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ToggleDermatitis in French bulldogs and hot spots are one of the most common medical conditions in dogs with weak immunity. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this health issue is followed by reactions on the skin and gastrointestinal problems. We have revealed the most common dilemmas of Frenchie owners whose dogs suffer from skin dermatitis. Although this condition might seem difficult to heal, it can be kept under control with the right treatment.
What do you need to know about dermatitis in French bulldogs?
When we come in contact with different allergens, we usually start sneezing. Runny nose, as well as eczema, can also be some of the symptoms. On the other hand, our dogs react quite differently. They show gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions on the skin. This happens because dogs have more mast cells that release histamines.
Besides itchiness, dermatitis in French bulldogs can be followed by poor coat texture, hot spots, dry and crusty or oily skin, flaky scalp. The French bulldog’s ears can appear to be red and warm in touch. The allergic response of the ear’s wax-producing glands is a key component in developing bacterial and yeast infections. Your vet is the only one who can help you navigate this confusing and frustrating journey. The best way to do that, though? Systematic treatment through a series of steps – no shortcuts!
Where can you spot dermatitis in French bulldogs?
Since dogs with dermatitis rub, lick, and chew their body parts to get a relieving effect, you’ll be able to spot dermatitis on their paws, ears, armpits, flanks, or groin. A Frenchie usually shows the signs of atopic dermatitis between the 1 and 3 years of life. Since it’s essential to determine the exact cause of the condition, these are the things you have to pay attention to:
Food allergies in French bulldogs
The symptoms of a food allergy can be difficult to diagnose in Frenchies because they don’t always show signs like skin irritation or hives. However, if your dog has been feeding the same foods all its life and recently started having trouble with digestion then it has probably developed an intolerance instead.
A common misconception about pets is that since we feed our dogs and cats generic brands at home there’s no chance they would ever get sick from something outside their regular diet. However, this isn’t true—even healthy animals may develop allergies over time! Just because your dog is allergic to one ingredient doesn’t mean they’re sensitive only to poor-quality food. In fact, premium brands use fillers less often which can cause reactions in some dogs.
Flea allergies in French bulldogs
The most common type of reaction to fleas is an intense, red skin inflammation that can cause itching and scratching. This usually happens when protein from a flea’s saliva comes into contact with your pet’s skin. Luckily there are ways you could help prevent this problem in the future. Keep up frequent baths and use anti-flea products such as collars, shampoos, and ampoules that should be applied to the dog’s skin directly.
French Bulldog Anti Flea Herbal Collar provides up to 8 months of protection. The package features 2 adjustable collars, and they contain Polyethylen, Linaloe, Cinnamon oil as primary ingredients.
Contact and inhalant allergens
Some of the most common allergens in dogs include pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. Dust mites that live on your dog’s skin, as well as those pesky mold spores waiting for an opportunity to take hold, could also be some of the triggers. If your Frenchie is an allergy sufferer, then you should clean his bed, and your carpets more often.
Bacterial hypersensitivity in French bulldogs
The bacteria on a dog’s skin can cause an overreaction by the immune system, which leads to bacterial hypersensitivity. A diagnosis of this condition is made when examining samples and culturing them from an affected area. Bacterial hypersensitivities in dogs occur more often if they have other conditions such as hypothyroidism or inhalant allergy.
How to diagnose dermatitis in French bulldogs?
Allergy testing can be a great way to diagnose allergies in dogs and find out what treatment is best suited for them. There are many different methods available, such as blood tests that check if antigen-induced antibodies have been made by your pet’s immune system against specific allergens like pollen or dust mites. An intradermal skin test where allergenic substances are applied directly to the dog’s skin can also be one of the options. Dermatitis in French bulldogs is one of the most persistent conditions that require long and appropriate treatment.
Treatment options for French bulldog dermatitis
Antibiotics and Antifungal Medications
In the case of dermatitis in French bulldogs is followed by a secondary skin infection, then taking antibiotics is over needed. In case your Frenchie got a yeast infection, antifungal medication, as well as shampoos, can be of great help. Dogs with dermatitis often scratch and lick their body part to blood and cause wounds that can become infected.
Antihistamines
The safety of antihistamines in dogs has been evaluated and it’s reported that one-third of owners report success with this medication. For some allergy-prone breeds, these drugs work wonders at controlling symptoms of skin diseases such as eczema!
While antihistamines can be a great option for many people with allergies, they’re not always the best choice for your Frenchie. If your dog has been diagnosed as allergic to something and you’ve tried everything else without success then it’s time to consider an alternative treatment plan such as giving them allergy shots instead of using meds like Claritin and Benadryl.
Use natural supplements
Including supplements in your French bulldog’s diet is a great way to boost his immunity. The Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation, promote cell growth for healthier-looking skin. It is reported that these anti-inflammatory agents may be beneficial against allergies. Many dogs experience better outcomes after taking them regularly. Worth giving a try since there’s nothing harmful about them.
There are many different types of supplements on the market to promote a healthy coat in your French bulldog. Omega-3 fatty acid comes from fish, while Omega-6 fatty acid comes from plants. Besides adding oily ampoules to your dog’s meal, you can also include them naturally through fresh food ingredients.
Elimination diet
An elimination diet for French bulldogs can be performed if you haven’t done allergy testing. Allergy testing is the quickest way to determine the triggers of dermatitis in French bulldogs. Dairy, beef, chicken skin, and other by-products and fillers are the most common allergens in dog food.
Hypoallergenic diets need to contain novel protein sources like venison, some type of fish, or duck. Carbohydrate sources can be anything from potatoes, canned pumpkin, all the way down to yams, or sweet potatoes!
If they don’t have any meat options at first glance try adding some hydrolyzed proteins into their food. They include small fragments of protein that will confuse your dog’s immunity so it will not recognize the protein fragments.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid creams and drugs reduce inflammation but they also bring many side effects. long-term use can only worsen a dog’s immunity, so that’s why it’s important to include them only on your vet’s advice.