But today I wanted to get a little bit more detail down on whether French Bulldogs have good eyesight, what you can expect, and even how far they can see.

Do French Bulldogs have good eyesight?

Compared to other dog breeds, Frenchies have about average eyesight, not as good as Labradors, but certainly not as bad eyesight as some other breeds.

Overall though, no dog really has good eyesight when compared to human vision, apart from perhaps seeing the dark, but more about that in a moment.

In short, French Bulldogs have bad eyesight compared to humans, with research suggesting that they have 20/75 vision versus our typical 20/20 vision.

“A pattern that a dog can barely recognize at 20 feet is actually large enough for a person with normal vision to identify at a distance of 75 feet. To give you a feeling about how poor this vision is, you should know that if your visual acuity is worse than 20/40 you would fail the standard vision test given when you apply for a driver’s license in the United States and would be required to wear glasses. A dog’s vision is considerably worse than this.

In practical terms, this means French Bulldogs need to be 20 feet away from something in order to be able to see it as well as we can from 75 feet away. You could then assume that Frenchies have bad eyesight that is only 26% as good as ours.

But that’s not the full story.

Frenchie eyesight is good in the dark

Whilst humans can see things better that are far away, Frenchies do have one eyesight advantage over us, and that’s how well they see in the dark. Their night eyesight is said to be 5 times better than us to be precise and here’s a visual representation of that below.

Frenchie eyesight is bad when it comes to colors

How French Bulldogs see color is another metric you could use to describe their eyesight as being bad, but this doesn’t actually set them apart from any other dog breed as all dogs have a degree of color blindness.

Dogs do not see colors the way we do. For example, they cannot see red the same way we do, instead seeing shades of blue and yellow. In the image below you can see another visual example of how a French Bulldog’s eyesight is bad when distinguishing red colors.

How far can French Bulldogs see?

But what about distance? Well, I’ve already mentioned the 20/20 vision of humans versus the 20/75 vision of dogs. Given what we know, it’s fair to say that French Bulldogs can see something 20 foot away reasonably well, before it starts to get blurry past that point.

However, that doesn’t mean they can only see 20 foot away. I know this for a fact because I can wave to my Frenchie Claude from 50 meters away (164 feet) when on a walk in the forest and he will see me and start running.

So, based on my own experience, French Bulldogs can see as far as 164 feet away. I doubt he will recognize me from this far away, but is probably responding to my body language, given he knows he’s on a walk with me and has an idea of what direction I am in.

Common French Bulldog eye problems leading to bad eyesight

As your Frenchie gets older there’s a high chance that their eyesight could suffer. When I wrote my guide to French Bulldog health issues, a few statistics made for interesting reading relating to eye problems.

Below you can see some of the more common French Bulldog eye problems, and in brackets the percentage of Frenchies who suffered with the condition during a medical study.

Conjunctivitis (3.2%)

The most common French Bulldog eye problem is conjunctivitis. This is the main contributor to Frenchies having bad eyesight as they age.

Conjunctivitis is very common with brachycephalic breed dogs, and happens due to bacterial and viral diseases, foreign bodies in the eye, or allergic reactions to certain substances.

Cherry eye (2.6%)

An eye problem that is often reported with Frenchie is cherry eye, otherwise known as a prolapsed nictitans gland. It happens when the small gland of your Frenchie’s third eye lids falls out of position – with a red cherry looking eye bulge then showing.

For more details on Frenchie cherry eye, click here for what to look out for and how vets can help with it.

Eye ulcers (2.1%)

Corneal ulcers are a big contributor to poor eyesight in French Bulldogs and require swift treatment. Most eye ulcers do clear up quickly, providing treatment has been administered.

I’ve written a more extensive guide about this eye problems including what symptoms you need to check for.

Conclusion

To conclude, French Bulldogs have as good eyesight as most other breeds, as can see as far as most other dogs too. There’s nothing really that sets them apart in this way.

However, French Bulldog eye problems do start to develop as they get older, and this will make their eyesight bad.

To keep on top of this, please have regular check-ups at the vets so they can recognize any eyesight problems before they develop.

