Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are excellent companion dogs and excel in agility, obedience and rally, as well as therapy dogs.
As long as they meet the minimal requirements, they are able to reside anywhere.
Unfortunately, their popularity has led to a lot of backyard breeders and puppy mills. This can result in health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are affectionate and playful, which makes them excellent companion dogs. As with all breeds, French Bulldogs have their own health issues. Understanding these issues will help you to be a responsible pet owner and make the right choice for your family.
One of the biggest health concerns for the French Bulldog is spinal issues. These puppies are susceptible to developing hemivertebrae. This is a deformed vertebrae. This condition can trigger many issues, such as weakness in the hind legs as well as fecal and urinary incontinence. In severe cases, hemivertebra may require surgery.
Respiratory problems are another common health problem. Due to their small lungs, these dogs struggle to breathe in hot temperatures and are at risk for overheating. To prevent this, make sure your French Bulldog has access to a cool area and enjoys frequent walks outdoors in cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are also common for this breed. These allergies are difficult to identify or treat and usually occur in puppies. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat your dog's allergies. However, these often need to be permanent treatments.
The ear canals that are narrower in Frenchies are more prone to infections in the ear. This means that water and dirt can easily enter which can cause inflammation. You can reduce the risk of this by regularly cleaning your dog's ears and keeping the skin's folds clean.
They are also predisposed to eye problems, specifically cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy formation of the eye's lenses that can lead to blindness if left untreated and are caused by cataracts. To avoid them, keep your Frenchie's weight in check and be attentive in examining any eye conditions he might have.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed, but you should not buy one just because it looks nice. This cute little dog has a lot of personality. You'll need to invest some time 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, so that he can become comfortable with other dogs and humans.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and loving companions. Their desire to be loved makes them affectionate, playful and athletic for their size. While they may not be the best option for families with active small children, they do well with older children and love the company of other dogs and cats.
Frenchies are flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are susceptible to respiratory disease. They also have a narrower ear canals that can get irritated and infected much more frequently than other breeds. It is essential to keep their ears dry after bathing or going outdoors.
Because of their short skulls, Frenchies are predisposed to various skin conditions, such as dermatitis in the folds of skin (intertrigo) interdigital pyoderma and demodicosis. They are also susceptible to luxating patellas which can cause the kneecap to slide out of position and cause discomfort and pain. Breeders who are responsible will have their breeding stock X rayed in order to check for this issue.
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic symbiosis, may be more sensitive than others to heat. Frenchies also are susceptible to a variety of eye problems such as corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
They can have back problems as well due to their short spines and weight increase. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It's important to monitor them for signs of allergy symptoms that could include itching or diarrhea, as well as breathing problems. You should also be sure to keep them away from environments and foods that can cause allergies.
Due to their skulls being shortened, Frenchies have a unique motion that is referred to as the "rat-like" gait. This is caused by the way their front legs are placed when they walk. It can cause joint issues, like osteoarthritis chondrodystrophic. There are treatments that can help prevent and manage this condition. Additionally, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk for developing respiratory diseases due to the airways that are restricted due to their shortened skulls. They also have the potential to suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and diarrhea. They also run the risk of having a regurgitation after anesthesia, and may develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic symbiosis are prone to respiratory diseases that cause obstruction. Their skulls and faces that are shortened compress their anatomy which makes it more difficult for air to pass through the nose and lower lungs. This condition is also known as brachycephalic obstruction of the airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can cause noisy breathing, slurred breaths and trouble swallowing. It can also affect the lungs as well as the digestive tract.
Breathing problems can be seen in French Bulldogs of any age, but are more common in puppies who are young. To avoid issues, select a puppy from a reputable breeder who checks for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They should be able show proof that both parents are not affected by the disorder.
The breed standard stipulates that the bite of a French Bulldog must be "well below." The front teeth should more info be covered by the back teeth while the dog is resting. When you are looking at puppies, keep in mind that their bites will continue to change until they are full-grown. While a bite that is cut with scissors is considered to be a naughty thing according to the standard of the breed, it is not a reliable indicator of how a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Frenchies have a smaller jaw and an underbite. This makes them more susceptible to tartar than many other breeds of dogs. Regularly brushing your Frenchie's teeth using a soft-bristled dog brush and specialized toothpaste can help to reduce the risk of developing this issue. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie to a professional cleaning every few months.
Additionally, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as entropion which is a roll inward of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing, and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this problem can usually be corrected through surgery.
Despite the many health issues associated with this wonderful breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to care for and have a low incidence of genetic diseases. Take into consideration the personality of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when selecting one. You'll want a dog who is sweet, loving and reliable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make great companions. Their devotedness and unique characteristics have made them the most popular breed in America. This breed has a few special requirements that must be considered prior to deciding to adopt. This includes the need to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic facial structure could also cause health problems.
French Bulldogs can suffer from back issues like intervertebral disk disease, which could cause herniated disks. This is due to the flattened neck and face which puts pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog has a back that is hunched, hurts, and cannot jump or climb stairs or coughs or whines frequently and is not able to sleep, he must be examined by a vet.
The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large, dark appearance with a strange expression. Their ears are broad-based and bat-like, which adds to their adorable appearance. The face is rounded and has a slightly flattened, rounded skull. They have a short, wide nose. This breed is comparatively low-activity and can adapt to a wide variety of living conditions. However it is not recommended to be left alone for prolonged periods of time as they can develop separation anxiety. This could 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 helps to remove hairs that are loose and keeps the coat glossy and healthy. Additionally, they require frequent baths. However, towel drying is preferred over blow-drying. They are prone to gain weight and should be monitored for their intake of food and limit sweets. They also don't tolerate extreme heat, so their exercise should be a little less in the hot summer days.
French Bulldogs are available in many patterns and colors, including brindle. These color variations are referred to as Merle. They typically have a spotted pattern on their bodies that are adorned with white or black spots. It is important to keep in mind that merle isn't a particular color, but rather it is a pattern. Merle can cause serious health issues if bred with other merles. Therefore, it is essential to buy only purebred Frenchies.