French Bulldogs, like other dog breeds, are prone to dry skin. However, not all dogs are created equal nor are their dry skin solutions the same. There can be a lot of potential reasons for French Bulldog dry skin problems and I will share some of those with you.
French bulldog dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and a process by which the body reacts and tries to restore the physiological state to normal. Dermatitis in dogs can occur with redness, itching, crusts, hot spot, sores, seborrhea and inflammation, resulting in a risk of infection.
Before reaching for a quick fix solution, consult you veterinarian or set up an appointment for your dog. Failing to do so could lead to incorrect treatments that worsen your bulldog’s situation.
The Many Potential Causes of French Bulldog Dry Skin Problems
There can be a variety of causes that lead to your Frenchie battling against skin problems. Below are some of the common reasons why your French Bulldog can be itchy, patchy, and have hot spots.
Fleas, Ticks, and Mites = Protect Your French Bulldog With All Natural Dog Tick Repellent
Fleas and other parasites (mites, ticks, etc.) are often the prime suspects of dry skin problems, since they can cause serious skin infections.
The soft, warm fur of your French Bulldog can provide the perfect environment for fleas and ticks. These nasty little insects feed on your Frenchie’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses. Both fleas and ticks are more common during the warmer months, but they do for show up in the Winter too. You can take steps to ward them off any time of year.
Flea Warning Signs For Your French Bulldog:
- Flea droppings (dark specks) in the fur
- Flea eggs (white specks) in the fur
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Scabs or hot spots on the skin
You can feel ticks when you pet your Frenchie and with their thin coats they should be relatively easy to spot. These nasty little bugs most often attach near the head, neck, ears, or paws. Ticks can carry some bad blood-borne diseases. If you find a tick on your French Bulldog, try to remove it as soon as possible.
Flea and tick shampoos are mainly useful for killing the fleas and ticks that are already on your pet. They don’t work as well to prevent fleas and ticks. You can buy the shampoo without a prescription, but follow the directions carefully. You need to cover the animal’s entire body and wait 10 minutes before rinsing.
YAYA Organics TICK BAN Extra Strength Tick Repellent
This is a NH-based company (my home state) and they have created a very nice all-natural, deet-free repellent to keep your Frenchie safe. It effectively repels ticks with its extra strength formula containing therapeutic grade essential oils. It contains a blend of cedarwood, peppermint, rosemary, geranium, lemongrass and thyme, and certified organic castor and soybean oils (non-GMO).
I met with the owners of the company and learned all about this product before using it on my little Frenchie. It has been independently lab tested for efficacy. This extra strength formula is DEET-free, plant-based and made with a blend of essential oils, all of which repel ticks. Therefore, it’s safe for the whole family, including kids and dogs. PROTECT YOURSELF from tick bites when hiking, hunting, gardening, golfing, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
It has a nice herbal scent that smells great on your Frenchie. It comes in two sizes: 4 ounce and 16 ounce value size with all-position sprayer. I recommend this highly.
Learn More About YAYA Organic Tick Ban Here
Yeast or Bacteria – Another Culprit of French Bulldog Skin Problems
A French bulldog’s dry skin patches may also be the result of yeast or bacterial infections. Either way, it will still mandate that you go see your Vet. You will definitely will want some professional care.
Yeast dermatitis is also known as Malassezia dermatitis. This French Bulldog skin problem is caused by a fungus known as Malassezia pachydermatis. It can a very common cause of skin issues in French bulldogs. This type of yeast can be found on the skin of your Frenchie and its overgrowth can lead to the inflammation of his skin (which nobody wants).
French Bulldogs, like other dog breeds, are prone to dry skin. However, not all dogs are created equal nor are their dry skin solutions the same. There can be a lot of potential reasons for French Bulldog dry skins problems and I will share some of those with you.
French bulldog dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and a process by which the body reacts and tries to restore the physiological state to normal. Dermatitis in dogs can occur with redness, itching, crusts, hot spot, sores, seborrhea and inflammation, resulting in a risk of infection.
Before reaching for a quick fix solution, consult you veterinarian or set up an appointment for your dog. Failing to do so could lead to incorrect treatments that worsen your bulldog’s situation.
What Are The Signs Your Frenchie Has a Yeast Skin Infection?
