Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are wonderful companion dogs, excelling at obedience, agility and rally, as well as being excellent therapy dogs.
As long as they meet their minimal requirements, they are able to be anyplace they want.
However, their huge popularity has led to a lot of backyard breeders and puppy mills. This could lead to health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are adorable and fun-loving, making them great companion dogs. However, like all breeds, they suffer from some health issues that are unique to their breed. Knowing these issues can help you to be a responsible owner and make the best decision for your family.
Spinal issues are among the major health concerns for French Bulldogs. These puppies are susceptible to developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae. This condition can cause various problems, such as weakness of the hind legs as well as urinary and fecal incontinence. Severe cases of hemivertebra may require surgery.
Respiratory issues are a common health concern. These dogs are susceptible to overheating because of their short lungs. To avoid this, make sure your French Bulldog is able to get access to a cool space and regularly walks outside in cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are an issue that is common to this breed. They typically develop them as puppies, but they can be difficult to recognize and treat. Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to treat your dog's allergies. However, these are often permanent treatments.
Frenchies are susceptible to ear infections due to their smaller ear canals than normal. This means that water and dirt can easily get in, which leads to inflammation. You can avoid this by cleaning your dog's ears and keeping his ears clean.
In addition the dogs are predisposed to eye problems, especially cataracts. Cataracts, a cloudy formation of the lens of the eye which can lead to blindness if not treated is caused by cataracts. To prevent these from happening problems, ensure that your dog's weight is in check and be attentive in examining any eye issues he might have.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you should never buy one just because of its appearance. The adorable dog has a huge personality and you'll need to invest in training to make sure that it's well-behaved and responds to commands. A reputable trainer can teach your Frenchie basic obedience and agility skills as well as socialization to help him be comfortable with other dogs and humans.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. Their desire to be loved makes them affectionate, fun and athletic for their size. They may not be the best option for active families that have small children however they do well with older children and love being around other dogs and cats.
As flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic), Frenchies are at risk for respiratory disease. They also have narrower ear canals that can become irritated and infected more frequently than other breeds. It's important to keep their ears dry, especially after bathing or when they go outside.
Because of their short skulls, Frenchies are predisposed to different skin diseases, such as dermatitis in the folds of the skin (intertrigo) interdigital pyoderma as well as demodicosis. They are also susceptible to luxating patellas, which can cause the kneecap to slide out of alignment 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 others to heat. They are also susceptible to various eye problems, including corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
They can have back problems too due to their short spines and weight increase. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
All dogs can develop allergies which includes Frenchies. It is essential to watch for allergy symptoms such as itchiness, diarrhea and breathing issues. It's also recommended to stay away from foods and places that trigger allergies.
The "rat-like" movement is the result of skulls that are shorter in Frenchies. This is due to the way they position their front legs as they walk. It can cause joint problems, such as osteoarthritis chondrodystrophic. There are treatments available to help prevent and manage this condition. Additionally, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses because of the airways that are restricted due to their shortened skulls. They also can suffer from a range of digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. Additionally they are susceptible to regurgitation following anesthesia, and could develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
As with other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies are prone to Obstructive airway disease. Their skulls and faces that are shortened make their anatomy smaller spaces which makes it difficult for air to flow freely through the nose and lower airways. This condition is also called brachycephalic obstruction of airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can lead to noisy, labored breathing and difficulty swallowing. It can also affect lungs and the digestive tract.
Breathing issues can be found in French Bulldogs of any age, but are more common in puppies who are young. To avoid problems, select an animal from a reputable breeder who screens for BOAS and hemivertebrae. They must be able to show proof that both parents are free of the disorder.
The breed standard states that the bite of a French Bulldog should be "well under." The front teeth should cover the back teeth when the dog is laying down. Remember that the bites of puppies will continue to evolve until they reach the age of adulthood. It's also important to note that while a bite with a knife is considered to be a flaw in the breed standard, it is not a reliable gauge of whether the French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior as an adult.
Frenchies have a jaw that is shorter and an underbite. This means they are more susceptible to tartar than many other dogs. Regularly brushing the teeth of your Frenchie with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and a special toothpaste can help to reduce the risk of developing this issue. It is also recommended to take your Frenchie for regular professional cleanings.
Additionally, Frenchies are prone to a condition called entropion, which is a roll inward of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This can cause irritation, tears and corneal ulcers. Fortunately, the problem can usually be corrected with surgery.
Despite the health concerns that are associated with this fantastic breed of dog, Frenchies tend to be healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low incidence of genetic diseases. Think about the character of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when choosing one. You want a dog that is loving, loyal and sweet.
Eyes
Frenchies are affectionate, loving dogs that make wonderful companions. Their devotion and unique characteristics have made them the most loved breed in America. However this breed has a few special needs that should be considered before adopting one. This includes the requirement to exercise, groom and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic face structure can cause health issues.
French Bulldogs can suffer from back problems such as intervertebral disc disease, which could cause herniated disks. These are caused by the flattened neck and face, which puts pressure on the spine cord. If your dog is unable jump or walk up the stairs, is unnaturally hunched back, frequently coughs or whines or refuses to eat, then he could be suffering from severe pain and should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
The eyes of a French Bulldog are large and dark, with a curious and alert expression. Their ears are broad-based and bat-like, adding to their adorable appearance. The face is rounded and has an elongated, slightly flattened skull. They have a narrow, short nose. This breed has a relatively low level of activity and can adjust to any living situation. However it is not recommended to be left unattended for long periods of time because they are prone to developing separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
Grooming requirements for the French Bulldog are modest. They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing can help remove hair that isn't being used and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Also, they need frequent baths. However towel drying is preferred over blow-drying. You should limit their treats and keep track of their food intake as they are more prone to weight gain. Additionally, they don't tolerate heat very well. Exercise should be limited in the summer heat.
French Bulldogs come in many designs and colors, including brindle. These color variations are called Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies, with black or white spots. It is important to remember that merle isn't a specific color but an underlying pattern. It is essential to buy only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues if crossed with other merles.