According to the American Kennel Club, French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. It’s easy to see why. Frenchies have adorable stubby legs, distinctive bat-like ears, and squished faces leading to cuteness overload. French bulldogs also have playful personalities that make them a great fit for any family looking for a good dog.
Sadly, many features that make French bulldogs so appealing also lead to health concerns. Unethical breeding practices caused the proliferation of genetic abnormalities predisposing Frenchies to problems ranging from Disc Disease to heatstroke. Luckily, most French bulldog health disorders can be effectively treated through proper care. In this article, we’ll explore common French bulldog health problems and what you can do to protect your dog. We’ll also look at how supplements from a trustworthy manufacturer like Seapet may help your French bulldog live a longer, happier life.
What are some common health issues for French bulldogs?
While there is no guarantee your French bulldog will develop a health problem, Frenchies are at increased risk of many conditions compared to other dog breeds. Here are six the astute dog owner will want to watch out for:
- Disc Disease
French bulldogs were bred to have short hindlegs and a curly tail, a combination placing stress on their skeletal system. One result of this is a predisposition to Intervertebral Disc Disease: a health condition caused when the cushioning discs between backbones become damaged. Damaged discs are more likely to bulge, slip, or burst, placing painful pressure on a French bulldog’s spinal cord. Treatments vary according to the location, severity, and root cause of the issue.
- Patella luxation
Unfortunately, that’s not the only skeletal health condition afflicting French bulldogs. Patella luxation is the medical term for the kneecap temporarily slipping out of place. You may notice your dog hopping after it pops out and return to normal walking when it pops back in. The condition requires surgery in extreme cases, but most French bulldogs respond well to dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to strengthen their joints.
- Airway Syndrome
Frenchies have flat faces making them more susceptible to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome or BOAS. BOAS is a health condition categorized by tissue compression in the nose and throat, causing respiratory issues like labored breathing, heat sensitivity, vomiting, coughing, and sleep apnea. BOAS is a lifelong, progressive condition for French bulldogs that may shorten their life span. Treatments include avoiding extreme temperatures and stress, NSAIDs for short-term relief, and surgically shortening the soft palate.
- Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a symptom of BOAS, but the flat faces of French bulldogs make it difficult for the animals to cool themselves down through panting. As a result, all Frenchies are vulnerable to heatstroke even if they don’t have BOAS. The sun doesn’t have to be out for a French bulldog to get heatstroke either. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, vomiting, weakness, and being hot to the touch. Treatments include rubbing alcohol sprays, fluid therapy, and supplemental oxygen.
- French bulldog eye problems
The flat faces of French bulldogs cause their eyes to protrude outward, causing infection and a myriad of potential health issues. Some of the most common include corneal ulcers, dry eye, cherry eye, and conjunctivitis. Many of these conditions cause or worsen others, so it’s important to take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice your bulldog pawing their eyes or swelling in the area.
- Skin infections
Frenchies have wrinkly skin that makes them more susceptible to skin infections. Skin allergies are among the most common problems. French bulldogs can react to anything, including environmental factors like dust mites and pollen, parasites like fleas and ticks, food intolerances, and washing liquids. Bulldogs may also develop skin fold dermatitis, or an infection in the wrinkles of their skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, skin discharge, and itchiness. Regular skin cleaning is the best preventative measure.
What can I do to keep my French bulldog healthy?
Caring for your French bulldog comes down to understanding the potential health problems described above and proactively preventing them. For instance, Frenchies generally don’t tolerate heat well. You’ll want to make sure your dog always has access to water, avoid leaving them outside when it’s hot, and never leave them unattended in a car. Bathing your dog frequently can help prevent skin infections, and spending time with them makes it easier to notice when something’s wrong.
Experts recommend annual vet trips for all French bulldogs to check for health issues like BOAS, but an older dog should go every six months just to be safe. A balanced diet is also essential for your French bulldog, potentially including nutritional supplements.
Can supplements help mitigate French bulldog health problems?
Frenchies might be susceptible to a variety of health problems, but high-quality supplements could mitigate or support prevention of many of these issues. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joint cartilage, but most dogs don’t get enough of them through diet alone. Similarly, Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin.
The secret to nutritional supplements is finding a reliable company you can trust. If you pick the wrong option, your bulldog won’t get any benefit and may even experience an adverse reaction.
Where can I find the best supplements for my French bulldog?
Seapet has been in the pet supplement business for over two decades, allowing us to refine our formulas using only 100-percent natural, sustainably-sourced ingredients. Our Super Joint Formula for Dogs contains the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate Frenchies need for healthy joints. Likewise, our line of Omega PURE fish oils offers anti-inflammatory properties with added vitamins for healthy skin and bones. If you’re concerned about your own allergies, we even offer a line of pet-friendly cleaning products called EarthPawz. Try our products today if you’re ready to help your beloved French bulldog enjoy life to the fullest.
Image by
Alexandr Ivanov from
Pixabay
