Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are great companion dogs, excelling in agility, obedience and rally, and as therapy dogs.
They can live in rural or urban areas, as long as their minimum requirements are met.
Unfortunately, their popularity has resulted in a lot of backyard breeders and puppy mills. This can cause health problems for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are adorable and fun-loving, making them excellent companion dogs. However, like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues that are unique to them. Knowing these issues can make you a more responsible pet owner and make the best choice for your family.
One of the most notable health concerns for the French Bulldog is spinal issues. The puppies are at risk of developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae. This condition can lead to various issues, including weakness in the back legs and urinary or fecal incontinence. The hemivertebra is a serious condition that may require surgery.
Respiratory problems are another common health concern. Because of their small lungs, these dogs struggle to breathe in hot weather and are at risk for overheating. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your French Bulldog is able to access a cool area and enjoys frequent walks outdoors during cooler temperatures.
This breed is also susceptible to skin allergies. They usually develop these issues as puppies, and are often difficult to identify and manage. Your veterinarian might prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergies, but the treatment is typically permanent.
The smaller ear canals of Frenchies make them more susceptible to infections of the ear. The narrowing of the canals in the ear allows moisture and debris to easily enter, causing inflammation. You can avoid this by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his ears clean.
Lastly they are also predisposed to eye problems, especially cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy structure of the lens of the eye that can cause blindness if left untreated, are caused by cataracts. Keep your Frenchie’s weight under control and be attentive to any eye issues he might be suffering from.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed, but you should not buy one just because it looks good. This 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 responds to your commands. A reputable trainer can teach your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills, as well as socialization to allow him to become comfortable with other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are committed to their family and make great companions. They are playful, affectionate, and surprisingly athletic considering their size because of their desire to be loved. They may not be the best choice for active families that have small children however they do well with older children and enjoy being with other cats and dogs.
Frenchies as flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are susceptible to respiratory diseases. They also have a narrower ear canals that can become irritated and infected more easily than other breeds. It is essential to keep their ears dry after a bath or going outdoors.
Due to their skulls being short, Frenchies are predisposed to various skin conditions, like dermatitis that affects the folds of skin (intertrigo), interdigital pyoderma and demodicosis. They are also prone to the Patella luxating, which can cause pain and discomfort making the kneecaps slide out of place. Breeders that are responsible for this condition will be required to have their breeding stock X scans to check for this issue.
Frenchies, like other brachycephalic dogs, can be more sensitive than others to heat. Frenchies also are at risk of a number of eye issues such as corneal dystrophy or cataracts.
Because of their short spines, and increased weight they may also suffer from back pain. Herniated discs can cause back pain and stiffness in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is crucial to look out for signs of allergies, such as itching, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. It's also an excellent idea to avoid foods and environments that cause allergies.
Due to their skulls that are shorter, Frenchies have a unique motion that is referred to as the "rat-like" gait. This gait is due to the way they place their front legs when they walk. This can cause joint issues, such as chondrodystrophic arthritis. There are treatments available to help to prevent and treat this condition. Also, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk of developing respiratory ailments due to the restricted airway associated with their skulls that are shorter. They also can suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, they are at risk for regurgitation following anesthesia and may develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
As with other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies are prone to obstructive airway disease. Their skulls and faces that are shortened reduce their anatomy which makes it more difficult for air to pass through the nose and lower lungs. This is also known as brachycephalic obstruction 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 difficulties can occur in French Bulldogs of any age however they are more prevalent in puppies that are young. Select a puppy from a reputable, screened breeder to avoid any issues. They must be able to show proof that both parents are free of the disorder.
The breed standard states that the bite in a French Bulldog should be "well under." The front teeth should be covered by the back teeth when the dog is laying down. Remember that the bites of puppies will continue to change until they reach the age of adulthood. It's also important to keep in mind that even though a cut is considered a fault in the breed standard, it's not a reliable indication of whether a French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior as an adult.
Because of their jaws' shortened and their underbite Frenchies are more likely to develop tartar than other breeds. Brushing your Frenchie's mouth on a regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized dog toothpaste can help minimize the likelihood of developing this problem. You should also take your Frenchie to a professional cleaning every few months.
Entropion is a disorder that causes the upper or lower eyelids to roll inwards. This can cause irritation, tearing, corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this problem can usually be corrected by surgery.
Despite the many health concerns related to this beautiful breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low rate of genetic diseases. When choosing a French Bulldog, remember to consider its personality and its physical appearance. You'll want a dog that is sweet, loving, and dependable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make wonderful companions. Their distinctiveness and devotion to their owners have earned them the title of America's most loved breed. This breed has a few special requirements that should be taken into consideration prior to deciding to adopt. This includes the need to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic face structure can cause health issues.
French Bulldogs are at risk of back problems, such as intervertebral disc diseases that can lead to herniated discs. They are caused by the flattened neck or face, which places pressure on the spine cord. If your dog is back that is hunched, hurts and is unable to jump up or climb stairs or whines or whines frequently and is not able to sleep, he must be examined by a veterinarian.
The eyes of a French Bulldog are large and dark with a curious and alert expression. Their ears are broad-based and bat-like, adding to their adorable appearance. They have a broad nose that is short and their face is rounded with an elongated skull. This breed is relatively low-activity and can adapt to a wide range of living conditions. However it is not recommended to be left unattended for prolonged periods of time as they tend to develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behaviors and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming requirements. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing can help remove hair that is loose and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Additionally, additional resources require frequent baths. However drying with towels is preferred over blow-drying. They are prone to gain weight and should be monitored for their food intake and limit treats. They also don't tolerate extreme heat, so their exercise should be restricted in the hot summer days.
French Bulldogs are available in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindle. These variations in color are known as merle and usually have spots on their bodies with black or white spots. It is essential to remember that merle isn't an exact color, but rather it is a pattern. The merle gene can cause serious health issues if bred with other merles, which is why it is crucial to buy only purebred Frenchies.