French Bulldogs are prone to several types of skin problems. From yeast to keratinization issues, these skin problems in French Bulldogs can cause pain, itching, and soreness. A serious yeast infection called Malassezia pachydermatis can lead to painful redness, itching, and soreness, and can lead to ear infections and a foul odor.
Types of Skin Problems in French Bulldogs
Pemphigus Foliacues
Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune disease of the skin caused by a reaction of the immune system to a certain protein found in the skin. This protein is involved in the attachment of skin cells to one another within the outer layer of skin. In dogs with this disease, the lesions appear as pustules/crusts.
Sarcoptes scabies mite
Your dog may be showing signs of scabies if you notice a rash or itching on his or her skin. It is very important to have your dog checked out by a veterinarian as scabies is a contagious skin infection. This skin problem can be very uncomfortable for your canine friend, so he or she will need to be confined during treatment.
Demodex red mite
Skin problems in French Bulldogs can result from exposure to the Demodex red mite and can cause several different symptoms. These symptoms include hair loss, sometimes in multiple, and mild itching.
A veterinarian can diagnose demodectic mange by taking a skin scraping and examining it under a microscope. Alternatively, a skin biopsy can be performed to identify demodex mites.
Stress
Skin disorders in French Bulldogs can be caused by a variety of less apparent reasons, including a change in diet and stress. A dog suffering from anxiety or undue stress is much more prone to developing reactions that will affect his body, including the skin.
Food Allergies
French Bulldogs can develop a variety of skin conditions that can be caused by food allergies. This condition can be very painful for your dog and can cause changes in your dog’s personality. Allergies to specific food ingredients can be treated by a close scrutiny of the food provided to your dog, trial and error and ultimately appropriate adjustments to your dog’s diet.
There’s no doubt that the quality of the food you are giving your dog has a major role and seeing as French Bulldogs are allergy sensitive, you should make sure you canine friend gets premium veterinary food, designed to fight skin disorders and allergies.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a common skin condition in dogs, and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. It can be caused by food allergies, parasites, and certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
Treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying cause, but is often focused on treating the underlying cause, such as food allergies. Some cases can be managed by using an antimicrobial topical agent.
Environmental Allergies
Some French Bulldog skin problems can be due to environmental allergies. These problems can be caused by seasonal pollen, dust, mold, or laundry detergent. They can cause symptoms such as itchy ears and paws and may also cause hair loss. In such a case, it is important to get your dog to the veterinarian for an allergy test.
Skin Problems in French Bulldogs: Conclusion
Fortunately, many skin problems in French Bulldogs are treatable. Treatments may include topical steroids, antihistamines, or even surgery. Ultimately, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine which treatment is best for your dog.
When considering the French Bulldog Lifespan, it is important to know that a longer life span is not always better. There are many health issues that can affect a French Bulldog’s longevity. A French bulldog’s life expectancy is affected by several factors, including its genetics, health condition, and diet.
Average French Bulldog Lifespan
Compared to most other dog breeds, the average life span of a French Bulldog is shorter, at roughly ten to twelve years. The breed is particularly susceptible to health issues and is prone to a number of ailments. A recent report by the Kennel Club UK looked at 71 dogs and reported that a French bulldog’s life expectancy was nine to fourteen years. However, this average life span is at the lower end of the range for most small dog breeds. The Chihuahua, by contrast, has a life expectancy of 17 years.
While a French bulldog’s life expectancy is lower than that of other dog breeds, this difference does not mean that the breed is more difficult to care for.
However, French bulldogs can typically suffer from serious respiratory problems and heart issues. They are also prone to spinal problems and respiratory problems.
Health Conditions That Affect Life Expectancy
There are many different health conditions that affect French Bulldogs. One of the most common is otitis externa, which affects the skin. Other common disorders include skin fold dermatitis and conjunctivitis.
In a recent study of over 2000 French Bulldogs, researchers identified several other health problems that affect the breed. This data can help breeders and owners develop strategies to improve the health and welfare of the breed.
