If you already own a French Bulldog, then you are probably on a first name basis with your veterinarian. And, if you are thinking about adding a Frenchie to your home, you should definitely take into consideration the vet bills you will likely have. As a breed, they tend to have more health issues than others. The following are the top 3 health concerns for your French Bulldog you should know about.
#1 – Brachycephalic Syndrome
As you probably know, Frenchies are a brachycephalic – short-nosed – breed. This causes a lot of problems when it comes to breathing, because their respiratory tracts do not allow for the free flow of air in and out of the lungs. All those cute snorts and snores and snuffles your Frenchie makes? They are actually him trying to get enough air in and out to stay alive. For some Frenchies, surgery is required to fix severe deformities including elongated soft palates, everted laryngeal saccules, or stenotic nares.
#2 – Intervertebral Disc Disease
Their short, blocky form with no tail is caused by a spine that is technically deformed, which makes the Frenchie susceptible to all kinds of back issues. Intervertebral disc disease is when the discs between the vertebrae bulge or herniate into the spinal cord space. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage and paralysis. If your Frenchie is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, take him to the vet as soon as possible.
#3 – Skin/Ear Issues
The French Bulldog has a host of inherited skin and ear issues that may not cost you as much up front as the other two health concerns, but they do require daily maintenance and sometimes an expensive diet to keep them healthy. Demodecitc mange is very common in the breed compared to other breeds, and so are a myriad of skin allergies, both environmental and food related.
