Known for their flat faces, bat-like ears, adorable snorting, and easy-going personalities, the French Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. These small yet sturdily built dogs are especially great companions for city living, feeling at home even in smaller homes, apartments, and condos. It’s no surprise that Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in cities like New York, Chicago, and even Downtown Denver.
While this breed is calm and has a relatively lower daily exercise requirement, there are still a number of French Bulldog health issues that pet parents need to be aware of. This Sploot Vets breed guide is here to shed some light on these health issues, why they happen, and overall French Bulldog care.
Are French Bulldogs High Maintenance?
French Bulldogs are generally considered low-maintenance dogs. However, this really depends on how suited this dog breed is to your lifestyle.
On one hand, Frenchies have short coats that require minimal grooming. In addition, most of them are ‘quiet’ dogs, with just the occasional barks, grumbles, and snorts. Lastly, they require less exercise than larger, more athletic dog breeds. All of these characteristics combined make French Bulldogs well-adapted to city living, especially in colder areas.
However, French Bulldogs can ‘become’ high-maintenance if they are in an environment or lifestyle that isn’t suited to them. For example, hot climates and really active lifestyles can exacerbate their health issues and potentially place them in life-threatening situations.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to lifestyle and consistency of care; in the right home and with consistent care, Frenchies can live long, healthy lives with an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
Do French Bulldogs Have Lots Of Health Problems?
Like other dog breeds, French Bulldogs have a number of health issues. Here are the most common ones for this dog breed:
- Overheating & Heat Strokes - Frenchies struggle to regulate body temperature due to their short snouts, making them highly vulnerable to overheating and heat strokes in dogs, especially in warm weather. We recommend limiting your French Bulldog’s physical exertion, especially during warmer days.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) – This is a genetic condition that a French Bulldog can be born with. Frenchies with BOAS typically have narrower nostrils and/or an elongated soft palate, making breathing more challenging. This can be corrected with veterinary surgery to improve a French Bulldog’s quality of life and prevent future medical complications.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – This is a common spinal condition in some breeds, including French Bulldogs. IVDD is caused by degeneration, rupturing, or bulging of the discs between vertebrae, leading to pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and preventing progression.
- Weight Gain – Frenchies are prone to weight gain because of their low activity levels and big appetites. Excess weight can worsen untreated BOAS and make the Frenchie even more prone to overheating. This emphasizes the importance of weight management in French Bulldogs.
- Skin Fold Dermatitis – Moisture and bacteria can build up between their facial and body folds, causing irritation, redness, and skin infection. This is something that can be addressed in their grooming routine.
- Skin & Food Allergies – Many Frenchies develop allergies to food or environmental particles that lead to itching, redness, or ear infections. Veterinarians can help pinpoint these allergies and provide options for managing them, including medications, dietary adjustments, or lifestyle tweaks.
- Cherry Eye – Cherry eye occurs when a tear gland in the eye prolapses, appearing as a red bump. This is common in Frenchies due to their brachycephalic facial structure. Cherry eye treatment can involve eye drops initially, but may require veterinary surgery if the condition persists.
Complete French Bulldog Care Tips
1. Health & Veterinary Care for French Bulldogs
Just like other dog breeds, French Bulldogs can benefit a lot from yearly or bi-yearly pet wellness exams, up-to-date canine vaccinations, and heartworm preventives.
Note: Regular pet wellness exams for French Bulldogs are a great opportunity for diagnosing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and exploring treatment options early, before this condition becomes life-threatening (i.e., when aggravated by heat or physical exertion).
Additional Note: Heartworm prevention is very important for all dogs. However, for Frenchies, it is even more crucial. This breed is already prone to breathing difficulties, especially if they are born with BOAS. Heartworm infections can exacerbate these breathing challenges even more as these parasites target the heart and lungs.
2. Dental Care for French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs need regular dental care to prevent canine dental issues, especially since a Frenchie’s shortened jaw can lead to teeth crowding and an increased risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.