Although not the leading cause of death, French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory conditions and ophthalmological diseases. These illnesses are often attributed to extrinsic motivations, such as status or attention. Some owners may consider their dogs helpless and needy, which could make them more prone to developing disorders.
Diet
If you want your French Bulldog to live longer, you should pay attention to his diet. It should be balanced and nutritious and you should keep his body weight at a healthy level.
Frenchies are prone to heart disease and painful joint issues if they are overweight. In addition, the quality of the food your dog eats is important, do your homework to research the food that’s best for your French Bulldog. Try to avoid products that contain by-products of meat or excessive sodium. Be sure to check the ingredient list thoroughly.
Several studies have found that diet can influence a French Bulldog lifespan.
Exercise can increase a French Bulldog’s life span in several ways. It helps reduce stress and raise endorphins, which are good for regulating mood and emotions. It also supports your dog’s cardiovascular health.
Even moderate exercise is beneficial for your Frenchie’s health. Gentle hiking or advanced obedience training can provide stimulating exercise for both you and your dog. Exercise can also improve your bond with your dog.
French Bulldogs tend to be overweight and being obese can lead to a range of health issues. Obesity can cause back pain, metabolic problems, and digestive problems. Obesity can also increase the risk of heart disease and joint problems.
For the best results, you should avoid giving your dog treats and food that contain large amounts of fat and sugar.
Instead, give your French Bulldog a nice, long walk in the park or around the neighborhood. It will feel good to be petted, too, and you can give him or her some doggie treats.
Spaying or Neutering
While spaying or neutering a French Bulldog can greatly increase your dog’s life expectancy, there are also risks associated with the procedure. If you want to reduce your dog’s risk of developing a life-threatening disease, it’s best to have your dog neutered at an early age.
Male and female French bulldogs both benefit from neutering. The procedure decreases their risk of developing diseases like prostate disease, perianal tumors, and testicular cancers. The procedure also eliminates some of the annoying habits that French bulldogs have. For instance, a neutered male dog will no longer chase other dogs in the neighborhood. Additionally, neutered dogs do not show any protective or aggressive behavior.
French Bulldog Lifespan: UK Studies
French Bulldogs have become the second-most popular dog breed in the UK in recent years, with registrations increasing 20-fold between 2009 and 2019. Based on studies that compared health records of French Bulldogs to other breeds, they are found to be more susceptible to genetic problems due to heavy breeding.
In one UK study, nearly seventy percent of French Bulldogs who attended a referral veterinary facility had BOAS, which can be fatal. The researchers also found that older French Bulldogs are more likely to be diagnosed with this condition, and that their levels of BOAS are significantly higher in older dogs than in younger ones. These conditions can definitely impact on the French Bulldog lifespan.
You often see them on social networks, videos and ads. French bulldogs are one of a kind and most often occupy an important place in the life of their owner. In this article, we discuss how to take care of a French Bulldog, so they stay healthy and energetic!
I’m probably not very objective, but I find this breed rather special. French Bulldogs are super cuddly, very mischievous, sometimes a little temperamental but filled with an unconditional love for humans, in particular those that are part of his world!
However, French Bulldogs can develop many conditions as they grow and adopting the highest quality preventive measures is critical. In the following paragraphs I will discuss 4 key tips to keep your French Bulldog in great shape!
How to take care of a French Bulldog: Important Feeding Tips
Diet plays a key role in the well-being of French bulldogs. They are dogs with fragile digestion, that can be upset in no time! Here are the few tips you need to know before you own this breed.
Offer them an adapted diet
French Bulldogs are prone to food allergies which can cause intense scratching and skin issues. You can prevent or correct the problem if you switch the diet to lamb based food, because it is the most digestible meat and the least allergenic.
Find the right food and stick to it! Dogs don’t have taste buds as developed as ours and they don’t need to change food every day, because they may get bored. It could upset their digestion real bad, so find the diet that works for them and stick with it. If you have to change, do it very gradually, first mixing the new food with the old for several days.
