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Dr. Jenny Max, DVM
Lead Veterinary Editor & Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

DVM, Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

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Professional Biography

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

Credentials

  • DVM
  • Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Editorial Standards

ShowDogsWest documents its sourcing, corrections, update process and standards for pet-health content in the editorial policy. Read the editorial policy.

Latest Publications

153 Articles
Fawn French Bulldog sitting on a vintage wooden bench in a warm room Dog Breeds

What Were French Bulldogs Bred For? Original Purpose & Breed History

For readers asking what were french bulldogs bred for, history shows they were originally bred in the mid-19th century as companion lap dogs and small rodent catchers for lace workers in Nottingham, England. When English artisans migrated to Normandy during the Industrial Revolution, they brought these toy bulldogs to France, where selective crossbreeding with local dogs created the modern French Bulldog.

Aug 04, 2026 8 min read
A fawn French Bulldog relaxing comfortably indoors on a pressure-activated cooling pad Dog Breeds

How to Cool Down a French Bulldog

To know how to cool down a French Bulldog safely during hot weather or physical exertion, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY before attempting any other steps. Move the dog to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space, and apply cool tap water over the body (focusing on the belly, armpits, and paw pads) while using a fan to increase airflow. Provide small sips of cool drinking water if the dog is fully conscious. Never submerge an overheating Frenchie in ice water, force water intake, or induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.

Aug 04, 2026 11 min read
A healthy cream French Bulldog with upright bat ears sitting calmly in a sunlit living room. Dog Breeds

How to Clean French Bulldog Ears: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to clean a French Bulldog's ears safely at home requires just a few simple steps. Inspect the flaps for redness or odor, lift the pinna, and gently fill the canal with a veterinary-approved dog cleaning solution without touching the bottle tip to the skin. Massage the base for 20 to 30 seconds until you hear a squishing sound, then step back to let your pet shake its head to loosen debris. Finish by wiping visible buildup from the outer flap using a clean cotton ball or gauze, reaching only as deep as your finger allows. Healthy canals only need maintenance once every 1 to 2 months.

Aug 04, 2026 12 min read
Adult fawn French Bulldog with erect bat ears sitting on a sunny American home porch Dog Breeds

What Is a French Bulldog?

The French Bulldog is a small, muscular companion breed in the non-sporting group, recognized by its compact frame, flat face, distinctive upright "bat ears," and naturally short tail. Created in 19th-century France by crossing English toy Bulldogs with local Parisian ratters, Frenchies are friendly and adaptable family pets, though their brachycephalic build requires careful management of heat tolerance and respiratory health.

Aug 04, 2026 9 min read
A female French Bulldog resting comfortably indoors during her heat cycle Dog Breeds

When Do French Bulldogs Go Into Heat? Age, Frequency & Duration

When dog owners ask when do French Bulldogs go into heat, unspayed females typically experience their first heat cycle between 6 and 12 months of age, though some individuals may start as early as 6 months or as late as 18 to 24 months. On average, a female French Bulldog goes into heat twice a year, with approximately 6 months between cycles. The active visible portion of the heat cycle, which includes proestrus bleeding and estrus fertility, generally stays in heat for 2 to 3 weeks (14 to 21 days). Because French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed prone to heat exhaustion, managing environmental weather heat is equally critical: unspayed and intact Frenchies should spend no more than 10 to 15 minutes outside when ambient temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).

Aug 04, 2026 16 min read
An adult French Bulldog showing clean white teeth in a well-lit room Dog Breeds

How Many Teeth Do French Bulldogs Have

Adult French Bulldogs have 42 permanent teeth, consisting of 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. French Bulldog puppies are born toothless and develop 28 temporary baby (deciduous) structures starting around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Despite their compact brachycephalic muzzle, adult Frenchies possess the exact same dental count as larger dog breeds.

Aug 04, 2026 8 min read
A fawn French Bulldog undergoing pre-breeding health evaluations. Dog Breeds

How to Breed French Bulldogs

Learning how to breed French Bulldogs requires rigorous health testing, genetic planning, precise ovulation timing, artificial insemination, and a planned C-section supervised by a reproductive veterinarian. Due to their brachycephalic build, narrow hips, and large heads, French Bulldogs face high reproductive risks that require substantial financial, medical, and ethical commitment.

Aug 04, 2026 13 min read
A fawn French Bulldog sitting on a kitchen floor next to a bowl of fresh blueberries. Dog Breeds

Can French Bulldogs Eat Blueberries? Safe Amounts and Risks

Yes, can french bulldogs eat blueberries? Absolutely! French Bulldogs can safely eat blueberries in moderation. These berries are non-toxic to dogs, offering a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber in a low-calorie treat. However, because French Bulldogs are a small breed with sensitive digestive systems and short muzzles, portions must remain small. Always serve fresh or frozen blueberries plain and washed, without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Aug 03, 2026 8 min read
A pied French Bulldog sitting next to a small bowl of cooked yellow corn kernels on a kitchen floor Dog Breeds

Can French Bulldogs Eat Corn?

If you are asking can French Bulldogs eat corn, the answer is yes for plain cooked corn kernels removed from the cob in small amounts. However, corn on the cob, raw corn, and heavily seasoned varieties like buttered popcorn or corn chips must be strictly avoided due to severe choking hazards, intestinal blockage risks, and digestive distress, which are further compounded by the breed's brachycephalic airway structure.

Aug 03, 2026 9 min read
A fawn French Bulldog looking at fresh banana slices on a plate Dog Breeds

Can French Bulldogs Eat Bananas?

Yes, French Bulldogs can safely eat bananas in moderation. This fruit is non-toxic to dogs and provides essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. However, because of its natural sugar content (fructose and glucose), it should be offered as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Keep portions under 10% of your Frenchie's daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain and digestive upset.

Aug 03, 2026 7 min read