Common French Bulldogs’ Health Problems and How to Avoid Them

Worried about health issues in your French Bulldog? You’ve found the ideal article that delves into the health concerns associated with French Bulldogs.

Continue reading as we will discuss the common health problems of Frenchies and their prevention. We’ll provide you with some ways how to deal with these medical issues. Tips on how to groom them and maintain their diet are also given.

Quick List of the Health Problems of French Bulldogs

• French Bulldog Life Expectancy
• Allergies
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
• Hip Dysplasia
• Corneal Ulcers
• Invertebral Disc Disease
• Ear Infections
• Pyoderma
• URT Infection

Are French Bulldogs Prone to Health Problems?

French bulldogs are a breed of dog that is known for their short lifespan, which can be as low as seven years. The average lifespan of this breed is 12-15 years. 

Frenchies are one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world. They are known for their sweet and docile nature, as well as their long, flowing hair and big, expressive eyes. 

However, Frenchies can be prone to health issues that other dogs don’t have to deal with. Some of these health issues are skin disorders, cataracts, allergies, and hip dysplasia. These issues can greatly affect the quality of life of dogs in general, but they also affect the lifespan of French bulldogs.

Learn in-depth about these and other health-related problems further below.

Most Common French Bulldog Health Issues

As previously mentioned, Frenchies are susceptible to various medical problems. Below are some of them along with ways to prevent their occurrence.

French Bulldog Life Expectancy

The breed of French bulldog has a lifespan that is similar to other dog breeds, but it also has some unique characteristics that affect its health and longevity. For instance, Frenchies are prone to heart disease and cancer, which can lead to early death in some cases.

Many French bulldogs suffer from health problems that shorten their lives before they even reach adulthood. These health problems are often caused by genetic mutations or poor breeding practices.

Treatment can vary depending on your Frenchie. It would be best to consult with his vet to ensure the right remedy.

Allergies

Most French bulldogs are prone to several allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and pollen allergies. Beef is the most common food allergy for this breed. Also, French bulldogs can be allergic to chicken, pork, lamb, and fish.

The condition is known as FDV – Food Dermatitis – Vomiting Syndrome. This means that it’s not just the food itself that’s causing the problem; it’s an allergic reaction to something else in the food. 

For example, if your French bulldog reacts to beef you’ll find that he vomits after eating it. This is because he’s reacting to something in the beef that he hasn’t yet been exposed to.

Since there is no cure for FDV-Vomiting Syndrome, you’ll need to watch out for signs of this condition over time. Take some effective steps to prevent exposure whenever possible. 

A good diet will help reduce his risk of developing FDV-Vomiting Syndrome because it will limit his exposure to allergens while increasing his overall health and wellbeing.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

The Brachycephalic airway syndrome of French bulldogs is a health problem that affects many breeds of dogs, including pugs, Yorkshire terriers, and boxers. This disorder causes the dog’s face to be narrow, which can make it susceptible to respiratory problems.

This syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that causes the dog’s nostrils to be too small for normal breathing. The condition is also called “snoring syndrome” because it sounds like the French bulldog is snoring when they breathe normally.

If you notice your dog’s breathing is affected by this condition, call your vet immediately. Your vet will recommend treatment options such as surgery or medication to restore normal breathing.

Hip Dysplasia

Despite their adorable looks and playful temperament, French bulldogs have a serious health problem: hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a disease that affects the joints of your dog’s hips. It causes pain, lameness, and arthritis in your dog’s joints. The condition is common in dogs—about 50% of dogs will develop it by the time they are 5 years old (and some flat faced breeds are more susceptible than others).

The most important thing you can do for your French bulldog if it has hip dysplasia is to keep him active and prevent any weight gain around his hips. A healthy diet will help keep them strong and limber, which means they will be able to move around without pain or discomfort. 

You can also try taking them on long walks every day or playing games with them so they stay fit!

Corneal Ulcers

Frenchies are a breed that is well-known for their love of water and their high propensity for developing corneal ulcers. This condition occurs when the dog’s cornea becomes infected and inflamed, leading to corneal ulceration.

Corneal ulcers are painful for the French bulldog and cause it to experience significant discomfort. They may also experience severe vision loss, which can be permanent if left untreated.

The treatment for this condition depends on its severity and location. If the ulcer has not spread beyond the outer layer of the cornea, then an ophthalmologist will be able to apply topical antibiotics with a bandage. However, if the ulcer has spread beyond this area and into underlying tissues or nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, is a condition that affects the way your dog’s spine works. It is common in older dogs and causes pain, lameness, and even paralysis.

