Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are great companion dogs that excel in agility, obedience, rally, as well as therapy dogs.
If they meet their minimal requirements, they are able to reside anywhere.
Unfortunately, the breed's massive popularity has resulted in a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can lead to health problems for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are affectionate and playful, making them excellent companion dogs. As with all breeds, French Bulldogs suffer from their own health issues. Knowing these issues can help you to be a responsible owner and make the right choice for your family.
Spinal problems are one of the most serious health issues for French Bulldogs. These puppies are prone to developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae in the spine. This condition can cause a number of problems including weakness in the back leg muscles and fecal or urinary incontinence. Severe cases of the hemivertebra can require surgery.
Another health issue that is commonplace is respiratory issues. Because of their small lungs, these dogs struggle to breathe during hot weather and are at risk for overheating. To avoid this, ensure that your French Bulldog is able to get access to a cool space and enjoys frequent walks outdoors during cooler temperatures.
This breed is also prone to skin allergies. These allergies can be difficult to diagnose or treat, and are most often seen in puppies. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help manage your dog's allergies. However, they are usually ongoing treatments.
Frenchies are prone to ear infections because of their smaller ear canals than normal. The narrowing of the canals of the ear allows moisture and debris to easily get in, causing inflammation. You can reduce the risk of this by regularly cleaning your dog's ears and keeping the skin's folds clean.
Additionally the dogs are predisposed to eye issues including cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy structure of the lenses of the eyes that can cause blindness if left untreated and are caused by cataracts. Keep your dog's weight in check and be attentive to any eye issues he might have.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you shouldn't buy one just because of its appearance. This cute little dog is full of personality. You'll need to invest time and effort in training it to ensure that it's well-behaved and is responsive to your instructions. A good trainer will assist you in teaching your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills, and also socialization so that it gets used to other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. Their love of attention makes them affectionate, playful and athletic for their size. They might not be the best option for families with active small children however, they work well with older children and enjoy being with other cats and dogs.
As dogs with a flat face (brachycephalic), Frenchies are at risk for respiratory disease. The Frenchies' ear canals are narrower and more susceptible to infections. It is crucial to keep their ears dry after bathing or exercising outdoors.
Because of their short skulls, Frenchies are predisposed to various skin diseases including dermatitis in the folds of the skin (intertrigo) and interdigital pyoderma, and demodicosis. They also have a tendency to luxating Patella, which may cause pain and discomfort creating a slippage of the kneecaps out of position. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed to identify the problem.
Frenchies as well as other brachycephalic dogs, can be more sensitive than others to heat. Frenchies also are at risk of a number of eye issues such as corneal dystrophy or cataracts.
Because of their short spines and weight increase, they can also have back issues. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is essential to watch for symptoms of allergy, including itching, diarrhea and breathing issues. You should also avoid foods and environments which cause allergies.
Due to their skulls being shortened, Frenchies have a unique motion that is referred to as the "rat-like" gait. This gait is due to the way they place their front legs when they walk. It can cause joint issues, like osteoarthritis with chondrodystrophic features. There are treatments to help to prevent and treat this condition. Additionally, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk for developing respiratory ailments due to the airways that are restricted due to their skulls that are shorter. They also can experience a variety gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation and diarrhea. They also run the risk of re-injuring themselves after anesthesia and could develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic characteristics are prone to obstructive respiratory disease. Their smaller skull and here face compress their anatomy into smaller spaces which makes it difficult for air to flow freely through the nasal and lower airways. This is also known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can result in loud, labored breaths and difficulty swallowing. It can also affect lungs and the digestive tract.
Breathing problems can be a problem for French Bulldogs at any age but they are more common in puppies in the early stages. To avoid issues, select a puppy from a reputable breeder who screens for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They must also be able to provide proof that their parents were not guilty of the condition.
The breed standard states that the bite of the mouth of a French Bulldog should be "well under." This means that the front teeth are expected to cover the back teeth when the dog is in a relaxed state. Be aware that the bites of puppies will continue to change until they reach adulthood. While a scissors-bite is a fault according to the standard of the breed, it is not a reliable gauge of the way a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Because of their jaws' shortened and underbite, Frenchies are more likely to develop tartar than other dogs. Brushing your Frenchie's teeth on a regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized dog toothpaste can help reduce the likelihood of developing this problem. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie to a professional cleaning every few months.
Lastly, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as entropion which is an inward rolling of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this issue is usually treated by surgery.
Despite the numerous health issues that are associated with this breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low risk of genetic diseases. Think about the personality of a French Bulldog as well as its appearance when selecting one. You'll want a dog that is sweet, loving, and dependable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make great companions. Their uniqueness and dedication to each other have made them America's most popular breed. However, this breed has a few specific requirements to be considered before adopting one. This includes the need for regular grooming, exercise, and eating a balanced diet. A brachycephalic facial structure could also lead to health issues.
French Bulldogs can suffer from back issues like intervertebral disk disease that can cause herniated disks. This is caused by the flattened neck and face, which places pressure on the spine cord. If your dog is 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 adds a cute appearance. The face is round and has a slightly flattened, rounded skull. They have a long, wide nose. This breed has a relatively low level of activity and can adjust to any living situation. However they should not be left to themselves for prolonged periods of time because they can develop separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming needs. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing removes hairs that aren't being removed and keeps the coat glossy and healthy. They also require frequent baths. However, towel drying is preferred over blow-drying. You should limit the amount of treats they can have and monitor their food intake since they are prone towards weight gain. They also don't take heat well. Exercise should be restricted during the summer heat.
French Bulldogs are available in many patterns and colors, including brindle. These color variations are referred to as Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies, with black or white spots. It is crucial to keep in mind that merle is not an exact color, but rather it is a pattern. It is important to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues if crossed with other merles.