The Good, the Bad, and the Snuggly: Do French Bulldogs Have Health Issues?

Are you wondering, “Do French Bulldogs have health issues?” Worry no more! You don’t have to search countless websites for answers. In this article, we’ll explore the health concerns associated with French Bulldogs and provide essential information to help you care for your beloved pet. Let’s dive in and ensure the well-being of your furry companion!

Like other dog breeds, french bulldogs are prone to many health problems, including ear, eye, dental, and breathing problems and skin infections. French bulldogs require frequent and consistent exercise, bathing, ear cleaning, and trips to the veterinarian. 

Furthermore, health insurance is an additional investment for pet owners who want a French bulldog. (You can visit the pet insurance company.) Focus on every aspect of your puppy’s security and health, and make him your best buddy with your protective attitude.

Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs

If the question do french bulldogs have health issues torments you, keep reading this article. We are going to tell you about some common health issues in French bulldogs. They are undoubtedly a friendly dog breed that thrives on attention and proper care from their owners. 

Most french bulldogs live 10 to 14 years. There are several factors that impact this flat faced breed dog’s lifespan. Plus, this popular dog breed is susceptible to some diseases. Because they are flat faced breeds, french bulldogs breath with more effort than a normal size dog.

Further, they do not do very well with extremely hectic activities and overly hot climates. Let’s discuss their health issues in detail.

Diarrhea 

Stomach upsets are very usual in Frenchies, so it’s necessary to monitor their diet. French bulldogs are very responsive towards parasites, E. coli, and viruses that cause consistent bouts of diarrhea. If you find some weird symptoms like smelling foul, or blood in the stools, take note of it. These are obvious signs of the worst digestion problem. 

Moreover, there are some other tell-tale signs as your Frenchie loses weight, loses its appetite, vomits, or has a fever. These symptoms indicate that you should pay more attention to the diet and health of your buddy.

Ear Infection 

French Bulldogs have large, open ears with narrow ear canals, so they are vulnerable to ear infections. This breed’s upright and large ears make it quick for debris and bacteria to get their war into the ear. This susceptibility to allergies causes ear infections. 

Apart from it, the ear glands produce more wax than usual and swell up to resist infection. Consequently, it leads to an overproduction of tissue, making the ear canal narrower and inflamed. Sometimes, the eardrum ruptures in severe cases, causing your Frenchie a lot of pain. Look out for the redness inside the ear as a warning of this issue.

Skin Problems

As french bulldogs have folded facial skin around the muzzle and nose, it can lead to dermatitis. It can also occur in other folded parts of their bodies, like the neck and crotches. There are various signs of this problem, including biting, itching, redness on the affected skin, and scratching of the area.

Plus, skin problems not only disturb the physical growth of your pet baby but also affect its mood and mental health. As a protective owner of your puppy, you should take some precautions for its good health. So, keep their skin folds clean and dry to prevent dermatitis from occurring.  

Conjunctivitis

Due to their genetic makeup, french bulldogs are at great risk of suffering from conjunctivitis. It is just because they are short-nosed and infected easily. Usually, allergic reactions to substances or bacterial and viral infections lead to this problem in French bulldogs. Watch out for your puppy having pink or red eyes or if you find them blinking more than usual.

Besides, there are other common signs like pus, mucus, or discharge leaking from the eyes and problems in visualizing objects. If you find such symptoms, consult the veterinarian to get your pet back on its feet.

Mobility Issues

The answer to do french bulldogs have health issues is an absolute yes. As they increase in popularity, the risk of their mobility problems increases. Frenchies usually can develop a lot of mobility conditions. French bulldogs are vulnerable to back, spine, and neck issues that cause hind leg weakness and paralysis. 

Other conditions affecting your French bulldog include spinal disc issues, Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, and Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). With IVDD, your puppy may experience sudden paralysis and can not stand or walk with its back legs. If your pet shows signs of paralysis or loses the ability to walk, consult its veterinarian immediately.

Breathing Problems

Sadly, so many French bulldogs have a high risk of Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (BAOS) due to their short snouts. The flat structure of these dogs` faces means a shorter and limited airway in the nose and throat.