The exact cause of intervertebral disc disease is unclear but is believed to be due to age-related changes in the spinal discs, pressure from osteoarthritis, trauma, or inflammation.

Intervertebral disc disease can cause pain and weakness in your dog’s hind legs, especially if he has already been affected by osteoarthritis. This can make walking difficult or even painful for him. You may notice some swelling or redness in his hind legs as well.

If left untreated, IVDD can lead to more serious conditions like paralysis or even death.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog then you must contact your vet immediately! Your vet will take x-rays and perform tests on his spine to determine what treatment options are available for him.

Ear Infections

French bulldogs are vulnerable to ear infections because of their floppy ears. Their ears do not provide adequate protection for their little noggins when they shake their heads or roll over on their backs.

Ear infections can cause many different symptoms depending on what is causing them. They may include:

• Pain in your dog’s ear
• Discomfort when your dog moves his head or walks around
• Foul-smelling discharge from the ear

When your pup has an infection, you should visit your vet as soon as possible to find out what’s going on and how best to treat it. The vet will examine the infected area and let you know if it’s serious enough to require treatment with antibiotics or other medications. 

Also, the vet will advise on what steps you should take next to prevent any further problems from occurring.

Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a disease that affects the skin, and it’s pretty common in French Bulldogs. The condition results from an imbalance in the body’s immune system, causing it to overreact to something that shouldn’t be an issue.

This can lead to serious health problems for your French bulldog, including infection. Proper treatment for pyoderma will help prevent it from occurring and getting worse.

The first step in treating the issue is to make sure there are no signs of infection present at all. Make sure your dog hasn’t been exposed to any bacteria or parasites that could cause an infection like ringworm or mange mites. 

Among the common signs of the infection are: 

• redness (usually around the paws or nose)
• swelling or discharge on the skin
• diarrhea or vomiting
• fever
• increased appetite

Once you’ve ruled out any signs of infection, you can start treating your pet with anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen (as long as he doesn’t cause vomiting).

URT Infection

URT infection in French bulldogs can be very serious.

This infection causes the bladder to become inflamed, which can lead to painful urination, blood in the urine, chronic pain, and even death if left untreated.

The French bulldog breed is susceptible to this infection because they have very small bladders, which means they have a smaller chance of getting an infection than other dogs. This makes it hard for them to clear out their bladder completely and keep bacteria from building up inside of it.

If you notice any swelling or redness in your dog’s paws or two front legs, it may be a sign that they have developed URT Infection. You should take them to see a veterinarian immediately so they can be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.

It’s important for you as a pet owner to get your dog checked out by a vet immediately if you notice any changes in their behavior or if they start showing signs of pain when urinating. If you don’t take care of this problem quickly enough, your dog could be at higher risk of dying from this condition!

Skin Problems

There are also pre-existing conditions to the affected skin of French bulldogs such as skin folds, hot spots, skin fold dermatitis, etc.

How about the diet and grooming of your furry pal?

Learn More Tips About French Bulldogs Diet and Grooming Tips

Know more about how to keep your dog clean and have a healthy diet to prevent any of the health problems mentioned above.

Exercise and Physical Activities

French bulldogs are very active dogs that love to play and romp around with their owners. This makes them perfect for those who have small yards or children who live at home. 

These French bulldogs need plenty of exercises every day so that they don’t become bored or destructive when left alone for too long. Take advantage of your pup’s love for running around and jumping up on things. You should consider investing in a playpen so that you can safely contain it while taking it for walks or playing outside with other dogs.

Moreover, keep in mind the exercise intolerance and other health conditions of your French bulldog.

Coat Maintenance

Your French friend has a short coat which is easy to maintain when grooming it regularly (once per week). It’s important to brush it regularly because these popular dog breeds shed quite often which leaves your furniture covered in the hair over time!

Once your pet reaches adulthood (around 6 months old) then you should start shampooing him. Brush his coat regularly to keep it smooth and shiny. 

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but especially so for your Frenchie friend. The breed is known for being very active, so you will need to feed your dog with high-quality food to keep them fit and active. They are omnivores and can eat both dry kibbles as well as wet food. A good diet for Frenchies should include:

• High-quality dog food (2 cups per day)
• Fresh water daily (4 cups per day)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables weekly (2 cups per day)

All meats should be about 80% lean ground beef or pork and 20% fat content. Chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb can also be included in their diet as treats occasionally if desired. However, these types of foods should not make up more than 10% of their daily intake due to high levels of fat content (which can lead to obesity).

Eggs should only be fed as treats or used as an egg substitute when cooking at home because they have too much cholesterol content (which can lead to heart disease).

