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Thanks to their cuddly and playful personalities, it’s no surprise that the French Bulldog is quickly becoming one of the most popular small dog breeds around the world today. And if you are the proud pet parent of a Frenchie, you’ll know why they’re such a popular choice. Frenchie's are cute, affectionate little dogs with loads of funny quirks. They tend to be easy-going in almost any environment and get along well with kids and other animals. However, as a breed, Frenchie's tend to be prone to several health problems.
Most French Bulldogs will suffer from at least one of the common health issues associated with this breed, and it can significantly impact their quality of life. So, if you have a Frenchie or are considering adding one to your family, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to deal with any common health problems that might arise.
Diarrhoea:
Stomach upsets are quite a common problem for Frenchie's, so it’s important to carefully monitor their diet and ensure that they’re getting high-quality, nutritious food. Raw food from Bella and Duke is a great choice for a French Bulldog as eating high-quality, raw meals can help your dog avoid common French bulldog health problems like diarrhoea since they are often easier on the gut compared to kibble and processed food. See your vet if you notice anything unusual with your Frenchie’s poop like blood, a foul smell, or a tarry appearance, as these can all be signs of a serious problem.
Ear Infections:
French Bulldogs can be quite vulnerable to ear infections as a result of their very narrow ear canals. They are also more prone to certain allergies, which can increase their risk of getting an ear infection. This can cause glands in the ear to swell and produce extra wax. But this has the opposite effect resulting in an over-production of the ear tissue, which inflames the ear canal and makes it even narrower. Keep your eye out for the tell-tale signs of this issue, which include inflammation and redness in and around the ear and more ear scratching than usual.
Skin Problems:
Frenchie's folded facial skin around the nose and muzzle might look really cute, but it also puts them at a higher risk of skin conditions like dermatitis. It’s not uncommon to also see this occur in other areas of their body that have folded skin, such as the neck and armpits. Some signs to look out for include redness, sores, itching and biting of the affected area. Prevent dermatitis by keeping your dog’s skin folds clean and dry.
Conjunctivitis:
French Bulldogs tend to be at a higher risk than many other breeds when it comes to developing conjunctivitis because they are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed. Conjunctivitis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections or allergic reactions. Watch out for your Frenchie’s eyes appearing redder or pinker than usual, as this is often one of the first signs. Excessive blinking, or having a discharge or mucus leaking from the eyes can also be signs of conjunctivitis.
Mobility Issues:
There’s a range of common conditions that can have an impact on your Frenchie’s ability to stay mobile. Injuries, congenital conditions, and degenerative disease are all typically more common in Frenchie's compared to other breeds and can lead to mobility problems. Luxating patella's and hip dysplasia can also become a problem, either due to old injuries or simply down to genetics. Degenerative Myelopathy, spinal disc issues, and IVDD are some more conditions that tend to affect Frenchie's more often than many other dogs.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections:
Due to the fact that they are a short-nosed breed, Frenchie's tend to have a very high risk of upper respiratory tract infections. In fact, most bulldogs will get this at least once during their lifetime, and they are spread from dog to dog, so it’s most likely that your Frenchie will catch it from a playmate. The symptoms are quite similar to the common cold and include coughing and nasal congestion.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome:
Sadly, French Bulldogs are at quite a high risk of getting BOAS since they have short snouts and squashed faces. This condition tends to be more likely to occur in warmer temperatures and during exercise and can lead to symptoms that include breathing problems, heat intolerance, and sleeping difficulties. It is caused by an excess of soft tissue in the upper airway that obstructs the airflow and forces the dog to breathe through their mouths. Surgery is available to help dogs who suffer badly with BOAS.
Whether you’re proud to have a Frenchie at home or are thinking of adding one of these cuties to your family, it’s important to be aware of the common health problems that typically affect Frenchie's more often than other breeds.
Would you ever consider welcoming a Frenchie into your family?
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**This is a collaborative post.**
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