Meals at fixed times
This is extremely important and often forgotten or simply not followed. Meals fixed and consistent times will regulate their digestive system and allow you to make them defecate at fixed times. Adult bulldogs eat twice a day, morning & evening!
Everyone should have their own bowl
If you have several dogs, each has their own bowl for food & water! And if they eat too quickly, purchase anti-suffocation bowls that do the job very well!
Avoid snacking at all cost!
French Bulldogs are very greedy dogs, and in my experience, they like everything that humans like, apart from an aversion to all round foods such as peas or cherry tomatoes that they are not capable to eat. But since they are also plump little canines, avoid feeding them outside of meals, unless they deserve a reward. In this case it can be a wedge of fruit or a small piece of cooked and pasteurized cheese!
How to take care of a French Bulldog:
Exercise, Fun and Play is important!
Although we often call them couch potatoes, French Bulldogs are very energetic and they need to work out. Don’t take them running with you, they are not tough enough and their flattened muzzle (we say brachycephalic in the jargon), would not allow them to oxygenate properly through a long effort but on the other hand, you should go out daily to play, run with other dogs and destroy plastic bottles!
The breed is more suitable to short and intense effort and will love little sprints! They also like to go in a small children type pool or at the beach. Be careful, however, French Bulldogs are not good swimmers! So don’t hesitate to invest in a small life jacket if you intend to take to the lake or in a standard size pool.
It is essential that French Bulldogs be physically active and work their muscular system to prevent possible herniated discs since they have small fragile spines! It is essential to make them walk very regularly and include other activity sessions when you can.
French Bulldogs have their own way to play. Give them an empty plastic bottle with its cap closed and they will chew it and roll it around the house while running like crazy. They can put on quite an awesome show!
In general, they like to crush small fluff and they are ruthless with plastic objects in particular, but also like to rip carton boxes apart!
Love and affection
Bulldogs have a need for love and contact which I find incredible. When someone shows up at my house, they receive their dose of hugs for the year! Don’t hesitate to hug your French Bulldog every day, softly scratch their stomach or rear end! They absolutely love it!
Socialization: oh yeah!
French Bulldogs love contact with humans and other dogs. Experts believe this is very important to mental health of this breed and contribute to extend their lifespan.
Really, they are so social dependent that I think it’s important to get them to meet dog buddies as soon as possible. And if ideally they can be at least two at home, they will be even happier!
How to take care of a French Bulldog: The Video Corner
French Bulldog puppy training is not difficult at all, but only for those who want to quickly teach their commands and not wait for a later and so-called more appropriate time. So that you know, that time may never come as the puppy grows every second, turning into an adult family member with its own foundations, rules of behavior and its own point of view on the world around him.
In the absence of upbringing and training, a dog’s worldview can differ significantly from yours. So judge for yourself, is it worth to engage in education starting in the early months of the French Bulldog’s life?
Read on as this article will provide all the information you need to establish an appropriate connection with your French Bulldog, in the shortest possible and move in the right direction.
French Bulldog puppy training principles
As long as the puppy is small, as the dog handlers say, you can “mold” him the way you want, like an ideal and calm animal from plasticine. As you gradually establish a connection, he will perceive you as standing higher in rank. Again, if you start raising a puppy at around 2-3 months, up to 5 months the character can be formed. Pass that period, things will get more difficult.
The difficulty lies in the fact that the puppies are very playful and inattentive at the age of 2 months. They are often distracted by sound and movement. Therefore, you need to conduct training sessions in a remote and quiet area at all times.
You should set up your puppy in an area away from heating appliances, TVs, kitchen microwaves, coffee makers and washing and drying machine. All this can scare your puppy and he will simply become uncomfortable with the learning process.
No matter how hard we try to evade the French Bulldog puppy training process or are tempted to quickly quit the education process because the puppy is completely distracted with other things, you need to be persistent and keep going. It will pay off with high interest in the future.
Just imagine yourself with a smart French Bulldog on the street, proudly walking beside you on a harness with a leash, not trying to evade or not barking at the first running cat he sees. It is for such a calm and disciplined behavior that you and those around you need to fight for. Believe me, the education efforts are not that huge and so much worth it.
