Health Issues You Should Know Before Buying a French Bulldog
Frenchies make great companion dogs and excel in agility, obedience and rally as well as being great therapy dogs.
They are able to live in rural or urban areas, as long as their minimal requirements are met.
Unfortunately, the breed's massive popularity has led to a number of backyard breeders and dog mills. This can result in health issues for the breed.
Ears
French Bulldogs are friendly and playful, making them excellent companion dogs. Like all breeds, French Bulldogs suffer from their own health issues. Understanding these issues will help you to be a responsible pet owner and make the right choice for your family.
One of the most prominent health concerns for the French Bulldog is spinal issues. These puppies are susceptible to developing hemivertebrae. This is a deformed vertebrae. This condition can lead to various problems, such as weakness of the hind legs, urinary and fecal incontinence. Severe cases of the hemivertebra can require surgery.
Respiratory problems are another common health issue. They are at risk of overheating because of their short lungs. To avoid this, ensure that your French Bulldog has access to a cool place and regularly walks outside in cooler temperatures.
This breed is also susceptible to skin allergies. französische bulldogge kaufen berlin develop them as puppies, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Your veterinarian might prescribe medication to manage your dog's allergy, however this treatment is usually permanent.
The smaller ear canals of Frenchies are more prone to ear infections. This narrowing of the canals of the ear allows moisture and debris to easily enter, causing inflammation. You can help prevent this by regularly cleaning your dog's ears and keeping the wrinkles of his face free of dirt.
Additionally, these dogs are predisposed to eye issues and cataracts, particularly. Cataracts are a cloudy structure on the lens of the eye that can cause blindness if not treated at an early stage. To avoid these, keep your Frenchie's weight in check and be attentive about screening for any eye issues he might have.
The French Bulldog is a very popular breed however, you shouldn't purchase one solely because it looks attractive. The adorable dog has a lot of personality. You'll need to invest some time in training it to ensure that it is well behaved and is responsive to your instructions. A good trainer can teach your Frenchie basic agility and obedience skills as well as socialization to allow him to get used to being with other dogs and humans.
Nose
Frenchies are loyal and affectionate companions. They are playful, affectionate, and surprisingly athletic considering their size due to their desire to be loved. They may not be the best choice for active families that have small children however they do well with older children and enjoy being around other cats and dogs.
Frenchies as flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are susceptible to respiratory disease. The Frenchies' ear canals are more narrow and prone to infection. It's important to keep their ears dry, especially after bathing or being outside.
Frenchies have a short skull which makes them more prone to skin conditions like dermatitis (intertrigo), interdigital demodicosis as well as pyoderma. They also are susceptible to luxating patellas, which can cause the kneecap to slip out of place and create pain and discomfort. Responsible breeders will have their breeding stock X-rayed in order to identify the problem.
As with other breeds of brachycephalics, Frenchies have reduced hearing and are more sensitive to heat. Frenchies are also susceptible to a variety of eye conditions, including corneal dystrophy or cataracts.
Due to their narrow spines and weight increase they also can suffer from back issues. Herniated discs can cause back pain and stiffness in Frenchies.
Like all dogs, Frenchies can develop allergies. It is essential to watch for signs of allergies, such as diarrhea, itching, and breathing difficulties. You should also keep them away environments and foods that can trigger allergies.
The "rat-like" movement is a result of the shortened skulls of Frenchies. This is caused by the way their front legs are set when they walk. This can result in joint problems, like chondrodystrophic arthritis. There are treatments available to help to prevent and treat this condition. Also, French Bulldogs are at an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases due to the restricted airway associated with their skulls that are shortened. They also can suffer from a variety of digestive problems, such as constipation and diarrhea. In addition, they are susceptible to regurgitation following anesthesia, and could develop aspiration pneumonia.
Mouth
As with other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies are prone to obstruction of the airways. Their shortened skull and face make their anatomy more tense which makes it more difficult for air to pass through the nose and lower lungs. This condition is also known as brachycephalic obstruction of airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can lead to loud, labored breathing as well as difficulty swallowing. It can also affect lungs and the digestive tract.
Breathing problems can affect French Bulldogs at any age however they are more prevalent in puppies who are young. Choose a puppy only from a reputable, verified breeder to avoid any problems. They should be able to prove that both parents are not affected by the disorder.
The breed standard states that the bite in the mouth of a French Bulldog should be "well under." The front teeth should be covered by the back teeth when the dog is lying down. Remember that the bites of puppies will change until they reach adulthood. While a cut-off bite is considered to be a naughty thing in accordance with the standard of the breed, it is not a reliable gauge of how a French Bulldog behaves as an adult.
Frenchies have a shorter jaw and an underbite. This makes them more prone to tartar than many other dogs. Brushing your Frenchie's teeth on a regular basis with a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized dog toothpaste can help minimize the likelihood of developing this problem. In addition, you should bring your Frenchie to the vet regularly for regular cleanings.
Additionally, Frenchies are prone to a condition known as entropion which is a roll inward of the lower and/or upper eyelids. This can cause irritation, tearing corneal ulcers. Fortunately, this problem is usually treated through surgery.
Despite the health risks that are associated with this fantastic dog breed, Frenchies tend to be healthy and happy dogs. They are easy to maintain and have a low rate of genetic diseases. Take into consideration the personality of the French Bulldog as well as its appearance when selecting one. You want a dog who is loving, loyal and sweet.
Eyes
Frenchies are loving, affectionate dogs that make great companions. Their devotion and unique traits have been the most sought-after breed in America. However this breed has a few special requirements to be considered before adopting one. This includes the requirement to exercise, groom, and eat a balanced diet. In addition, due to their brachycephalic facial structure they face a range of health issues that have to be considered.
French Bulldogs can be affected by back problems such as intervertebral disc disease, which may cause herniated disks. They are caused by the flattened neck and face that puts pressure on the spinal cord. If your dog is unable to jump or go up the stairs, has a unnaturally hunched back, frequently coughs or whines or is refusing to eat, he may be in severe discomfort and should be examined by a veterinarian right away.
The eyes of the French Bulldog are large and dark with an alert and curious expression. Their ears are bat-like and wide-based, which adds a cute appearance. The face is rounded and has an unflattened, rounded skull. They have a narrow, short nose. This breed is a little active and can be adapted to a variety of living conditions. They should not be left alone during long periods of time as they can develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and excessive chewing.
The grooming requirements for the French Bulldog are modest. Their thin, smooth single-layer coats are easy to groom. Regular brushing removes loose hairs and keeps the coat healthy and glossy. They also require frequent baths, but should be dried using a towel instead of being blown dry. 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. Also, they do not take heat well. Exercise should be limited during the afternoon heat.
French Bulldogs come in many colors and patterns, including brindle. These variations in color are known as Merle. They typically have spots on their bodies that are adorned with black or white spots. But it is crucial to remember that the merle pattern is not a color. It is important to purchase only purebred Frenchies because the merle gene can lead to serious health issues if crossed with other merles.