The Most Common French Bulldog Health Issues, and How to Solve Them!

Frenchies are lovable, cute dogs that are a joyous addition to any family! But do French bulldogs have health issues? Yes! They’re one of the most susceptible to viruses and health problems, and no one wants that! That’s why we’ve written this handy guide on all French bulldog health issues.

Not only this, but we’ve also collected all the different possible remedies and solutions for these afflictions. So, make sure to read this article to find the answer to the question,” do French bulldogs have health problems?”.

Before you adopt

It is always important to remember that simply wanting a dog is different from caring for one. Getting a dog can be tiring since you need to take care of them regularly and have to visit the vet regularly.

Getting a dog from a reputable breeder is also very important, so you know about your pet’s genetic history and whether any afflictions run in their family. This might help to avoid future issues.

Pet insurance is also very important, and we’ll talk about the different types of pet insurance available, which can definitely help deal with those medical bills in case your Frenchie falls sick.

So let’s list down all the different french bulldog health problems.

 

Allergies

Allergies are the most common French bulldog health issues and occur because of a reaction from your dog’s immune system. These can be from both food and environmental factors.

 

Cherry eye

Cherry eye is an eye affliction that can occur in French bulldogs due to their genetics. Dealing with this can be a painful ordeal, requiring surgery.

 

Hair loss

While a little shedding is fine, severe hair loss and bald patches can be a huge issue for your Frenchie! This could be caused by mange, dermatitis, and a range of other factors.

 

Digestive problems

Related to allergies, digestive problems can also occur from the stuff your Frenchie eats. You need to regulate and monitor their diets; otherwise, you could end up with a severely sick Frenchie!

Aside from these main health problems, your Frenchie can also suffer from these rare health problems.

• Deafness
• Pinkeye
• Stenotic Nares
• Heat stress
• Laryngeal collapse
• Dental issues
• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patellas
• IVDD
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Diarrhea
• Hemivertebrae
• Skin infections
• Breathing problems
• Cleft Palate
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Cataracts

Allergies

Allergies are the most common French bulldog health issues. These usually occur due to the Frenchie’s immune system reacting to several external factors, including food. Other factors include the environment, seasonal changes, and drug-related issues.

Various meals can cause different responses in French bulldogs. You must know what you’re feeding your Frenchie and which foods are unsafe for them.

Environmental allergies can lead to dermatitis and cause your dog’s skin to become exceedingly sensitive to different allergens.

Food-related allergies

If your dog has any of the following symptoms, then there is a chance that it may have a food allergy.

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Flatulence
• Bloody stool
• Low or no appetite
• Itchy skin
• Hives
• Bald spots
• Swelling

Dealing with a food allergy can be tough, but some tried and tested methods help alleviate this issue.

The elimination diet

Vets recommend this method as a trusty way to remove any possible allergens from your pup’s food. Once you notice your Frenchie suffering from an allergic reaction, you need to do the following steps.

1. Switch your dog to a vet-approved diet that has non-reactive food. A hypoallergenic diet with smaller protein molecules will negate the chances of an allergic reaction occurring.
2. Once your dog is switched onto this diet, it will need to stay on it for around 8-10 weeks. This will ensure that all allergens are removed from your dog’s body, and you can start testing new foods on them.
3. Introduce one new food item into their diet and give it in small quantities alongside the regular meal.
4. Once you’ve fed them the test food for 3 days, note down any changes or if the dog has any allergic reactions to the test food.
5. If the food is safe, mark it down in a notebook along with other safe foods that your dog can eat.
6. Once you’ve tested out several different foods, you will have a list of foods your dog can safely eat without an allergic reaction.

Blood testing

Following an allergic response in your French bulldog, a blood test may be used to determine whether your pet has a specific sensitivity and what is causing it.

Asking your veterinarian about blood testing is the best option, as they will be able to provide professional advice on whether or not you should have your dog’s blood work done.

Medication

Because itching, scratching, and inflamed spots may be quite uncomfortable for your doggy over time, acquire a natural balm or ointment for them to relieve their discomfort.

