Welcoming a litter of newborn French Bulldog puppies into your home is an unforgettable experience—one filled with excitement, joy, and a deep sense of responsibility. At TomKings, we’ve been raising and caring for Frenchies for over 15 years, and we know firsthand how special these first few weeks are. If you’re new to breeding or just curious about what it takes to care for newborn French Bulldog puppies, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from setting up a safe space for the mother and her babies to ensuring they grow into happy, healthy little Frenchies. Let’s dive in!
Preparing for Newborn French Bulldog Puppies
Bringing a litter of newborn French Bulldog puppies into the world is an exciting yet demanding responsibility. These precious babies require round-the-clock care, as they are incredibly delicate and completely dependent on you! The first step to ensuring their well-being is to set up a proper whelping area and gather all the necessary supplies before their arrival.
Setting Up a Whelping Area
The whelping area should be a calm, clean, and well-controlled space where the mother can care for her puppies without distractions. The ideal setup includes:
- A separate, quiet space – Choose a peaceful area away from household noise and activity to keep the mother relaxed.
- An easy-to-clean environment – Hygiene is essential, so select a space that allows for quick and effective cleaning.
- Proper lighting – The area should be well-lit, but without harsh or direct light that could disturb the puppies.
- Temperature control – Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial, as newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body heat.
- Comfort and security – The space should be large enough for the mother to move around freely, but enclosed enough to keep the puppies safe.
- Good ventilation – Fresh air circulation is important, but avoid drafts or sudden temperature changes.
The recommended space for the whelping area is a minimum of 43, ideally around 43-65 square foot (4-6 square meters). While a smaller space is sufficient at birth, puppies will need more room as they grow and begin moving around.
Supplies Needed
Before the mother gives birth, make sure you have everything ready to provide the best care for her and the puppies. Essential supplies include:
- A small plastic box with soft bedding – Used to transport the newborn puppies safely.
- Crate for transportation – Necessary for taking the mother to and from the veterinary clinic.
- Digital thermometer – To monitor the mother’s temperature during labor and postpartum.
- Whelping box – Made of wood or plastic, with surrounding rails to prevent the mother from accidentally crushing her puppies.
- Bedding – Cut rugs or mats to fit the bottom of the whelping box. These should be easy to replace in case they become soiled.
- Wipeable and waterproof underpads – Helps maintain hygiene and makes cleanup easier.
- A hanging heat lamp – Provides warmth for the puppies, ensuring they stay at a stable temperature.
- Cleaning supplies – Includes washcloths, disinfectant wipes, and baby wipes for maintaining cleanliness.
- Fresh lean meat (e.g., turkey or white meat) – Since the mother may not eat her regular food in the first few days after delivery, having lean meat on hand can help keep her strength up.
- Royal Canin Babydog Milk – A puppy milk replacer kit, including a nursing bottle, in case the mother struggles with breastfeeding.
- Scale for weighing puppies – Daily weight checks ensure that each puppy is feeding well and growing properly.
By carefully preparing the whelping area and gathering these essential supplies, you’ll create the best possible start for both the mother and her newborn puppies. The next step is ensuring the puppies stay warm, which we’ll cover in the following section.
Keeping Newborn French Bulldog Puppies Warm
Since newborn puppies cannot produce enough body heat on their own, they rely entirely on external warmth. A heat lamp is essential in the whelping area, as it not only keeps the puppies warm but also helps reduce bacteria in their environment, providing additional protection for their health. The whelping area should be kept at an optimal temperature to prevent the puppies from getting too cold or too hot:
- The room temperature should be around 25°C (77°F).
- The temperature directly above the puppies, under the heat lamp, should be 27°C (81°F).
Puppies’ behavior will indicate whether the temperature is right:
- If they are huddled together under the lamp, they are too cold, and adjustments should be made.
- If they are spreading apart and moving to the edges of the whelping box, they are too warm, and the heat source may need to be adjusted.
Regular observation will help ensure that the puppies remain warm and comfortable.
Available puppies
Available Puppies
Feeding Newborn French Bulldog Puppies
During the first few days and weeks, ensuring that each puppy is feeding regularly and receiving enough nutrients is a top priority. From birth, the mother should be placed with her puppies every 2-3 hours to allow them to nurse. Feeding sessions typically last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how strongly the puppies are nursing.
A good way to tell if the puppies are getting enough milk is by weighing them before and after feeding. If they are crying frequently and seem restless even after nursing, they may not be getting enough milk. On the other hand, if they fall asleep contentedly after feeding, they are likely well-fed.
Since their immune system is still developing, the mother’s milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect them from illnesses. It is important to ensure that even the weakest puppies get their share of milk, even if only in small amounts at first.
What If the Mother Isn’t Producing Enough Milk?
