The French bulldog is a popular small dog breed and is liked due to its cuddly and affectionate nature. They can easily adapt to a new environment and get along very well with children and other animals. For this reason, they are one of the best dogs for families. The only problem is that there are a lot of French Bulldog health problems. French Bulldog health issues have kept many a Frenchie owner up at night and in this article I’ll cover some of the top problems.
These dogs are likely to suffer from one or more health problems that are associated with this breed. Dogs between the ages of 2 to 3 years are prone to these health problems, and you may have to pay veterinary expenses for their treatment. Therefore, we will tell you in detail about the common health problems and how to keep your dog healthy.
History of French Bulldogs Health Problems
French Bulldogs mostly suffer from genetic health problems. Most pet owners are interested in keeping a French bulldog as their pet, but soon they realize that it’s not a cheap dog breed. It becomes impossible for the pet owners to pay all expenses of the treatment of these dogs.
However, there is one thing that may be surprising for you. Among the bully breeds, French bulldogs are the healthiest. Dogs that suffer from serious health problems add many expenses to the budget. Therefore, some owners end up giving their dog for adoption.
Reading the history of health problems in French bulldogs, one can think that most of the problems are genetic diseases. These can be controlled through selective breeding, considering the desirable characteristics in the resultant breed. Most of the time, these dogs are bred just for looks, but it can bring many problems such as hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, and spinal disorder.
Moreover, always try to get your French bulldog from an experienced and highly reputable breeder.
Common Health Problems in French Bulldogs
Some health problems are common in most of the French bulldogs. Dogs between the ages range of 2 to 3 years are highly susceptible to these problems. So, let’s learn about these problems so that they can be prevented.
Vomiting or Throwing Up:
Vomiting is one of the common health problems in French bulldogs. Vomiting is an indication of some other health issue of your dog, such as gastroenteritis. Almost 2% of the French bulldogs are affected by it. It is caused by a virus and can cause vomiting or diarrhea. There are lot of reasons why your French Bulldog may be throwing up.
Sometimes, the dog is automatically cured, but you should take the vet’s help so that the issue does not become severe. There are some of the symptoms of gastroenteritis that you can notice. These include:
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea and vomiting
Skin Allergy Problem:
Canine atopic dermatitis is the term used for skin allergies in dogs. In French bulldogs, this is a genetic issue and is also caused due to certain environmental factors. Moreover, these dogs are also prone to food allergies, which can disturb their lives.
Food allergies and skin allergies are difficult to treat, and they need more time to be diagnosed through testing. If some food causes skin allergy, you have to adjust and evaluate your dog’s food.
Your dog will have flaky, dry skin patches on the body, lesions, sores, and hot spots. Moreover, you can find these most commonly on sides, face, legs, hind ends, and paws. One of the signs you can look for in your dog is that he will bite, scratch, or chew that area excessively affected by allergy.
Conjunctivitis in Dogs in French Bulldogs
Conjunctivitis is a severe eye problem that is also characterized as a pink eye. Almost 3% of all French bulldogs suffer from this disease, mostly due to bacteria. Allergies are foreign bodies that can lead your dog to conjunctivitis. Some of the most common symptoms of this health problem in French bulldogs are:
- Pus or mucus discharge from the eyes
- Redness or pink eyes in or around the eye area
- Swelling around or in the eyes
- Blinking or squinting excessively
Sometimes there are block ducts in the eyes, and the only treatment left is surgery in this case. However, it can also be caused due to cancer or tumors, but it is a rare case.
Heavy Breathing in French Bulldogs
Breathing is among the common health problems in French bulldogs, and it is due to their barely visible nostrils. They do not get enough amount of air, so it becomes hard for them to breathe. This condition is also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome.
If your dog is unable to get enough oxygen, he will not be able to cool himself. This means that these dogs cannot do a lot of physical activity, and they cannot cope with hot weather conditions. Sometimes, the situation can be dire, and if your dog is deprived of oxygen, he may pass out.
The following are the signs that you can notice in your dog.
- Snoring
- Open-mouth breathing
- Regurgitation
- Wheezing
Hip Dysplasia in French Bulldogs – a Prime French Bulldog Health Issue
This is a common health problem in many dog breeds and is also found in French bulldogs. Hip joint works as a ball and socket. In dogs, hip dysplasia is a health problem in which the ball and socket do not develop or fit properly. The thigh bone does not work correctly or comfortably in the hip joint.
It’s a long-term disease in dogs characterized by arthritis, lameness, and symptoms of pain. This is also one of the genetic diseases; therefore, you must check the breed history before getting your French bulldog.
How to Find Healthy French Bulldog Dog As a pet?
It is essential to do your proper research about these dogs if you plan to get a French bulldog. These dogs are prone to many health problems; however, try to find a healthy French bulldog. For this, you need to pay special attention to selective breeding.
French bulldogs are mostly bred because of their looks, but it brings many health problems for them, making their lives difficult. Therefore, make sure that the breeding is done so that they have the least number of diseases. It is also essential to check the breed histories of parents so that your dog won’t have to suffer from any genetic health issue.
Another essential thing to keep in mind before buying a French bulldog is getting it from an experienced and well-known breeder.
Conclusion – French Bulldog Health Problems
French bulldogs are popular dogs and known for their affection towards families and their cuddly dispositions. These dogs serve as the best family dogs, but there are many health problems in French bulldogs that you have to deal with. They usually get these diseases at an early age. Some of the most common conditions include hip dysplasia, vomiting, conjunctivitis, etc.
It is essential to pay attention to their breeding so that the number of diseases can be reduced. Also, make sure that you check their parents’ breed histories to avoid any genetic health problem.
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