It obviously leads to trouble breathing, shortness of breath, sleeping difficulties, and heat intolerance. You can easily notice this issue occurring during exercise and mostly in warmer temperatures. Your puppy can feel under the weather and have breathing problems after any kind of activity.

Back Problem

French bulldog hip dysplasia is genetic; even most canine breeds suffer from it. It is related to an abnormal joint structure in the hips. You can see it by your Frenchie`s reluctance to climb stairs or difficulty getting up. Further, It causes impaired mobility and lameness along with severe pain.

Watch this video: The Good, the Bad, and the Snuggly: Do French Bulldogs Have Health Issues?

Preventative Measures

Don`t worry about the question, “do french bulldogs have health issues?” It is a fact that French bulldogs have various health problems. But there are dozens of preventative measures that you can follow for your puppy. Let’s discuss some of them for the better health condition of your pet buddy.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is part and parcel of a pet’s life. Like human beings, your pugs also need a properly balanced diet. Normally, an adult dog requires a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat in its diet. These requirements are even higher for growing puppies. As protein is the most important nutrient, it gives Frenchies the building blocks they require for healthy muscles. 

In addition, your pooch’s diet should also include high-quality protein from meat, poultry, and fish. Fats provide a concentrated source of potential and energy in the form of calories and omega fatty acids. It should also come from animal sources to ensure easier digestion. 

As a smaller pet breed, your French bulldog possesses a naturally fast metabolism. It means it needs more calories than a larger dog. On the other hand, French bulldogs are a fairly low-energy breed. They are at risk for obesity. That is why feed your Frenchie between 25 and 35 calories per pound of their body weight per day.

Regular Exercise

No doubt, French bulldogs are the most popular small dog breeds. They are known for their playful, affectionate, and adaptable nature. Their friendly attitude to life means they are great at socializing with kids and other dogs.

If you’re someone who wants to make his Frenchie alive and kicking for a long time, concentrate on its exercise. These little guys don’t need a lot of exercises.

Around 60 minutes of normal daily exercise is plenty for your pups. Because of their flat nose and wrinkled faces, Frenchies can face breathing problems. It’s best to do short and low-intensity walks for their perfect health. Don’t forget that playing with the pet is also an exercise, so account for this activity in a day. 

Regular Vet Visit

The other preventative measure is a regular visit to a vet, so deem it necessary for your Frenchie. If your puppy is between 12 months to 7 years old, taking him for an annual checkup is recommended. If he is over 7 years old, you should take him for a bi-annual checkup.

What to Expect as a French Bulldog Owner 

Is a french bulldog a typical dog? Undoubtedly, owning a French bulldog, unlike other dog breeds, is an expensive activity. You have to spend much more money on your pet baby along with proper care. As of 2022, the cost of having a pooch is 1,875 British pounds a year in the UK. 

Aside from this, being a pet owner, you have to be aware of all kinds of health disorders in your Frenchie. Your knowledge about these french bulldog health problems definitely saves him from so many complications like

1. Intervertebral disc disease
2. Hip dysplasia
3. Excessive yellow or green discharge
4. Bacterial skin infection in dogs
5. Skin allergies
6. Untreated cherry eye
7. Skin dermatitis
8. Bacterial skin infections
9. Corneal ulcers
10. Chronic health problems
11. Hind legs weakness
12. Heat stroke
13. Spinal cord health problems like other dogs
14. Brachycephalic airway syndrome issue
15. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome issue
16. Pink eye
17. Hereditary disorder
18. Hair loss

There are some common things you should know as a French bulldog owner.

• They need your proper time and attention
• French bulldogs are not couch potatoes.
• They follow you around everywhere.
• They shed a lot.
• They will be intrusive.
• They are highly prone to health issues.
• Frenchies tend to be loyal and smart.

Conclusion: Do French Bulldogs Have Health Issues

If you are still wading through sites to know the answer to do french bulldogs have health issues, hold on! This article has guided you around all the facts about having a Frenchie. Pooches are highly vulnerable to health problems and need much more attention. So, follow the given information and apply it for your baby’s growth and better health.