What are a French Bulldog's Most Common Health Issues?

For years now, French Bulldogs have been a favorite amongst dog parents. So many people are considering adopting a French Bulldog that the breed itself is #2 in the United States, surpassed only by the Labrador Retriever. And why shouldn't you consider adopting a French Bulldog? They present a powerful, muscular body, have an easy-to-care coat, and love to socialize and learn new tricks!  

Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are not bereft of a litany of health problems. Research conducted on more than 2,000 French Bulldogs revealed health problems amongst 72,4% of the subjects. Everything from breeding to the environment, lifestyle, and diet can inhibit or trigger their potential health problems.

With the French Bulldogs, the best defense is a good offense. Therefore, we will dedicate today's article to the main health issues of French Bulldogs, as well as the history of this famous dog breed.

The History of the French Bulldog Breed

The history of the French Bulldog breed starts with Ancient Greece, where Molossus, the French Bulldog's ancestor, gave rise to a sub-family of breeds, including the Bullenbeisser, a breed specialized in bull-battling. After the bull-battling sport was outlawed in Great Britain in 1835, breeders were free to create a miniature version of the Bullenbeisser, known today as the English Bulldog.

But with the sharp growth in number, Bulldogs unfit for breeding were sent to continental Europe, especially France, where lace workers took to their pointy ears. It didn't take long for the French Bulldog to become a trademark of the burgeoning Parisian society, from the poorest to the richest. Just like no scientist was worth their salt without knowledge of French, so were the French Bulldogs associated with high-class socialites.

The year 1885 brought the French Bulldog to American soil, where, thanks to the efforts of the American Kennel Club, their fame became widespread.

Common French Bulldog Health Issues

The French Bulldog's unmistakable look and personality traits make this breed a favorite amongst American dog parents. But for your French Bulldog to live a happy, healthy life, you, the dog parent, must be alert about all the potential medical issues he might encounter. So, let's take a look at the main French Bulldog health problems: ear infections, conjunctivitis, and dermal, breathing, digestive, and mobility issues.

#1: French Bulldogs and Ear Infections

The most common health issues for this breed stem from the ears. French Bulldogs exhibit abnormally narrow ear canals; also, unlike most dog breeds, French Bulldogs show no or even reverse ear canal cell migration and wax movement. Because of these traits, the French Bulldog ear canal often stays wet and warm, thus creating the perfect environment for bacteria and yeasts to thrive. As a result, ear infections, chronic pain, allergies, and unwanted discomfort are but a step away.

French Bulldog Ear Infection Symptoms

The following symptoms point towards an infection in your French Bulldog’s ears:

• Incessant scratching around the ears;
• Dark brown of yellow discharge from the ears;
• Bad odor emanating from the ears;
• Redness;
• Your dog continuously shakes his head;
• Walking in circles.

Preventing Ear Infections in Your French Bulldog

Since ear problems are an inescapable reality in any French Bulldog, what dog parents need to do is implement a solid ear care regimen. This way, the ear canals stay clean and limit the presence of moisture.

The ear care regimen does not have to be complicated. All you need is a cotton ball or some gauze, a 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and an ear cleaner. Provide enough time for your French Bulldog to study the ear care tools and learn that they're meant to help him. Be sure to avoid cotton tip applicators or Q-tips, as they can damage or perforate the eardrum.

• Soak the cotton ball or gauze in the 0.9% sodium chloride solution.
• Insert and comprehensively clean the ear canal.
• Apply the ear cleaner to the ear canal. Be sure to choose an ear cleaner with antiviral and antifungal properties.
• Massage the ear cleaner into the ear canal and allow it to break down debris.
• Clear the inner flap of the ear and the upper ear canal with a cotton ball or gauze.
• Allow your dog to shake his head in order to remove the remaining debris and ear cleaner from the ear canal. Remove the debris with a cotton ball or gauze.
• Repeat the process for the other ear canal.
• Reward your French Bulldog with praise and treats!

