French bulldogs have fairly robust health when compared to other bulldogs
.
Just a few decades ago, the life expectancy of this popular dog breed was
given as 8 to 10 years.
Today, experts assume that the dogs can live up to 13 years with good care
.
In order to maintain the health of his four-legged friend, the owner
should pay attention to some special features that result from the
physical characteristics of the French bulldog.
This is something that owners of French bulldogs should pay attention to
Typical diseases French bulldog
What are typical diseases in French bulldogs?
The French bulldog is not good at regulating their body temperature as
their breathing is affected by the flat face.
The comparatively thin coat contributes to the poor temperature
regulation. Because of these peculiarities, French bulldogs are
definitely not suitable for keeping outdoors.
They always need protection and must never be exposed to extreme
temperatures. This breed is particularly endangered by the summer heat.
The keeper must always provide a shady spot and access to fresh water.
Physical exertion should definitely be avoided in hot weather. A dip in
the lake is out of the question for French bulldogs.
Carefully care for skin folds
Common Infections in French Bulldogs
Make sure you clean the skin folds so that no infections form in them!
The deep skin folds under the eyes are prone to infection and must
therefore always be kept dry.
The holder must pay close attention to the regular cleaning of the
folds. French bulldogs sometimes suffer from stubborn infections on
this critical skin area.
In particularly difficult cases, surgical removal of the skin folds
may be necessary.
breeding problems
Sometimes there are problems when breeding French bulldogs , which are
also related to the physique of this breed.
Not all males are able to conceive naturally, so artificial insemination
must sometimes be used for breeding.
Often the large heads of the puppies prevent a normal birth and the
puppies have to be delivered by cesarean section.
What are typical French bulldog hereditary diseases?
French bulldogs are relatively commonly affected by the following
diseases
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What are typical French bulldog hereditary diseases?
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French bulldogs are relatively commonly affected by the following
diseases
1- Von Willebrand disease
Behind this name hides a hereditary coagulation disorder of the blood,
which is observed in various dog breeds.
Male and female animals are affected about equally often. Animals
diagnosed with von Willebrand disease should be strictly excluded from
breeding.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of this disease include:
- bleeding gums
- nosebleeds
- blood in the urine
The disease cannot be cured. If a dog affected by von Willebrand's
disease has to have an operation, the bleeding tendency is reduced with
medication before the operation. Blood or plasma transfusions may be
necessary in the event of severe blood loss.
2- Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders are relatively common in French bulldogs.
They are also one of the causes of various skin diseases and skin
allergies. The following are observed particularly frequently:
- obsessive foot licking
- digital cysts
French bulldogs that are going to be used for breeding must be tested
for the presence of thyroid disease beforehand.
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3- Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly is a congenital deformity of the skull . The head is
greatly shortened and appears very round. The affected dogs have major
breathing problems as a result of the shortened upper airways.
The regulation of body temperature is severely impaired. Changes occur
in the turbinate, soft palate and larynx. Surgical interventions attempt
to make it easier for the animals to breathe.
Because brachycephaly is partly due to breeding, legislators are requiring
changes in breeding standards to avoid further shortening of facial bones.
Extreme cases of brachycephaly are classified as torture breeding .
4- Achondroplasia
This disease affects skeletal growth . It is also genetic and can be
observed in all mammals.
It is caused by a mutation. In those affected, the growth zone ossifies
too early.
This restricts bone growth. The French bulldog with achondroplasia does
not reach the usual size for the breed and appears disproportionate
because the legs are very short. Therapy is not possible.
How to check if your French bulldog is healthy?
Is my French Bulldog sick?
You probably recognize this best yourself, since you know your French
Bulldog best.
It's important to prepare for emergencies, but it's even more
important to do everything you can to keep your four-legged friend as
healthy as possible. The following things could indicate a disease:
- changes in appetite
- changes in the fur
- Mucous membrane does not appear pink and moist
- Bonded Eyes
- Quick fatigue
- Unpleasant smell
- Changes in passing faeces and urine
- diarrhea, vomiting
- Altered body temperature, normal is about 38 °C
- Altered breathing rate (15 to 40 breaths per minute is normal
- Pulse should be between 70 and 120 per minute
- Discharge from ears, nose, mouth, vagina, anus, foreskin
It is beneficial to check these points regularly. In this way you can
count the pulse, take a temperature and practice counting the
respiratory rate in peace and quiet (in the case of a healthy Bully at
rest) and learn to reliably assess the state of health of your animal.
When is it time to go to the doctor?
Sometimes it's more than obvious that the dog needs a doctor's help.
If he has a high fever, an injury or a deep wound, he hobbles,
scratches a lot, has diarrhea, a tooth is missing, etc. You
shouldn't wait long even if there is obvious pain or a relieving
posture. The faster the dog gets help, the sooner everything will be
over and your bully fit and alert again.