The post Do French Bulldogs Have Bad Eyesight & How Far Can They See? appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

However, not all of this vomiting was due to a food allergy. But there was one certain brand dog food kibble that he was allergic to. He would come out in itchy hives and red patches before we are able to identify the problem with the help of our vet.

It’s said that as many of 15% of allergies in dogs are due to food intolerance, but they can be very hard to diagnose, particularly in the puppy months when our little guys tend to vomit regardless of an allergy; often it will be just because they eat too fast!

According to the VCA Animal Hospital, food allergies are:

“One of the most common allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. The immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. In an allergic reaction to a food, antibodies are produced against some part of the food, usually a protein or complex carbohydrate.”

What you are seeing with your suffering Frenchie might not even be an allergy, but could instead be a food intolerance. The two are actually different things:

1. French Bulldog food intolerance: These reactions tend to arise when a Frenchie has difficulty in digesting certain food types.
2. French Bulldog food allergies: These will often take the form in a skin allergy or as a gastrointestinal problem or a respiratory issue in some rare cases.

No matter how careful you are, it’s almost guaranteed that your French Bulldog will have a food allergy or bad reaction to something they ate at some point.

But it can be very difficult to diagnose what the allergy trigger is, as often it can be just one ingredient of many in one particular food type. The more regularly your Frenchie eats the one particular ingredient, the more likely an allergy will form.

How do I know if my Frenchie has allergies?

If your French Bulldog seems to be itching, licking, scratching all the time, and has visible symptoms such as hives, swellings, and hair loss in patches, then it’s very possible he or she has a food intolerance.

It goes without saying that the best way to find out how bad your Frenchie’s food intolerances and allergies are is to consult with your vets. Professionals are able to run tests to identify what foods your Frenchie is allergic too.

But there are also some tell-tale signs that your Frenchie has a food allergy. Symptoms are listed below.

6 common French Bulldog food allergy symptoms

It won’t always be obvious that your French Bulldog is allergic to food ingredients. One of the more common symptoms will be vomiting up their meal, but other intolerances can also manifest themselves, such as:

1. Itchy skin

The medical term is allergic dermatitis, and it’s the most common of French Bulldog food allergies. There are certain places on your Frenchie where the itching and scratching tends to occur most, including:

• Butt
• Ears
• Paws
• Stomach

2. Hives, spots, and red patches

As your Frenchie bites and scratches, the allergic areas can become red and inflamed, or occur as spots and hives which then lead to further itching.

You might not always see hives, as they can be very small red lumps that appear up to a day after they eat food, they are allergic too. You might see them under the hair or have to run your hands over your Frenchie to find them.

Make sure you check for any broken skin, as the itchy can create cuts that are liable to infection.

3. Hair loss

Another side effect of itching the allergic spots and hives will be hair loss. These bald patches will appear in the areas referenced earlier such as around the paws, stomach, ears, and backend.

You might also find that your Frenchie has more dandruff as usual due to itchy, or even oilier skin (sebum) which can make your dog smelly.

4. Ear and paw infections

Two symptoms that aren’t often associated with French Bulldog food allergies are repeated ear and paw infections.

These aren’t actually an allergic reaction either, but instead will be attributed to a food insensitivity. Allergies produce an immediate immune system reaction; sensitivities are a gradual process.

5. Swollen face

One of the more severe symptoms of French Bulldog food allergies is a swollen face. Areas of swelling can include:

• Ears
• Eyelids
• Lips

6. Vomiting and diarrhea

The quickest and most obvious symptoms of a food allergy will be your Frenchie regurgitating or pooping the offending food item out.

This will often be in conjunction with abdominal pain, so if your Frenchie appears to be in discomfort before expelling the food, it could be an allergy.

There are even some more subtle symptoms of a food allergy, that you might not even notice such as hyperactivity, slight weight loss, loss of energy, and even aggressive behavior.

Ruling out other possible reasons

Whilst the symptoms listed above are all things you can find with a Frenchie food allergy, they can also be signs of a completely different illness. This is just one of the reasons why food allergies are so hard to diagnose and should be something your vet does.