#2: French Bulldogs and Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another health issue prevalent amongst French Bulldogs. Because of their sensitive stomachs, French Bulldogs are predisposed to contracting several gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and viruses, such as E. coli. Symptoms such as runny, bloody, foul stool, vomiting, fever, and weight and appetite loss are telling signs of a GI disorder. Furthermore, diarrhea can be a symptom of more severe medical issues, such as Addison's disease (i.e., the decreased hormone production from the adrenal gland cortex), pancreatitis, and certain auto-immune diseases, which all require the attention of a veterinarian.

#3: French Bulldogs and Breathing Issues

The French Bulldog’s characteristic squished faces and short snouts are both a blessing and a curse. Breeds such as French and English bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzu's are brachycephalic, meaning that they present shorter breathing passages, which put them at risk for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS comes together with other respiratory system abnormalities, such as laryngeal collapse and stenotic nares. When suffering from this disorder, dogs experience shortness of breath, heat intolerances, and sleeping difficulties. No wonder why numerous French Bulldog parents report loud snoring, both at daytime and nighttime!

What you need to know is that you must approach certain aspects of your French Bulldog’s lifestyle with care. For example, French Bulldogs don’t do well with heat, cold, long walks and intense exercise routines. Next time you take your French Bulldog out for a walk, make sure that you keep it short and under the auspices of comfortable temperatures.

#4: French Bulldogs and Mobility Issues

As if ear, digestive, and breathing issues were not enough on their own, French Bulldogs also have to deal with mobility issues. Unfortunately, French Bulldog transmit predispositions to mobility problems through their genetic material, and the litany of such problems includes hip dysplasia, luxating patellas (also known as a "trick knee"), spinal disc issues, degenerative myelopathy (i.e., a spinal cord disease that can cause limb weakness and paralysis), and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet if you notice that your dog is unable to use his legs to stand or walk. In some cases, an unfortunate jump off the couch can lead to sudden paralysis, so make sure that your dog avoids such perilous instances.

#5: French Bulldogs and Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (i.e., the inflammation of the conjunctiva tissue) is another common occurrence amongst the French Bulldog population, again, linked with their brachycephalic nature. Because of their short-nosed heads, French Bulldogs are more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and allergic reactions attacking their conjunctiva tissue and causing the easily recognizable pink or red eyes.

If you notice changes such as a change in the conjunctiva tissue's color, squinting, excessive blinking, redness and swelling around the eyes, and a mucus-like discharge from the eyes, your French Bulldog could be suffering from conjunctivitis, so be sure to plan an urgent trip to the vet.

#6: French Bulldogs and Skin Issues

Finally, French Bulldogs are notorious for skin issues. The folded layer of skin on their faces, their muzzle, and their armpits, neck, and crotch is susceptible to inflammation and irritation. Biting, scratching, itching, and redness in the affected skin area are common symptoms of skin disorders, which can significantly affect your dog's well-being. Noticing these symptoms is imperative towards inhibiting the issues and helping your French Bulldog recover their skin health.

A Parting Reminder

If you are interested in owning a French Bulldog, we implore you to do thorough research so that you understand the possible health problems that your Frenchie could be affected by. While selective breeding and genetic testing can reduce the chances of these disorders developing, no test can guarantee your French Bulldog will be completely free of disease throughout its life. We've compiled a list of the most common French Bulldog genetic health problems to help you understand what gives Frenchies a bad rep. These are the medical issues your French Bulldog will potentially have to deal with throughout his life. Of course, these medical predispositions do not have to turn into reality. As long as your French Bulldog leads a healthy lifestyle, characterized by mild to moderate levels of exercise, the avoidance of extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), and eating a fresh, hydrated diet — such as NDF2! For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us and check out our blog!

To help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods, Volhard Dog Nutrition and its nutritionists are now offering online consultations! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to check out our consultation page!

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