Here are some of the most common signs of yeast dermatitis on a Frenchie:
- Itchy, red, irritated skin
- Musty odor from your Frenchie’s skin
- Loss of hair for your French Bulldog (alopecia)
- Scaly, crusty, and flaky skin
- Tough or thickened skin
- Darkly pigmented skin (aka. hyperpigmentation)
- Chronic and recurring ear infections
French Bulldog Yeast Dermatitis Treatment Tips
If your Frenchie is dealing with yeast dermatitis there are a few treatment options. There are topical ointments, oral medication, or probably a combination of both. It all depends on how severe your French bulldog’s condition really is. As stated, you will definitely want to seek the guidance of your Veterinarian. If they think that it is necessary they’ll prescribe an Oral treatment but here is some more information about topical treatment options.
Topical Dermatitis Treatment – Treatment with medicated dog shampoos is a very important part of treating this itchy skin issue. Some French bulldogs with oily skin may require an initial cleansing with a shampoo containing selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide. That will help to make their skin less greasy.
After their degreasing bath, some Vets recommend bathing with an anti-fungal shampoo containing chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole.. It is important the anti-fungal shampoo remain in contact with the skin for at least ten minutes. For best results, this topical treatment is should be applied every 5 days for three to twelve weeks depending on the reaction to treatment. If your Frenchie has an ear infection in his ears or a couple spots on the skin, a topical ointment may be prescribed for more frequent use by your Vet.
Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo
This is an effective topical formula against a broad range of skin issues like Ringworm, Pyoderma, and skin allergies. The reviews on this medicated shampoo are really good and I have used this many times with my previous Bulldog.
Learn More About This Medicated Shampoo Here
Diet and Nutrition – A Key Factor In French Bulldog Skin Problems
Often times, a French Bulldog’s dry skin is diet and nutrition-related, in particular a lack of healthy, fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are a very important contributor for healthy skin. If your current dog food choices lack adequate fatty acids you might, consider adding some Omega-3 essential oil supplements or switching dog foods altogether.
The quality of your dog’s coat may also reveal a nutritional deficiency. If the dry skin condition is recent and temporary in nature, then some vitamin supplementation and fish oil tablets should do the trick. Otherwise, seek out healthier, nutrient-rich foods for your friendly pet.
French Bulldog Skin Problems – Additional Ways To Treat These Issues
The first step in treating your French Bulldog is getting them to a veterinarian, especially if they’re developing crusty or scabby sores. If your french bulldog has multiple sores and skin lesions on their body then you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
These can be very painful for your Frenchie. Most french bulldog skin problems are a result of something growing on your Frenchie’s skin that should not be there at all. This can be a few fleas biting your french bulldog or bacteria growing on your their skin.
One of the most effective things you can do to help in helping your Frenchie’s skin clear is to stop it from growing at the source. Your veterinarian will most likely use a combination of topical steroids and antibiotics. This should help to take care of most skin problems. You will usually go home with a tube of ointment (more on that below) to apply to the area over the next several days.
Are You Using The Right Dog Shampoo To Bathe Your French Bulldog?
Bath time and your Frenchie are an important place to look when solving skin issues. How to properly bathe your a French Bulldog is one thing, the frequency and type of shampoo to use is also very important. Too frequent bathing can be an issue that leads to French Bulldog dry skin problems. Additionally, shampoos and conditioners are often the main culprits of your French bulldog’s dry skin. The harshness and frequent use of flea shampoos and coat whitening shampoos in particular are known to strip the natural oils from your dog’s coat, and in turn dry up his skin. Don’t overdo it. Resist the temptation to over wash and groom your French bulldog. It deprives him of the chance to restore his own natural bodily oils. Shampoos aimed at itchiness should be avoided unless itchy skin is completely uncontrollable.
It might be wise to look into some of the different hypoallergenic dog shampoo options that are available.
Consider oatmeal dog shampoo (even home-made!) which have a reputation for taking away itchiness and having a soothing effect on French bulldogs.
Your French bulldog may be highly allergic and be particularly sensitive to dry skin in winter. His immune system may have a strong reaction to certain allergens (i.e. ige protein) that cause inflammation. Worry not. Your veterinarian will know best and guide you on which medications that can combat such dryness. Trust their expertise and let them guide you into the best care for your French Bulldog.
Low Humidity Can Cause French Bulldog Dry Skin Too
Low humidity and you home’s air quality are yet other potential causes of dry skin. Using a humidifier and increasing your French bulldog’s Vitamin E intake should help in this situation.
Wrapping Up
With the plethora of dry skin sources and solutions, be sensitive and prudent with your French Bulldog’s treatment. Use common sense and expert knowledge to guide your four-legged friend to optimum skin health.
