Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are great companion dogs, excelling in obedience, agility and rally, as well as therapy dogs.
As long as they meet the minimal requirements, they are able to live anyplace they want.
The breed's enormous popularity has resulted in a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can result in health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are friendly and playful, making them great companion dogs. As with all breeds, French Bulldogs suffer from their own health issues. Understanding these issues will assist you in becoming a responsible owner and make the right choice for your family.
One of the most notable health issues that plague the French Bulldog is spinal issues. These puppies are susceptible to developing hemivertebrae. This is a deformed vertebrae. This condition can cause numerous issues like weakness in the back leg muscles and urinary or fecal incontinence. In severe cases, hemivertebra may require surgery.
Another health concern that is often overlooked is respiratory issues. Because of their small lung capacity, these dogs are unable to breathe during hot weather and are at risk of overheating. To avoid this happening, make sure your French Bulldog is able to access a cool place and enjoys frequent walks outdoors in 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 identify and manage. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help manage your dog's allergies, however these are often lifelong treatments.
Frenchies are prone to ear infections because of their ear canals being narrower than normal. The narrowing of the canals in the ear allows moisture and debris to easily enter, causing inflammation. You can stop this from happening by cleaning your dog's ears and keeping his ear clean.
In addition the dogs are predisposed to eye issues including cataracts. Cataracts are a cloudy structure on the eye's lens and can cause blindness if not addressed early on. Keep your Frenchie’s weight in check and be alert to any eye issues he might have.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you shouldn't buy one just because of its looks. This adorable little dog has a huge personality and you'll have to invest in training to make sure that it is well-mannered and responds to commands. A good trainer can help you teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills, as well as socialization, so that he can be comfortable with other dogs and people.
Nose
Frenchies are devoted to their families and are excellent companions. They are playful, affectionate and athletic for their size because of their desire to be loved. They may not be the ideal choice for active families that have small children however they do well with older children and love being with other dogs and cats.
As flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic), Frenchies are susceptible to respiratory illness. They also have a narrower ear canals that can become irritated and infected more easily than other breeds. It is crucial to keep their ears dry after bathing or exercising outdoors.
Frenchies have a skull that is small which makes them prone to skin conditions such as dermatitis (intertrigo) and interdigital demodicosis as well as the pyoderma. They also have a tendency to the Patella luxating, which can cause pain and discomfort causing the kneecaps to slip out of their normal position. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed in order to identify the problem.
As with other breeds of brachycephalics, Frenchies have reduced hearing and are more sensitive to heat. They are also susceptible to a variety of eye issues such as corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
They can have back problems also due to their short spines and heavier weight. The symptoms of herniated discs within Frenchies include back pain and stiffness.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It's crucial to check their symptoms for symptoms of allergies, which can include itchiness and diarrhea, as well as breathing difficulties. It's also a good idea to avoid foods and places that 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 caused by the way they stand on their front legs as they walk. This can result in joint issues, such as chondrodystrophic arthritis. There are treatments to help prevent and manage this condition. The shortened skulls of French Bulldogs can also increase their risk of developing respiratory illnesses. They can also experience a variety gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea and constipation. In addition they are at risk for regurgitation following anesthesia and may develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
Frenchies like other dogs with brachycephalic symbiosis, are susceptible to respiratory diseases that cause obstruction. Their smaller skull and 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 airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can result in loud, labored breaths and difficulty swallowing. It can also affect lungs and the digestive tract.
Breathing difficulties can occur in French Bulldogs of any age however they are more prevalent in puppies that are young. To avoid issues, select a puppy from a reputable breeder who screens for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They must also show proof that their parents were free of the condition.
The breed standard states 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 in a relaxed state. When you are looking at puppies, keep in mind that their bites are likely to change until they are full-grown. It's also important to keep in mind that while a scissors bite is considered a fault in the breed standard, it's not a reliable indicator of whether the French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior as an adult.
Frenchies have a smaller jaw and an underbite. This makes them more susceptible to tartar than many other dogs. Regularly brushing the teeth of your Frenchie with a soft-bristled dog toothbrush and specialized toothpaste can help reduce this problem. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.
Lastly, Frenchies are prone to a condition called entropion, which is a rolling inward of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing corneal ulcers, and irritation. This problem can be corrected by surgery.
Despite the health concerns that are associated with this wonderful breed of dog, Frenchies tend to be happy and healthy dogs. They have a low rate of genetic diseases and are relatively easy to look after. Consider the character of a French Bulldog as well as its appearance when selecting one. You'll want a dog that is loving, sweet and reliable.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make great companions. Their uniqueness and devotedness have made them America's most popular breed. However this breed has a few specific requirements that must be considered before adopting one. This includes the necessity to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. Also, because of their brachycephalic facial structure, they face a range of health issues that have to be considered.
French Bulldogs are at risk of back issues, including intervertebral disc diseases, which can cause herniated discs. This is due to the flattened neck and face, which causes pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog is unable jump or go up the stairs, is unnaturally hunched back, frequently coughs or whines or is refusing to eat, he may be suffering from severe pain and should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away.
The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large, dark appearance with a curious expression. Their ears are bat-like, and wide-based which adds a cute appearance. They have a large nose that is short and their face is rounded and has a slightly flattened skull. This breed is comparatively active and can be adapted to a wide range of living conditions. However it is not recommended to be left unattended for extended periods of time as they tend to develop separation anxiety. This can cause destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming requirements. Their thin, smooth single-layer coats are easy to groom. Regular brushing removes loose hairs and keeps the coat shiny and healthy. Also, they need frequent baths. However drying with towels is preferred over blow-drying. They are prone to gain weight so it is important to monitor their food intake and avoid sweets. They also don't take heat well. Exercise should be restricted during the heat of the afternoon.
French Bulldogs are available in a variety of colors and patterns including brindle. These variations in color, known as Merle, feature spots on their bodies with either white or black spots. It is crucial to keep in mind that merle is not an exact color, but rather it is a pattern. The merle gene can cause serious health problems if bred with other merles, which is why it is important to only purchase purebred Frenchies.