Allergy medicine, administered via allergy needles or allergy drops, is another option to explore. They suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for specific allergens to produce an allergic reaction. However, you should only use them after checking with your veterinarian.

 

Best foods for food allergy-related French bulldog related health problems

The following list of dog meals for French bulldogs with skin allergies includes some of the best.

They’re ideal choices since they’re mostly free of any trace components that may cause your dog’s allergies to flare up.

Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult – Breed Specific 

 

 

 

Royal Canin enables dog owners to supply customized feeding quantities based on their French bulldog’s age and weight and is intended to satisfy your dog’s various nutritional demands.

The dog food is cut into smaller pieces to make chewing and digestion simpler for French bulldogs. The amazing thing about this dog food is that it has been shown to minimize indigestion-related gas and stool odor.

Different vitamins and minerals in Royal Canin also improve bone density and health and boost muscle and joint health. The many vitamins in this dog food, such as vitamins E and C, will also help to strengthen your French bulldog’s immune system.

Healthy Dog World Allergy Immune Supplement

 

 

 

This is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for vitamins to help with allergies, such as seasonal and food allergies. This includes a significant quantity of vitamin C to keep your dog active and healthy.

The amazing thing about this supplement is that it contains a variety of probiotics, which aid digestion and development.

Additionally, the treats are carefully made to aid tissue regeneration, strengthen the immune system, and minimize discomfort and itching associated with allergic reactions.

Kelp is included in the treat, which aids glandular function and lowers inflammation. This supplement also contains colostrum, which produces antibodies to combat many allergies. Vitamin C aids as an antioxidant, while bee pollen helps to boost resistance to illness.

 

Hill’s science diet dry dog food

 

 

 

Hill’s Science diet dog food contains vitamin E, as well as other Omega and fatty acids, which help your dog’s hair shine!

This is highly digestible, reduces flatulence and digestive issues in your dog, and is physician-approved and recommended.

Skin related allergies

Skin-related allergies usually occur from allergens in the environment and can be caused by certain foods.

Dermatitis causes your dog’s skin to become extremely itchy; thus, you’ll notice the following signs in your Frenchie.

The following are the signs and symptoms of this disease:

• Severe itching
• Skin infection
• Oily or flaky skin
• Parasites
• Skin cuts
• Irritable behavior

Because the dog will be continually chewing and scratching its body, itching might result in red spots and swelling. While food allergies can play a role, we can’t rule out the possibility that allergens in the environment are also to blame.

Treating skin-related allergies is possible, and we’ve mentioned different ways to solve and prevent skin-related French bulldog health issues from occurring.

To make the process more bearable for your pet, you must first provide food allergy medications and rule out any foods that may be the source of the problem. We’ve outlined this procedure in the food allergy section just above.

Aside from that, you could see your veterinarian and obtain some ointments and creams to reduce your dog’s suffering from scratching and swelling.

If your bulldog has parasites, your veterinarian may also offer several medicinal shampoos. Medication can also assist your dog’s condition to improve, and you should visit your veterinarian to receive the right medication.

Protective clothing to prevent skin allergies

If you take your dog for walks daily, there are various factors that might cause allergic reactions, ranging from seasonal allergies to spilled chemicals on the pavement.

We’ve also put up a brief selection of clothing options for your French bulldog to keep them protected from the different environmental allergens that can cause their allergies to flare up!

Fitwarm Basics V-neck dog jumpsuit

 

 

 

These are a pair of light cotton pajamas that are incredibly soft and comfy, making them excellent for going on walks outside! The beautiful thing about these pajamas is that they have a V-neck, which allows the Frenchie to breathe more easily. This is significant, as Frenchies have difficulty breathing and might benefit much from the comfort of breathing!

iChoue Pet hoodie with zipper

 

 

 

This clothing is simple to put on your Frenchie and will protect it from dust and filth. The jacket is made entirely of cotton, and the shirt’s zipper is meant to keep your dog’s hair from getting tangled in it.