For example, it could instead be:

• Contact with a harsh chemicals man-made substance
• Flea allergy (read more) or parasites
• Atopia allergy
• Malassezia dermatitis

How to treat French Bulldog food allergies

There is only one fail safe way to treat a Frenchie food allergy, and that’s to completely remove the allergic ingredient or food type from their diet. But you need to be able to find out what the offending food ingredient is first, and this can be achieved by:

1. The elimination diet

Your vet will work with you to run some elimination tests. They work just as you would imagine, whereby foods are removed and added to your Frenchie’s diet until it’s possible to identify what food your French Bulldog’s allergic to.

Your Frenchie will be fed one protein and one carb for between 8 and 12 weeks. Vets will monitor for reactions, changing the foods up, and then introducing challenge tests to check for allergies again and again.

The video below is an excellent explainer on how exclusion diets work.

2. Blood test

Some vets can offer blood tests that might provide an indication of a food allergy.

Ask your vet about the possibility of giving your Frenchie a serum IgE test. The vet might say no, if it’s not something that will help to diagnose an allergy in your particular dog.

3. Medication

This is more to help with the symptoms of a food allergy, to give your Frenchie some relief from the scratching and itching. Just like humans, French Bulldogs can be given oral antihistamine to help relieve the allergy.

There are also creams available to soothe the sore skin.

Medication is only really intended to be a relief whilst the vet does longer term tests to come up with a solution to the food allergy.

4. Switch to a special diet

If it’s not possible to identify what foods your French Bulldog is allergic too, some vets will recommend you switch your Frenchie to a special diet for life. It will contain foods that are very unlikely to cause allergies, sometimes being a completely raw diet.

What foods are French Bulldogs allergic to?

All Frenchies are different, and some will react badly to food that others will gulp down. That being said, there are some foods that are bad for all Frenchies, but aren’t necessarily an allergic item.

Research into canine allergies has identified certain foods as being more likely to cause a bad reaction.  According to WebMD.com, the most common food allergens include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy products
• Fish

And then on a lesser common scale, you have foods such as:

• Barley
• Corn
• Oats
• Rice
• Wheat

It’s not just these foods that can produce allergic reactions. They are the most common, but in truth, any food can trigger an allergy in a Frenchie.

Many owners will tell you that grains are the main causes of a French Bulldog food allergies. According to the Vet4Bulldog.com website this isn’t actually the case and is actually a myth. Their lead vet, Dr Kraemer is quoted as saying:

“Many French Bulldog owners associate food allergy with grain when in fact it is usually due to the protein source found in meat. The most common allergens are chicken (60%), then beef and fish. Also, on the frequent food allergens, shortlist is corn, soy, wheat, and dairy.”

What Frenchie owners are saying

I also looked on social media to see what other owners are saying in the comments and suggestions on this topic. Here’s a selection of the best responses.

“My little boy is allergic to quite a few things including certain good. We had him tested with a company who came highly recommended. They offered us great advice and support. Our Frenchie now only eats natural food that we get custom made which is always raw.”

“Don’t think it’s always a food allergy. For example, our Frenchie puppy was found to be allergic to various chemicals in the home. We not use a ZeroWater filter, Soapnuts for washing his bedding and other preventative methods. He is also allergic to quite a few foods, but with testing and trial and elimination we are getting there to find out what the offending ingredients are.”

“We feed our Royal Canin hypoallergenic dog food and don’t give him anything else, not even treats. You must do a food trial for a full 12 weeks before you really know if it works or not as an allergy test.”

“You can also get prescribed steroids from the vets and pay for a test to find out what the allergy is. But it will cost a lot of money perhaps £500. I have used Piriton on my dog and it helps, and the vets will give you the same advice unless they want money out of you for the steroids of course!”

“I advise you pay for a blood test as mine has allergies to grass, pollen, and dust. We tried different food and it never made a difference. He is now on long term pills like anti histamines for canines, which has helped stop the scratching. Only a blood test will show this up though.”

“Always check the back of the dog food label as some contain as little as 10% meat. Go with something that has a high meat or fish content and no grain or wheat. Our Frenchie has food with 80% chicken, blueberries, and all sorts of good stuff.”

