French Bulldog health issues

The French Bulldog is one of the most lovable toy-type dog breeds in the world, and with its friendly and playful disposition, it has become a very popular small dog breed in the world.

If you own this breed or get a chance to own this breed, then you will know its fractionation, cuteness, and lots of funny quirks.

This breed is comfortable with most of the environment. They are friendly with other animals and they love children.

Like other bulldogs, this breed does not need lots of walking.

But while these Frenchies have lots of good things, somewhere these Frenchies have lots of health problems as well. Most of the Frenchies are associated with a few common problems.

You will see French Bulldog health issues within 2 to 3 years, and some of these problems can go on for life and can affect their quality of life.

Are French Bulldogs the Right Breed for Me?

If you have never owned a pet before or if this is your first time considering getting a French Bulldog, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “Are French Bulldogs the right breed for me?”

It is quite obvious to have such questions in mind before owning a new pet, so it is better to know about these problems before owning this breed, and how common these problems are even if you have already brought them into your home or are planning to get one.

So you must know about these health problems before owning Frenchies. Some of these problems are purely genetic problems.

Because humans have bred them to make them more attractive, and have nice features like small ears and snouts.

But those most adorable features of the Frenchies cause their health problems.

The Most Common French Bulldog health issues

According to the study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (UK) in 2018, wherein 2,228 Frenchies were examined, they got to know that 72.4% of the French Bulldogs had at least one health problem, which includes:

  • 17.9% of skin problems
  • 14% of ear infections
  • 7.5% of diarrhea 
  • 3.2% of conjunctivitis

1-Ear Infections

The French Bulldog is a small dog breed, and according to their size, Frenchies have very narrow ear canals, and that leads to them being very vulnerable to ear infections.

The Frenchies are a very delicate dog breed and they are sensitive to allergies which lead to such infections. While trying to resist the infection, ear glands swell up, producing lots of more wax than normal, and due to this, it overproduces ear tissues, which makes ear canals narrower. After all this, in severe cases, the eardrum can rupture, which is very painful for Frenchies. 

Tips: You should check inside the ear for excessive redness and scratching. If you see that it is a warning of an ear infection, you should take action immediately.

2-Diarrhea

You should always monitor the diet of Frenchies. It is really important because stomach upsets are very common in French bulldogs.

Frenchies are very susceptible to parasites, e.coli or viruses,  which can be regular bouts of diarrhea.

Frenchies might have digestion problems. You can see the sign by monitoring their stool. 

The serious signs of digestion problems are:- 

  • If the stool is wet
  • The stool is tarry or runny.
  • Smell foul
  • Blood in the stool
  • If your dog is losing weight,
  • Losing their appetite
  • Vomiting 
  • Having a fever

3-Conjunctivitis

Due to the genetic makeup of the French Bulldog, they have short noses (brachycephalic). Frenchies are at high risk of suffering from conjunctivitis. Frenchies are very sensitive to bacteria, infection, and allergic reactions, so that could be the cause of this problem.

Signs of conjunctivitis are:

  • Having a red or pink eye
  • If the eyes are blinking more than usual,
  • have mucus, pus, or leaking from their eyes.

4-Skin Fold Dermatitis

The French Bulldog has folded facial skin on the muzzle and nose, which causes dermatitis, In a Frenchie’s body, wherever there is folded skin, there could also be the same problem, like in armpits, crotches, and necks.

Signs of skin problems are:

  • Itching
  • Biting back
  • Scratching 
  • The affected skin shows redness and sores
Tips:-Keep their folded skin clean. You can clean their folded skin with wet cloths and dry the skin. Keeping the folded skin clean can avoid skin problems (Skin Fold Dermatitis).

5-Pyoderma

Another skin problem in Frenchies is a bacterial skin infection, which is also known as pyoderma. This issue can happen when your Frenchies get a cut or scratch on their body and that gets infected. These problems can also be because of folded skin, so again you should monitor for itching, red skin, pus, and hair loss around the cut area.

6-URT Infection

The French Bulldog genetically has a short nose, which leads to the risk of upper respiratory tract infection. However, this happens with every bulldog at least once in their lives.

Common signs of URT infections are:

  • Cold
  • Nasal congestion
  • Coughing
  • Lethargy

7-Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Another breathing-related problem in French bulldogs is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which could be due to genetically short noses.

BOAS leads to trouble breathing, shortness of breathing, difficulties in breathing,  and heart intolerance.

These problems usually occur during exercise and in warmer temperatures.

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