Health Concerns For Your French Bulldog
There are minimal congenital diseases and conditions that French Bulldogs are prone to, though they are still considered the healthiest of the Bulldog Breeds. Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD), a bleeding syndrome similar to Hemophilia in humans. In conjunction to this, French Bulldogs may also suffer from thyroid conditions. Many breeders follow a program of testing younger dogs for VWD. In this program, the breeder tests thyroid again just prior to using the dog for breeding.
As a result of the rather cramped conditions that a Frenchie's flat face creates, one of the most common defects in French Bulldogs is elongated soft or cleft palate. Elongated soft palates can be manifested as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to extreme conditions causing the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise. One of the most disgusting possibilities in a dog affected with elongated palate is passive regurgitation, in which the affected dog vomits up food or phlegm after eating or exercising. Ask breeders if either parent has elongated soft palate, or has ever been operated on for the condition.
As a result of their compacted air way, French Bulldogs can’t effectively regulate temperature. While other canine species may suffer from the heat, to a Frenchie it may be lethal. It is important that your french bulldog be protected from extreme temperatures at all times. French bulldogs should always have access to fresh water and shade.
French Bulldogs can also suffer from minor back and spinal issues, most of which are probably related to the fact that they were selectively chosen from the dwarf Bulldog breed. While no dog affected with a spinal disease should be bred from, there is variance in the appearance of a French Bulldog's spine when contrasted to other species. Decisions on breeding should be left to a skilled vet or breeder who is familiar with characteristics of this disorder.
No matter who you buy your French Bulldog from, be sure to ask what disorders they are testing for. Reputable breeders strive to produce healthy dogs. While these tests are expensive for the breeder, they can help to save the puppy purchaser hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential vet bills.
Heat Stroke - The Sudden Killer
Every dog is a potential victim of heat exhaustion, but the shorter breathing system of the French Bulldog is what puts them at a higher risk for heat stroke. A shorter airway means less cooling the air which the dog draws into its body. Dogs do not sweat; their only means of reducing built-up body heat is by panting.
Leaving your Frenchie in a hot car can rapidly take your pet from heat exhaustion into heat stroke. Even on a mild day (75-80 degrees F), the temperature inside a car can max at 130 degrees rather quickly. Leaving a window slightly open will not prevent heat build-up. Leaving your French Bulldog in a car on a warm day is a risk to the Frenchie's life.
There are many variables in triggering heat exhaustion; the French Bulldog's physical condition, its age, and its acclimatization to heat. An older couch-potato French Bulldog will have less tolerance to the heat than a young Frenchie that romps outside all day. Both very young Frenchies and very older Frenchies are among the highest risk categories. All Frenchies, no matter how well they breathe, or how active they are, are at risk from heat stroke.
Identifying Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion in French bulldogs
The first signs of heat exhaustion in Frenchies:
a) Excessive panting.
b) The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.
Heat Exhaustion can progress in to heat stroke indicated by:
a) Weakness
b) Staggering
c) Fainting - loss of consciousness
Heat stroke is an emergency situation. If your French Bulldog shows signs of heat stroke, cool him down as rapidly as possible. Don't wait for veterinary treatment. Treat the dog NOW!
Emergency Heat Stroke Treatment for the French Bulldog
DO NOT try to force your French Bulldog to drink. His swelling airways can cause any liquid intake in to be regurgitated and possibly aspirated into his lungs.
Hose the French Bulldog down with cool water - not cold.
Apply an ice pack to the French Bulldog's head, and soaked towels or any other form of fabric to their body.
If at all possible, get your French Bulldog into a tub of cool water -- not cold! In an extreme emergency if cold is all there is, use it.
If none of these methods work, a cool water enema can help to cool the French Bulldog internally. If you induce too rapidly, or with water cooler than a few degrees below body temperature, you can put your French Bulldog into serious shock.
As your French Bulldog is panting, his airways are swelling, causing him to pant harder yet again. You need to break this cycle. Children's allergy treatment Benadryl can be administered by mouth from dropper. Consult your vet in advance, or by phone, for the exact dosage.
Do not stop treatment until your Frenchie's body temperature is approaching normal. As soon as your frenchies internal temperature has stabilized at a near normal level, transport your frenchie to your vet. Heat stroke can leave permanent damage.
Many French Bulldogs will play until they drop. Supervise the games and determine when it is time to stop. During hot weather limit your French Bulldog's time outside. Be sure that there is a shaded area for your Frenchie to rest in with a constant supply of clean water nearby.
Never, EVER underestimate your Frenchie’s susceptibility to heat stroke. Limit their exposure to temperatures only mildly hot and be conscious of your Bulldog's proximity to hot pavement. NEVER leave your Frenchie in a locked car even in warm weather, and always allow them access to fresh water, shade, and cool areas to escape from the heat. Be alert and prepared with the things you need to save your frenchie's life.
A checklist for summer living with Frenchies and other Brachycephalic breeds:
- Children's Liquid Benadryl
- bottled water
- clean towels to soak in water
- cooling pads and/or cool coats (any good pet supply store will sell these)
- access to shade
- your vet's phone number, and the number of the nearest 24 hour emergency vet
Frenchies are awesome!!!
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