“We put our Frenchie on hypoallergenic food and the vet prescribed a special shampoo. We used it 3 times in a couple of weeks and now bathe him once a month. He is now 8 and not had a food allergy for nearly 5 years now. Give it a try and also it may be worth getting him allergy tested.”

Conclusion

There’s nothing worse than seeing your beloved Frenchie in obvious discomfort. The itching and scratching can be intolerable for them, so the sooner you see it and visit your vet, the better.

Be prepared for some hard work though with the food elimination as it’s very tricky to find out what food your Frenchie is actually allergic too.

With our Frenchie, Claude, we discovered he was allergic to an ingredient in the Royal Canin French Bulldog specific food. We would never have thought that would be the case, given it is sold to be just right for this breed.

You might also like…

I won’t lie, it’s a huge challenge owning a Frenchie, as they are prone to a lot of different health problems. You can read more about these and some related issues in the following guides:

• Common Frenchie skin allergies and skin problems
• Common Frenchie health problems ranked by frequency

The post French Bulldog Food Allergies: Symptoms & Common Allergic Foods appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

One of the more common eye problems will be when your French Bulldog has a corneal ulcer, which thankfully can be treated… read this short and helpful guide on what to expect, how to treat the problem, and what it might cost.

How do Frenchies get corneal ulcers?

According the VCA Hospital website, corneal eye ulcers most commonly occur in Frenchies due to a trauma and injury.

“An ulcer may result from blunt trauma, such as a dog rubbing its eye on the carpet, or due to a laceration, such as a cat scratch or a contact with a sharp object. Another common cause is chemical burn of the cornea. This may happen when an irritating chemical or substance such as shampoo or drywall dust gets in the eye.”

The causes can be further broken down, by looking out for:

• Scratches from a tree branch or a scratch and bump from another dog.
• Infections that can follow on from ulcerative keratitis inflammation of the cornea.
• Foreign objects stuck under the eyelid which then scratch against the cornea.
• Dry eye where the lack of moisture can increase the risk of corneal ulcers.

How to tell if it’s a corneal ulcer?

Some owners will mistake a condition such as cherry eye as being a corneal ulcer. It’s actually a different condition, and instead you should check to see for:

• Is your Frenchie blinking and squinting?
• Is your Frenchie pawing or rubbing at the eye?
• Is the eye red and watery?
• Is there an unusual discharge around the eye?
• Can you see swelling in the eye?
• Does your Frenchie also have a runny nose on the same side?
• Is it difficult for your Frenchie to open the eye?

What should you do?

Corneal ulcers are very painful for French Bulldogs, and if you suspect your dog has one, you should seek swift veterinary help.

Swift attention to the problem can help prevent potential loss of vision in the eye. If you cannot get to a vet on the day, you can use an over the counter saline solution to wash any foreign bodies out of the eye.

Vets also recommend that you keep your French Bulldog in a darker than normal room, as ulcers can be more painful when in direct sunlight.

French Bulldog corneal ulcer treatment

When you arrive at the vets, they will use a special dye in your Frenchie’s eyes which will turn the ulcer area to a yellow color. They then use bright lamps to look into the eye to examine the corneal ulcer better, giving them an idea on size and seriousness.

The treatments available for your Frenchie’s corneal ulcer include:

1. Ointments, eye drops, and tablets

Drops and ointments are used to prevent bacterial infections. These are to be applied every 2 hours but should treat the corneal ulcer within 3 to 5 days. Vets can also prescribe tablet-based medication to heal the ulcer and oral pain killers.

Vets can also prescribe atropine eye drops to relieve the pain and prevent the ulcer from reaching the deep layers of the eye. You should exercise caution though, as atropine can causes mydriasis (dilation of the pupil), up to several days after stopping treatment, so you should not expose your Frenchie to strong light.

2. Surgery for more serious corneal ulcers

The corneal ulcer treatments in step 1 might not be sufficient, so the vet might decide that surgery is needed.

This can range from a simple procedure involving stitching up the eyelid to speed up the healing process.

