Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
One of the challenges of owning a unique breed is their genetic tendency towards health issues. Though French bulldogs make wonderful pets, they, like other breeds, are prone to many health conditions which may reduce their quality of life. Luckily for their owners, we’ve made a list of five French bulldog health tips to help keep your dog feeling their best lifelong.
Keeping Your French Bulldog Healthy
Make sure to keep up with your French Bulldog’s regular vet visits and vaccinations. Below are five more health tips for your pet.
1. Check For Deafness
A few French bulldogs may be either genetically deaf from a young age or develop partial or full deafness later in life. This is particularly true of Frenchies with pale or white fur, since the gene which causes a pale coat also causes the hairs inside the ear to develop improperly. You can check a puppy for deafness at around 6 weeks of age.
2. Keep Them At A Healthy Weight
Obesity can cause other French bulldog health issues to become worse. If your dog has hip dysplasia, or any other joint issues, getting them on track to a healthy weight is often the first step in treatment. Balance the amount of food they eat with their age and activity level.
3. Keep Them Cool
Since they have short muzzles and flat faces, French bulldogs can easily overheat in hot weather or with too much exercise. Make sure to carry cool water with you for walks outside. Look for shady spots to rest in on your walk if it’s a hot day out. Most importantly, do not leave your pet in a hot car.
4. Look For Signs Of Allergies
French bulldogs react negatively to many of the same allergens that humans do. They can cause symptoms like rashes, or as severe as vomiting and diarrhea. Once diagnosed, treatment may be as simple as changing your dog’s food or vacuuming and dusting more frequently. You may also want to ask your vet about a probiotic supplement.
5. Check Their Eyes Regularly
Like a lot of breeds, French bulldogs are prone to a lot of eye issues. They can develop conjunctivitis, or pinkeye. This condition can have one of any number of causes, from allergies to cancer. They can also develop cataracts later in life. Keeping their face wrinkles clean cuts down on a lot of bacterial growth, which may spread to their eyes.
Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