Another plus with early training is the safety of the dog itself. All the “tidbits” lying on the street will be happily eaten by the yard dogs or cleaned away by public service. Your dog will not be tempted to bend over and pick up garbage, thereby preserving his stomach and his health.
Highlights of the learning process
Memorizing nicknames
Try to get the dog used to you, your presence, and your voice as quickly as possible. Several rules will help him remember his name:
It should be close to a sound and not a growl. The type of sound containing letters such as “r”, “h”, “w”, “z”, “f”, should be avoided as much as possible. A suitable name for a French bulldog should consist of 1 or 2 syllables.
Always say his name in positive situations and avoid saying it when you are in punishing mode.
Natural needs
French Bulldog puppy training is not easy, particularly when it comes to potty training. With small dogs, who still do not know how to fulfill their needs at the right place, it’s usually necessary to use paper or fabric pads or even a crate to prevent the dog from doing it everywhere in the house. Of course, we must start potty training your puppy as soon as possible.
Therefore, start the routine right away and take him out first thing in the morning, after each meal (6 times a day), after drinking and after play time. If you start teaching him at a very young age, that’s great, your carpets, flooring and other accessories will stay in good condition!
As the dog ages, he may develop a sense of dominance and possibly have problems with the toilet, but any corrective training should be much easier at that stage.
If your French Bulldog understands where to go to relieve himself but there are times when you do not have time to bring him to the toilet, you need to monitor his behavior and adjust accordingly.
Remember that a French Bulldog is typically not prone to ask to go outside and will tend to stretch things to the last minute because he feels much better in the house.
Encouragement and punishment
With the wrong upbringing, the French Bulldog can get angry, grow up aggressive and growl for no reason. The dog has no serious intentions to bite, but only to intimidate, so there is no need to put a muzzle on. Besides, due to the structure of the muzzle and throat, wearing such “accessory” is not recommended. Focus instead on the education process and you will never need to take on such intense measures.
French Bulldog puppy training: the carrot and stick method
If you don’t know how to train your dog to obey you, here are some rules for successful parenting:
Practice frequent contact with your dog, caress, stroke and scratch him several times a day. The dog will gradually learn to sit still and not fidget, but for now bear with it.
Reward your dog with gentle words, stroking and sometimes a treat
Try to feed yummy food only after the successful execution of a command
Use “whip” when the dog is guilty, in a figurative sense. The best punishment is to send the bulldog to an isolated area
Make sure his favorite place to rest is cozy and soft and away from drafts and heat sources
When you witness an inappropriate behavior, hit the table with a newspaper, clap your hands or say “bad boy/girl”, or something along those lines.
Commands
French Bulldog training is very important in education. You should train the basic commands as this will help with his self-control and discipline.
When teaching basic commands, try not to overload the puppy and stick with one for a week or so. Keep in mind, your puppy has to grasp many other behavior lessons, is going through toilet training, is memorizing names and many other things. So be easy on him!
For example, if at the age of 4-5 months your puppy chews on everything including your furniture, then he is teething. Milk ones fall out and new ones grow, permanent and strong. Make it easier for him by providing him teethers, chewing toys and bones. However, under no circumstances should you give him natural bones. Try to educate the puppy so that he knows what he needs to chew on, to wean him from biting your hand, perhaps by putting a toy in his mouth.
At that age, it is very important to pronounce words of a teaching nature. When feeding, there are also nuances, because the puppy can look into your plate with a tearful glance, waiting for “manna from heaven”. But no, you will not be led to such “temptation”.
Feeding is a positive emotion
Feed at specific and consistent times in a day with a moderate amount of food in the bowl. Hold the bowl with your hand and call your dog by name. Hold the bowl in this position while the puppy is eating, so he will understand that you need to respect the master and obey him, because food brings a lot of positive emotions. Basically, like any game that builds contact. Let it be held under the auspices of the bulldog, “I will follow the command and receive a reward”.
