Advice for a new frenchie owner...

[Tones217]

Hey all! New to the group! I recently began fostering a beautiful 5 year old female frenchie I have named Vera. She was rescued from a puppy mill where she as starved and overbred. She was kept in a cat crate that she couldn't even stand up in. According to the vet she had puppies 4-5 weeks ago but they were nowhere to be found. Her ears were crudely cut off with scissors. Needless to say, she's not in the best shape. In the week since she was rescued she has been vaccinated, spayed, tested for everything and given antibiotics for her ears. I have my heart set on adopting her, I'm fostering to see how she is around my two dogs (terriers). I would like some advice on how best to care for Vera (best products to use to clean ears, wrinkles, etc). Also, I know that because of their short muzzle, they have problems regulating their breathing and temperature so how can I help Vera be more comfortable? She is asleep next to me breathing fast and radiating heat although my house stays around 75-77 degrees (my hedgehog is very temperature sensitive). Thanks so much for you help! Vera and I appreciate it!

 

[2bullymama]

Thank you so much for fostering this sweet girl! She is a beauty!

Cleaning - you can use witch hazel on a cotton pad for facial folds, paws, belly... her ears, if infected, use what the vet has suggested/prescribed. As for heat, they can be little portable radiators, my guy sends off heat especially when sleeping. Going outside, be sure to limit time ... as the can over heat quickly regrdless of tempature.

:welcome3: to FBN

 

[lkclark]

Too tragic for words. People who willfully abuse animals for pleasure or profit should be strung up.

She is a lovely little girl, and I can only imagine how shocked she is to finally enjoy some rest and comfort.

 

[Alice Kable]

:smileywelcome: to FBN. Thank you for including Vera in your life. Dogs live in the present; eventually she will forget her past and be the best companion ever. She will trust you! :heart:

 

[Cbrugs]

Poor, sweet baby. That is great you have taken her in. It makes me so sad to know how people treat animals. To help keep her cool, you can try using a cooling mat for her to lay on. I don't have one so I don't have any personal experience but I do want to get one.

 

[Jakeyjake]

Welcome and so glad you are able to take in poor sweet Vera. Good luck to you. I have only been a Frenchie owner for 16 mos. and absolutely love the breed...so much so we ended up with a second at Christmas! I hope your dogs get along with her so she can belong to a new loving pack!

 

[Tones217]

Thank you all for your advice and well wishes! Vera is doing great! One of my dogs is still a bit territorial when it comes to me but no fights, just tension. I'm hoping to let her adjust a bit more before taking her to the dog park for some real fun! Look forward to some great pictures of us!

 

[Julie Stevenson]

This breaks my heart!!!! How anyone could hurt a dog in this way is just beyond me. From my family we thank you for fostering her and taking her into a loving home. She deserves nothing less than to live on cloud nine the rest of her days. Best way to keep her comfortable is to follow your vets advise, get a nice big comfy bed for her to sleep on whenever she wants, a good high quality food that will help her internal organs, fresh water down at all times, lots of toys, and keep her inside so she does not over heat or get to cold. God love you for taking this poor sweet girl into your home!!

 

[Tones217]

I officially adopted Vera! Couldn't resist her sweet face and gentle disposition. She's always so grateful for everything! I bought her all sorts of goodies today including a cooling mat and squeaky toys. When I put her tag on her collar I said "It's official Vera, you're stuck with us. " and she made this adorable squeak and gave me lots of kisses! I started crying and laughing because looking at her face, it's like she knew she finally had a safe and loving home! I'm so excited! Even though my family and my boyfriend's family would agree that I don't need a third dog (they don't know I adopted her, they think I'm just fostering), the rescue I got her from is run by a friend who really wanted me to take her to make sure she had a home with someone who understood the breed and had the time and patience. Also, I'm majoring in pet nutrition so she knows I won't skimp on pet food!

 

[MaplesMommy]

Oh thats awesome! Great news! Im sure she is very grateful!
I too am studying pet nutrition btw

 

[davidh]

Bless her heart, and bless you for giving her a loving fur-ever home. Poor baby girl, it just angers me to no end how people abuse these beautiful babies. Welcome to the site, and so happy you joined us. I am looking forward in seeing more pics of her and hearing stories about her.

 

[Tgirl]

What a sad story, but what a great ending! I don't understand how people can do that to animals. She has hit the jackpot though! I can see that she is going to have the great life she deserves with you!