Frenchies are adorable and lovable dogs with the mettle of a lion. They’re funny, quirky, and many other good things too. Many people don’t know that they are prone to specific health problems. French Bulldog is a dog breed that needs a lot of care. Some breed owners mistakenly assume that this breed does not have the health problems that other species are known for. But in reality, French Bulldogs are prone to many health problems. This blog provides information on the top health problems that French Bulldogs face.
Do French Bulldogs Have Health Problems
French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. However, this popularity is also the main reason why the French bulldog has a lot of health problems. They are well known for their large, droopy ears, snub noses, and wrinkly faces. While they may look like a miniature version of a pug.
According to a new study published in the open-access journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Researchers at The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), UK found that the most common issues in French Bulldogs over a one-year period were ear infections, diarrhea, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye surface).
Most Common Health Problems Faced By Frenchies
Here we have a list of the most common French Bulldog health problems. Take a look at them.
ALLERGIES
Similar to humans, all dog breeds are susceptible to allergic reactions. Unfortunately, Frenchies are genetically predisposed in ways that make them more susceptible to chronic allergies such as food and environmental allergies.
Symptoms:
- Intense etching in paws
- Red patches on the skin of Frenchies
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Diarrhea
- Bloody or smelly stools
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Inappetence
SKINFOLD DERMATITIS
The adorable wrinkles or skin folds in a French bulldog’s face are what contribute to their desirable appearance. However, this cute attribute can also contribute to one of the most common issues for French bulldogs, skin fold dermatitis.
Symptoms:
- Around the area of the skin fold, pups feel intense scratching,
- Biting
- Itching
- Redness around the skin.
PYODERMA
Bacterial skin infections, otherwise known as ‘pyodermas,’ are another common skin problem some of our cute Frenchies suffer from. These are sometimes a result of the desirable fur around their bodies. Pyoderma is an infection when cuts or scratches become infected in these areas.
Symptoms :
- Around wounded area causes itching.
- Redness
- Loss of hair
- In the wounded area, pussy was discharged.
OTITIS EXTERNA
Due to the narrow ear canals inherent in this breed, Frenchies are prone to external ear infections or otitis externa. These minor problems can quickly escalate into a big problem if left untreated. So French bulldog owners need to be on the lookout for symptoms of ear infections or otitis externa!
Symptoms :
- Head shaking and intense scratching of the ear
- Itching or redness inside the ears.
- Excess wax on the ears when cleaning them.
CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINKEYE) AND CORNEAL ULCERS
French Bulldogs have a flat face that could risk developing conjunctivitis, a severe infection. Other eye infections include allergies, irritants, and a condition known as dry eye.
Symptoms :
- Red Eyes
- Swollen Eyes
- Discharged eyes.
- Eyes pawed, blinking, or squinting.
BRACHYCEPHALIC AIRWAY SYNDROME (BAS)
Every Frenchie suffers from Brachycephalic Syndrome (BAS) due to their lovely squashed faces. Their short snouts mean the soft palate is too long, causing windpipe obstruction. Another component of BAS is stenotic or narrow nostrils, resulting in a degraded ability to breathe through the nose.
Symptoms :
- Sleep apnoea
- Snoring
- Noisy breathing.
- Retching
- Regurgitation
- Vomiting
- Exercise intolerance and intolerance to heat.
HEATSTROKE
Did you know that dogs with flat faces like pugs, French bulldogs, and other breeds are more likely to overheat in the heat? It is their face shape that makes it difficult for them to breathe.
Symptoms :
- Constant panting.
- Blue red gums.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Convulsions
PATELLA LUXATION
Like many dog breeds with short legs, French bulldogs suffer from luxating patella’s – a genetic condition affecting small-breed dogs, which makes them particularly predisposed to dislocated knee caps.
Symptoms :
- Unusual hindlimb movement.
- Sudden or hindlimb lameness.
HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip Dysplasia is a disease French Spaniels are prone to, resulting in the hip socket becoming deformed. The joint, which should be smooth, does not work correctly, thus causing discomfort for the dog.
Symptoms :
- Bunny hopping and difficulty standing up.
- Pain or sensitivity in the hip.
- An inability to climb stairs.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE (IVDD)
Disk disease happens when one or more of the cushions separating your vertebrae rupture in some way resulting in pain, nerve damage, and paralysis – quite a menacing set of side effects!
Symptoms :
- Knuckling of the paws
- Arched posture
- Sudden paralysis.
- Loss of bladder.
How To Save Your French Bulldog From Illness
Frenchie is a very popular dog. But this is also a dog with a number of health conditions common to members of the breed. If you take care of him, he can live a long and happy life, but it is important to keep a good eye on your dog or you could lose him at any time. There are a few things that you can do to help keep your French Bulldog healthy and happy
- Get your French Bulldog vaccinated.
- Screen your French Bulldog for health problems.
- Keep your French Bulldog on a regular diet
- Make sure they are getting enough exercise
French bulldogs may look like big, fat, cute puppies, but they are actually fragile and fickle creatures that require constant care, attention, and vet visits. In fact, French bulldogs are so prone to problems that it’s been reported that more than half of French bulldogs die before the age of 6. We hope you enjoyed our article about French bulldog health problems and are now aware of some of the health issues that these playful dogs have.