If we were to make up a list of dog breeds that are popular all around the globe, Frenchie Bulldogs will definitely make it to the top ten. With their adorable bat ears, wrinkly square face, and short nose, how can one not fall in love with a Frenchie Bulldog? One of the reasons why this breed is so popular around the globe is that these dogs are very affectionate. And if that weren’t enough, the fact that they can adapt to their surroundings very easily is what makes them perfect for every home.
Having said that, it is your responsibility as a pet parent to make sure these pointy-eared and little-nosed bundles of joy are taken care of in the best way possible. However, did you know that Frenchie Bulldog is also one of the breeds that are prone to many health problems? In fact, most of these health issues emerge fairly early during their life span and result in additional vet expenses. One of the reasons why Frenchie Bulldogs are so prone to medical issues is their genetic makeup. Frenchie Bulldogs came into existence because of a lot of experiments surrounding breeding. And you will be surprised to know that their features like bat ears and short noses (which is what they are famous for) are also the main reason for many of their health disorders.
While determining whether certain breeds are right for their households, a lot of people only tend to look at the behavioral characteristics and expenses that accompany the breed. But we are of the opinion that you should also take into consideration their medical issues. Mentioned below are common Frenchie Bulldog health problems and how to deal with them.
- Ear infections
If you have seen a Frenchie Bulldog’s ears, you know how its ears are shaped. Their ear lobes are very large and open, whereas their ear canals are very narrow. And since their ears are most open, this leaves them susceptible to ear infections. In the case of infections, the ear glands can swell up and cause the narrowing of the ear canal. This can be extremely painful for your pup to endure. Your pet’s vet can give you certain medications to treat the infection.
- Diarrhea
One of the most important things you need to do is monitor your diet closely. And we say this because Frenchie Bulldogs are more prone to upset stomachs. Sometimes parasites and viruses cause diarrhea too. Regardless of how unpleasant it sounds, you need to pay close attention to your dog’s stool. If they are wet, runny, or tarry, smell foul, or if you see blood in the stools, you should get in touch with your pet’s doctor because these are tell-tale signs of digestive issues.
- Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder where the ball and socket joint in the hind legs is abnormal and sometimes dislocated. You need to treat this problem as early as possible because if left untreated, it can result in limited activity and tremendous pain. Some common symptoms of hip dysplasia include limited activity, bunny hopping, difficulty standing up, and so on.
- Conjunctivitis
If you see inflammation of the tissue that covers the front part of your dog’s eyeball, it is most likely conjunctivitis, also commonly referred to as pink eye. It can be caused by a variety of things such as allergies, dry eye, or other irritants. In some rare cases, conjunctivitis can be caused by more serious illnesses such as canine distemper. Some common symptoms include red, squinting, discharge from the eyes, and so on.
- Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a prevalent problem in small-sized dog breeds. It is when the trachea or the windpipe weakens, which can then lead to difficulty breathing. It can either be a genetic defect or can be caused because of extra-tight neck collars. Some common symptoms of tracheal collapse include honking cough, labored breathing, intolerance to exercise, and so on.
Most of these medical issues are genetic. This is why it is always better to know about the complete medical history of your dog as well as their parents. Some of these medical issues may also require corrective surgeries and extensive medical treatment. And these treatment courses can cost a lot of money. This is why, if you intend to bring home a French bulldog, you should also simultaneously consider investing in a pet insurance policy. There are numerous pet insurance companies you can choose from.