Always go to the doctor immediately if you are unsure. If you have
not had any experience with a disease, the vet should always decide
how to proceed. A call to the practice will quickly tell you whether
you should come by with the dog or whether you can wait a day.
Unfortunately, dogs have the very stupid habit of not showing until
very late when they are sick or feeling unwell. That is why good
observation skills on the part of the owner are very important. Due to
the close coexistence with a dog, you will certainly notice quickly if
something is wrong.
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How can I help my bulldog when he has diarrhea?
What to do if my dog vomits?
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How can I help my bulldog when he has diarrhea?
In many cases, diarrhea is not of particular concern. The spook
often ends just as quickly as it started. So if your dog only has
papy or liquid diarrhea once, this is usually not alarming. In such
a case, as a first measure, you should remove the food from the
four-legged friend . So don't feed anything for about 24 hours.
Water, on the other hand, must be available around the clock.
Drinking a lot is extremely important when you have diarrhea.
Otherwise, dangerous dehydration can occur. Puppies, in particular,
are easily dehydrated when they have diarrhea.
Safe causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
- feed change
- Eating too fast
- Food was too cold (open can from the fridge / thawed BARF food )
- stress
- Very fatty feed
- The dog is very sensitive
However, you should not take diarrhea in dogs lightly. This can be a
symptom of many other diseases. These include:
Infectious diseases such as distemper and Co.
- Various types of gastrointestinal diseases
- parasites
- poisoning
- Various allergies
If your bulldog has diarrhea and doesn't drink much, offer some
light, unsalted chicken broth . Many dogs then like to eat and drink
enough. Otherwise, you need to ask the vet for help. This can
counteract an imminent or already existing dehydration with
infusions .
After 1 to 2 days you can slowly start to fill the feeding bowl
again. Start with a bland diet to protect the digestive tract.
Well-cooked rice is ideal for this. Spice up the rice with some
chicken breast for flavor. Potatoes or carrots can also be added
cooked.
Then pay attention to the next eliminations of your Frenchie. Does
the diarrhea come back? Then it's off to the vet. The same also
applies if:
- The excretions are very watery
- In the case of diarrhea, worms or worm segments are also excreted
- You see blood in the stool
- There is mucus admixture
- The dog does not drink enough
- Your bulldog can no longer hold the faeces and defecates uncontrollably
- Although there is no more droppings, the four-legged friend is still pressing
What to do if my dog vomits?
As with diarrhea, vomiting does not always have to have a bad cause.
There are a number of harmless causes of this disease symptom:
- Puppies vomit their food and then eat it again.
- The dog is very hungry and vomits yellowish bile.
- After eating grass, quadrupeds often vomit (see below).
- Cold canned food from the refrigerator or insufficiently thawed BARF food .
- If the dog swallows too quickly, it can also lead to vomiting.
So sometimes it can help to take some precautions to prevent
throwing up. If your dog eats grass or leaves frequently to induce
nausea, it is probably very hungry . The intervals between meals are
too long and should be reduced. Make sure the food is well tempered
. Room temperature or slightly warm is ideal.
If you have a glutton at home, a special feeding bowl can help.
These are specially shaped, making it difficult and slowing down the
intake of food.
Of course, vomiting is not always harmless. It can also be a symptom
of a serious illness.
- poisoning
- tumors
- Foreign body stuck
- stress
- Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
- infectious diseases
- poisoning
Since it is often difficult for the layperson to tell whether or not
vomiting is harmless, here are some pointers as to when it would be
better to see a vet:
- Your dog throws up not just once, but several times a day.
- He's been throwing up intermittently for the past two days.
- There is always choking, but your dog does not have to throw up (foreign bodies!)
- Worms are regurgitated (there is a very strong parasite infestation here)
- There is blood in the vomit.
- You suspect it could be poisoning.
- You hear rattling breath sounds.
- Your bulldog seems to have breathing problems or even shortness of breath.
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How do I recognize an ear infection in dogs?
Recognize poisoning in
dogs and act accordingly
I think my dog is poisoned - what do I do now?
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How do I recognize an ear infection in dogs?
The French bulldog's cute bat ears are usually well ventilated. This
somewhat reduces the chances of developing an uncomfortable ear
infection. Nevertheless, this painful disease does not always stop at
the bullies.
Normally, however, it can be recognized very quickly if something is
wrong with the eavesdroppers. There are some very clear indications:
- Frequent scratching of the head/ears
- The head is held slightly askew
- The bulldog keeps shaking his head
- The ears have a strong smell
- You see redness or swelling
- There can also be sores in the ear that can easily become infected. These injuries are often the result of all the scratching.