Regular Cleaning

Clean your dog’s ears, nose, mouth, feet, and other parts of the body regularly.

Regular cleaning of your French bulldog is critical to their overall well-being. We recommend you do this every two weeks, but if you have a more active dog, you may need to do it more often.

Here are some tips for how to make sure your French bulldog gets regular cleaning:

Ear Tidying

Make sure to clean his ears regularly by using a cotton swab dipped in warm water and then rubbing the swab along the canal. Make sure to check and clean any ear discharge. If the ear has an infection, take him to a vet immediately.

Brushing of Teeth

Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. You can use human toothpaste or consult your vet about what kind of toothpaste they recommend for French bulldogs—it should be safe for them!

Washing Off Dirt or Mud

Wash off any mud or dirt from his coat with a brush or hose before putting him in clothes that don’t match well with his color scheme. If possible, put him in an air-conditioned room while you wash him, so he doesn’t sweat while he gets cleaned up!

Try not to scrub too hard when you clean his coat. This may cause damage to the fur or skin.

Use of Water Solution and Gentle Soap for Bathing

Wash his face and paws with a gentle soap and water solution every day, if possible, but make sure to dry him thoroughly afterward so that you don’t leave any traces of soap on him for longer than necessary!

Wipe down the entire body with a damp cloth or sponge.

Have a puppy bathmat for him to sit on while you’re bathing him. This will help make sure that he doesn’t slip off the edge of the bathtub or sink while you’re washing him.

If there are any areas that need extra attention, use a soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt or debris from those areas.

Vet Visits

If you’re a French Bulldog owner, there are a few things you should know about your dog’s vet visits.

Vet visits are important for ensuring that your dog is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. However, this can also be stressful for both you and your dog. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips to help you make the most of each appointment:

Preparation

Be prepared before your appointment. Know what you need to bring with you, and plan so that everything is ready by the time you arrive at the vet’s office!

Entertainment while waiting

Bring a book or magazine so that you have something to do with your hands during the wait time. You can also take advantage of our free Wi-Fi while waiting in line!

Foods and Treats

Bring food for your dog if he needs it—and don’t forget treats! This will help him stay calm during his check-up.

More information?

FAQs on French Bulldogs’ Health Problems

Some of the health-related questions frequently asked by pet parents or owners and lovers are:

Are French Bulldogs prone to health problems?

As discussed above, Frenchies are vulnerable to common French bulldog health problems because of their hyperactivity and sensitive diet. They are notable for being sedentary. Other factors contributing to their health problems include age, fitness level, breed, and genetics.

What percentage of French Bulldogs have health issues?

According to the American Kennel Club, 5% of French Bulldogs have health issues. This is an average percentage for all breeds of dogs.

How do you know that your dog suffers from anything?

Some of the common signs of health-related problems in your pup are runny nose, difficulty in breathing, breathing difficulties, and coughing.

What are common French Bulldog health issues?

Frenchies are prone to health-associated problems featured earlier. They include allergies, brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, upper respiratory tract infections, corneal ulcer, bacterial infection, intervertebral disc disease, skin problems, ear infections, pyoderma, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, and URT infection.

How Frenchies can avoid any health issues?

You can help your dog prevent getting chronic health problems by regular cleaning, a healthy diet, exercise, etc.

Why are French Bulldogs unhealthy?

Frenchies are unhealthy because they tend to get diabetes, heart diseases, and other bacterial skin infections. They also have a high chance of getting cancer, especially bone cancers.

How the Royal Veterinary College impacts the health condition of dogs?

The Royal Veterinary College is a world-renowned center for animal health and welfare research. They have a team of scientists who work with local veterinary practices to test new treatments and treatments for diseases that are not well understood.

Also, the College provides training programs for students from all over the world who are interested in becoming veterinarians.

Why do French bulldogs are vulnerable to health problems than the other breeds?

Most French bulldog health problems are associated with their shortened facial structure and extreme body shape.

What are French bulldogs allergic to?

French bulldog health problems are due to their allergy. These French bulldogs are allergic to chicken, lamb, corn, soy, dairy products, beef, etc.

Why do French bulldogs love to lick their paws?

Excessive itching due to allergies leads French bulldogs to lick their paws more than the other breeds.

Conclusion

To sum up and as promised, we have identified the common health problems that French Bulldogs commonly face. From there, we’ve covered ways to prevent these problems from developing in your dog in the first place. 

While this might seem like a lot of information to take in, remember that it’s all worth the effort in the end if it means avoiding some of these health issues. After all, you don’t want your new Frenchie pal to become sick right after you just welcomed him into your home.

Should you want to learn more, you can always contact us for help.