If it’s a deep corneal ulcer, more major surgery will be required which you can read more about on the Eye Vet Clinic website. This is what they say:

“Superficial corneal ulcers are painful but do not pose a threat to the integrity of the globe and are usually treated medically – with few exceptions. Deep corneal ulcers however pose a threat as they may result in corneal perforation which is extremely painful, and sight threatening and often require emergency surgical intervention.  Surgeries for deep corneal ulcers usually involve placement of a graft into the defect which provides structural support to the eye.” 

The two different surgical procedures this veterinary practice offer are: 

1. Conjunctival pedicle graft (also called ‘CPG’)
2. Corneo-conjunctival transposition graft (also called ‘CCT’) 

The cost of surgeries like this can range anywhere between $200 to $2,000 depending on the seriousness of the problem.

Preventing corneal ulcers in Frenchies

Longer term prevention of corneal ulcers can be achieved by measures including:

• Protecting your Frenchie’s eye with French Bulldog goggles or an eye patch.
• Apply eye drops daily as prescribed by a vet to prevent infections.

Conclusion

Corneal ulcers are just one of a wide range of health problems that Frenchies can develop in their lifetime. It’s fair to say, that if you own this breed please make sure you have adequate insurance in place to cover all eventualities.

You might also like…

On the subject of eyes, here are more guides on what you need to be aware of.

• This is when Frenchie puppy eyes change color
• When puppies open their eyes for the first time
• Reasons why your Frenchie has a red eye

The post French Bulldog Corneal Ulcer: Treatment, Diagnosis, & Prevention appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

If you’ve noticed your Frenchie is losing more hair than usual you are naturally going to be worried. I put these notes together for you to act as a primer before you talk to the vet – which of course, you should do any time you notice hair loss patches and unusual bald spots on your Frenchie.

I will explain in as a helpful a way as possible all I know about French Bulldog hair loss and what I have learned about Frenchie alopecia.

Why is my French Bulldog losing so much hair?

Before I get into the reasons for Frenchie hair loss, you need to exclude the possibility that it’s simple the seasonal shedding coming into play. Once you rule that out, you can then explore the possibility of bald spots and alopecia due to entirely different reasons.

It could be just normal hair shedding

French Bulldog’s shed their hair seasonally. When it happens, it looks like a lot of hair loss but shouldn’t be cause for alarm. You can see what it looks like in a video on our French Bulldog YouTube channel.

Why Frenchies lose their hair by shedding

Frenchies will lose their undercoat hair about twice a year; replacing their thinner or thicker coats for summer or wintertime. However, if your Frenchie is losing more hair than is normal, then it could be a sign of a skin condition, allergies or another medical condition.

But how can you tell whether your French Bulldog’s hair loss is caused by natural shedding, or whether it’s an underlying medical issue?

The bottom line is, you should always talk to your vet for a professional opinion, but there are some tell-tale signs that your Frenchie is losing hair for a different reason.

Reasons for French Bulldog hair loss

Perhaps your Frenchie’s hair is feeling more brittle than normal or is simply coming out in larger amounts than you would expect through shedding. It could be that you see bald patches and bald spots that were not there before?

But why is your French Bulldog losing so much hair? Is there anything wrong? And is there anything you can do about it?

There are many reasons your French Bulldog could be suffering from hair loss, all of which a vet would check for during an appointment. These include:

1. Allergies

Like humans, Frenchies can also suffer from a range of allergies to different materials, environmental factors, or food. This can lead to skin irritations, causing them to scratch, bite and chewing on their fur, leading to hair loss.

Common allergies include plastic and latex materials, dyeing agents, cleaning products, plants, antibiotics or certain ingredients in types of dog food.

It’s not unusual to see bald spots develop due to an allergy, or the act of your Frenchie scratching at the allergy.

2. Skin conditions

Known as ‘hot spots’, there are a few different types of dermatitis that your French Bulldog could be suffering from; including allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and acute moist dermatitis.

Acute moist dermatitis is often caused by moisture and dampness in folds of skin, especially around the neck area. You might see your French Bulldog losing hair on sides of the mouth and neck area bald spots.

3. Mange

Mange can be a scary word for many Frenchie owners, conjuring images or scabbed and furless dogs, but it is actually quite a common condition, being highly contagious between dogs.