General tips to prevent skin allergies

 

 

We recommend that you regularly implement the following things into your Frenchie’s life.

Always keep an eye on your Frenchie when you’re out on a walk with them and don’t let them run off into strange terrain. Chemicals are abundant in the outdoors, and the majority of them can irritate your Frenchie’s skin.

Make sure your doggie is clean when you get home from your stroll. This requires a thorough cleaning of their face, tummy, paws, and armpits, as these are the most exposed areas.

Since they will be walking on the same floor as you, your Frenchie can come into contact with any cleaning chemicals you might use. So, clean your house using pet-friendly chemicals and avoid harmful cleaning products that can be lethal to your dog.

Also, remember to ask your vet for the proper advice when it comes to treating your Frenchie. Your vet can offer the best professional advice and give you the required medication and shampoos.

Cherry eye

Instead of one eyelid, French bulldogs have three. Yes! You might be surprised to learn that our furry friends have a third eyelid in their lower eyelid that serves to shield them from dust and filth.

This eyelid can sometimes prolapse and burst out, resulting in the cherry eye. This eyelid can bulge up and stick out, obstructing the French bulldog’s view. Your Frenchie will have a red swelling that looks like a tumor covering half of its eye.

What causes cherry eye?

According to BlueCross, dogs that have cherry eyes are generally affected by their heredity. King Charles spaniels, bulldogs, white terriers, bloodhounds, and Boston terriers are the most prevalent breeds affected by cherry eye.

Cherry eye symptoms can appear in your dog as early as the age of two, and numerous situations have been described in which canines acquired cherry eye as a result of a fit of excitement, fright, or terror.

Is cherry eye painful?

Cherry eye may appear to be excruciatingly painful, but it does not appear to be so in bulldogs. It may become an irritant or a source of discomfort for them, and you will see them pawing at their eyes to scratch them.

This scratching may rip the eyelid in difficult situations, requiring medical attention. Also, it may cause ulcers to form in the eyelid, making your dog very uncomfortable. Constant irritation might result in visual issues, and swelling could impede blood supply to the eye.

If left untreated, cherry eye can be quite dangerous to your beloved pet. Untreated cherry can cause limited eye-opening and closure, as well as pigmentation and possibly blindness in that eye.

Treating cherry eye

Cherry eye can be treated surgically or non-surgically, and we’ll go through both options in depth. Some milder instances may simply require medicine and rehabilitation, with the enlarged eyelid returning to its natural position. Otherwise, your dog may need surgery.

Massaging the gland

Cherry eye can be treated in certain situations by gently rubbing the gland back into its original place. Only your veterinarian should attempt this procedure, or a veterinarian should closely oversee it. Otherwise, you run the danger of further damaging your dog’s sight.

Surgery

Cherry eye can be treated with a variety of operations, the most common of which is the full removal of the gland. While this may alleviate the problem, it also creates other ones since your dog will be unable to make tears naturally.

You’ll need to give them eye drops regularly to keep their eyes moist. Otherwise, you risk losing your dog’s vision.

Another procedure is removing tissue from around the gland to allow it to glide back into the lower eyelid. This is a more complex procedure and has a slightly lower success rate.

Newer procedures, which involve returning the eyelid to its former position, have thankfully been created. The attachment method involves moving the gland back and replacing it with stronger tissue in the corner of your Frenchie’s eye.

Another procedure is removing tissue from around the gland to allow it to glide back into the lower eyelid. This is a more complex procedure, and if feasible, vets may prefer the prior approach to this one.

Cherry eye surgery costs

The state of the puppy determines the cost of cherry eye surgery and whether one or both eyes are afflicted. Owners should expect to pay between $300 and $500 for one eye and between $800 and $1000 for both.

Post-surgery pet rehabilitation

After your Frenchie has undergone surgery, you must adhere to a strict routine in order for your dog to fully recover.

You may need to use an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent them from touching its eyes. Because the eye is so fragile at this point, any rubbing or scratching might cause serious complications.

