9 Most Common French Bulldog Health Issues

French bulldogs might snore, grunt and fart a lot, but they’re still taking the World by storm. These gorgeous dogs are not considered without a reason for the 4^th most popular dog breed in the USA. They also take 1^st place when we talk about their country of origin- England.

French bulldogs took a long way to get the appearance they have today. They became smaller in size, got shorter muzzles and elongated bat ears. Maybe you didn’t know but Frenchies had rose-shaped ears in history. However, if you have just brought a Frenchie puppy home, there’re things you need to pay attention to.

Unfortunately, some French bulldogs are at a higher risk to suffer from certain health issues because of irresponsible breeding. They also depend on many other factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and care. Therefore, it’s good to become informed about possible French bulldog health issues.

What are the most common French bulldog health issues?

• Hip Dysplasia in French bulldogs

There’re many reasons for a dog’s tendency to suffer from hip dysplasia. Some of them are excessive growth, obesity, improper nutrition, over-exercising, and genetic predisposition. This kind of condition is described when the hip joint consisted of the ball and socket do not fit properly one to another. In order to prevent French bulldogs from this issue, it’s recommended to give him joint supplements like glucosamine. Your vet should tell you what dose to take and whether it needs to include chondroitin and MSM as well. When we talk about French bulldog hip dysplasia treatment, there’re a few options for releasing pains. The nonsurgical approach is possible depending on your dog’s case: weight reduction, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drug-using, and restriction of exercise.

• Cherry eye in French bulldogs

Widely famous for their round and big eyes, Frenchies are sometimes more prone to develop cherry eye issue. It occurs when the 3^rd gland prolapses in their eyelids. Most Frenchies have a visible 3^rd eyelid inside their lower eyelid. Since it serves to provide an additional layer of protection, prolapsing and pop out is known as cherry eye. The most common symptoms are redness, excessive tear production or unusually dry eye. Cherry eye syndrome is not fatal but provides an annoying discomfort to your Frenchie. Therefore, it’s advisable to provide him a regular eye massage. It maybe sounds hilarious but it can actually help to eliminate protrusion. In order to escape injuries, asking a vet for advice is highly recommended as well. Another solution that can ease your Frenchies cherry eye is using different eye drops and antimicrobial gels.

• Allergies in French bulldogs

Allergies present one of the most common health issues in Frenchies. According to experts, approximately 20% of all dog breeds suffer from different types of allergies. When owning a Frenchie, it’s important to notice the first signs of allergy on time. Environmental and food type of allergies usually develops until the 6^th week of age. That’s why is advisable to carefully choose a dog food brand for your pooch and to regularly clean his folds from environmental allergens. Environmental allergens such as pollen and dust are usually the main culprits for your Frenchie’s issue. Talking about food, experts usually recommend one free of corn, by-products, and wheat.

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome

The one who owns a Frenchie is pretty familiar with their lovable ‘sounding’. Snoring, snuffling and snorting are only some of the flat-faced skull syndrome. Besides these facts, there’s also a number of other possible issues such as tear staining, entropion, irritation of the folds, and dental issues. Therefore, every vet recommends taking care of cleaning your French bulldog’s wrinkles and eyes and not to over-exercise him.

• Stenotic Nares

Otherwise called narrowed nostrils syndrome, stenotic nares present one of the most common occurrences of brachycephalic head dogs. French bulldogs with narrowed nostrils experience difficulty breathing, gagging, vomiting, heat intolerance, mouth breathing, and exercise intolerance. This kind of condition can be easily solved by surgery and it includes removing a wedge-shaped piece from each nostril.

• Elongated soft palate

This congenital condition is present since birth and affects French bulldogs because of their flat faces. The soft palate is located at the back of the roof of the mouth. Since it doesn’t have the space to grow, it grows too long for the head and blocks the entrance of the windpipe. The symptoms of the elongated soft palate in Frenchies are the same when they’re having narrowed nostrils. In many cases, the treatment of this kind of condition includes the amputation of the part of the soft palate. Another, less demanding solution is keeping your Frenchie at an appropriate weight, monitoring his tendency to overheat, and not to over-exercise him. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common French bulldog health issues.

• Hemivertebrae

Screw-tailed dog breeds like Frenchies, are more susceptible to suffer from Hemivertebrae. It can be discovered by taking an x-ray examination and is described as a spinal or bone abnormality. A Frenchie that suffers from hemivertebrae is, unfortunately, prone to experience pains and lose function in hind limbs. Therefore, it’s advisable to perform surgery (if it’s possible). Since this is a congenital condition, it can be prevented only by responsible breeding of Frenchies.

• Deafness

Well, deafness in these lovable dogs can be present at birth or later in their lives. However, if you are searching to buy a Frenchie, we advise you to first take the BAER test that can be performed by the 6^th week of age. It will show you whether your furry friend’s having an issue with hearing.

• Conjunctivitis

If your Frenchie likes to put his nose into ‘everyone’s business’ then he might experience a pink eye issue at least once in his lifetime. Conjunctivitis or pink eye often occurs in flat-faced dogs because their muzzles are not able to protect their eyes from the consequence of the thing they live to do the most- it’s sniffing.

That’s why is advisable to regularly clean your dog’s eyes with a sterile eyewash. If your Frenchie already got pink eye, then your vet will probably prescribe you antibiotic treatment as well. The most common signs of this type of condition are redness of the moist tissue of the eye, squinting, blinking, and discharge from the eye.