French bulldogs, also called Frenchies, are a French breed of toy dogs or companion dogs. It was introduced in Paris, resulting in a crossbreed between bulldogs imported from whales and Parison ratters a local breed. It is a rigid and compact breed having a friendly, stocky, and gray-mannered temperament.
They are very famous as a pet and are also listed by the American kennel club in their list of top 10 best pet breeds. So it is a pre-decided thing that Frenches can be the best pet for many reasons.
But one of the most common issues with this pet is its health. Unlike its compact and rigid body or muscular build, it is prone to a lot of health risks and perhaps has one of the most fragile immune responses to them.
A study from royal veterinary college has revealed that about 72.4% of Frenchies have different health problems. In which skin problems are 17.9%, infections 14%, diarrhea 7.5%, and lastly conjunctivitis 3.2%.
It means that almost 7 out of every 10 French bulldogs are prone to some health problems.
So in this list post, we are going to cover the topmost health risks to French bulldogs and their possible solutions or preventions.
1. Ear infections
French bulldogs have leathery skin. And their curves are throughout their body. Therefore the canals and holes are narrower. This becomes a problem very often that the already narrow canal becomes further narrower due to accumulations of dust or other pollutant particles. The autoimmune response of the French bulldog then releases secretions from the glands to kill them but when it is in-ear canal the excessive glandular production turns out to be a startup of viral infections. This causes pain and swelling and sometimes become more fatal when the eardrum bursts causing the poor pooch a lot of pain!
Precautions:
Proper cleaning and timely observing of the ears and other suspected areas is the only way to prevent this disorder. Medical treatments are some antibiotic doses that can help in the hour of need.
2. Diarrhea
Due to the slow digestion and fast intake of food, French bulldogs are easily prone to obesity and stomach upsets. So diarrhea is very common in French bulldogs. It can be caused by any of the bacterial, viral, or fungal invasions like E.coli is a bacterial agent that often causes diarrhea to Frenchies.
Precautions:
Check the stools regularly if they are smelly, wet, tarry, or bloody. In the case of blood some serious infection is going on and you need to take your pups to the vet. Some other secondary signs can be the loss of weight or appetite and vomiting and fever.
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3. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a bacterial infection that occurs primarily in the thick skin folds of bulldogs. For example at the nose, armpits, crotches, or neck. This includes the inflammation of the area and redness or rashes.
Precautions:
Take care of the hygiene and bathe them often. Also, apply antibacterial fur lotions or oils in the humid seasons. If your pup has undergone the disease then watch out to a vet to get some anti-bacterial help.
4. Pyoderma
It is also a skin-related disorder but it occurs following a wound or a scratch. It is the infection on a wound, bruise, or scratch.
Precautions:
Same as above, look for redness, blood, swelling, pus, or other inflammatory symptoms and take care of the wound. If serious then seek medical help.
5. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammatory disease very common in bulldogs in which the transparent membrane of the eyes gets infected or inflamed. It is also bacterial or viral invasion and has common symptoms in humans and dogs.
Precautions:
Check the redness or eyes, or if your puppy is blinking them more than usual also notice if there is a discharge from eyes like liquid or pus. Seek medical help quickly.
6. BOAS
Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome is a type of skull malformation in which the French bulldogs are stuck since their introductory breeding. This issue has multiple side effects on the life of a French bulldog. One of them is the deformed breathing track which offers difficult breathing and lowers oxygen intake. That is why these dogs are often seen doing panting even at slight exertion. And they cannot take part in heavy activities.
BOAS also comes with heart issues due to poor oxygen uptake by the lungs and a slight effort above the line can cause heart stroke in bulldogs.
It happens due to the narrow nostrils from inside and therefore bulldogs snore normally.
Precautions:
A medical procedure is done to remove the breathing obstacles by removing a portion of the soft palate but the success rate remains only 60%.
7. Artificial insemination
Bulldogs have reproductory complications too. They need to have artificial insemination in males and C-section females to continue their breed. Therefore to achieve perfection consult a breeder.
8. Thermoregulatory issues
Frenchies have a compromised breathing process and a single coat, both of them combined cannot make it a good fit to promote thermoregulation in the body. That is why they are prone to have heatstroke or other skin issues and allergies in a bit warm temperature.
Due to their brachycephalic skull, they are not allowed on various commercial flights because of the past death experiences of Frenchies in the air.
In the end – French bulldogs
French bulldogs are adorable pets and are very good for families and as a general pet dog. They have adorable habits and are great companions. Yet, their sensitive nature requires a lot of care and time.
Therefore, a person looking for a French bulldog should have these things clear in mind. Also if you are busy and cannot invest your time into it then consider looking for something else or hire a caretaker. You can also make schedules and charts to remind you of their proper care and medical checks.
