Oscar, the French Bulldog almost died of toxic flowers [and what we can learn from it]

A while ago we got worrying news from one of the puppy parents about Oscar, their French Bulldog. Read the story below and the conclusions we have. 

“Today we had to bring him to the hospital and he is currently in ICU overnight for observation. The doctors don’t know what’s wrong with him. They said all lab work is normal, no drugs, no poison in his system from what they can see. His blood pressure was low at 60 and his heart rate was low as well. They don’t think he was stung or bit by anything and he isn’t in any pain.”

The nightmare of any puppy parent: when your baby is unwell and nobody knows why. Oscar had some mental struggles too:

“He is lethargic, and he cannot walk nor has the ability to stand. The doctor said that the only thing they can even assume is a brain tumor or swelling of the brain from a congenital disease he could have been born with.”

Oscar, at TomKings Farm.

She was totally helpless asking us for advice:

“I’m not sure what to do, I’m sad and scared and at this point, nothing but time will tell. He is seeing a neurologist in the morning and we will see if we know more then. They would have to do an MRI to see what’s going on in his brain or if there is any swelling.”

It’s always heartbreaking to hear such a story. All these babies were born on our farm, we know them by name such as their parents who take care of them so lovingly. We are one big family and what hurts one hurts everyone.

We always try our best to help, we have decades of experience between ourselves and work with fantastic vets who we can always turn to. But we also tell the parents when it’s best to turn to their vet.

We were so relieved to get good news about Oscar a few days later.

“He’s so much better now. The vet said he ate a poisonous flower! We don’t have it at our house but one of John’s friends has it in his apartment complex. Obviously he will not be going there anymore but he’s been fine in every sense.”

This story has a happy end, and Oscar is a healthy and happy pup again, but we still have something to learn.

1. It’s not enough to Frenchie proof your home, you have to make sure your pup is safe when you visit friends. They might have plants in their homes that have no harm for humans but are toxic for dogs. The same applies to candles, medication, and food: keep an eye on your little one to keep him or her safe.
2. Be careful when friends visit your home: they might bring you flowers, plants, and might want to surprise your Frenchie with cookies and sweets. Kids of your guests love to pamper the funny furbaby. Make sure everyone is aware of what to do to keep your puppy safe.
3. In an emergency, any minute counts, so instead of turning to Google or friends, call the vet and act accordingly.
4. Have pet insurance as the cost of medical treatments can be very high and it’s better to be prepared in advance.

We’re always happy to help but needless to say that we’re the happiest when all our French Bulldogs are safe and healthy.

The article was written based on the experience and the services of the TomKings Puppies Team. TomKings Puppies have been breeding French Bulldogs for 12 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and show puppies from their breed and puppy parents. Check their available colors and prices here, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.