After the procedure, your dog may have some swelling, which is entirely normal. To provide comfort and lessen swelling, you’ll need to apply eye ointments on a daily basis.

Your veterinarian will also prescribe pain medicine and eye drops, which must be taken on a regular basis. This will give some comfort and pain relief for your dog and help them recuperate more quickly.

If you take your dog for a walk during the healing time, you should use a harness rather than a leash to avoid causing undue strain and stress on the dog’s neck and face. This may injure the eye and cause it to hemorrhage.

Hopefully, your Frenchie will be able to see normally again after the operation, and the eye will return to its former state within a few weeks. However, this illness has the potential to recur, and it might do so in both eyes.

You may need to return to the veterinarian in the future to have the pup’s health evaluated to ensure that the healing is proceeding as intended and that the dog does not have any prolapse. The veterinarian may also inquire about the dog’s activities, such as if it is eating properly and receiving the required amount of exercise.

Hair loss

French bulldogs are known to shed twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Aside from that, your Frenchie may be suffering significant hair loss, which could be due to a variety of French bulldog health issues.

Symptoms of hair loss

• Coat thinning
• Bald patches
• Dry skin
• Scaly skin
• Inflamed skin
• The smell of skin infection

 

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss can occur from a variety of diseases and afflictions. Some of the major ones are mange, hormonal issues, parasites, and organ-related health problems.

Mange

Mange is a very infectious illness caused by mites that burrow deep into the skin and produce extreme itching and discomfort. Your dog may be irritated all of the time, leading it to scratch and bite its skin in an attempt to relieve the itching. This is one of the most common causes of hair loss in French Bulldogs.

Infected dogs mainly spread mange among each other, but it can also be transmitted to people. Mange should be treated as quickly as possible, and your dog should be quarantined for the length of the operation.

The symptoms of mange include:

• Rashes
• Redness
• Hair loss
• Lesions
• Scaly skin

Hormonal Issues

Hormonal imbalances can result in too much or too little testosterone, thyroxin, and other hormones.

Hypothyroidism, or thyroid hormone insufficiency, is one of the most well-known hormonal disorders. Excessive weight gain, hair loss, and a change in hair coat are all possible side effects.

Cushing’s disease

Cushing’s disease is another disorder that may affect dogs, and it happens when the dog’s body produces too much cortisol. The most common cause of this condition is a tumor in the pituitary gland and in rare circumstances, the adrenal glands.

Symptoms of Cushing’s disease:

• Thinning skin
• Severe hair loss
• Lethargy
• Increased appetite
• Weakness
• Swollen abdomen
• Increased urination

Parasites

Parasites can also cause severe hair loss in dogs. Fleas, ticks, lice, and other types of mites, for example, can cause severe itching and hair loss.

Ringworm is an example of a parasitic infection. Take your Frenchie to the vet right away if you see them losing hair in circular patterns.

Infections like this not only cause significant hair loss but also impair your dog’s digestive and intestinal systems. Your dog may get very weak or unwell, and its fur coat health may suffer as a result.

Organ related French bulldog health issues

 

 

If your dog has an illness, any problems with its organs will impair its hair’s health. Your dog’s hair coat might thin down and become dull due to problems with the kidneys, intestines, and liver.

Treating Hair loss in Frenchies

There are several different ways to treat and prevent hair loss issues. Some of these are more effective, and we’ve listed them below.

• Change in diet

Food-related allergies can cause hair-related issues since your Frenchie will be scratching and biting at their skin. You will need to follow the procedure mentioned previously in the article about food allergies in order to adopt a new diet for your dog.

• Medication

Some home remedies include lemon juice with apple cider vinegar as a good remover of parasites and reduce your dog’s need to bite its skin constantly.

• Exercise

Healthier dogs have less chance of developing ailments, so a little exercise every day is good in contributing to preventing sickness.

• Regular brushing

Brushing your dog’s hair regularly can help evenly distribute their body’s natural oils throughout the hair. This will maintain the dog’s hair health, and you’ll be able to keep track of how much they’re shedding and alert your veterinarian if you detect an increase.