They are docile, smart and quick-witted, but while their good behavior can be attributed to genetics it comes, to a much greater extent, from the quality of a French Bulldog training program.
French Bulldogs can clearly manifest the qualities of their ancestor, the English Bulldog, through which stubbornness and self-will is glaring. The upbringing and training of a French Bulldog is up to even a beginner and the main thing is to do it regularly and consistently.
Character and personality
The modern French Bulldog is excellent at being a guard and companion, and it is for this purpose that these strong, adorable dogs are intended.
Any person can have this breed because they are sociable and unpretentious. The breed is suitable for families with children as the dog will love to play and run around with them. For people living alone, the French Bulldog will become a real friend, listener and, if necessary, a cheerleader!
These dogs need the attention of their owners, but they will not impose their presence and will wait for the right moment. The dog is sensitive to the mood of the owner and perfectly adapts to the conditions. Usually French Bulldogs get along well with other pets.
You will realize that education and socialization are important for French Bulldogs.
Owners of French Bulldogs claim that they are very intelligent, quick-witted dogs, which can not always be called positive qualities. For example, the breed is known to not rush to mindlessly execute a command, but will try to think it over and, if possible, avoid execution. And if the owner lets go at least once, he will increasingly challenge him and figure out tricks to “forget” commands.
Main aspects of French Bulldog training
There are several nuances that should be considered when training a French Bulldog. You can’t back down and let the dog run his own agenda. Do not believe one second that he is in a bad mood today and you should postpone the lesson to better times. Next time, your French Bulldog will be even more stubborn in the hope of indulgence.
Therefore, experts recommend, at the very first lesson, to set the boundaries of what is permissible and make it clear to the dog who is in charge process.
Multiple repetition will be necessary even though the breed has an excellent memory. His stubbornness requires the owner to pay special attention to consolidating the knowledge gained.
Each lesson should begin with a review of the material covered. You cannot take breaks in a French Bulldog training session! It is important that the process is continuous and long breaks between classes are not recommended. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the French Bulldog to learn new things as he will have to start almost from the very beginning.
The French Bulldog puppy is quite charming with his big eyes and sniffling nose and naturally, many owners perceive the dog as a toy, missing on the importance of his education. In fact, the puppy should be raised and trained from day 1, as soon as he crosses the doorstep of his new home. The doggie will grow very quickly, and every month the owner should be more demanding in his training program.
French Bulldog training in 5 simple phases
First phase
The puppy will spend his first days alongside his mother, who takes care of his nutrition, warmth and good sleep. The puppy begins to be fully interested in the world around him by the age of 2 weeks, and his mother is again engaged in his upbringing. The baby begins to follow the bitch everywhere and adopts her habits and skills.
From week #3, the puppy becomes more independent and is already making attempts to explore the world all by himself. He is interested in everything that happens around him, and the dog is actively mastering new actions and adapting them.
Second phase
The adaptation period lasts up to 6 weeks, and by that age the puppy is able to interact with others and get a taste for basic discipline requirements. During this period, the dog is already showing individual character traits and starting to develop his own personal habits.
When observing a 2-month-old French Bulldog, you can already get a good idea of the kind of dog he will grow up to. For example, if he does not leave his mother a single step, then in the new family he will keep closer to the owner. Such dogs are often shy and less socialized.
When the dog joins a new family, he should be introduced to the environment and household members. You should not expect he will immediately feel at ease, you can leave him alone for a while and give him the opportunity to get used to his new surroundings. If you are being gentle you will prevent the dog from becoming anxious or aggressive. At this stage, the basics of communication skills are instilled in the dog.
From the first days the puppy can become accustomed to his name and as soon as soon as he begins to correctly respond to his name, he should be rewarded to make it clear that he is responding well. In addition, he will associate his name to positive moments.
You should also introduce basic commands to your puppy to show him when and where to go to sleep, rest and keep quiet. It is also important to quickly determine the place he will eat and make a point to consistently feed him at that given place and nowhere else. Make sure all family members and guests know that treats from the table are prohibited.