In some cases, the mother may struggle to produce enough milk, which means you’ll need to supplement with a formula. A high-quality puppy milk replacer, such as Royal Canin Babydog Milk, should be used in these situations. Similarly, if a puppy appears weak, isn’t gaining weight, or has difficulty nursing, bottle feeding can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy development. Modern puppy formulas are specially designed to meet the needs of newborns and can be used successfully to support a growing litter.
Helping with Bathroom Needs
Newborn French Bulldog puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own, so they need external stimulation to relieve themselves. Normally, the mother licks their bottoms to help them, but if she doesn’t do this, you will need to step in.
First, try holding the puppy near the mother’s mouth to encourage her natural instincts. If she still doesn’t lick them, take a warm, damp cloth or towel and gently rub the puppy’s belly and bottom, mimicking the motion of a mother’s tongue. Continue until the puppy successfully pees or poops.
Monitoring Health & Growth
Keeping track of your newborn French Bulldog puppies’ health and development is crucial in their first few weeks. Since they are small and fragile, daily monitoring will help you detect any issues early and ensure they are thriving. To track their progress:
- Weigh each puppy daily using a digital scale.
- If a puppy’s belly looks round after feeding, it’s a good sign they are eating enough.
- If a puppy is not gaining weight, appears weak, or has trouble nursing, they may need additional support, such as supplemental feeding with a milk replacer.
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to Raising a Frenchie
Common Health Concerns
Weaker or smaller puppies may develop more slowly and require extra attention. Pay close attention to their feeding habits and energy levels. Here are some signs that a puppy may be malnourished or dehydrated:
- Drooping head or inability to stay latched onto the mother while nursing.
- Frequent crying and restlessness, even after feeding.
- Loose skin that doesn’t snap back when gently pinched, which can indicate dehydration.
If a puppy initially gains weight but then suddenly stops eating or cries excessively, seek veterinary care immediately. Quick action can often make a significant difference in their survival.
Socialization & Development Milestones
Newborn French Bulldog puppies grow and develop rapidly in their first few weeks. Understanding what to expect at each stage will help you provide the right care and ensure they are progressing as they should.
Week 1: Sleeping & Nursing
During the first week, puppies spend almost all their time sleeping and nursing. The mother needs time to adjust to caring for them, and she should never be left alone with them at this stage. Since she may accidentally lie on a puppy, always place her in a lying position and make sure the puppies are only near her nipples.
Week 2: Getting Stronger
By the second week, the puppies are stronger but still need feeding every three hours during the day. At night, they can go up to four hours between feedings. Around day 10, their eyes and ear canals begin to open, allowing them to respond more to their surroundings.
If the mother is comfortable and attentive, she can start spending short periods with the puppies. This is also the time when her stitches from the C-section can be removed, which can be done at home using a sterilized nail clipper, as long as it was discussed with the vet in advance.
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Week 3: First Wobbly Steps
By the third week, puppies are significantly stronger. Feedings can be spaced out to every five hours, and the bedding should be changed more frequently as they start urinating more.
At this stage, puppies begin interacting with each other, making it one of the most heartwarming periods. They push themselves up on their front paws and start attempting their first unsteady steps.
Towards the end of the third week, when they can sit and take their first steps, it’s time to introduce solid food. Start with Royal Canin Mini Starter, soaked in warm water and blended into a liquid consistency. First, place a small amount on their tongues and help them stand near the bowl.
Week 4: Starting Gentle Socialization
By the fourth week, the puppies are learning to walk more steadily and will need more space to explore. If the weather is nice, you can introduce them to the outdoors on a blanket at the end of this week. Now is also the time to start house training by designating a specific area with puppy pads.
Beyond feeding and basic care, this is when you should start socializing them: spend time handling, petting, and talking to the puppies to help them get used to people. Allow them to explore beyond their whelping area and introduce them to different household environments. Praise them for good behavior, and gently guide them away from unwanted actions with a firm but calm “no”.
With these early experiences, the puppies will grow into well-adjusted and confident companions.
Deworming & First Vaccinations
To keep the puppies healthy, deworming should start at four weeks old and be repeated every two weeks. They will also need their first vaccinations based on veterinary recommendations. Always consult your vet for an exact schedule based on local regulations!
A typical schedule includes:
- 6-8 weeks – DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- 10-12 weeks – DHPP booster
- 14-16 weeks – DHPP booster
- 12-16 weeks – Rabies vaccine
By staying proactive with health checks, deworming, and vaccinations, you can help ensure the puppies grow into strong and healthy French Bulldogs.
Summary
Raising newborn French Bulldog puppies is both a challenging and rewarding experience. The first few weeks require constant care, attention, and dedication, but the effort you put in during this critical time lays the foundation for their long-term health and happiness. Not to mention that seeing your puppies thrive and find loving homes makes it all worthwhile!
In this article, we’ve covered the essentials of caring for newborn French Bulldog puppies, but there is always more to learn. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the breeding process, we invite you to explore our Comprehensive Guide to French Bulldog Breeding for more expert insights and detailed advice.
The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 15 years on their farms. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
