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 can live anywhere.
Unfortunately, the breed's huge popularity has led to a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can lead to health problems for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are adorable and playful, making them great companion dogs. But, like all breeds, they suffer from certain health issues that are unique to their breed. Understanding these issues will aid you in becoming responsible pet owner and make the right choice for your family.
One of the biggest health issues that plague the French Bulldog is spinal issues. They are susceptible to developing hemivertebrae. This is an incomplete vertebrae within the spine. This condition can lead to many issues, such as weakness in the hind legs as well as fecal and urinary incontinence. In severe cases, the hemivertebra can require surgery.
Respiratory issues are another frequent health concern. These dogs are susceptible to overheating because of their short lung capacity. To prevent this, ensure that your French Bulldog is able to get access to a cool area and regularly walks outside during cooler temperatures.
Skin allergies are also common for this breed. These allergies are difficult to identify or treat and typically occur in puppies. Your veterinarian might prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergy, but this treatment is usually ongoing.
Frenchies are susceptible to ear infections due to their smaller ear canals than normal. This narrowing of the ear canals allows debris and moisture to easily get into the ear, which can cause inflammation. You can stop this from happening by cleaning your dog's ear and keeping his folds clean.
These dogs are also predisposed to eye problems, particularly cataracts. Cataracts are a cloudy formation on the lens of the eyes that can cause blindness if they are not treated early on. Keep your dog's weight in check and be vigilant in screening for any eye issues he might be suffering from.
While the French Bulldog has become extremely popular, you shouldn't buy one solely because of its looks. The adorable dog has a big personality and you'll need to invest in training to ensure that it's well-behaved and responsive to commands. A reputable trainer can teach your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills and socialization to allow him to get used to being around people and other dogs.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. They are affectionate, playful and athletic for their size because of their desire to be loved. Although they might not be a good choice for active families with young children, they do well with older children and love the company of cats and dogs.
Frenchies, as flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are more susceptible to respiratory diseases. They also have a narrower ear canals that can become irritated and infected more easily than other breeds. It is important to keep their ears dry especially after bathing or being outside.
Because of their skulls' shortness, Frenchies are predisposed to various skin conditions, like dermatitis that affects the folds of skin (intertrigo), interdigital pyoderma, and demodicosis. They also are prone to luxating Patella, which may cause pain and discomfort by creating a slippage of the kneecaps out of place. Breeders who are accountable will have their breeding stock X rayed in order to check for this issue.
Like other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies have reduced hearing and are more sensitive to heat. Frenchies are also at risk of developing a range of eye problems such as corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
They may also experience back issues too due to their narrow spines and increased weight. Herniated discs can cause stiffness and back pain in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is essential to watch for symptoms of allergy, including diarrhea, itching and breathing issues. It's also a good idea to avoid foods and environments that cause allergies.
The "rat-like" motion is the result of the skulls that are smaller in Frenchies. This is due to the way they place their front legs when they walk. It can cause joint issues, like osteoarthritis chondrodystrophic. Fortunately, there are solutions available to combat and treat these issues. The skulls that are shorter in French Bulldogs can also increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses. They also can experience various digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation. They also run the risk of regurgitation following anesthesia and could develop aspiration pneumonitis.
Mouth
Frenchies, like other dogs with brachycephalic symbiosis, are susceptible to obstructive respiratory illness. Their skulls and faces that are shortened compress their anatomy into smaller spaces and make 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 cause loud breathing, slurred breaths and trouble swallowing. It can also affect lungs and the digestive tract.
Breathing problems can be seen in French Bulldogs of any age however, they are more common in puppies that are young. Select a puppy from a reputable, screened breeder to avoid any problems. They must also provide proof that their parents were not guilty of the condition.
The breed standard stipulates that the bite of a French Bulldog should be "well under." The front teeth should be covered by the back teeth while the dog is resting. Keep in mind that the bites of puppies will change until they reach the age of adulthood. While a scissors-bite is a fault in accordance with the standard for breeds, it is not a reliable gauge of how a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Because of their jaws' shortened and their underbite, Frenchies are more likely to develop tartar than other breeds. Brushing your Frenchie's mouth on a regular basis with a soft-bristled brush and specialized dog toothpaste can help minimize this issue. In addition, it is recommended to bring your Frenchie to the vet regularly for professional cleanings.
Finally, Frenchies are prone to an entropion-like condition, which is a rolling inward of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can cause irritation, tears, corneal ulcers. This problem can be corrected by surgery.
Despite the health concerns that are associated with this fantastic breed of dog, Frenchies tend to be happy and healthy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low incidence of genetic diseases. When you are choosing a French Bulldog, remember to think about the dog's personality as well as its physical appearance. You want a dog who is loving, loyal, and sweet.
Eyes
Frenchies are loving, affectionate dogs that make great companions. Their uniqueness and devotedness have made them America's most popular breed. However the breed has some specific requirements to be considered before adopting one. This includes the necessity to exercise, groom, and eat a balanced diet. A brachycephalic face can also cause health problems.
French Bulldogs are susceptible to back issues such as intervertebral disc problems that can lead to herniated discs. These are caused by the flattened neck and face, which places pressure on the spine cord. If your dog is unable jump or walk up the stairs, is posture that is hunched, whoops frequently or whines, or refuses to eat, then he could be suffering from severe pain and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The eyes of the French Bulldog have a large dark and dark-colored eyes with a curious expression. Their ears are broad-based and bat-like, which contributes to their adorable appearance. The face is rounded and has an elongated, slightly flattened skull. They have a short, wide nose. This breed has a low activity level and can adapt to a variety of living conditions. They must not be left alone for long periods of times because they can develop separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The grooming requirements for the French Bulldog are modest. get more info They have short coats that are smooth and single-layer. Regular brushing removes hairs that are loose and keeps the coat healthy and glossy. Additionally, they require frequent baths. However, towel drying is preferred over blow-drying. You should limit the amount of treats they can have and keep track of their food intake since they are more prone to weight gain. They also don't take extreme heat, so their exercise should be limited in the hot summer days.
French Bulldogs are available in various colors and patterns including brindle. These color variations are referred to as merle and usually have spots on their bodies, with black or white spots. It is essential to keep in mind that merle is not a specific color but it is a pattern. It is crucial to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can cause serious health issues when crossed with other merles.