At the end of every day I get Stella ready for bed, it’s time for her nightly routine. Keeping her clean, comfortable, and healthy is a nightly requirement, and this routine helps us wind down together before we both head off to sleep.
1. Washing Her Ears
One of the first things I do at night is give Stella’s ears a good clean. Frenchies are prone to earwax buildup and infections, so I make sure to stay on top of her ear hygiene. I use an ear rinse that’s gentle and designed for dogs. It’s super easy: I just fill up her ear canal with the solution, then gently massage the base of her ear for a few seconds. Stella’s usually less than impressed with this practice but she seems more used to it after the rinse and repeat (I’m sorry).
We use ICF Otodine ear wash for Stella’s daily ear cleaning, but if you suspect your dog has an ear infection get to a vet ASAP as a daily wash won’t work, you’re going to want the much better Surolan product.
2. Eye Drops
Those big bright eyes also need daily care. Stella has a tendency to get dry eyes, especially as she gets older. This process is pretty straightforward: I use a cotton bud to gently dab the drops into the corners of her eyes. I’ve learned to be quick and calm about it, so she doesn’t get too squirmy. The trick is to load up the cotton bud with a lot of solution so I can just stroke it on top and it’ll soak in when she opens her eyes.
We use Bugalugs eye drops for Stella. So far she’s never had an eye infection, but it is common in Frenchies so fingers crossed we don’t.
3. Brushing Her Teeth
Keeping Stella’s teeth healthy is super important. French Bulldogs, like many brachycephalic breeds, are prone to dental issues, so brushing her teeth has become a non-negotiable part of her routine. I use a plastic finger toothbrush, which is kind of like a little thimble that fits over my finger. I put a bit of dog-safe toothpaste on it and gently scrub her teeth, focusing on the back molars where plaque tends to build up. Stella’s not thrilled by this part, but she’s learned that it only takes a minute or two, and then it’s over. Plus, she gets a treat afterward.
I haven’t found a specific toothpaste I’m particularly fond of, so happy to hear thoughts on this. We’re currently using Beaphar.
4. Nose Balm
Stella’s nose gets hella dry. If you’ve ever had a dog with a dry, cracked nose, you know how important it is to keep it moisturised. I use a special dog nose balm that’s safe and soothing. It’s a simple step: I just rub a little bit of the balm on her nose, making sure to cover any dry patches.
5. Checking Her Nails
Lastly, I make sure to check Stella’s nails. French Bulldogs are known for having curly nails that can grow inward, which can lead to discomfort or even infections if they’re not kept in check. I don’t always need to trim her nails every night, but I give them a quick once-over to make sure nothing’s getting too long. If I notice any issues, like nails that are starting to curl or feel uncomfortable, I’ll clip them the next day. This helps prevent any potential problems down the road and ensures she’s always feeling her best.
She can be fussy about this so we do sometimes have to get the vet to do it.
Wrapping Up the Night
Stella’s not a low maintenance dog by any means, getting in to this routine every night can feel a bit chore-ish sometimes (for both of us), but I do think it makes a difference. We recently had a friend’s dog need a bunch of teeth removed and I’m really hoping these good habits keep things like that far out of our mind.