• Hair growth supplements

Different hair growth supplements for animals are available on the market, and you can check them out to see if they’re suited for your dog.

Nordic Naturals is a great supplement, full of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also made with non-GMO, gluten and dairy-free ingredients and no preservatives. You can check out the product on amazon by clicking this link.

Getting rid of parasites might be easier with this shampoo from Veterinary Formula. It has the ingredients required for the removal and treatment of seborrhea and mange and other parasitic infections.

The shampoo is specially formulated for dogs and is veterinarian recommended as well. You can check it out here.

Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can occur with Frenchies, and it’s one of the most common French bulldog health issues. These problems consist of different ailments, like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.

Some of the main digestive issues are in the form of the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach parasites

Vomiting

If your dog is vomiting, the following reasons can be the cause:

Food Allergies

Food allergies in dogs can be caused by practically any type of food, although dairy products and various forms of meat such as chicken, lamb, and beef are among the most common allergens. Wheat, gluten, soy, and other chemicals and preservatives added to certain dog meals are examples of other foods.

Eating disorders

This is frequent in untrained dogs, who have stomach problems and may regurgitate their last meal.

This is commonly caused by too much air becoming trapped inside the Frenchie’s stomach, putting strain on other organs, and the dog attempting to empty their stomach contents to alleviate the situation.

Bloated stomachs can also be caused by overeating or eating too quickly since this causes air to become trapped within the stomach.

Make sure that your dog doesn’t run around after their meal, and definitely don’t have them do any exercise. These things can cause bloating and vomiting as well.

Oesophageal disorders

Your French bulldog’s vomiting might also be due to oesophageal issues. Hereditary problems produce congenital malformations such as vascular rings, making it difficult for your Frenchie to swallow food and increasing the possibility of vomiting or regurgitation.

Inflammation of the oesophagus, more often known as esophagitis, is another common cause of vomiting in dogs. Visible pain when swallowing food, coughing, and drooling, as well as weight loss, are all indications of esophagitis.

Other issues include a dilated oesophagus, which causes food to stay in the oesophagus instead of reaching the stomach. While there is no external reason for this issue, it must be handled throughout your puppy’s life because it will be unable to swallow food properly.

You must ensure that your dog eats in an upright position so that the food may easily pass through the stomach.

Other causes of vomiting

Other factors of vomiting can be related to organ-related French bulldog health issues, like kidney diseases.

Addison’s disease is a disease in which your Frenchie’s adrenal glands aren’t able to produce the required amounts of corticosteroid hormones. This can cause them to vomit as well as cause gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea

Any of the following factors can cause diarrhea:

• Allergies
• Change in diet
• Infections
• Parasites
• Stress

Diagnosing your dog’s diarrhea

Sometimes the best way to understand what’s wrong with your pup is to examine their poop. The color and consistency of their excrement can sometimes give you an idea of the issue.

Normal, healthy feces should be brown, but if your dog’s stools have a greenish tint, he may be eating grass or plants. Dogs eat grass to satisfy their instincts and relieve their sick tummies.

Yellow diarrhea

If your dog develops yellow diarrhea, it might indicate a digestive tract infection, which is commonly caused by dog excrement or contaminated soil. Coccidiosis is a condition that causes a dog’s feces to be watery, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.

Blue stools

Blue stools might signal that your dog has consumed poison, and you should take your Frenchie to the vet as soon as possible to avoid further injury.

White poop

The presence of white and grey patches in your dog’s feces might suggest that he or she has tapeworms.

Red stools

Aside from that, feces might include tiny quantities of blood, causing them to look red or black. This might be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem, and you should take your dog to the doctor to get a better understanding of the problem.

Treating diarrhea

If your French bulldog appears to have diarrhea that does not require a trip to the veterinarian, you may use various strategies to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Stopping the dog’s existing diet and forcing them to fast for 12-24 hours should be the first step in the therapy. You can offer your dog small quantities of water or Pedialyte to keep them hydrated during this time.

