French Bulldogs, also affectionately known as Frenchies, have quickly become one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and as a fellow Frenchie lover, I can see why! After all, who could resist their short, stocky build and bold personality? However, many owners who welcome a French Bulldog into their home are unaware that their cute new companion may need a little more TLC than some other dog breeds. While many Frenchies are playful, affectionate, and hardy in personality, their unique body structure and genetics make them prone to certain health issues — like breathing difficulties, skin infections, digestive sensitivities, and joint problems. To help ensure that your Frenchie stays healthy and lives their life to the fullest, we’ve broken down some of the most common French Bulldog health issues we see at Livermore Family Pet Hospital and what owners can do to prevent or manage them.
Do French Bulldogs Have Health Problems?
Yes, like every dog breed, there are several French Bulldog health issues that the breed can be predisposed to. Their unique body structure as well as genetic composition does make them more prone to developing health issues than some other dog breeds. But don’t let this stop you from adding a French Bulldog to your family. With the right preventative medicine and care routine, many French Bulldogs live long and happy lives with these conditions well-managed if they even occur in the first place.
It’s important for owners of any dog breed to understand that a breed being predisposed to certain health conditions doesn’t mean that every dog will be affected by them. Some French Bulldogs may only be mildly affected by the conditions we discussed, while others may experience more severe health issues; every dog is different, so it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian in Livermore, CA to ensure that your individual dog’s health and care needs are met.
8 French Bulldog Health Issues You Should Know About
1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
A number of the most common French Bulldog health issues stem from their unique skull shape and facial features, and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome – also known as BOAS – is one of the most commonly seen by veterinarians. BOAS is a respiratory condition that affects flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog breeds, though it’s far more common and severe in French Bulldogs, as well as Pugs and Boston Terriers.
Because these breeds have been selectively bred for short, compact skulls, their facial bones are shortened, and sometimes their nasal passages and trachea are much narrower— but the soft tissues inside the mouth and throat (such as the tongue, soft palate, and nasal structures) remain relatively large. This unique skull and facial structure leaves less space for normal airflow, leading to partial obstruction of the upper airways. French Bulldogs with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome will commonly have an elongated soft palate and pinched or narrow nostrils that exacerbate respiratory complications from the condition.
BOAS and the French Bulldog's unique anatomy can lead to further health challenges, including syncope (episodes where they suddenly pass out), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), aspiration pneumonia, and heartburn, or hiatal hernias, and greater sensitivity to heat when not properly addressed. Weight control and avoidance of overexertion or overheating are common strategies to prevent complications from BOAS; however, in some more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to help your Frenchie breathe easily.
2. Allergies
French Bulldogs are susceptible to both food and environmental-related allergies, making proper allergy management a must-do for all Frenchie owners. When it comes to food allergies, Frenchies and other dogs and cats can be sensitive to common ingredients like chicken, beef, and dairy, or to other proteins in the food. This does not necessarily translate to grains, which are a vital part of their diet. What makes food allergies challenging for many pet owners is that dogs can develop them over time, making their favorite food turn into something that may later make them feel itchy or sick. It’s important to keep an eye on your French Bulldog for any allergy symptoms and make an appointment to see your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have a food allergy.
Outside of food allergies, Frenchies can also be allergic to a number of things around them, like pollen, dust, grasses, household cleaners, and mold, known as environmental allergens. They can even be allergic to cat or human dander! When affected French Bulldogs come into contact with these allergens, they will often show classic symptoms of allergies in dogs, like excessive itching.
Signs of allergies in French Bulldogs to be on the lookout for include:
- Excessive itching, licking, or chewing at the paws or skin
- Rashes, redness, or irritation
- Watery eyes
- Hot spots
- Hair loss
- Digestive issues
- Diarrhea or vomiting
If your French Bulldog exhibits any of these symptoms, but you can’t quite seem to figure out what they are allergic to, reach out to your veterinarian to arrange for allergy testing and/or a hypoallergenic diet trial to help your dog get relief and avoid their allergen triggers.
3. Sensitive Skin
Due to the breed’s predisposition to allergies, Frenchies are also prone to the skin issues that come with them. As we discussed, excessive itching, rashes, hair loss or staining, and redness are all common signs that your dog is suffering from allergies, and they are taking a toll on your dog’s skin and coat.
In addition to the skin issues that result from allergies, French Bulldogs may also get other types of skin infections due to the natural folds in their skin. Bacteria and yeast can thrive in these skin folds when not properly cleaned and may develop into a nasty skin infection. To avoid skin infections, be sure to clean out your Frenchie’s wrinkles and folds regularly, and dry them thoroughly after baths or time in the water. Rough areas on the skin inside the ears could also indicate a bacterial or yeast infection.
4. Hip Dysplasia & Patellar Luxation
Frenchies are known for their signature short and stocky build; however, as cute as their build is, this compact form does create the potential for joint issues to develop, especially as Frenchies age. Two of the most common issues that stem from the French Bulldog’s unique body structure are luxating patella and hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation in French Bulldogs occurs when the dog’s kneecap slides out of place, causing a misalignment of the knee. Frenchies with a luxating patella may suddenly begin limping for a few steps before doing a shaking movement to slide the kneecap back into place. Dogs with this condition may also show signs of pain or discomfort in the knee, have audible clicking or popping when they walk, or have difficulties standing, running, or jumping. While mild cases of patellar luxation can often be treated with rest or physical therapy, more advanced cases may require surgery to correct.
