Common French Bulldog Health Issues

French Bulldogs have become increasingly popular for adoption among pet owners around the world. Who can resist those perky ears and big brown eyes? Of course, such as with any other breed of dog, the French bulldog has the potential to face some common health issues. Becoming aware of these common problems can help you prepare for maintenance or prevention, potentially extending your Frenchie’s life. Here are some typical French bulldog hereditary and other health issues you may encounter.

Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome

You know those cute, little pushed in faces, a signature of Frenchies? Well, that places them at higher risk of having brachycephalic respiratory issues. This may cause them to snore, have difficulty breathing and snorting. For doggies with more severe cases, they can tire easier than others after high levels of exercise. Having this condition also makes them less tolerant of heat and stress. This breathing deficiency makes it much more difficult for them to stand the heat for long periods of time. Other breeds can cool down by panting. French Bulldogs have a more difficult time with doing this because of their brachycephalic issues. In fact, they have to work double the time it takes for other breeds to cool down. As it begins panting more, the air that passes through can cause its throat to become swollen and inflamed. In turn, this causes more stress for the little one. As the pet owner, you can do your best to alleviate the Frenchie’s stress levels and exposure to heat.

Patellar Luxation

For dogs with larger bodies and skinny legs, it places them at a higher risk of developing a luxated patella, or in simple terms, a kneecap that moves out of place. If your French Bulldog is used to jumping a lot, he or she will place more strain on the knees over time. To help alleviate this issue, limit the amount of jumping and try to prevent your dog from jumping on and off furniture. Your veterinarian can also work with you on some therapy options depending on the severity of your dog’s case.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

French Bulldogs are more stocky and considered to be part of dwarf breeds. This means that their abnormal vertebrae can place them at risk for a herniated disc. The cartilage between each disc pushes more together, which can damage the nerves. Dogs who experience this condition may whimper and feel pain when jumping or walking around for long periods of time. A simple x-ray can determine if a Frenchie is dealing with this health issue. Catching this early on can help you adjust care for your pet to ensure the most comfortable life for him or her.

Cataracts

When you pick up a camera, one of the most critical elements is the lens. It allows you to take photos of the things that you see around you. The cataracts are the lens of your eyes. When these are obstructed, it becomes difficult to see anything. Cataracts can occur in a French Bulldog in a few ways: genetically or due to trauma in the eye area. Over time, cataracts can cause a dog to go completely blind. Sometimes, owners may opt to perform surgery depending on the strength, condition and age of the dog. Of course, with any operation, dogs would be placed under anaesthesia, which can be risky. Ensure that your doctor is trained in working with French Bulldogs and adequately putting them under anaesthesia. You may notice a blue hue color on the dog’s eye indicating early stages of cataracts.

Laryngeal Collapse

When it comes to their vocals, French Bulldogs can be quite the loud pets, when they need to be. They will tend to bark as a way to communicate their excitement or needs to you. Since they have a longer soft palate, it can create some issues about their larynx. This muscle helps to control your dog’s vocal cords. The soft palate can stretch out their throat causing their ligaments to be overused and overstretched. Regular visits to your veterinarian can help identify this issue early on. If needed, you can schedule surgery to get the palate shortened and preventing more complicated problems later on.

What You Should Know

When it comes to their average lifespan, French Bulldogs can live anywhere between 11-15 years old. Despite the standard health conditions, French Bulldogs are some of the best breeds to own. Their constant friendliness and charisma will make your heart melt. They are also very loyal and love to be your lapdog. They do enjoy going on walks as long as you monitor the weather and conditions. Be sure to use a French Bulldog harness that helps keep them from straining their bodies and breathing. Puppia makes an affordable and comfortable one that fits smaller breeds well. Many sizes and colors fit the needs of your Frenchie. They are not usually very vocal unless they are trying to talk to you or warn you of any nearby danger. So, get to know your pet as he or she will devote love and purity for the remainder of his or her life.

Some health conditions are inevitable, yes. However, there are things that French Bulldog owners can do to prolong a dog’s life to be as healthy and comfortable as possible. Taking your dog in for regular check-ups with the veterinarian is one of the best things you can do to keep your dog healthy. Give them a healthy and wholesome diet to provide nutritional necessities for their body and organs. Getting regular vaccinations to prevent parasites, tapeworm, fleas and ticks. Dental care is also especially necessary for smaller breeds. They are more susceptible to dental issues so cleaning their teeth regularly is helpful in maintaining optimal dental health. So, it is essential to be as proactive as possible when it comes to caring for your Frenchie. Doing this will help maintain its livelihood and allow it to live the best life it can.