Make sure to replace the water in their drinking bowls with new, clean water and add some electrolyte supplements. This is critical while treating bulldog explosive diarrhea since the dog will get highly dehydrated due to the vomiting.

Dehydration checking

You may also pinch your dog’s skin to see how dehydrated they are. If your dog is typically hydrated, pinch the skin between its shoulder blades, and it should return to its original position. If they’re dehydrated, though, the skin will stay in the squeezed posture.

Foods for diarrhea-stricken pups

Rice water, which is simply water cooked with rice and results in a creamy soup-like liquid, is a terrific method to nourish your dog at this time. Cooking a cup of rice in four cups of water for 30 to 45 minutes is a simple way to make this. Cool the water and offer it to your dog once it has thickened a little.

You can feed your dog boiled rice with cooked chicken after diarrhea has subsided or the fasting time has ended (not any table scraps that may include unwanted spices). As an alternative to cooked rice and chicken, chicken or beef broth is recommended.

Fiber-rich foods like yams, potatoes, and pumpkin combined with rice are beneficial. Cook everything together until it’s fully mushy, making it simpler for your dog to consume and digest.

You should also give your dog a probiotic supplement to help them prevent allergic reactions, diarrhea, and other stomach-related concerns by promoting the growth of good bacteria in their gut. Kefir, which should be given to your dog in little portions, is a good source of probiotic foods.

If diarrhea does not clear up within this time frame, you should visit a veterinarian. They’ll be able to determine what’s wrong with your dog and provide the appropriate medication and nutrition.

Best dog foods for improving gut health and digestion

NaturVet – Advanced Probiotic & Enzymes

 

 

 

Naturvet is a fantastic probiotic brand designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive problems. It contains Bacillus subtilis (a healthy bacteria) and protease, cellulase, and lipase.

These bacteria and proteins combine to aid your pup’s intestines and immune system. Frenchies can easily chew the small soft chewable form of these treats, which is great for their smaller mouths.

NaturVet also sells supplements for various pet ailments.

Zesty Paws probiotics

 

 

 

Zesty Paws offers a variety of dog vitamins, including delectable probiotics for dogs that strengthen your dog’s immune system while also aiding digestive health.

Their solution is a five-strain combination covering the stomach with beneficial bacteria while also assisting gastrointestinal processes.

Zesty Paws also makes a variety of chewable that target other regions of your dog’s body.

Improving your dog’s digestive system with the BARF diet!

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or BARF, is a beneficial diet to your Frenchie’s digestive health. The BARF diet consists of 25–50% raw meat and natural ingredients such as organic meat, veggies, and bones.

Cooked vegetables, rice, and meat can also be included in the BARF diet. Chicken, beef, hog, rabbit, fish, and venison are examples of this meat type. To make it easier for your Frenchie to consume the meat and bones, you should break them down into smaller pieces.

The BARF diet is designed to help your dog’s digestive health while also improving its attitude and energy levels. You may also notice that your pup’s skin, teeth, and coat are in much better condition.

Eggs, chicken heads, and skin should be avoided since they might induce allergies in your French bulldog, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. When switching your dog’s diet, it’s best to do it gradually, as dramatic changes in his or her diet might create gastric issues.

Deafness

Deafness is a common French bulldog health issue and can occur due to genetics or old age. Symptoms include not responding to any sounds or responding to their name being called out.

You can conduct the BAER test to determine if your dog is deaf or not. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is used to assess the hearing of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.

The external ear canal, middle/inner ear chambers, cranial nerve, and chosen parts of the brainstem are all assessed. It’s a quick and painless treatment that takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

 

Pinkeye

Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, can occur from allergies. Symptoms would include swollen eyelids and red eyes, with liquid seeping from the eyes.

Solutions to this might require antibiotic ointments, medication, and an application of the elimination diet we mentioned in the food allergy section.

 

Breathing problems

Frenchies are well known for having trouble breathing. The fundamental reason for this is that French bulldogs have a brachycephalic muzzle.

