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 therapy dogs.
They can reside in rural or urban areas as long as their minimum requirements are satisfied.
Unfortunately, the breed's huge popularity has led to numerous backyard breeders and dog mills. This can lead to health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are sociable and playful, which makes them excellent companion dogs. But, like all breeds, they suffer from some health issues that are particular to them. Understanding these issues will assist you in becoming a responsible owner and make the right decision for your family.
Spinal disorders are among the most serious health issues for French Bulldogs. These puppies are prone to developing hemivertebrae, an incomplete vertebrae in the spine. This condition can trigger a variety of problems, including weakness in the hind legs, urinary and fecal incontinence. In severe cases, the hemivertebra can require surgery.
Respiratory issues are a common health problem. Because of their small lungs, these breeds 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 area and regularly walks outside in cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are also a common issue for this breed. They usually develop these issues as puppies, but they can be difficult to recognize and manage. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat your dog's allergies. However, these often need to be lifelong treatments.
The ear canals that are narrower in Frenchies make them more prone to ear infections. The narrowing of the canals in the ear allows debris and moisture to easily enter, causing inflammation. You can stop this from happening by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his ear clean.
Lastly, these dogs are predisposed to eye problems, especially cataracts. Cataracts, which is a cloudy form of the eye's lenses that can lead to blindness if untreated, are caused by cataracts. To prevent these from happening problems, ensure that your dog's weight is in check and be vigilant in examining any eye problems he may have.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed however, you shouldn't purchase one solely because it looks good. The adorable dog has a big personality and you'll have to invest in training to make sure that it's well-behaved and responds to commands. A good trainer will help you teach your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills, and also socialization so that he gets used to other dogs and humans.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. They are playful, affectionate and extremely athletic for their size because of their love of attention. They might not be the best choice for active families that have small children, but they are great with older children and enjoy being with other dogs and cats.
As dogs with a flat face (brachycephalic), Frenchies are at risk for respiratory disease. The Frenchies' ear canals are more narrow and prone to infections. It's crucial to keep their ears dry after bathing or going outdoors.
Because of their skulls' shortness, Frenchies are predisposed to different skin diseases, like dermatitis that affects the folds of skin (intertrigo) and interdigital pyoderma, and demodicosis. They also have a tendency to luxating patella which can cause the kneecap to slide out of position and cause discomfort and pain. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed to identify the problem.
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic characteristics, can be more sensitive than other breeds to heat. They are also susceptible to a variety of eye issues 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 back pain and stiffness in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is important to watch for symptoms of allergy, including itching, diarrhea and breathing problems. Also, avoid foods and environments which cause allergies.
The "rat-like" motion is the result of the skulls that are shorter in Frenchies. This is caused by the way their front legs are positioned when they walk. It can cause joint problems, such as osteoarthritis chondrodystrophic. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help prevent and manage these problems. Additionally, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk for developing respiratory illnesses because of the narrow airways associated with their skulls that are shortened. They also can experience a variety gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea and constipation. In addition they are at risk of regurgitation following anesthesia and may develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
As with other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies are prone to obstructive airway disease. Their skulls and faces that are shortened compress their anatomy into smaller spaces, making it difficult for air to flow freely through the nose and lower airways. This is also known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can cause loud breathing, choking 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 in puppies in the early stages. Choose a puppy only from a trusted, screened breeder to avoid any problems. They should be able prove that both parents are free from the disorder.
The breed standard stipulates that the bite of a French Bulldog must be "well below." The front teeth should 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're full-grown. While a scissors-bite is considered a defect according to the standard for breeds, it is not a reliable gauge of the way a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Due to their shortened jaws and underbite, Frenchies are more likely to develop tartar more than other dogs. Regularly brushing your Frenchie's teeth with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and a special toothpaste can help reduce this problem. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.
Finally, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as entropion which is an inward rolling of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This can cause irritation, tears and corneal ulcers. The problem can be addressed through surgery.
Despite the numerous health issues that are associated with this breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are afflicted with a low percentage of genetic diseases and are relatively easy to care for. Consider the character of a French Bulldog as well as its appearance when selecting one. You'll want a dog that is affectionate, sweet, and dependable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make wonderful companions. here Their uniqueness and devotedness have earned them the title of America's most loved breed. However, this breed has a few special requirements that must be considered before adopting one. This includes the need for proper grooming, exercise, and eating a balanced diet. Also, because of their brachycephalic facial structure they face a range of health issues that have to be considered.
French Bulldogs can be affected by back problems such as intervertebral disk disease that can cause herniated disks. They are caused by the flattened neck or face, which puts pressure on the spine cord. If your dog has a back that is hunched, hurts and is unable to jump up or climb stairs, or if he coughs or whines frequently and is not able to sleep, he must be examined by a vet.
The eyes of the French Bulldog are large and dark with curious and alert eyes. Their ears are bat-like, and wide-based which makes them look cute. They have a broad, short nose and the face is rounded with an elongated skull. This breed has a low activity level and can adapt to a variety of living conditions. They should not be left alone long periods of times because they may develop separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming requirements. Their sleek, short, single-layer coats are easy to groom. Regular brushing helps remove hair that isn't being used and keep the coat shiny and healthy. They also require frequent baths but should be dried using a towel instead of being blow-drying. They are prone to gain weight and should be monitored for their intake of food and limit treats. They also don't take heat well, so exercise should be a little less during the heat of the day.
French Bulldogs come in many colors and patterns including brindle. These color variations, called"merle," have a spotted body pattern with either white or black spots. It is important to remember that merle is not a particular color, but rather it is a pattern. It is important to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can cause serious health problems if crossed with other merles.