The definition according the Blue Cross animal charity is:

“Mange is a skin disease caused by mites and two types can affect dogs, sarcoptic and demodectic. Sarcoptic mange (or canine scabies) is the most common of the two and is highly contagious. It causes intense itching and, as a result of scratching, dogs suffer open sores, scabs and hair loss.”

The symptoms of mange include rashes, skin redness, hair loss, skin lesions and scaled skin. The good news is, that mange is easily treated using oral antibiotics and topical creams and shampoos.

Your vet will be able to diagnose mange within seconds of seeing your Frenchie, hair loss being one of the obvious signs.

4. Stress related hair loss

When a dog is anxious, restless or just bored, they can find a release of some of that excess energy through licking themselves and things around them. However, excessive licking of their own skin can cause acral lick dermatitis, or ‘lick granuloma’.

Handy Hint: Often Frenchies will create bald patches due to licking when stressed with separation anxiety. Here’s are some signs your Frenchie is left alone too much.

Often found on the lower parts of their legs, it results in a red patch of furless skin, which can often become irritated or even begin to bleed. If you see French Bulldog alopecia on their flanks, this is what the hair loss could be.

The dermatitis and infection can be treated with antibiotics, anti-lick strips and topical medicines, whilst the behavioral and psychological cause can be helped through training, more interaction with the animal and longer walks to relieve their excess energy.

5. Hormones

Just like humans, Frenchies can suffer from hormonal imbalances, such as the over-production or under-production of oestrogen, testosterone, thyroxin or other hormones, which can cause hair loss among other symptoms.

One of the most common causes, however, is hypothyroidism, caused through a malfunction in the canine thyroid gland; this can be treated with an oral hormone replacement medication, such as thyroxine.

Hormonal imbalances can result in hair loss patches and bald spots on areas such as the back, tail, around the mouth, sides of the body, and around the eyes.

6. Abnormal organ functions

While it is rarer, other things that causes hair loss in French Bulldogs can be problems with their internal organs, such as kidneys, liver, and intestines.

Health issues like bowel disease, kidney failure, and liver failure can cause dull, thinning hair (liver failure also causing orange-yellow skin, and kidney failure is accompanied by a musty smell to their coats).

7. Bacterial infection

French Bulldogs can also lose their hair due to parasitic infections like as ringworm, or bacterial and fungal infections like folliculitis.

Sometimes caused by previously mentioned forms of dermatitis and immune system disorders, folliculitis shows itself through a collection of red swellings around the hair follicles but can be treated with topical creams and antimicrobial shampoos (as well as treatment to any underlying cause.)

Ringworm appears in lesions on the head, ears, and paws of a dog, and if often picked up when your dog is digging around in the dirt (where the fungus resides). You might see bald spots around your Frenchie’s ears and sides of the mouth.

Ringworm is easily tested for and can be treated with an anti-fungal shampoo and topical medication over the course of a couple of weeks.

As ringworm is highly contagious, it is recommended that you follow your vet’s instructions closely to avoid reinfection, and wash all bedding, toys and any rugs or blankets that are commonly used by your dog in a bleach solution (or replace them, if they do not have any sentimental value).

If you are concerned that your dog may have any of the above conditions or are just worried about possible causes of French Bulldog hair loss, always visit your vet for a proper, medical opinion and diagnosis before taking any steps to treating your pet yourself.

How to treat hair loss in a French Bulldog

Some of these conditions, when left untreated, can cause harm to your Frenchie. In more serious cases, hair loss can often be the sign of a fatal disease so needs to be checked out by a professional.

Once you have a diagnosis from a licensed vet, they will often prescribe a medical hair loss treatment for your Frenchie, ranging from topical creams and hydrocortisone shampoos to hormone treatment and antibiotics.

However, alongside these standard canine hair loss treatments, there are other ways you can help treat your Frenchie’s hair loss or skin irritation.

Disclaimer: Always check with your vet before using any of these home remedies, as they can sometimes affect or be affected by your dogs’ prescribed treatment.

1. Change their diet

If your Frenchie has an allergy to a particular ingredient in dog food, then the obvious remedy is to change what you are feeding them.

Check the ingredients on tins or packets of dog food, and make sure that your dog isn’t eating any scraps of food from around the home that may be triggering their allergies.