Because this breed of dog has a shorter muzzle than others, it’s more difficult for all organs to fit snugly in their head. All the extra organs and tissue can strain the nostrils, forcing them to work harder to breathe.

French bulldogs are more prone to becoming tired quickly because they are not equipped to handle extended duration of exercise or activity. Because they don’t sweat as much as humans, French bulldogs have difficulty staying cool in high heat.

This is because dogs sweat by panting and releasing moisture through their paws rather than sweating through their skin. This is especially difficult for them when they’re in a humid environment with higher temperatures.

 

Checking for breathing problems

There are several ways to check whether your pup is a victim of breathing-related French bulldog health issues.

Checking your dog’s mouth for any obstruction can tell you whether they have difficulty breathing.

Preventing breathing issues outdoors

If you’re going for a stroll with your dog, choose a time of day that is either late at night or early in the morning. This is because walking in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day may be highly stressful for your dog.

Long-term exposure to heat and regular activity might create respiratory problems in your French bulldog, which you don’t want.

Carry plenty of water with you so that your dog may easily drink while you’re out on a walk. If the weather is hot, you may also pour some water on your dog to keep it cool. Make sure the water is cold but not chilly since this might create a shock to your dog’s system.

Also, instead of a dog collar, consider getting a harness for your dog, which will relieve strain on the neck. Because dogs are continually trying to get ahead, the constant tension on their neck may lead them to choke or experience respiratory problems.

Preventing breathing issues indoors

Keep your dog out of heated rooms where they may become claustrophobic, and limit them to cooler spaces at home. Make sure the temperature in the rooms isn’t too hot, but not too cold.

Ensure that your Frenchie has access to clean, chilled water at all times. You may achieve this by arranging a few bowls of drinking water throughout the home so your dog can easily get a drink.

Heat stress

Heat stress, or overheating, is a common French bulldog health issue, especially because French bulldogs are part of the brachycephalic breed of dogs.

Some symptoms of your dog overheating are:

• Severe or ragged breathing
• Weakness
• Falling unconscious after exercise
• Pale or dark gums

Treating heat stress

If your dog has had a heatstroke, you need to move them to a cooler area and pour cool water over them. Use a cold pack for their head, and massage their legs to improve blood flow circulation.

Let them drink water, and give them Pedialyte or a similar electrolyte-filled liquid (that is pet friendly) to replenish their energy.

Preventing heat stress

• Keep exercise to a minimum of 15-20 minutes
• Keep water easily available
• Use a harness instead of a leash
• Ventilate your house

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is a disease of the windpipe and can be caused by a variety of respiratory diseases, like Cushing’s disease.

While the cause can be genetics, it can also develop over time.

Symptoms can include:

• Honking cough
• Inability to exercise
• Ragged breathing

Vets usually do treatment for this affliction, and they will prescribe medication such as cough suppressants, antibiotics, or a change in diet.

Laryngeal collapse

Laryngeal collapse is a condition that causes the larynx, or the dog’s voice box, to collapse. This can cause breathing issues. This can occur as a result of brachycephalic syndrome.

Treatment involves different types of surgery, which generally modify or remove the tissues within the throat.

Mobility issues in French bulldogs

 

 

A common French bulldog health issue is mobility. These can be related to several ailments. These include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, IVDD, spinal cord issues, or degenerative myelopathy.

 The most prevalent cause of French Bulldog paralysis is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Frenchies with IVDD may suddenly become paralyzed and unable to stand or move on their rear legs. If your French bulldog loses his or her ability to walk, is in discomfort, or displays indications of paralysis, you should take them to the vet right once.

Skin infections

Skin infections can be caused by various causes, with allergic reactions being the most common. Bacterial skin infections are another prevalent skin issue. This happens when your dog gets an infected wound or scrape. Look for itching, red skin, pus, and hair loss surrounding the cut once again. Another health issue associated with skin folds is eczema.