- The dog has balance and coordination difficulties
- He can no longer touch his ears or his head and is sensitive to touch or even shows signs of pain (whining / whimpering)
- You see crumbly deposits in your ear or a lot of earwax has built up
It's important to treat ear infections quickly because they can be
extremely painful and seriously affect the dog's quality of life.
Sometimes parasites are the cause of the annoying pain, but there are
also bacteria and fungi that make themselves comfortable in the warm,
humid climate of the ears. Secondary problems can also arise. If your
dog often scratches his ears and these wounds become infected, a small
problem can quickly become a huge one.
If your French bulldog is one of those dogs that produces more earwax,
you should clean the ears regularly (see Care ). Otherwise, germs can
often spread effortlessly and find a perfect breeding ground.
It's best not to even try to treat an ear infection yourself. This
condition always belongs in the hands of a professional. He will first
find out the exact cause of the inflammation and initiate therapy
accordingly. The ear is often thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
first. This is followed by drug treatment, which you may have to
continue at home for a while.
If your Bully has mites in its ears, the parasites will of course be
combated. Antibiotics may also be necessary if secondary infections
are already present. If itching is particularly severe, cortisone can
provide temporary relief until the problem has been resolved.
What helps preventively?
Just examine the cute bat ears every day and clean them thoroughly
with a clean, damp cloth as needed. Be sure to use a separate rag for
each ear to avoid accidental transmission of germs.
Always dry your ears well after cleaning and also make sure your ears
are dry after a walk in the rain or snow. Of course, the same applies
after a bath.
Recognize poisoning in dogs and act accordingly
Poisoning is always an urgent emergency . Here you should not tinker
around for long, but always bring your four-legged friend to the nearest
practice immediately. It can quickly happen that it becomes
life-threatening and therefore every minute counts.
Perhaps you've seen your dog gobble down something inappropriate? Maybe
you only suspect poisoning. Here are some signs that your dog has been
poisoned:
- Severe (abdominal) cramps
- Tremble
- gagging and/or vomiting
- Traces of blood can be found in the blood
- You may also see blood in the urine
- The dog has a hypothermia (More on the normal temperature in dogs below)
- Accelerated pulse
- Increased panting
- Shortness of breath / wheezing
- Strong salivation
- Mucous membranes are extremely pale or even white (emergency! There is a risk of circulatory failure)
- The dog is unconscious
Of course, your four-legged friend can endanger himself with a poison
bait, but they are not always the trigger for dangerous poisoning. There
are also many dangers lurking at home in the form of medicines,
fertilizers, cleaning agents or unsuitable food. To name just a few.
Such substances must always be kept out of the reach of four-legged
friends (and of course also small two-legged friends).
As a preventive measure, you can train the French bulldog early on so
that it is not allowed to eat anything without your consent. She is not
even allowed to empty her own bowl without permission. Gives a command,
whether it's the daily feed ration or a treat.
In case of doubt, the “Off” command can also be life-saving. When this
command is heard, the dog should immediately let go of whatever is in
its mouth. Therefore, be particularly thorough in the upbringing and
training of your four-legged friend.
I think my dog is poisoned - what do I do now?
- Don't panic and stay calm.
- Keep the dog warm and get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- If such an emergency happens outside of office hours, drive to a veterinary clinic. These are usually open 24 hours a day. Alternatively, you can call emergency veterinary services to locate a vet near you.
- Take some of what your dog ate with you (if possible). Wear gloves when collecting the sample or use a poop bag to collect it.
- If you don't know what your dog ate, you can alternatively take a stool sample with you or collect some vomit. The veterinary laboratory then tries to find the poison.
- Activated charcoal can be administered for orally ingested poisons. However, you should know the dosage for this. It varies depending on the size and weight of the dog. Ask the vet about the administration and make a note of this in your dog's emergency pharmacy.
- If your dog vomits, it's okay, but you should never consciously induce vomiting. Depending on the poison, this can make the situation even worse.
- Since some dogs vomit, you should never put a muzzle loop on.
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When does my bulldog have a fever?
Measure fever in the dog - Here's how!
Don't let diseases develop in the first place
Checklist for a healthy dog life!
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When does my bulldog have a fever?
This depends on whether we are talking about a puppy or an adult dog.
Because puppies have a slightly higher normal temperature of around 39.5
°C. However, adult French bulldogs do not all have the same
temperature either, but the normal value can vary from specimen to
specimen. The normal temperature ranges between 37.5 and 39°C.
The vet speaks of a slight fever at temperatures between 39 and 40°C .
This is often not a concern and usually subsides quickly. Even after
strenuous physical exertion, many dogs have a temporary elevated
temperature that quickly returns to a normal level when resting.
