Besides the fact that the French Bulldog is a toy dog, you might be surprised to find out that it is actually a breed of dog that originated in Paris, France, in the mid-19th century. This little dog is the product of crossbreeding of Toy Bulldogs from England with local Parisian ratters.
Ear infections
Among French Bulldog breeds, ear infections are one of the common problems. Whether you have a puppy, a senior dog, or both, if your pet is experiencing pain, pawing at the ears, or a discharge from the ear, you should see a vet immediately.
Ear infections in French Bulldogs are caused by a number of factors. The first is that the French Bulldog has a very narrow ear canal, which is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This stenotic shape provides the ideal moist, warm environment for these microorganisms to thrive.
The second factor is that the French Bulldog is predisposed to allergies. These environmental allergens can cause microscopic inflammation in the skin, which will erupt into painful rashes or bumps.
The third factor is that a dog’s ears can trap moisture, which allows germs to grow unchecked. If the ear is too wet, bacteria and yeast can grow in abundance.
Lastly, a dog’s ears can become infected because of head shaking or injury to the ear. These types of injuries can lead to aural hematomas, which are blood pools between the ear flap cartilage and the skin.
There are several different types of ear infections, but the most common is otitis externa. This is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. It is also possible to treat otitis externa by using natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, green tea, and mullein drops.
Depending on the severity of the infection, your veterinarian may need to do an x-ray, MRI, or skull x-ray to determine the extent of the disease. Your vet can then prescribe appropriate medications and therapy.
There are also some natural ear infection remedies that you can try. You can use apple cider vinegar, mullein drops, green tea, and calendula.
Back injuries
Depending on where the disc herniates, French Bulldogs with IVDD will have varying symptoms. The most common location is in the cervical or mid-section. Other areas of the spine may be affected.
The pain caused by the slipped disc can be severe. Bruising and muscle spasms can occur. Affected dogs may also have difficulty defecating. They may need diapers and stool softeners.
Besides causing pain, pressure on the spinal cord can cause progressive weakness and loss of hind limb function. In addition, hemivertebrae can lead to incontinence.
Some severely affected tails can be straightened manually, while others require surgery. Affected dogs should be evaluated immediately to determine the severity of their condition and treatment options.
X-rays and physical exams can help diagnose the condition. If the dog has a history of trauma or other back issues, a vet will conduct a neurological exam. This includes testing for deep pain. The veterinarian will pinch the dog’s toe or tail to see if the deep pain reflex is still intact.
Degenerative myelopathy can also lead to hindquarters paralysis. This is similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease in people. It is usually a medical emergency. A dog’s prognosis will depend on how severe the pain is before surgery, as well as the extent of the spinal cord pressure.
Surgical treatment can be necessary to remove the section of the disc pressing against the spinal cord. This will prevent further degeneration of the disc. If the French Bulldog has intervertebral disk back disease, he or she may not be able to stand or move with the back legs.
French Bulldogs with IVDD should be seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible. This will help rule out other causes of back pain.
Ear cleanings
Keeping your French Bulldog’s ears clean is important for preventing ear infections. The ear canal is narrow, which makes it an ideal location for yeast and bacteria to grow. The ear canal is also prone to being infected with fungus, which can lead to an ear infection.
The best way to clean your dog’s ear is to use an ear cleaning solution that’s been recommended by your veterinarian. Some of the ear cleaning solutions on the market contain medication that’s designed to prevent ear infections. Some are also designed to dry the ear canal after swimming.
The best ear cleaning solution should contain no alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide should be avoided as well. The most efficient ear cleaner is one that has a small amount of ingredients.
Aside from squirting the ear-cleaning solution into your dog’s ear, you can also wipe the ear flap with a soft cloth. You can also use cotton balls to clear away the debris.
You can also use a flashlight to check the inside of the ear for any signs of infection. You should also hold the ear flap up to get a good view of the ear canal.
If your dog is afraid of getting its ear cleaned, you can distract it with treats. You can either use peanut butter, or you can try frozen treats. These can be smeared on the floor, or you can freeze them into chew toys. The treats will be a big hit, and your dog will be more likely to relax while you’re cleaning his ear.
The ear-cleaning solution should also be applied by massaging the base of the ear. If your dog is particularly frightened of getting his ear cleaned, you can use a friend to hold him while you’re doing it.
Anatomy causes problems with breathing passages
Various parts of the anatomy can cause problems with breathing passages in French Bulldogs. This includes the soft palate, the nose, and the jaw. These are all factors that can lead to an inefficient airway, which can result in respiratory distress and even death.
The nasal turbinates of brachycephalic dogs are often thickened, and can result in a narrow nasal opening. This can interfere with breathing and can cause snoring.
The elongated soft palate is a common problem with brachycephalic breeds, and can be removed during surgery. This is a simple procedure that can be done at the same time as spaying or neutering the dog.
The larynx is another important part of the brachycephalic airway. It can become inflamed, and can cause difficulty with breathing. It can also be affected by infections, which may be treated with antibiotics.
If the pharyngeal structures have an abnormal appearance, a laryngoscopy can be performed to assess the area. These lesions can include enlarged tonsils, a thickened soft palate, or other redundant soft tissues. These are best assessed under general anaesthesia.
A dog with a brachycephalic face can also experience ophthalmological and dental problems. These conditions can be treated through diet, weight control, and physical therapy.
Tracheal collapse is a chronic disease that can be noticed at any age. It can be caused by a number of things, including heart disease, Cushing’s disease, chronic respiratory disease, or other disorders. In some cases, the condition can be reversible, but in other cases it can progress. In 71% of cases, medications can alleviate the symptoms of tracheal collapse.
During a physical examination, a veterinarian will rule out a stroke, pneumonia, or other diseases. They will also examine the neck girth and nares. Ultimately, they will rule out tumors, herniated intervertebral disks, and other problems.
Veterinary care
Veterinary care for French Bulldogs is important, as these dogs have some unique physical features. These include a small body, short nose, a wrinkled face and large eyes. They are prone to a number of diseases, so it’s a good idea to take them to the vet as soon as they develop any symptoms.
Infectious bowel disease (IBD) is a common condition in French Bulldogs. The stomach lining becomes thickened, which affects the dog’s ability to absorb nutrients. The dog may also have diarrhea. If left untreated, IBD can lead to inflammatory bowel disease, chronic vomiting, and intestinal parasites.
In addition to IBD, French Bulldogs can also be prone to dental problems. These can be bacterial infections or mild cases of Demodex. Regardless of the underlying cause, the best treatment for Frenchies is regular cleaning of the mouth, teeth and ears.
Frenchies have a tendency to get entropion, which is when the eyelid rolls inward. This can result in blindness. However, if the entropion is treated, the prognosis is good.
Frenchies can be allergic to certain foods. Symptoms of allergies can include sneezing, itchy skin and paw irritation. The veterinarian can prescribe medication to control the symptoms.
French Bulldogs are also susceptible to heat exhaustion. This condition causes the front legs to become weak and difficult to move. It can be very painful. A crate is ideal for this type of situation, as it provides a confined space for the dog to rest.
Another common disease that Frenchies are at risk for is intervertebral disc disease. This happens when a jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae slips and compresses the spinal cord. It can result in swelling and bruising. It’s a serious ailment that can lead to progressive spinal cord damage.
