Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies are great companion dogs and excel in obedience, agility, rally and as therapy dogs.
If they meet their minimum requirements, they are allowed to live anyplace they want.
Unfortunately, the breed's massive popularity has led to a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. Hamlin-Schwibbogen Französische Bulldogge can cause health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are friendly and playful, which makes them excellent companion dogs. But, like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues that are specific to them. Knowing these issues can make you a more responsible pet owner and make the right decision for your family.
Spinal issues are among the major health concerns for French Bulldogs. The puppies are at risk of developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae within the spine. This condition can cause various issues, including weakness in the back leg muscles and fecal or urinary incontinence. In severe cases, the hemivertebra may require surgery.
Respiratory issues are a common health problem. Because of their short lungs, these dogs struggle to breathe in hot temperatures and are susceptible to overheating. To avoid this happening, ensure that your French Bulldog is able to access a cool area and enjoys frequent walks outside during cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are also an issue that is common to this breed. They usually develop these issues as puppies, and are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergy, but this treatment is often ongoing.
The ear canals that are narrower in Frenchies make them more susceptible to infections of the ear. This means that moisture and debris can easily get in, which leads to inflammation. You can avoid this by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his ear clean.
In addition they are also predisposed to eye issues including cataracts. Cataracts are a cloudy formation on the eye's lens and can cause blindness if they are not treated early on. To prevent these from happening problems, ensure that your dog's weight is in check and be vigilant regarding screening for any eye problems he may have.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you shouldn't purchase one simply because of its looks. The adorable dog has a lot of character. You'll need to put in time and effort in training it to make sure that it's well-behaved and responds to your commands. A good trainer can assist you in teaching your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills, as well as socialization so that it gets familiar with other dogs and humans.
Nose
Frenchies are committed to their family and make great companions. Their love of attention makes them affectionate, fun and athletic for their size. They might not be the ideal choice for active families that have small children, but they are great with older children and love being around other cats and dogs.
As dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic), Frenchies are susceptible to respiratory illness. They also have a narrower ear canals, which can get irritated and infected much more easily than other breeds. It's crucial to keep their ears clean after bathing or going outdoors.
Frenchies have a skull that is short, which makes them susceptible to skin conditions like dermatitis (intertrigo) interdigital demodicosis and Pyoderma. They also have a tendency to luxating patella, which can cause the kneecap to slide out of alignment and cause discomfort and pain. Breeders who are accountable will be required to have their breeding stock X scans to check for this problem.
As with other breeds of brachycephalics, Frenchies have reduced hearing and can be more sensitive to heat. Frenchies are also at risk of a number of eye problems, including corneal dystrophy or cataracts.
They may also experience back issues as well, due to their short spines and heavier 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 allergy symptoms such as diarrhea, itching, and breathing difficulties. It's also recommended to keep them away from food items and environments that can cause allergies.
Due to their skulls being shortened, Frenchies have a unique motion that is referred to as the "rat-like" gait. This is due to the way their front legs are set when they walk. It can cause joint problems, such as osteoarthritis with chondrodystrophic features. There are treatments available to aid in the prevention and management of this condition. The shortened skulls of French Bulldogs may also increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses. They also can suffer from a range of digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. They also run the risk of having a regurgitation after anesthesia, and can develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
Frenchies as well as other dogs with brachycephalic characteristics are prone to obstructive respiratory disease. Their shortened face and skull compress their anatomy making it difficult for air to flow through the nose and lungs in the lower. This is also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can cause 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 however, they are more common in puppies that are young. Choose a puppy only from a reputable, verified breeder to avoid any issues. They should also be able to show proof that their parents are free of the condition.
The breed standard stipulates that the bite of a French Bulldog must be "well below." This means that the front teeth are expected to be able to cover the back teeth when the dog is at rest. When looking at puppies, bear in mind that their bites are likely to change until they're full-grown. It is also important to remember that while a scissors bite is considered to be a flaw in the breed standard, it's not an accurate indication of whether a French Bulldog will exhibit this behavior in adulthood.
Frenchies have a shorter jaw and an underbite. This makes them more prone to tartar than other dogs. Regularly brushing the teeth of your Frenchie with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and a toothpaste that is specially designed can help reduce this problem. You should also take your Frenchie to a professional cleaning every few months.
Lastly, Frenchies are prone to a condition called entropion, which is an inward rolling of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This can lead to irritation, tear and corneal ulcers. The problem can be addressed by surgery.
Despite the many health concerns associated with this wonderful breed, Frenchies are generally healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to care for and have a low risk of genetic diseases. Think about the personality of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when picking one. You'll want a dog that is affectionate, sweet and reliable.
Eyes
Frenchies are loving, affectionate dogs that make great companions. Their distinctiveness and devotion to their owners have made them America's most popular breed. However this breed has a few special needs that should be considered before adopting one. This includes the requirement for regular exercise, grooming, and an appropriate diet. A brachycephalic face can also cause health problems.
French Bulldogs are prone to back issues such as intervertebral disc disease which 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 hunched-back, is in pain and is unable to jump or climb stairs, or if he coughs or whines often, he should be examined by a vet.
The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large, dark appearance with a wacky expression. Their ears are bat-like, and wide-based which gives them a cute look. They have a broad, short nose and the face is rounded and has an elongated skull. This breed is a little low-activity and can adapt to a wide range of living conditions. They should not be left to themselves for in long durations as they may develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The French Bulldog has modest grooming needs. Their thin, smooth, single-layer coats are easy to groom. Regular brushing helps remove hairs that are loose and keeps the coat glossy and healthy. They also require frequent baths. However towel drying is preferred over blow-drying. They are susceptible to weight gain, so you should monitor their food intake and avoid snacks. They also do not tolerate extreme heat, so their exercise should be limited during the hot summer days.
French Bulldogs are available in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindle. These color variations are referred to as Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies that are adorned with white or black spots. However, it is important to remember that it is a pattern, not an actual color. The merle gene could cause serious health problems if bred with other merles, which is why it is essential to only purchase purebred Frenchies.