Third phase
At the age of 2-4 months, the puppy is extremely active and curious. His sense of smell helps him study the outside world, people and animals. Despite the mobility and independence, the doggie still has an unstable psyche and the main training task is to channel his energy into a peaceful channel, with lots of encouragement.
At this stage, the French Bulldog is socialized and it’s time to teach him basic commands, which are the basis for further training. Most often, training takes place at home and the French Bulldog training is structured around some form of game.
At this age, the puppy learns to deal with grooming procedures and the dog owner gradually introduces new commands such as “give me”, “stand”, “give a paw.”, etc. Mastering and consolidating these skills will definitely come in handy during further interaction in public places, visits to exhibitions, meeting friends, etc.
The French Bulldog will also be trained to go outside to pee and poop. Use a simple but consistent command such as “toilet”. If the puppy keeps on leaving puddles in the house, use a prohibition command such as “NO”. Dogs of this breed are quite smart, and it is enough for them to hear the strong voice of the owner to realize that they are doing something wrong.
The owner should know that his dog will go through an adolescence period, when puberty and hormonal surges will negatively affect the dog’s behavior. He can show disobedience, as well as mark different areas around the house. You must be patient and repeatedly train your dog to remember the good manners.
Before your French Bulldog puppy has received all the vaccinations and is ready to go outside, you should familiarize him with some useful commands such as: “come here”, “rest”, “stop”, etc. You can’t let your canine friend loose outside without some basic training. Of course, you must get your dog accustomed to wearing a leash and a collar or harness.
The French Bulldog needs a kind attitude and encouragement from his owner, but it is also important to make him understand that the owner is the leader. This means that his commands should not be questioned. Otherwise, the dog will try to dominate, and if you let him disobey it will become difficult to teach him anything.
Growling and biting are alarming bells, even if the dog does not do it out of malice but in a playful moment. In such a case, it is advisable for the trainer to reconsider his tactics and introduce tougher French Bulldog training methods.
When an overly spoiled dog lacks severity, the owner is advised to use prohibitive commands more often and not let the dog down even in the case of minor offenses. Of course, we are not talking about any physical intervention as the dog will become aggressive and will refuse to execute commands and stop interacting.
If more stringent training does not change his behavior and he continues to snap and bite, you can resort to isolation. Having been without a beloved owner and not getting attention and affection from him, the dog will usually begin to better appreciate the owner and happily accept his authority, just not to be abandoned.
Fourth phase
In the period from 4 months to six months, the French Bulldog gets more actively acquainted with the outside world. The owner pays a lot of attention to training the dog to go to the “toilet” outside. And since the puppy is already familiar with the command “toilet”, it will not take long to expect a positive result.
The basic French Bulldog training program continues to be consolidated, especially the prohibition commands. It’s probably unsafe for a puppy to be on the street and such skills will help avoid critical situations. The owner needs to train the dog to respond to commands, regardless of external stimuli. And since the breed tends to be lazy, patience is required.
Once basic commands are mastered you can take the training to the next level. New tasks are added such as “bring” and “give”. It is also useful for the puppy to socialize with other animals. French Bulldogs not always friendly towards their fellows, so the owner needs to keep an eye on the comrades and, at the first sign of aggression, stop such behavior.
Fifth phase
By the age of 6 months, the dog should be familiar with all the basics and is now educated and obedient. He knows how to behave at home and in unfamiliar surroundings. But the education and training work must continue. The owner should teach his dog not to get food from strangers or edible garbage. A well-bred French Bulldog will not pick up food from the ground and will not treat itself to strangers.
If the owner has a desire, he can go through a general training course with the dog. If the dog is meant to be more than a pet but a future star of exhibition grounds, it is necessary to engage in professional training. The dog must learn to trot next to the handler, take special stances, and allow the judges to examine every part of his body, including the teeth and genitals.
The French Bulldog is a positive and cheerful dog with special charisma. But he also requires extensive training and education, otherwise he will take the role of the owner in the house and it will be very difficult to move him down from that pedestal!
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