Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies make great companion dogs and excel in obedience, agility and rally, as well as therapy dogs.
They are able to live in rural or urban areas as long as their minimal requirements are met.
Unfortunately, the breed's huge popularity has led to a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can lead to health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are charming and fun-loving, making them wonderful companion dogs. But, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues that are specific to their breed. Understanding these issues will help you to be a responsible pet owner and make the best decision for your family.
One of the most prominent health issues for the French Bulldog is spinal issues. The puppies are at risk of developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae within 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 hemivertebra may require surgery.
Another health issue that is commonplace is respiratory issues. Due to their small lungs, these breeds struggle to breathe in hot temperatures and are susceptible to overheating. To prevent this from happening, make sure your French Bulldog is able to access a cool area and goes for frequent walks outdoors during cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are also an issue that is common to this breed. They typically develop them as puppies, but they can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat your dog's allergies, but this treatment is often lifelong.
The narrower ear canals of Frenchies make them more susceptible to ear infections. The narrowing of ear canals allows dirt and moisture to easily get into the ear, which can cause inflammation. You can prevent this by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his folds clean.
In addition they are also predisposed to eye problems, especially cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy structure of the lenses of the eyes that can cause blindness if not treated is caused by cataracts. Keep your dog's weight under control and be attentive to any eye problems he might be suffering from.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed however, you shouldn't buy one just because it looks attractive. This adorable dog is full of personality. You'll need to put in time and effort in training it to ensure that it's well-behaved and responds to your commands. A reputable trainer can teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills, as well as socialization to help him get used to being with other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal to their family and make great companions. Their love of attention makes them lovable, playful and surprisingly athletic for their size. While they might not be the ideal choice for families with active small children, they work well with older children and enjoy the company of other dogs and cats.
Frenchies are flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are more susceptible to respiratory diseases. They also have narrower ear canals that can become irritated and infected more frequently than other breeds. It's important to keep their ears clean especially after bathing or going outside.
französische bulldogge welpen have a short skull which makes them more prone to skin conditions such as dermatitis (intertrigo) and interdigital demodicosis, and the pyoderma. They are also prone to the Patella luxating, which can cause pain and discomfort by creating a slippage of the kneecaps out of position. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed to look for this problem.
Like other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies have reduced hearing and can be more sensitive to heat. They're also at risk for various eye problems such as corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
They may also experience back issues too due to their short spines and increased weight. The signs of herniated discs in Frenchies include back pain and stiffness.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is essential to watch for symptoms of allergy, including itching, diarrhea and breathing problems. It's also an excellent idea to avoid foods and places that trigger allergies.
The "rat-like" movement is a result of the skulls that are smaller in Frenchies. This gait is due to the way they place their front legs when they walk. This can cause joint issues, such as chondrodystrophic arthritis. There are treatments that can help treat and prevent these issues. The skulls that are smaller in French Bulldogs may also increase the risk of developing respiratory ailments. They also can suffer from a range of digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation. They also run the risk of having a regurgitation after anesthesia and could develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
Frenchies, like other brachycephalic dogs are prone to obstructive respiratory illness. Their skulls and faces that are shortened compress their anatomy into a smaller space, making it difficult for air to flow freely through the nasal and lower airways. This condition is also called brachycephalic obstruction of the airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can cause loud 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 however, they are more common in puppies who are young. To avoid problems, select the right puppy from a reliable breeder that screens for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They should be able show proof that both parents are free of the disorder.
The breed standard states that the bite of a French Bulldog must be "well below." This means that the front teeth are meant to protect the back teeth when the dog is resting. Remember that the bites of puppies will continue to change until they reach adulthood. It is also important to remember that even though a cut is considered to be a flaw in the breed standard, it is not a reliable gauge of the likelihood that a French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior in adulthood.
Frenchies have a jaw that is shorter and an underbite. This means they are more susceptible to tartar than other dogs. Brushing your Frenchie's teeth on a regular basis with a soft-bristled brush and specialized dog toothpaste can reduce the likelihood of developing this problem. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.
Additionally, Frenchies are prone to an entropion-like condition, which is a roll inward of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing, corneal ulcers. The problem can be addressed through surgery.
Despite the many health concerns that are associated with this breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to care for and have a low incidence of genetic diseases. Consider the personality of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when picking one. You'll want a dog who is sweet, loving and dependable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs who make wonderful companions. Their devotedness and unique characteristics have made them the most popular breed in America. However the breed has some specific needs that should be considered before adopting one. This includes the need to exercise, groom, and have a healthy diet. A brachycephalic face can also cause health problems.
French Bulldogs are prone to back issues such as intervertebral disc diseases that can lead to herniated discs. This is due to the neck and face being flattened, which causes pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog is unable jump or walk up the stairs, is hunched back, coughs often or whines, or refuses to eat, he could be suffering from severe pain and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
The eyes of a French Bulldog are large and dark, with a curious and alert expression. Their ears are large and bat-like, which adds to their adorable appearance. They have a broad nose that is short and their face is rounded and has an elongated skull. This breed is comparatively low-activity and can adapt to a variety of living conditions. However, they should not be left alone for prolonged periods of time since they can develop separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
Grooming requirements for a French Bulldog are modest. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny 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 be aware of their food intake as they are more prone to weight gain. They also do not tolerate temperatures well, so exercising should be a little less during the hot summer days.
French Bulldogs are available in many patterns and colors, including brindle. These variations in color are known as Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies with white or black spots. But it is important to keep in mind that it is a pattern, not a color. The merle gene can cause serious health issues when crossed with other merles, so it is essential to buy only purebred Frenchies.