Frenchie Father Issues Friendly Advice on the Best Way to Lift Your Pup

Even though Frenchies act like they are the fiercest dogs around, they are not invincible. Unfortunately, their genetic makeup puts them at risk for injuries to their spine. Just picking them up the wrong way can cause unintended harm.

Thankfully, there are five easy ways to lift them and ensure their safety. Watch this video, shared on July 13, to see how to boost them without causing pain.

It may seem easy to pick up a French Bulldog , but their compact bodies require careful handling. While lifting them under their armpits and straight up may be tempting, it’s not the best approach. This method can strain their front legs and spine, especially for breeds like Frenchies, who are prone to spinal diseases like IVDD. Proper back support is essential to prevent potential injury, and that’s why Apollo’s (@ somefrenchienamedapollo ) father is showing us how to keep them free from harm.

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Five Safe Ways to Pick Up French Bulldogs

1. The first hold is the “Football,” where he demonstrates we wrap our arms around their chests, put our hands on their chest plates, and pick them up like footballs.
2. He refers to the “Tootsie roll” as the second hold, where we pick them up halfway between their front and back legs, relieving pressure from their joints.
3. The “Infant” hold also involves placing our hands around their bodies and on their chest plates. As we lift them, we gently turn them on their backs like infants while providing full-body support.
4. The “Happy Buddha” hold is like the tootsie roll, but here, we will use an arm or elbow to give them a seat as we securely hold them in our arms with our free hand supporting their chests.
5. Finally, for the “Clinger,” we pick them up firmly with our hands around their chest plate and place them on our shoulders to transfer their weight without strain.

Dogs Predisposed to IVDD

While disc injuries can happen to any dog, some breeds are more predisposed to intervertebral disc disease , especially dogs with shorter legs, like Frenchies. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the small breeds more likely to be affected by this condition are Dachshunds , Toy and Miniature Poodles, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels. The symptoms of the disease include pain or sensitivity in the back or neck, reluctance to jump or move, weakness in the hind legs , and difficulty walking or standing. In advanced cases, it can also include loss of bladder and bowel control.

Keeping our dogs healthy and happy is a top priority for pet parents, and this excellent advice will help ensure our beloved pets are always transported pain and injury-free.