If you love French Bulldogs and/or you are a proud tutor – you are not the only one. If you heard that they are prone to many health issues – unfortunately, you are also not the only one! French Bulldog health problems are common, mainly due to their physical traits and genetics.
However, this is not the end of the world. Your Frenchie can still live a good and quality life as long as you stay well-informed of these health concerns.
Calling your vet every now and then is the “old-fashioned” way to stay informed. However, we offer a “modern” way to stay informed about your Frech Bulldog health issues. Maven Pet Health Monitor is a modern way to track your dog’s health issues 24/7.
Let’s find out more about how this tracker can help French Bulldogs!
10 Common French Bulldog Health Problems
Here we will briefly mention some of the most common French Bulldog health issues and see how Maven Pet can assist in those conditions!
1. Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome (Breathing Problems)
French Bulldogs are a part of the brachycephalic family. These dogs have shortened skull bones, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance.
The brachycephalic respiratory syndrome consists of the following complications:
- Narrow and small nostrils that restrict the amount of airflow.
- This soft palate is too long compared to the mouth’s length and is causing blockage to the trachea’s entrance.
- Small sacs located in the larynx become everted (turned outward) or pulled into the airway due to the increased effort to breathe.
- Narrow trachea that makes the breathing process more difficult.
The most common symptoms include labored breathing, excessive panting, pronounced airway noise, gagging, and even bluish gum discoloration. Frenchie tutors might be confused and think their pet’s breathing is normal because they were taught that this breed breathes heavily anyway. Well, that is not always the case!
In these cases, Maven comes in handy. It tracks the pet’s activity, medical history, and any new symptoms. The cutting-edge sensor collects detailed pet health data around the clock, including respiratory rate, which is a crucial thing to measure to detect unusual patterns in brachycephalic breeds.
According to studies, the consequences of this condition are progressive and might lead to multiorgan dysfunction. Early recognition of this condition can be life-saving and that is what Maven provides for pet parents!
2. Skin Fold Dermatitis
Skin fold dermatitis is another common issue in French Bulldogs due to their characteristic facial wrinkles, body folds, and tail pockets. The infection occurs in a pocket between two folds of skin, which are warm, and provide a moisturized environment – perfect for bacteria and yeast.
According to statistics, French Bulldogs are second on the list of most susceptible dog breeds to skin fold dermatitis. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs have 4.51 times the risk of skin fold dermatitis overall, compared with dogs with medium-length skulls.
Skin fold dermatitis might lead to:
- Smelly skin (odor)
- Red and sore folds
- Excessive scratching and irritation
- Pain
- Yellow discharge
So, how does Maven help in these cases? Well, Maven can detect odd behaviors or anomalies. Excessive itching immediately indicates discomfort and is an obvious sign to visit a vet.
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3. Hip Dysplasia
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), one of the recommended health tests for Frenchies includes a hip evaluation. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint fails to develop properly, leading to instability, and over time degeneration.
This condition might lead to:
- Inflammation
- Cartilage degradation
- Pain
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Decreased activity
Maven Pet keeps up with your pet 24/7 and monitors how much, how long, and at what intensity they move. Reduced movement is one of the most obvious signs in cases of hip dysplasia.
4. Cherry Eye
Moving on to another French Bulldog health problem – cherry eye! Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland behind a dog’s third eyelid becomes swollen and protrudes, appearing as a red mass. This condition is common in Bulldogs and often affects younger dogs.
Cherry eye isn’t painful in most cases, but it can cause irritation, reduced tear production, and lead to secondary infections if left untreated.
In some breeds, the eye fibers are weaker, allowing the gland to pop out of its usual position. This is common in Bulldogs but can also occur in other breeds. French Bulldogs belong to the top five breeds with the highest case numbers of cherry eye.
How can you recognize this French Bulldog health issue? Very easily, you will notice a red, swollen mass near the inner corner of the eye indicating the gland is out of place. But if you cannot recognize it, then leave the job to Maven Pet. You can simply do it by uploading pictures of the pet’s eyes and the app will perform a comparison over time.
5. Heatstroke
Overheating and heatstroke is a life-threatening condition if not detected on time and managed promptly, and Frenchies are especially prone to it. Be extra careful during the warmer months because Bulldogs have a flat face and a short nose – which in translation means decreased panting ability.
Brachycephalic breeds are prone to obesity and breathe with difficulties. This combination can be life-threatening especially when they are not well hydrated.
Since Maven Pet tracks activity and rest patterns to detect signs of heat stress, you won’t be worried about possible changes that you might miss. And how will the app know the accuracy of the data? Well, it will know because everything is analyzed and cross-referenced by our AI which is trained to identify early indicators of health issues.
With our smart dog collar, you can save money while improving pet wellness.
6. Ear Infections
By now you probably realized that everything about these dogs is unique, and so are the French Bulldog health problems. They are prone to ear infections (otitis) due to their unique ear structure. Otitis is a common health issue in every dog with bat-like or floppy ears.
The reason is simple, they have limited ventilation, as well as a warm and moist environment- which are perfect for bacteria and yeast.
