FrenchieCheck
Emergency Resource

French Bulldog Emergency First Aid Guide

Know what to do in the first 5 minutes. For Frenchies, every second counts.

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If your Frenchie is not breathing or unconscious, go to the nearest emergency vet NOW.

Do not wait. Do not read further. Every minute without oxygen causes permanent damage.

What's Happening Right Now?

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Heat Stroke Protocol

The #1 killer of French Bulldogs in warm weather

Step 1

Move to air conditioning immediately

Step 2

Apply cool (NOT ice cold) water to belly, armpits, paws

Step 3

Offer small amounts of cool water to drink

Step 4

Call vet while cooling — DO NOT wait for symptoms to pass

Never use ice — it causes blood vessel constriction and traps heat inside the body.

101–102.5°F

Normal

104°F+

Danger Zone

106°F+

Critical

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Choking Protocol

Frenchies have narrow tracheas — technique is different

Modified Heimlich for Small Dogs

  1. 1Place one hand under your Frenchie's belly, just behind the ribcage.
  2. 2Make a fist with your other hand and place it against the belly.
  3. 3Deliver 3–5 quick, firm thrusts inward and upward.
  4. 4Check mouth after each set of thrusts — remove object if visible.
  5. 5For very small Frenchies: hold by hips with head facing down and deliver sharp back blows between shoulder blades.

How to Check the Airway

  • Open the mouth and pull the tongue forward gently.
  • Look directly into the throat with a flashlight if available.
  • If you see the object, remove it carefully with fingers or tweezers.
  • If you cannot see it, do NOT blindly sweep — you may push it deeper.

Emergency Tracheotomy (Extreme Case Only)

Only perform if your Frenchie is unconscious, not breathing, and the airway is completely blocked. Locate the trachea (rigid tube below the larynx/Adam's apple). Use a clean, sharp blade or scissors to make a small horizontal incision through the skin and tracheal wall. Insert a straw, pen casing, or hollow tube. This is a last-resort measure — go to the vet immediately even if successful.

Seizure Protocol

Stay calm — most seizures look worse than they are

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Time the seizure

Note the exact start time. Set a timer. Duration determines urgency.

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Clear the area

Move furniture and objects away. Do NOT restrain your Frenchie.

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Lights off, quiet

Turn off lights, reduce noise, and speak softly. Bright lights and sound can prolong seizures.

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Call vet if >5 min

Or if cluster seizures occur (multiple within 24 hours). Status epilepticus is life-threatening.

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Find an Emergency Vet

Know before you need it

Save your nearest 24-hour emergency vet in your phone NOW — before you need it.

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Printable Emergency Info Card

Fill this out and keep it on your fridge and in your car

Emergency vet phone: ________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

After-hours clinic: __________________________________

My Frenchie's normal temp: ___________________________

My Frenchie's weight: ________________________________

Known allergies: ____________________________________

Current medications: ________________________________

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Go to the Vet Immediately

Do not wait. Do not call and ask. Just go.

!Cannot breathe or blue/gray gums
!Collapse or unconsciousness
!Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
!Heat stroke signs (excessive panting, vomiting, wobbling)
!Bloat: distended belly, trying to vomit but nothing comes up
!Eye popped out (proptosis) or severe eye trauma
!Severe bleeding that won't stop with pressure
!Trauma from fall or vehicle strike

Can Usually Wait

Monitor closely — call your regular vet during business hours

Mild diarrhea (no blood, no lethargy)
Slight limp that improves with rest
Occasional reverse sneezing
Minor skin irritation or small hot spot
One episode of vomiting with otherwise normal behavior
Mild ear scratching without odor or discharge

Note: If any of these symptoms worsen, or if your Frenchie seems unusually lethargic or distressed, treat it as an emergency. Trust your instincts — you know your dog best.

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