You can get your vet to do an allergy test to check if your Frenchie’s hair loss is caused by something they eat, come into contact with, or environmental factors.

2. Natural topical remedies

There are some common kitchen ingredients that you might already have that can help relieve the itching from dry skin conditions. By relieving the itching, you can reduce the hair loss and bald patches from scratching and licking.

Some dog owners say lemon juice helps. It contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, as does apple cider vinegar, which can also help to boost the immune system.

To use it, simply dilute the lemon juice or vinegar in warm water, before dipping a cotton ball into the mixture and applying it to the affected bald patch.

3. Brush your Frenchie regularly

Your Frenchie’s skin has natural oils that are designed to keep their fur protected and moisturized. By brushing your dog’s fur, you can help spread it around and bring it out into the longer areas of fur.

Regular brushing will help to keep the hair healthy and could lead to a reduction in how much hair your French Bulldog loses each day. Here’s a brush on Amazon we use with Claude the Frenchie. It will remove loose hair but does encourage re-growth and healthy fur so don’t worry about using it.

4. Use a humidifier

Room humidifiers can really help a dog with dry and itchy skin, meaning less scratching, thus reduced hair loss. By placing a humidifier near your dogs’ bed, the night moisture in the room will help to rehydrate and soothe your dog’s skin.

More about French Bulldog bald spots

French bulldogs with hair loss behind ears

Mites are a common cause of hair loss in Frenchies, even those with shorter fur, and one of the common symptoms of a mite or tick infestation in your dog is fur loss behind their ears.

Ear mites are an extremely common and highly contagious species of mite in cats and dogs, causing scabbed skin around the back of their ears, as well as lesions from your pet constantly scratching to relieve the itching sensation.

These open wounds can also lead to bacterial infections, resulting in crusting and discharge of pus, which may have to be treated separately.

It is important that the mite infestation is treated, as it is the root cause. Once the mites have been got rid of, the scratching and skin lesions will often resolve themselves with a little topical treatment.

After a few weeks you might then see the hair loss behind the ears grow back to what it used to be before the mites took hold.

French bulldog hair loss around eyes

Along with hair loss around their ears, hair loss around your Frenchie’s eyes can also be a sign of mites. However, it can also be a sign of allergies. Often, allergies or skin issues can begin around the eyes and ears of your dog, before spreading outwards around the body.

Common signs of discomfort around their eyes include rubbing their faces against things, excessive scratching of a particular area, eye-watering, sneezing and a runny nose.

If your Frenchie is losing patches of hair around their eyes, be sure to check for any open sores and raw skin (which can be a sign of dermatitis), as well as lesions and scaly skin in localized areas (a symptom of ringworm).

If you are concerned that your Frenchie’s hair loss around the eyes, it’s important that you check with your vet for a diagnosis before seeking any treatment options.

The definition of French Bulldog alopecia

While it may sound like a terrible skin condition, alopecia is actually just the name for seasonal baldness. Often found in breeds of French, American and British Bulldogs, this type of hair loss is completely natural and is caused by changes in the seasons.

Shorter periods of sunlight during the day triggers their hormones to regrow their fur into a thicker coat, ready for the approach of winter, and then back again for a thinner summer coat.

Because of this, French Bulldog baldness and hair loss does not result in any skin conditions, dryness or itching, and is purely just a change in outward appearance and over time the hair will grow back.

When seasonal baldness comes into effect, you may notice these bald patches are far darker than the rest of their skin, resulting from hyperpigmentation. This is usually seen around their flanks and hind legs, but after a while, the hair will regrow and cover the area.

However, some Frenchie’s bald patches will remain indefinitely, with only some of the lost hair returning. This is also natural and shouldn’t be worried about, as it is not a sign of any kind of medical issue; in fact, some regrowth can skip a year and regrow during the next bout of seasonal baldness.

If you are concerned about your French Bulldog’s bald patches, then it is recommended that you consult a vet before pursuing any treatments for mites, allergies or dermatitis.

Conclusion

Despite Frenchies only having a very short, fine coat and only losing their undercoat a couple of times a year, they do produce a lot of hair.

