Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are wonderful companion dogs, excelling in obedience, agility and rally, as well as being excellent therapy dogs.
As long as they meet the minimum requirements, they can reside anywhere.
However, their huge popularity has brought forth a lot of backyard breeders and puppy mills. This can result in health issues for the breed.
More are sociable and playful, which makes them great companion dogs. However, as with all breeds, they suffer from some health issues that are unique to them. Knowing these can make you a more responsible pet owner and make the right choice for your family.
One of the most notable health issues for the French Bulldog is spinal issues. They are prone to developing hemivertebrae. This is a deformed vertebrae. This condition can cause a variety of problems, including weakness in the hind legs and fecal and urinary incontinence. Severe cases of the hemivertebra may require surgery.
Another health issue that is commonplace is respiratory problems. Because of their small lungs, these dogs struggle to breathe in hot weather and are at risk for overheating. To avoid this happening, make sure that your French Bulldog can access a cool place and goes for frequent walks outdoors during cooler temperatures.
This breed is also prone to skin allergies. They typically develop them as puppies, but they can be difficult to identify and treat. Your veterinarian might prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergy, however this treatment is usually ongoing.
Frenchies are susceptible to ear infections because of their smaller ear canals than normal. The narrowing of canals in the ear allows moisture and debris to easily get into the ear, which can cause inflammation. You can stop this from happening by cleaning your dog's ears and keeping his ear clean.
Lastly the dogs are predisposed to eye issues and cataracts, particularly. Cataracts are a cloudy structure on the eye's lens and can cause blindness if they are not treated early enough. Keep your dog's weight in check and be attentive to any eye issues he might be suffering from.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed however, you shouldn't buy one simply because it looks good. This adorable little dog has a huge personality, and you'll need to invest in training to ensure that it's well-behaved and responsive to commands. A reputable trainer can teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills and socialization to help him be comfortable with other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and loving companions. They are affectionate, playful and extremely athletic for their size due to their desire to be loved. They may not be the best choice for families with active small children, but they are great with older children and love being around other dogs and cats.
Frenchies as flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are more susceptible to respiratory diseases. The ear canals of Frenchies are narrower and more susceptible to infection. It is important to keep their ears dry especially after bathing or when they go outside.
Because of their short skulls, Frenchies are predisposed to different skin diseases, including dermatitis in the folds of skin (intertrigo), interdigital pyoderma and demodicosis. They are also susceptible to luxating patella which can cause the kneecap to slip out of position and cause pain and discomfort. Breeders who are responsible will be required to have their breeding stock X scans to check for this problem.
Like other breeds of brachycephalic, Frenchies have reduced hearing and are more sensitive to heat. Frenchies also are susceptible to a variety of eye conditions such as corneal dystrophy or cataracts.
Due to their narrow spines and weight increase they also can suffer from back pain. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It's crucial to check them for signs of allergy symptoms, which can include itchiness or diarrhea, as well as breathing problems. It's also an excellent idea to keep them away from foods and environments that trigger allergies.
The "rat-like" movement is a result of the shortened skulls of Frenchies. This gait is caused by the way they place their front legs as they walk. It can cause joint issues, like osteoarthritis chondrodystrophic. There are treatments that can help to prevent and treat this condition. Also, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk of developing respiratory ailments due to the narrow airways associated with their skulls that are shortened. They can also experience a variety gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea and constipation. They are also at risk of having a regurgitation after anesthesia, and may develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
As with other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies are prone to obstruction of the airways. Their skulls and faces that are shortened compress their anatomy into a smaller space and make it difficult for air to flow freely through the nasal and lower airways. This is also known as brachycephalic obstruction airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can result in loud, labored breathing as well as difficulty swallowing. It can also affect the lungs as well as the digestive tract.
Breathing problems can affect French Bulldogs at any age but they are more common in young puppies. Select a puppy from a trusted, screened breeder to avoid any issues. They must be able to prove that both parents are not affected by the disorder.
The breed standard states that the bite of a French Bulldog should be "well under." This means that the front teeth are supposed to be able to cover the back teeth when the dog is at rest. Be aware that the bites of puppies will continue to evolve until they reach adulthood. While a scissors-bite is considered a defect in accordance with the breed standard, this is not an accurate indicator of the way a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Frenchies have a smaller jaw and an underbite. This means they are more susceptible to tartar than most other breeds. Brushing your Frenchie's teeth on regular basis using a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized dog toothpaste can help reduce this issue. Additionally, you should bring your Frenchie to the vet regularly for regular cleanings.
Additionally, Frenchies are prone to an entropion-like condition, which is a roll inward of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can lead to irritation, tears and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this problem can usually be corrected with surgery.
Despite the health issues that are associated with this fantastic dog breed, Frenchies tend to be happy and healthy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low risk of genetic diseases. When selecting a French Bulldog, remember to consider the dog's personality as well as its physical appearance. You want a dog that is loving, loyal and sweet.
Eyes
Frenchies are loving, affectionate dogs that make great companions. Their distinctiveness and devotion to their owners have earned them the title of America's most loved breed. However, this breed has a few specific needs that should be considered prior to adopting one. This includes the need to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic face structure can also lead to health issues.
French Bulldogs are at risk of back issues such as intervertebral disc diseases that can lead to herniated discs. This is due to the flattened neck and face which puts pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog has a hunched-back, is in pain and is unable to jump up or climb stairs or whines or whines often it is recommended that he be examined by a vet.
The eyes of a French Bulldog are large and dark, with a curious and alert expression. Their ears are bat-like and wide-based which makes them look cute. They have a wide nose that is short and their face is rounded, with an elongated skull. This breed is a little active and can be adapted to a wide variety of living conditions. They should not be left alone in long durations as they may develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
Grooming requirements for the French Bulldog are modest. Their short, smooth, single-layer coats are easy to groom. Regular brushing will help to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy and shiny. They also require frequent baths but should be dried using a towel instead of being blow-drying. They are susceptible to gain weight so it is important to monitor their food intake and limit treats. They also do not tolerate temperatures well, so exercising should be restricted during the heat of the day.
French Bulldogs come in many designs and colors, including brindle. These variations in color are known as Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies that are adorned with white or black spots. But it is important to keep in mind that merle is a pattern and not a color. It is essential to buy only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues when crossed with other merles.