The most common symptoms include:
- Foul odor
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Restlessness
- Head shaking
The work of Maven is again so simple, and yet so useful. It will detect this issue by tracking the frequency of scratching or restlessness. And these parameters indicate discomfort which is one of the main symptoms in cases of otitis.
7. Eye Problems (Cataracts and Corneal Ulcers)
If you have a senior dog and you noticed that it is stumbling upon the furniture lately, the chances that it is developing cataracts are very high. Eye problems like cataracts and corneal ulcers are not always fatal, but they can make the dog’s life more difficult.
Here is a simple comparison of these conditions:
| Causes | Symptoms | |
| Cataracts | Genetics | Cloudy or bluish eyes |
| Cataracts | Aging | Decreased coordinance |
| Cataracts | Diabetes/trauma | Difficulty navigating |
| Corneal ulcers | Foreign object scratching | Redness, swelling, and discharge |
| Corneal ulcers | Irritants (dust or chemicals) | Light sensitivity |
| Corneal ulcers | Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes) | Squinted eyes |
Did you know? French Bulldogs are one of the rare dog breeds that have a recessive disorder and are prone to a Juvenile Hereditary Cataract (JHC).
Also, according to studies, 132 out of 200 dogs developed cataracts as a secondary disease from diabetes. Read more about diabetes in dogs here!
And again, Maven Pet comes to the rescue for all kinds of French Bulldog health issues because it has the ability to track visible eye changes over time.
8. Allergies (Food and Environmental)
Allergies are also a common French Bulldogs’ health concern, affecting their skin, digestion, and overall well-being. These reactions can stem from environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites, or from certain ingredients in their diet.
The symptoms vary, and they can be gastrointestinal, respiratory, and even mixed. But the most common are the following:
- Red and inflamed skin
- Persistent scratching and licking
- Chronic ear infections
- Hair loss and hot spots
- Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Respiratory issues (difficulty breathing)
Maven Pet can assist by tracking scratching behavior, which may indicate an allergic reaction. The app also has a feature of symptom journaling which allows you to log symptoms like itching, digestive upsets, or ear issues.
With Maven Pet Health Monitor, you don’t have to keep wondering “is my dog depressed?” – this device will help you get the answers you need to start taking care of your furry friend’s emotional state.
9. Luxating Patella
A luxating patella, or a dislocated kneecap, is a common mobility issue in French Bulldogs. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of its normal position in the femoral groove, causing mobility problems and discomfort.
The most common symptoms are:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Difficulty walking or running
- Pain
- Discomfort
Maven Pet monitors the activity levels, and reduced activity or sudden changes in movement can indicate pain or difficulty. You as a user can also log your own observations like limping or skipping to give your vet a whole picture.
10. Obesity
Many dog tutors love Frenchies for their unique appearance, but it’s important to be extra cautious about their weight. This breed is more prone to weight gain than many others. While it might seem challenging to reduce your Bulldog’s weight, it is definitely achievable! But the main thing is to start regulating the weight gain on time!
Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties due to brachycephalic syndrome, which already limits their physical activity. They tire more quickly and are less active compared to other breeds. Obesity further slows down their metabolism, causing them to burn fewer calories than leaner, more active breeds.
Common complications resulting from obesity or just weight gain include:
- Joint and mobility issues
- Respiratory problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Reduced lifespan
You can help your furry buddy by providing a balanced diet, controlling portion sizes, encouraging regular exercise, and scheduling routine veterinary check-ups. Incorporating supplements, like probiotics, can also support your dog’s health.
Regulating the dog’s weight is not only important for French Bulldogs but for any other dog breed. According to official data, around 19% of dogs were reported to be obese and 37% to be overweight.
Maven Pet monitors daily activity levels to ensure your dog stays active enough to burn calories. The app also allows you to record and track your dog’s weight changes over time, helping you identify trends.
How does Maven Pet Help with French Bulldog Health Issues?
Maven Pet monitors your French Bulldog’s daily activity levels and rest patterns, helping you identify any changes in behavior that could signal pain or discomfort. This is especially important for dogs prone to joint issues or obesity.
Given the brachycephalic nature of French Bulldogs, breathing problems are an inseparable part of Frenchie’s life. But Maven Pet comes again to the rescue to track breathing patterns and detect signs of respiratory distress, allowing for timely intervention.
Dehydration can be also a serious concern, especially for dogs with mobility or breathing difficulties. The app tracks water intake, ensuring your dog is staying hydrated throughout the day.
This pet smart collar is useful because according to data, more than 68% of pet deaths can be avoided if the issues are caught early on.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing these 10 common French Bulldog health problems is crucial for ensuring they lead a happy and healthy life.
Maven Pet Health Monitor is an excellent tool for tracking and managing these health concerns. These features track activity, rest, breathing patterns, and more, and all of this leads to providing valuable insights into your dog’s health, helping you take timely action when needed.
By using this app, you can make informed decisions for their care and improve their quality of life. Even better, the app will make the informed decision more often than you will.
If you are a proud French Bulldog tutor, you deserve to become a proud Maven Pet user as well!
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