Treating skin infections is usually done with veterinarian care and recommended shampoos. You might need to take your dog to the vet regularly and get the recommended dietary plan, along with the creams and medications.

Von Willebrand’s disease

Von Willebrand’s disease is a serious disorder that causes chronic congenital bleeding. Symptoms of the ailment are:

• Nosebleeds
• Blood in stool and urine
• Bruising
• Prolonged bleeding
• Bloody gums
• Bleeding from the vagina

This ailment is similar to hemophilia and can be deadly if not treated properly. Your dog might require blood transfusions if they don’t stop bleeding. Cases like this need to be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Dental issues

Dental diseases are a common French bulldog health issue, and it starts with tartar buildup in the teeth and leads to infection of the gums and teeth.

Vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to avoid this issue and have your vet conduct oral examinations regularly.

French Bulldog Health Issues – Cataracts

Like humans, Frenchies can also face vision impairment and other eye-related French bulldog health issues. Cataracts cause cloudiness in the eye lens and lead to partial or complete vision impairment.

Cataracts can be caused by old age and other factors, like diabetes and low calcium levels. Treating this usually requires surgery with a prolonged recovery period, which will require utmost care on your part.

You will need to administer eye drops, regularly visit your vet for check-ups, and ensure that the whole process is as painless as possible for your pup.

French Bulldog Health Issues – Ear infections

Because French Bulldogs’ ear canals are so tiny, they are susceptible to ear infections. They are also prone to allergies, which might cause them to get these diseases.

To fight infections, ear glands expand and create more wax than usual. This causes an excess of ear tissue to be produced, narrowing and inflaming the canal. The eardrum might burst in difficult situations, creating a lot of agony for your dog!

Excessive ear scratching and redness inside the ear are obvious signs of an ear infection. Other symptoms can include:

• Shaking head excessively
• Odor emanating from the ear
• Itchiness
• Pain
• Scabs or crust forming in the ear

Ear infections can be caused by excessive moisture in the environment and any allergens in the environment. Injuries in the ear can also lead to infections and similar French bulldog health issues.

Treating ear infections

Your vet will need to diagnose the exact cause of the dog’s infection, and they will recommend the suitable medication and caring practices required to cure your dog.

They will prescribe some sort of medicated ear cleanser and some antibiotics. You must follow the cleaning procedure carefully and not deviate from the procedure. This is because not properly treating the ear can cause the infection to become even stronger.

French Bulldog Health Issues Some general advice

It is always better to prevent anything from happening rather than let it happen first and then solve it. Always remember to follow the veterinarian’s recommendations and observe a healthy diet for your dog.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders and prevent many afflictions from occurring in the first place. Always make sure not to free-feed your dog, and keep in mind that your dog needs to have a balanced diet.

The BARF diet we mentioned above is a good way to regulate the required proteins and vitamins for your dog and avoid feeding them completely on dog food.

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent any dental problems from occurring, and give them chew toys to keep their teeth from deteriorating.

Don’t spoil your Frenchie with abundant treats. Doggy treats can be good as a rare treat, especially if you’re training your pup.

When talking about exercise, always remember to have short exercise sessions. Extended exercise can cause problems for your Frenchie, and Frenchies are not built for prolonged exercise sessions.

Make sure to keep a close eye when you’re with your Frenchie when outdoors. Nasty chemicals won’t care for your pup, and protective clothing is helpful when protecting against these substances.

And as always, remember to consult your vet with everything health-related. Your vet can offer the professional advice you need and will always recommend the best possible method to heal your precious pup when you’re trying to keep them in good health.

French Bulldog Health Issues Final thoughts

We all love our furry friends, and hopefully, this guide will help you understand and cure the different types of French bulldog health issues.

We have covered some of the most common health-related issues that occur in French bulldogs, but these issues can also occur in other animals. If you’re reading this guide for any type of dog, there is a chance that some of these afflictions might be happening to a dog of another breed as well.

We hope that your pup stays in the best of health and that you follow the different methods we’ve mentioned to keep your dog in the best of health!