Certain dog breeds are more prone to medical conditions than others. Unfortunately, French bulldogs aren’t exempt from this. French bulldog breeders in Southern California are often aware of many of these, so you should know what to look out for in a bulldog’s pedigree as well as when you take your pup for their first check-up. At Royal Empire French Bulldogs, we want to make sure you’re prepared for what it takes to bring home our favorite pups.
Ear infections
Ear infections are often the result of poor drainage in the ear canal. French bulldogs often have extremely narrow ear canals, which makes it difficult for fluid to drain as well as clean dirt from inside the ear. This can build up and lead to an ear infection. What’s more, seasonal allergies can cause more fluid to accumulate leading to ear infections that cause painful inflammation and even a ruptured eardrum. Keep an eye on how your Frenchie paws at their ear or reacts to certain noises if you’re worried about an infection. You can catch ear infections early by regularly examining the ears at home to look for redness or swelling as well.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Dog breeds that have short snouts or squashed faces often have difficulty breathing. This is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. This often leads to trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing and can make it difficult for them to have the endurance to get the appropriate amount of exercise for their body.
Heat intolerance
Remember that dogs don’t sweat. Instead, they pant. While this is an effective method of regulating their body temperature, it can be problematic when coupled with breathing issues. A dog that’s already having trouble with BOAS or another respiratory problem is likely to struggle in warm temperatures. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog as the warm months hit so you can monitor their breathing as well as their
Hip dysplasia
Another reason Frenchies will often have a hard time getting exercise is because of hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball joint in the upper thighbone and can lead to partial or complete dislocation. As you can imagine, a partially dislocated hip is going to be difficult to walk on so you could end up with a pup that doesn’t want to run around and be active as their hip pops in and out of the joint regularly.
Skinfold dermatitis
One of the things we love about French bulldogs is their chubby little bodies. They often have extra skin that makes them look like they’re maintaining their baby fat for years. As cute as it is, it can also lead to skin problems with skin fold dermatitis, which is an infection that develops when the skin inside those folds isn’t properly cleaned. The warm, dark environment is perfect for fungus and bacteria to grow, so if you’re not meticulously cleaning your dog’s skin folds in the armpits, neck, and other areas, it could end up with a serious infection.
Get in touch to learn more
As a French bulldog breeder in Southern California, we’re aware of the medical conditions that often come with Frenchies and other breeds like them. This is why we go to great lengths to breed our pups from pedigrees with a history of good health. You can be confident that you’re getting a dog with strong genes from Royal Empire French Bulldogs. You can learn more about Frenchies by calling us at 714-306-8656 or sending a message via our online contact form.