From 40°C, however, you should be on the alert . Now your bully has a
real fever. Often just touching and stroking will tell the dog is warm
to the touch and most dogs are now also showing that they are not
feeling well. Animals now seem tired and exhausted, sometimes drink
more, pant a lot and have hot ears.
If the mercury finally climbs to 41°C, it slowly becomes critical . If
the value stays this high for a long time, it can have serious
consequences. If the temperature continues to rise, it is
life-threatening . Above 42°C , the proteins in the body break down and
cannot be repaired or renewed. This clumping of the proteins can result
in the death of the dog.
At best, you should contact a veterinarian when the thermometer shows
40°C or more. This way you are on the safe side and can follow the
veterinarian's advice if the condition should deteriorate.
Fever is not always bad. On the other hand, it is an immune response to
an intruder that is supposed to be destroyed more quickly and rendered
harmless. It should therefore only be lowered on the advice of the
doctor if it has been going on for a long time, is very high or the
four-legged friend is clearly feeling bad.
Again, make sure you drink enough fluids!
Measure fever in the dog - Here's how!
Train your dog in the temperature measurement procedure early on. In
this way, he remains relaxed later in an emergency and does not let
himself be disturbed. In any case, it is necessary to measure the
temperature of your four-legged friend from time to time when he is
resting, because after all, the normal temperature needs to be
determined. This is important, because a dog with a resting temperature
of 37.5°C is often already really bad at 39°C and has a fever, whereas a
four-legged friend with a normal temperature of 39°C is still in top
shape and squeaky fiddle.
Use a thermometer with a flexible tip. You can use disposable covers to
save yourself cleaning and disinfecting.
If your dog won't stay still, tie it up or have another person help you.
If your Frenchie likes to snap, put a muzzle loop around him.
Lightly grease the thermometer or alternatively moisten it with a little
water. Hold the base of the tail firmly and insert the thermometer. Wait
for the beep and read the temperature. From 40°C you should call the
veterinary practice and follow their instructions.
Don't let diseases develop in the first place
There are a number of things you can do to ensure that the French
bulldog can lead a healthy and carefree life with you.
- Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. His breeding animals have to pass the breeding suitability test and meet certain health requirements. This increases the chances that your puppy is free of hereditary diseases or typical breed diseases.
- Check your dog regularly for parasites . Ticks should be removed immediately and other pests can also be dealt with quickly with wormers or spot-ons. Although parasites are usually not particularly dangerous, if left untreated they can still lead to diseases, weaken the dog or, in extreme cases, even kill it.
- Vaccinations prevent serious diseases. Therefore, complete the puppy's basic immunization conscientiously and ensure that it is boosted at the recommended intervals. Ask a veterinarian for advice on whether additional injections are possible for your Frenchie in addition to the core vaccinations (depending on the risk group).
- Take care of your bulldog holistically. There is more to grooming than a nice shiny coat. Pay attention to eyes, ears, paws and especially mouth and teeth. During the beauty treatments, you can also pay attention to the first signs of illness and injuries. For example, bumps under the skin could indicate cancer.
- Old dogs are also quickly affected by health problems. They suffer from old age and don't cope with illnesses as well as their young representatives of the breed. A senior consultation with the veterinarian pays attention to these signs of aging and the first symptoms of illness, which mainly occur in older dogs. If countermeasures are taken early on, symptoms can be alleviated and delayed.
- You collect your bulldog's poop heaps every day anyway, so you can also pay attention to changes . Because the excretions often reveal a lot about the current state of health. This applies not only to feces, but also to urine. If this is conspicuously colored, the dog puts down a lot or only very little, is in pain, etc., these are all warning signs.
Checklist for a healthy dog life!
- Only buy from a reputable breeder
- Eat a healthy diet
- Don't let obesity develop in the first place
- Use treats sparingly
- Do not feed leftovers or other unsuitable foods
- Put toxic substances (including plants!) out of the dog's reach
- Drinking water should always be clean and fresh and available 24 hours a day
- Load your Bully sufficiently physically and mentally
- Avoid excessive heat in summer
- Care for the skin folds
- A good upbringing ensures more security (availability may prevent accidents, command "off" protects against poisoned bait, etc.)
- Make sure your dog is free from parasites
- Prevent diseases with vaccinations
- Don't let dental problems arise in the first place. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste or offer chews. In this way you keep tartar and the like away and thus also secondary diseases of the organs in check.
- Always pay attention to the first signs of illness when caring for your dog from head to paw
- Take care of all your Frenchman's accessories. This also includes transport box, leash, bowls, brushes, toys and Co.
- Never keep your dog in a kennel, but always with family and lots of love
- Provide a species-appropriate and safe home
- Always go to the vet as soon as possible!
- Take a canine first aid class and buy a good book on the subject