet information about this
breed tends to "paint a picture" of a climate-unadaptable,
fragile, lazy dog that will pass out in the outdoors. Some
French bulldogs breathe better than others, but a responsible
owner should monitor and manage their bulldog so there is plenty
of exercise. Diligence equals structuring yourself and
your pet.
Helpful tools:
a. Indoor/outdoor thermometer
b. Temperature checks. I pinned a chart to
guide caretakers in my absence.
c. Observe the dog's degree of panting, if
tongue is getting a bluish color, salivation.
d. Teaching children to allow the dog to
plop down for a break after playful romping.
3. EATING HABITS: The Fancibul French
Bulldog puppy eats with gusto when it leaves Fancibul
Kennels. If owners allow grazing and
erratic feeding times, the dog uses his alert and intelligent
"Professor in the cloak of a clown" nature to create
problems. This leads to finicky behavior, pouting, tossing
food dishes around, fussing with other dogs in the environement.
Owners in turn cajole the dog, cook his favorite dishes, buy him
hamburgers at McD's, stuff food down his throat (oh , yes, some
resort to stuffing out of anxiety). These are counterproductive to
his mental and physical wholeness.
My method:
a. Have a mealtime schedule. Adult dogs are okay with
one meal a day or split his quantity into two smaller meals;
b. Measure the appropriate quantity of a good
quality dogfood to keep appropiate weight. Your vet can help with
this. Puppies actually consume a greater quantity than adult dogs;
c. Put French Bulldog with dish in its kennel or
a separate room and LEAVE him alone;
d. Pick up the dish in 20-25 minutes. If
the dog eats some but not all, give the dish back at bedtime
or decrease quantity slightly. (Some are "night
eaters" and prefer to be alone and hidden;
e. SHOW NO concern, grief, plead nor cajole
your French Bulldog to eat! He can read your emotions like a
book entitled, "How to Get Attention and make life "MY WAY".
4. IN BETWEEN YEARS. Using a high quality
kibble, a squirt of salmon oil on kibble is another
antioxidant and is particularly helpful on a dog with a dry coat.
Stud dogs benefit by supplements with "green mussel".
During gestation, the females receive folic acid, vitamin C and B
multi- vitamin regimen which is thought to lessen or prevent
neural defects of puppies born.
5. GERIATRIC DOGS: In discussing nutrition and
geriatric management with a physiology professor of
Oklahoma State Vet Teaching Hospital, I learned that canine
owners tend to ignore the aging process if the dog is free of
symptoms or postpone addressing the geriatric years. In his
opinion, at 7-8 years of age, a veterinarian should guide owner
into geriatric care. Many vets do a blood pathology workup
to individualize nutrition, supplements, and medicines. Some
veterinarians now do xray screenings along with a blood chemistry
workup to identify any possible malignancy situation that is
hidden. Geriatrics need an annual visit to their vet.
|
