Blog

Welcome to Big Frenchie's blog where we talk about everything French and sustinable fashion!

Banded angelfish swimming past driftwood and green plants in a planted freshwater aquarium

Fish Zole (Metronidazole) and Hexamita: Spotting Internal Parasites in Aquarium Fish

What hexamita (Spironucleus) is, which signs point to internal parasites in angelfish and other cichlids, how it's confirmed, and where Fish Zole metronidazole tablets fit into a treatment and quarantine plan.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel peeking out of a gray soft-sided rolling pet carrier in an airport terminal

Airline Approved Wheeled Pet Carrier: What Airlines Actually Allow

We read four airline pet pages to see how big a wheeled carrier can be, whether wheels matter, and how to measure before you buy.

Brindle mixed-breed dog wearing a plain collar sitting on a sunlit backyard lawn

Dog Bark Collars: Types, Fit, and Humane Use

A practical guide to bark collars for dogs: how vibration, spray, static, and ultrasonic types work, how to fit one, and how to use it kindly after finding the cause of the barking.

Fawn Great Dane eating from a raised stainless steel bowl stand in a bright room

Elevated Dog Bowls: Do Raised Feeders Help or Hurt?

Do elevated dog bowls help or hurt? A vet-sourced guide to who raised feeders suit, how to choose height and tilt, and what to pair with them.
Siberian Husky lying on a wood floor happily chewing a long natural turkey tendon treat

Turkey Tendon Chews for Dogs: A Safe Rawhide Alternative?

What vets and the AKC say about rawhide, how turkey tendon chews compare, how to size them, and a chew-time rotation for happy dogs.

Speckled Sussex hen standing on a tiled floor indoors

Chicken Diapers and Hen Holsters: Do You Need One?

When a chicken diaper or hen holster helps (vet trips, car rides, recovery and brooding), how to fit one, and CDC-backed handling tips, with 23 poultry picks.
Blue and red betta fish swimming among green plants and driftwood in a planted aquarium

Fish Ceph (Cephalexin) for Aquarium Fish: What It's Used For and How It Compares

What Fish Ceph (cephalexin) is used for in aquariums, how it compares to Fish Mox, Fish Dox and Fish Zole, and how to use it well, with veterinary and university sources.

German Shepherd resting calmly inside a large black metal dog kennel

Stackable Dog Kennels and Heavy-Duty Crates: Sizing and Escape-Proofing

How to size a stackable dog kennel, use heavy-duty crates in multi-dog homes, and escape-proof your setup, with advice from the AKC, ASPCA and AAHA.
Small white mixed-breed dog standing on a grass pad with a tray on a sunny apartment balcony

Dog Grass Pad for Balcony: Setup, Cleaning and Smell Control

How to set up a dog grass pad on a balcony, build a potty routine, control smell with enzymatic cleaners, and keep the space safe, with in-stock picks at every budget.
Black cat on a cat tree perch in front of a tall pet gate, with an Australian Shepherd resting on the other side

How to Create a Dog-Free Zone for Your Cat: Gates, Safe Rooms, and Escape Routes

How to create a dog-free zone for your cat: what goes in a safe room, gates that keep dogs out, protecting litter and food, high escape routes, and 21 picks.
Tuxedo cat sitting on top of a small sisal cat tree in a bright apartment

Small Cat Trees for Apartments: Compact Towers Cats Actually Use

Small cat trees for apartments: why height matters, how to pick a stable compact tree, where to put it, wall and window perches, and collapsible picks, with 22 options.
Large planted freshwater aquarium on a dark wood cabinet stand in a living room

How Much Does a Full Fish Tank Weigh? Aquarium Stand Ratings by Tank Size

How much a full fish tank weighs by size, freshwater vs. saltwater, how to choose a stand, and when to check your floor, with a weight table and 21 stands and sets.
Apricot Miniature Poodle puppy sitting on a gray washable pee pad inside a white playpen

Washable vs. Disposable Pee Pads for Puppies: Which Works Better?

Washable vs. disposable pee pads for puppies: cost per month, which to choose, grass pads, pen setup, and how to switch to going outside, with 21 picks at every budget.
Red hens and white Pekin ducks around a poultry waterer in a snowy backyard run

Heated Waterers for Chickens and Ducks: Winter Water Tips and Bird Diapers

Heated waterers for chickens and ducks: why frozen water is no water, which heater fits your flock, what ducks need, coop moisture tips, and bird diapers, with 22 picks.
Cocker Spaniel in a harness sitting on a quilted back seat extender in an SUV

Dog Back Seat Extenders for SUVs and Tesla Model Y: Are They Worth It?

Dog back seat extenders explained: how they work, what the 400 lb rating means, how to tether safely, and which fit SUVs, trucks, and a Tesla Model Y, with 24 picks.
Senior black dog with a gray muzzle asleep on a plush donut bed by a snowy window

Self-Warming vs. Heated Dog Beds: Which Is Safer for Seniors and Short-Coated Dogs?

Self-warming vs. heated dog beds compared: how each works, which is safer, which dogs need real heat, what it costs to run, and 5 setup tips, with 24 picks.
Pearl gourami and cardinal tetras swimming in a planted freshwater aquarium

Fish Dox (Fish Doxy) for Aquarium Fish: What It Treats and How to Use It

Fish Dox (doxycycline) for aquarium fish: what it treats, what it doesn't, and 5 steps to use it in a hospital tank, based on UF/IFAS and Merck guidance, with 20 picks.
Brindle French Bulldog in an orange Halloween cape on a porch between two jack-o-lanterns

Halloween Costumes for French Bulldogs and Flat-Faced Dogs: Safe, Breathable Picks

Halloween costumes for French Bulldogs and flat-faced dogs: the 5-point safety check, which styles to skip, 9 face-free costumes, and matching French Boo-Dog family tees.
Fawn French Bulldog sitting beside a red knit Christmas stocking filled with dog toys

French Bulldog Stocking Stuffers Under $25 (Plus 4 Splurge Picks)

French Bulldog stocking stuffers under $25: 16 toys, puzzle feeders, walk gear, and gifts for the Frenchie parent, plus toy safety tips and 4 splurge picks.
Silver tabby kitten peeking out of a kraft gift box with tissue paper on a living room rug

Gifts for New Cat Owners: 23 Practical Picks They'll Actually Use

Gifts for new cat owners: 23 practical picks based on the ASPCA cat supply checklist, from carriers and scratchers to toys, cozy beds, splurge cat trees, and human gifts.