Here are a few dental care tips to keep in mind:
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least 3 times a week
- Provide your Frenchie with dental chews for dogs
- Schedule annual dental exams and dog teeth cleanings with your vet
3. French Bulldog Nutrition & Diet
Good nutrition is essential for a French Bulldog’s quality of life and lifespan. As with other dogs, we recommend choosing an AAFCO-compliant dog food from a trusted manufacturer. An AAFCO label tells you if the dog food is complete and balanced for a certain life stage.
You can also look for the following key features:
- High-quality protein – Supports strong muscles and overall health.
- Weight control – Helps prevent obesity, which can worsen breathing issues in French Bulldogs.
- Fit for their allergies – If your Frenchie has food allergies, your veterinarian can assist in diagnosing the allergy and finding a compatible dog food for your Frenchie.
- Breed-specific – Some dog foods are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of French Bulldogs. The French Bulldog Dog Food by Royal Canin even features ‘brachycephalic kibble’ so that Frenchies have an easier time picking them up.
Note: Your veterinarian can help you choose the best dog food for your French Bulldog. We also highly recommend strict portion control, as excess weight can be detrimental to a Frenchie’s health and quality of life. As mentioned above, excess weight can worsen breathing difficulties, especially if compounded by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in French Bulldogs.
4. French Bulldog Exercise & Mental Stimulation
When compared to other more active dog breeds, French Bulldogs are low-maintenance when it comes to daily exercise requirements. They only need about 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day.
Low-impact exercises are best for Frenchies as these keep them active without putting too much strain on their joints or breathing. We recommend short, relaxed walks, indoor play, a short-distance game of fetch, and puzzle toys with low-calorie treats.
NOTE: AVOID swimming without a flotation device. French Bulldogs struggle a lot to float due to their stocky build and short legs. In addition, keep swimming sessions short (only a few minutes) and relaxed. Frenchies can get tired and dehydrated easily, especially on a warm day, even if they have a flotation device.
5. French Bulldog Grooming Tips (& Fold or Wrinkle Care)
With their short and smooth single coat, the grooming needs of a French Bulldog are fairly basic. All they need is a monthly bath using a gentle dog-friendly shampoo and regular brushing for their low-to-moderate shedding coat.
It is also recommended to clean your French Bulldog’s ears once a month (best done after bath time) using a mild vet-approved dog ear cleaner.
→ Learn more - Routine Dog Care for Health & Well-Being [Vet-Approved Checklist]
One special thing that Frenchies need in terms of grooming is ‘fold care’. The wrinkles on a Frenchie’s face and body can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, leading to irritation or skin infections. This can be prevented by regularly wiping. Here are some helpful tips for proper fold care:
- Gently wipe the folds using a cotton pad with clean water or pet-friendly wipes.
- Afterwards, remove any excess moisture using a cotton pad.
- Do these steps either daily or 2-3 times each week.
- AVOID using harsh products that contain alcohol or fragrance.
How To Take Care Of A French Bulldog Puppy
Proper French Bulldog puppy care starts with a comprehensive puppy exam, which is best done right after adopting them. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam, provide a vaccination schedule if needed, and help you choose age- and size-appropriate puppy food.
Additionally, French Bulldogs are prone to behavioral issues like separation anxiety and attention-seeking behavior. So, while your French Bulldog is still a puppy, you can work on puppy socialization to help them be more stable and confident as they grow up.
→ Learn More - How to Take Care of a New Puppy 101: The 1st Year [Vet-Approved]
Personalized French Bulldog Care at Sploot Vets
Get the best, personalized vet care for your French Bulldog at Sploot Vets! Our all-in-one vet care includes primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one roof. You can count on our dedicated vet care team to help you navigate French Bulldog health issues and provide helpful guidance on French Bulldog care.
In addition, with our Fear Free veterinary approach, your dog gets the best experience in each vet visit. We prioritize your Frenchie’s comfort while also providing next-level care.
Visit one of our vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs. Our doors are open 365 days a year, accepting same-day appointments and urgent intakes!
Book an appointment here or through the Sploot Vets app.