Hip dysplasia is an inherited joint issue that affects many Frenchies and results in a loose hip joint that can cause further joint health complications like arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Because hip dysplasia is an inherited health issue that is passed down from parents to their offspring, smart breeding practices can help ensure that puppies are healthy and won’t develop the condition in their lifetime. Be sure when you are looking to buy or adopt a Frenchie that the parents had hip evaluations prior to breeding.
5. Back Issues
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), hemivertebrae (partial, malformed vertebrae that can be short or wedge-shaped, etc.), Degenerative Disc Disease, and other spinal malformations can affect French Bulldogs due to their anatomy. These conditions can cause pain and discomfort and result in symptoms including:
- Sudden yelping or signs of pain when picked up
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or move normally
- Stiffness, trembling, or arched back posture
- Dragging of rear legs or loss of coordination
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (urgent veterinary emergency)
If you suspect that your French Bulldog is showing signs of back pain or spinal deformities, see your veterinarian right away to get a proper diagnosis and learn how to best support your Frenchies’ development and spinal health.
Elevated food and water bowls, using a harness instead of a collar around their necks, and teaching them to use doggy stairs or ramps instead of jumping on/off furniture are also good ways to protect their spines for years to come.
6. Digestive Issues
Digestive problems are very common in French Bulldogs and can range from mild sensitivities to chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Thanks to their short snouts, compact bodies, and sometimes sensitive stomachs, Frenchies often struggle with digestion and gas regulation more than other breeds. This may lead to increased flatulence and bloating, vomiting or regurgitation (sometimes resulting in aspiration pneumonia), loose stools, and, in some cases, decreased appetite or a reluctance to eat.
You can support your Frenchies’ digestive health by feeding them an easily-digestible diet, avoiding feeding them “people foods,” and controlling the speed and frequency of their meals, by using alternative feeding schedules and tools like slow-feeder bowls. Elevated food and water bowls (at about the height of their shoulder) are also a better natural angle for eating and swallowing, and put less strain on their necks and backs.
7. Ear Infections
The French Bulldog's predisposition to allergies, as well as the shape of their ear canal, puts them at a greater risk of developing ear infections than some other dog breeds. Frenchies have a much narrower ear canal than many other dogs, making it easier for moisture, dirt, and other debris to become trapped in their ears and for infections to develop. Chronic ear infections in French Bulldogs can further exacerbate the problem of their narrow ear canals, as ear infections can actually change the texture and thickness of the skin that lines the ear canal, only making the space narrower and creating more opportunities for future infections to develop. To combat Frenchie ear infections, be sure to keep up with your dog’s grooming needs and regularly clean and dry their ears to prevent buildup.
8. Eye Issues
One of the cutest features of the French Bulldog is the breed’s big, expressive eyes. However, as with many other aspects of their anatomy, the position of their eyes can create the opportunity for a few eye-related health issues to arise, including Cherry Eye, entropion, and dry eye.
- Cherry Eye: This occurs when the gland of the third eyelid becomes inflamed and protrudes, creating a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. It can cause irritation and often requires veterinary treatment or surgery to correct.
- Entropion: Entropion happens when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. This constant friction can lead to pain, tearing, and corneal damage if left untreated.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Dry eye develops when the tear glands don’t produce enough moisture to keep the eyes lubricated. Affected dogs may have redness, thick discharge, or frequent blinking, and long-term cases can result in corneal injury.
- Corneal ulcers or trauma: Since Frenchies don’t have long snouts that come in contact with an obstacle long before the eye does, they are more prone to ocular trauma resulting in ulcers, lacerations, foreign bodies in the eye, etc. Signs of these eye issues are squinting, redness, green-yellow discharge, and cloudiness of the eye.
Establishing a Care Routine to Get Ahead of French Bulldog Health Issues
Establishing a proper care routine for your French Bulldog is one of the best things you can do to help prevent some of their more common health issues and avoid large veterinary bills.
Daily Care Tasks
- Monitor your Frenchies’ breathing for any abnormalities or signs of respiratory distress.
- Check their bowel movements to ensure their digestive system is working well.
- Gently clean around their eyes and body folds and wrinkles of any dirt, debris, or moisture.
- Brush their teeth at least 3 times weekly, up to daily, or provide Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dental treats or diets to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
- Get in some exercise to help your Frenchie maintain a healthy weight.
- Observe their mood and activity level for early signs of pain, lethargy, or discomfort.
- Regularly handle their faces, ears, and paws with positive reinforcement (especially when they are young puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age), so when they do have a medical issue, they are not stressed when your veterinarian and treatment team have to handle those areas for treatment.
Weekly Care Tasks
- Inspect their skin and coat for any signs of irritation or infection.
- Trim their nails to avoid discomfort or abnormalities in their gait.
- Clean and dry their ears to prevent infections.
Monthly Care Tasks
- Weigh your Frenchie to ensure their weight is healthy and not putting any additional strain on their joints.
- Assess their posture and gait for any signs of back pain or joint problems.
- Review their diet, supplements, and treats to ensure their nutrition supports overall health.
In addition to all of these routine care tasks, be sure to stay on top of your Frenchies’ regular vet visits! These visits can help your veterinarian catch any common French Bulldog health issues early on before they progress to something painful – and expensive. They will also give you an opportunity to raise any questions you may have about your Frenchies' health, diet, vaccine status, or development, and get answers straight from a professional and not Dr. Google.
If you have questions or are looking for French Bulldog care in Livermore, CA, and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (925) 744-6421, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.