Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog

Frenchies are great companion dogs, excelling at agility, obedience, rally, as well as being excellent therapy dogs.

They are able to live in cities or rural areas as long as their minimal requirements are met.

Unfortunately, the breed's massive popularity has led to numerous backyard breeders and dog mills. This can result in health issues for the breed.

Ears

French Bulldogs are affectionate and playful, which makes them excellent companion dogs. However, as with all breeds, they suffer from certain health issues that are specific to their breed. Knowing these issues can make you a more responsible pet owner and make the right choice for your family.

Spinal problems are one of the most serious health issues for French Bulldogs. They are prone to developing hemivertebrae. This is a deformed vertebrae. This condition can cause numerous issues like weakness in the back legs and fecal or urinary incontinence. In severe cases, the hemivertebra may require surgery.

Respiratory problems are another common health problem. Because of their small lung capacity, these dogs are unable to breathe in hot weather and are susceptible to overheating. To prevent this from happening, make sure your French Bulldog is able to access a cool area and takes frequent walks outside during cooler temperatures.

This breed is also susceptible to skin allergies. These allergies are difficult to identify or treat and typically occur in puppies. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat your dog's allergies, but this treatment is usually lifelong.

Frenchies are susceptible to ear infections because of their ear canals being narrower than normal. This means that water and dirt can easily get in and cause inflammation. You can stop this from happening by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his ears clean.

In addition they are also predisposed to eye issues and cataracts, particularly. Cataracts are a cloudy structure on the lens of the eyes, which can lead to blindness if not addressed early enough. Keep your Frenchie’s weight under control and be vigilant in screening for any eye issues he might be suffering from.

The French Bulldog is a very popular breed, but you should not purchase one solely because it looks nice. The adorable dog is full of personality. You'll have to spend time and effort in training it to make sure that it behaves well and is responsive to your instructions. A good trainer can help you teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills as well as socialization to allow him to get used to being around people and other dogs.

Nose

Frenchies are loyal and loving companions. Their desire to be loved makes them lovable, playful and surprisingly athletic for their size. They may not be the best choice for active families that have small children however, they work well with older children and love being around other dogs and cats.

As additional resources with a flat face (brachycephalic), Frenchies are susceptible to respiratory illness. The Frenchies' ear canals are smaller and more prone to infection. It is essential to keep their ears clean especially after bathing or going outside.

Frenchies have a skull that is short which makes them more prone to skin conditions such as dermatitis (intertrigo) interdigital demodicosis, and pyoderma. They also have a tendency to luxating Patella, which may cause pain and discomfort by causing the kneecaps to slip out of position. Breeders who are accountable will be required to have their breeding stock X checked for this problem.

Like other breeds of brachycephalic, Frenchies have reduced hearing and can be more sensitive to heat. They also are at risk of a variety of eye issues such as corneal dystrophy and cataracts.

Due to their narrow spines, and increased weight they also can suffer from back problems. Herniated discs can cause back pain and stiffness in Frenchies.

Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is important to watch for signs of allergies, such as itchiness, diarrhea and breathing issues. It's also an excellent idea to keep them away from foods and environments that trigger allergies.

The "rat-like" movement is a result of the skulls that are shorter in Frenchies. This is caused by the way their front legs are placed when they walk. It can lead to joint problems, such as chondrodystrophic osteoarthritis. Fortunately, there are solutions available to prevent and manage these problems. The skulls that are smaller in French Bulldogs can also increase the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases. They can also suffer from a range of digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, they are at risk of regurgitation after anesthesia and can develop aspiration pneumonia.

Mouth

Like other breeds of brachycephalic, Frenchies are prone to Obstructive airway disease. Their shortened skull and face make their anatomy more tense making it difficult for air to pass through the nose and lungs in the lower. This condition is also known as brachycephalic obstruction to the airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can result in loud, labored breaths and difficulty swallowing. It can also affect the lungs and the digestive tract.

Breathing problems can be seen in French Bulldogs of any age however they are more prevalent in young puppies. Select a puppy from a trusted, screened breeder to avoid any issues. They should be able to prove that both parents are free from the disorder.

The breed standard stipulates that the bite of the mouth of a French Bulldog should be "well under." This means that the front teeth are expected to be able to cover the back teeth when the dog is resting. Remember that the bites of puppies will continue to change until they reach adulthood. While a scissors-bite is considered a defect in accordance with the standard of the breed, it is not an accurate indicator of how a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.

Frenchies have a shorter jaw and an underbite. This makes them more susceptible to tartar than other dogs. Regularly brushing your Frenchie’s teeth with a soft-bristled dog toothbrush and a toothpaste that is specially designed can help reduce this problem. You should also take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.


Finally, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as entropion which is an inward rolling of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, the problem is usually fixed by surgery.

Despite the many health concerns that are associated with this breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low incidence of genetic diseases. Consider the personality of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when choosing one. You want a dog who is loving, loyal and sweet.

Eyes

Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make great companions. Their devotion and unique traits have made them the most popular breed in America. This breed has some special needs which should be considered prior to adoption. This includes the need to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic facial structure could also lead to health issues.

French Bulldogs can suffer from back issues, such as intervertebral disk disease that can cause herniated disks. This is due to the flattened face and neck, which causes pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog is unable jump or walk up the stairs, has a unnaturally hunched back, frequently coughs or whines or is refusing to eat, then he could be in severe pain and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large dark, dark look with a strange expression. Their ears are bat-like and wide-based which adds a cute appearance. They have a broad, short nose and the face is rounded and has an elongated skull. This breed has a low activity level and can adapt to most living conditions. However, they should not be left alone for extended periods of time since they are prone to developing separation anxiety. This can lead them to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.

The French Bulldog has modest grooming needs. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing helps to remove hairs that are loose and keeps the coat shiny and healthy. They also require frequent baths, but should be dried using a towel instead of being blow-drying. It is recommended to limit their sweets and monitor their food intake as they are prone towards weight gain. They also don't take temperatures well, so exercising should be a little less in the heat of the day.

French Bulldogs are available in various colors and patterns and colors, including brindle. These variations in color, known as Merle, feature a spotted body pattern with either white or black spots. However, it is important to keep in mind that merle is a pattern and not an actual color. It is important to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues when crossed with other merles.