Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are excellent companion dogs and excel in obedience, agility and rally as well as being great therapy dogs.
As long as they meet their minimum requirements, they can be anywhere.
Unfortunately, the breed's huge popularity has led to a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can lead to health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are charming and playful, making them great companion dogs. As with all breeds, French Bulldogs have their own health issues. Knowing about these issues can help you to be a responsible owner and make the right decision for your family.
Spinal issues are among the major health concerns for French Bulldogs. These puppies are prone to developing hemivertebrae, which is an incomplete vertebrae within the spine. This condition can cause a number of problems including weakness in the back legs as well as fecal or urinary incontinence. The most severe cases of hemivertebra could require surgery.
Respiratory issues are a common health problem. The French Bulldogs are prone to overheating due to their small lung capacity. To prevent this from happening, make sure your French Bulldog is able to get access to a cool space and regularly walks outside during cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are common for this breed. They usually develop these as puppies, but they can be difficult to recognize and treat. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergies, but this treatment is often ongoing.
The narrower ear canals of Frenchies make them more susceptible to infections of the ear. This narrowing of the ear canals allows moisture and debris to easily get into the ear, which can cause inflammation. You can help prevent this by regularly cleaning your dog's ears and keeping the folds of his face clean.
These dogs are also prone to eye problems, particularly cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy formation of the lenses of the eyes which can lead to blindness if untreated and are caused by cataracts. Keep your Frenchie’s weight under control and be alert to any eye problems he may have.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you shouldn't buy one just because of its appearance. This cute little dog has a lot of personality. You'll need to put in some time in training it to ensure that it's well-behaved and responds to your instructions. A skilled trainer can help you teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills, as well as socialization, so that he can become comfortable with other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. Their desire to be loved makes them affectionate, fun and athletic for their size. While they may not be the best choice for active families with young children, they do well with older kids and enjoy the company of cats and dogs.
As flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic), Frenchies are susceptible to respiratory illness. The Frenchies' ear canals are smaller and more prone to infection. It's crucial to keep their ears dry after a bath or exercising outdoors.
Frenchies have a skull that is short, which makes them susceptible to skin conditions like dermatitis (intertrigo) and interdigital demodicosis and the pyoderma. They are also prone to the Patella luxating, which can cause pain and discomfort making the kneecaps slide out of place. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed in order to identify the problem.
Like other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies have reduced hearing and can be more sensitive to heat. They also are at risk of various eye problems, including corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
Due to their narrow spines, and increased weight they also can suffer from back issues. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
All dogs are susceptible to developing allergies which includes Frenchies. It is important to watch for signs of allergies, such as itching, diarrhea and breathing issues. It's also an excellent idea to avoid foods and places that cause allergies.
Because of their shortened skulls, Frenchies have a unique movement that is known as the "rat-like" gait. This gait is caused by the way they position their front legs as they walk. It can lead to joint issues, such as osteoarthritis with chondrodystrophic features. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help treat and prevent these issues. Also, French Bulldogs are at a higher risk of developing respiratory ailments due to the airways that are restricted due to their shortened skulls. They also can experience a variety gastrointestinal problems including constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, they are at risk of regurgitation following anesthesia and may develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic symbiosis, are susceptible to respiratory diseases that cause obstruction. Their shortened skull and face make their anatomy more tense which makes it more difficult for air to flow through the nose and lungs in the lower. 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 problems can affect French Bulldogs at any age but they are more common among puppies who are young. To avoid issues, select the right puppy from a reliable breeder who checks for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They must be able to show proof that both parents are free from the disorder.
recommended you read that the bite of a French Bulldog should be "well under." The front teeth should cover the back teeth while the dog is lying down. When examining puppies, keep in mind that their bites are likely to change until they are full-grown. It's also important to keep in mind that while a bite with a knife is considered to be a flaw in the breed standard, it is not an accurate gauge of the likelihood that the French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior in adulthood.
Due to their shortened jaws and underbite, Frenchies are more likely to develop tartar than other dogs. Brushing your Frenchie's teeth on a regular basis using a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized dog toothpaste can reduce this issue. You should also take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.
Entropion is a condition that causes the upper or lower eyelids to roll inward. This can cause irritation, tear and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this issue is usually fixed with surgery.
Despite the many health concerns associated with this wonderful breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are not afflicted with high levels of genetic illnesses and are easy to care for. Think about the personality of a French Bulldog as well as its appearance when picking one. You want a dog that is loving, loyal and sweet.
Eyes
Frenchies are loving, affectionate dogs that make wonderful companions. Their devotion and unique characteristics have made them the most popular breed in America. This breed has a few special requirements that should be taken into consideration prior to adoption. This includes the need for adequate grooming, exercise, and an appropriate diet. A brachycephalic face structure can also cause health problems.
French Bulldogs are prone to back issues, including intervertebral disc disease, which can cause herniated discs. This is due to the flattened face and neck, which causes pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog is unable to jump or go up the stairs, has a unnaturally hunched back, frequently coughs or whines, or refuses to eat, he may be in severe pain and should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away.
The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large, dark appearance with a strange expression. Their ears are bat-like and wide-based, which gives them a cute look. They have a large nose that is short and their face is rounded and has an elongated skull. This breed has a relatively low activity level and can adjust to any living situation. However they should not be left unattended for long periods of time since they tend to develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming requirements. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing removes hairs that aren't being removed and keeps the coat healthy and glossy. Additionally, they require frequent baths. However drying with towels is preferred over blow-drying. They are prone to weight gain so it is important to monitor their intake of food and limit treats. They also don't tolerate temperatures well, so exercising should be a little less during the heat of the day.
French Bulldogs are available in various colors and patterns, including brindle. These variations in color, known as Merle, feature an spotted body pattern that is characterized by either white or black spots. But it is important to keep in mind that the merle pattern is not a color. It is important to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues if crossed with other merles.