🦴 Updated on July 11th, 2023
When I first adopted my Frenchie, I was thoroughly in over my head when it came down to his proper care. I was unaware of the specific tasks needed to keep him healthy and happy, especially one in particular.
However, once I did my research and learned the ropes, I knew what to look for and how to help him.
Your happy little French Bulldog is a significant part of your family, so it’s important to know the proper pet care specific to their breed. In my case and yours, one of the most important things to learn when it comes to your Frenchie is the French Bulldog tail pocket.
What Is the French Bulldog Tail Pocket?
A Frenchie tail pocket is a little divet or indent in the dog’s skin, located between the dog’s tail and rectum. It’s hard to see with their stubby tails in the way, but it’s vital to remain aware of that part of your dog’s body.
There are multiple ways in which that spot can harm your French Bulldog, so it’s necessary to understand why and how to treat it when it happens.
Why Is the French Bulldog Tail Pocket Important?
Knowing about your Frenchie’s tail pocket is incredibly important because French Bulldogs have tail problems that pose a health risk. The tail pocket is a major danger spot for infection because of its proximity to the dog’s rectum.
Luckily, there are signs that your dog is suffering and certain symptoms to look for to identify a French bulldog tail infection.
Frenchie Tail Pocket Infection: What To Look For
One of the worst things that can happen to your Frenchie is an infected tail pocket. This is because of the location. They cannot clean it themselves, and the effects of an untreated infection there can cause extreme pain.
When determining whether you have a French Bulldog tail pocket infection to worry about, note that there are typical symptoms that can alert you to your dog’s discomfort. The symptoms include swelling, a terrible odor coming from your dog, or pus leaking from the area.
Your dog will feel all of these uncomfortable symptoms, and you will be able to tell by their behavior. If your dog is often whining or whimpering, rubbing their bottoms on your carpet, or trying to scratch or lick their bums, these are high indicators that there is something amiss.
If you have a French Bulldog, just stay in tune with them. Keep a close eye, care for them, and if you notice something is wrong, it’s time to do something. But what?
Do You Have To Wipe French Bulldog Bums?
Yes. There is no simple way to sugarcoat the fact that you will need to use a wet wipe or wet cloth to clean out the area. Your dog is in severe discomfort and cannot efficiently clean the tail pocket themselves, especially not when it becomes swollen and irritable.
We do a lot to keep our dogs happy, and if you want to be a Frenchie owner, this is just another dose of love added to the list.
Wiping the area is only one of the steps required to aid your dog in its recovery, but it happens to be one of the more crucial ones.
French Bulldog Tail Problems: What To Do
Once you’ve notified the signs of a tail pocket infection in your French Bulldog, there are several steps you can take to stay ahead of the infection and nurse your puppy back to health. Most importantly, remember to wear gloves during the process.
We’ve discussed the requirement of wiping the area and cleaning out the gunk and pus trapped inside. This also happens to be the very first thing to do. Be gentle and try to soothe your dog as you do so. They don’t like this situation any more than you.
When the pocket is cleaned to the best of your ability, consider patting it dry. Use soft material to avoid as much irritation as possible. Leaving it wet can lead to dry, uncomfortable skin and even more infection.
Keep Bacteria Away
Once the pocket is clean and dry, the last thing you can do to prevent further infection is to apply anti-bacterial ointment or a soothing lotion.
It will feel relaxing on the pup and keep bacteria away. You can apply this balm days following the first, helping the process and allowing you to check in on the area.
These are the general guidelines to take care of your Frenchie. However, if the improvement is nowhere to be seen, the next step would be the vet. Their health comes first.
What About a Tail Pocket That Presses Outward?
While it’s not common, there are a few tail pockets on French Bulldogs that point out as opposed to in. Similar to an inward one, it still requires the necessary cleaning. Using a cotton tip or a Q-Tip, you can clean the area just as well.
Still pat it dry and apply lotion, but it is less of a hassle to clean outward tail pockets than inward ones.
Although, remember that just because it is different than an ident, it still requires the same level of attention and care.
Can Tail Pocket Infections Be Prevented?
Regularly inspecting and cleaning your French bulldog’s tail pocket is the best way to prevent an infection in the first place. Applying lotion and keeping the area cleaned out, bacteria-free, and moisturized will keep your dog happy and help them fight any potential infection.
Sometimes, prevention is impossible, and your Frenchie may acquire an infection even with regular cleaning. Always be aware and look for signs of discomfort in your dog.
What Happens if You Can’t Clean the Area?
Depending on the shape of a Frenchie’s tail, you can determine whether you can clean their tail pocket or if you have to turn to amputation to keep your pup happy.
It sounds severe and unnecessary, but in truth, sometimes this is the only option in dogs with tightly wound tails, inverted tails, or just excessively deep pockets. These tails tend to get in the way, not allowing you a good enough angle to properly clean the infection.
Whatever the issue may be, if your dog has an infection and cleaning it is out of the question, amputation will be the only option to ensure your dog is happy and healthy.
However, this procedure is not to be taken lightly. Amputation is solely to give your dog a comfortable life, not to make your job easier. If you’re under the assumption an amputation will keep you from having to clean the tail pocket; you are mistaken.
Some tail pockets are simply prone to infection, even with daily cleaning or amputation. All that matters is you have your pup’s best interest in mind. Veterinarians can help you with this decision as well if you find yourself unsure of how to treat your Frenchie.
Conclusion
It’s vital to your Frenchie’s health that their tail pocket is checked, cleaned when necessary, and moisturized. Dogs are a part of the family and deserve to live life in comfort, not scooting their bottoms on the floor for any form of relief.
Know the signs and remain kind to your French Bulldog.
