French Bulldog Health
French Bulldogs are luckily much healthier then there English Bulldog cousins, and they are also much less extreme in appearance, however, there are still some concerns about the breed that new owners should be familiar with. All good breeders should health test for various problems to minimize this from occurring in the future puppies.
1) French
Bulldogs and swimming
2) French Bulldogs and heat
3) Flatulence and Snoring
4) Stenotic Nares
5) Elongated Soft Palate
6) French Bulldog Spine
French Bulldogs are not a breed that is good at swimming, and unfortunately, many, when placed in water, will sink. This is due to there bulky and heavier weight that is not proportionate for there overall size. Exercise caution as if a French Bulldog falls into a swimming pool, they will probably drown. Make sure any ponds that are too deep, or swimming pools, are properly secured if you get a Frenchie.
Every dog is at risk of Heat
Stroke, but the shorter breathing system is what puts the French Bulldog and
other brachycephalic breeds at a greater risk. A shorter breathing passage means
there is less chance the air can cool before it reaches the lungs. Dogs do not
sweat and only release extra heat by panting or through the pads of there feet.
The leading cause of heat exhaustion is leaving the dog in a
car. Even in what seems to be a mild day, the temperature inside of the car can
increase very quickly. Even a car window that is left open is still a risk to a
dog's life. If you have to leave your dog along in the car, it is best to leave
them at home instead as a precaution.
Identifying Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
The first signs of heat exhaustion:
a) Excessive panting
b) The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.
Heat Exhaustion can progress in to Heat Stroke:
a) Weakness
b) Staggering
c) Fainting - loss of consciousnessEmergency Heat Stroke Treatment
Heat stroke is an emergency situation. If your dog shows signs of heat stroke, you must cool him down as rapidly as possible.
1) Do not try to force your dog to drink. He may regurgitate and possibly aspirated into his lungs.
2) Hose the dog down with cool water - not cold.
3) Apply an ice pack to the dog's head, armpits and inner thighs, and soaked towels or any other form of fabric to their body.
4) If at all possible, get him into a tub of cool water (not cold).Get the dog to the vet immediately. Heat stroke can be associated with swelling of the throat. This aggravates the problem. A cortisone injection by your veterinarian may be required to treat this. Normal dog temperature is around 101.5.
During hot weather, you must supervise games and playing and determine when it is time to stop. During hot weather limit your dog's time outside. Be sure that there is a shaded area for your dog to rest in and that your dog has a constant supply of clean water.
Overall, limit a Frenchies exposure to temperatures which you might personally find only mildly hot, NEVER leave your Frenchie in a locked car in even warm weather, and always allow them lots of access to fresh water, shade, and cool areas to escape from heat.
Flatulence and Snoring/Snorting
One of the unique part of having
any of the Bulldogs is they are more likely to snore then other breeds due to
there short nose. Many people grow to love the snorting and snoring that the
Frenchies do as it is calming and soothing to listen to.
Bulldogs do pass more gas then other breeds because they take
in more air as they eat or drink water. You can help reduce the amount of
flatulence by feeding a good quality and highly digestible food, rather then the
typical grocery store brands. High quality foods will also reward you with a
healthier dog and longer and healthier life span as well. Dry food is better for
them then canned food, and is less likely to cause gas as well.
Stenotic Nares is very common in the brachycephalic breeds and is characterized by a narrowing of the nostrils. As the dog breathes, the collapses or restricts airflow causing the dog to mouth breath, especially when excited. In mild cases, surgery intervention is not required, but in other more serious cases, surgery is recommended to open up the nostrils and make breathing more easy. In many cases, unless the nares are causing obvious problems, surgery is not recommended, although many vets that are unfamiliar with the bulldog type breeds will still recommend it. Stenotic Nares can increase the snorting and snoring sounds as well.
One of the most common forms of airway restriction in the brachycephalics is Elongated Soft Palate. The soft palate is an extension of the hard palate which forms the roof of their mouth. In an elongated soft palate, the soft palate will hang in front of the airway or fall into the larynx during inhalation. Dogs affected by this often breathe rather noisily, especially when excited. Vets may recommend surgery depending on the severity, but often the severity can not be determined unless they put the dog under a general anaesthesia. If it does need surgical correction, the vet will usually correct the problem at the same time, rather then putting the dog under again. For more information about Elongated Soft Palate, click here.
What is normal in the French Bulldog is not normal in other breeds. Almost every French Bulldog (as well as almost all Bulldogs, and most Boston Terriers and Pugs) has at least one deviation of their spine, also called a hemivertebrae as well as other spinal formations. In most cases, this rarely causes any problems in the French Bulldog and there is no need to get alarmed over the presence of a deviation or even multiple deviations unless the dog is showing obvious signs of a problem. Many vets that are not familiar with what is normal in the Bulldogs get overly concerned, and thus get the owner concerned as well over this very common anomaly in the brachycephalics.
Karin and Cheryl Daehn
Edmonton and Swan Hills, Alberta
780-433-8553
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