This will often be mistaken for problematic hair loss – which instead is typically when you see patches and bald spots in isolated areas rather than uniform hair loss with natural shedding.

The bottom line is if you’re worried at all, please talk to your vet as often hair loss can be the sign of a more serious problem.

The post French Bulldog Hair Loss: The Causes of Bald Spots & Patches appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

We all know how adorable this breed is. It can be hard to say no to them sometimes, and even the most well-meaning of owners can over-indulge their Frenchies which can lead to weight problems. Understanding what an overweight French Bulldog looks like is key to maintaining your dog’s health and lifespan.

Frenchies do have a tendency to wolf down food, and don’t always having the self-regulation when it comes to knowing when to stop. When over-eating is combined with a lack of regular exercise, they can develop weight and fat issues (although these aren’t the only reasons for canine weight gain).

If not monitored this can lead to a range of problems including damage to joints and ligaments, heart disease, difficulty breathing, and diabetes to name just a few.

But how exactly do you know if your Frenchie Bulldog is overweight or fat and what is a healthy weight for this breed?

What is a healthy weight for a French Bulldog?

The healthy weight for a French Bulldog can vary dramatically based on their size and gender. For example, the healthy weight for a male French Bulldog could range from 20 to 28 pounds, and a female from 16 to 24 pounds.

As you can see, that’s not that helpful in understanding how much is overweight for a French Bulldog. Don’t get too hung up on how much yours actually weighs, as this won’t always be an accurate barometer of whether they are clinically overweight or not.

It will often depend on how tall or small they are, with some of that weight possibly being muscle and related to their gender – males tend to be stockier than females.

How do I know if my French Bulldog is overweight?

Instead you should rely on manual checks of your fat Frenchie’s upper torso and body to feel for whether they are overweight or not. It’s easy enough to do; here’s how you know if your Frenchie is overweight without having to use scales.

1. Simply apply a small amount of pressure to your Frenchie’s chest.
2. Using your fingers, check to see if you can easily feel his ribcage.
3. If you cannot feel ribs, but instead fatty flesh, it could be an indication you have an overweight French Bulldog.
4. Your Frenchie’s chest should always be wider than his abdomen, if not, it’s a sign of being an unhealthy weight.

Of course, you should always get a professional opinion from a vet if you have any concerns at all that your Frenchie could be overweight.

More signs that your fat French Bulldog is overweight

As well as the manual check, there other ways you can tell if your Frenchie is overweight and piling on the pounds which don’t involve you taking them to the vets.

1. Visual checks and indicators

As well as being able to feel their ribs, you should also be able to look at them to check if they are a healthy weight. If they are in the ideal weight ranges for their gender and size, a Frenchie will have a thin layer of fat over their ribs, these being noticeable as they move.

You should also be able to see and feel their spine when they bend and curl themselves into a sleeping position. Again, it’s covered by a thin layer of fat when they are not overweight.

Another way to check your Frenchie is a healthy weight is to look at them from above. If they are not carrying extra pounds, they tend to look like an hourglass shape, with a visible waistline that is smaller than their chest – you can see what that looks like with our Frenchie Claude in the photo below.

If your fat French Bulldog has a lack of definition and you can’t feel their spine and ribs, it might mean they are overweight, possibly needing a dietary change.

However, please do check with your vet first, as all Frenchies are different and I don’t want to worry you if you have a different sized dog to us… some will look stockier and more barrel-like due to genetics and breeding lineage.

As I mentioned earlier, their appearance can vary a lot.

2. They get tired and overexerted easily

Frenchies will often become breathless after heavy activity, but when overweight this will be noticeable after just a tiny amount of activity. Overweight Frenchies will start panting or having to stop after a very short walk.

One of the most visible indicators that your Frenchie needs to lose weight is if they are unable to climb up steps and stairs like they did before.

The bottom line is that if you notice your fat Frenchie getting tired when they really should not be, and you’ve ruled other contributory factors such as hot weather, please talk with your vet about developing diet and fitness plans.

3. They are unable to groom and scratch themselves

Whilst Frenchies cannot clean certain areas of their body, they can still lick and scratch themselves. If you notice your dog is unable to scratch and groom himself like he used to, it could be because the flexibility has been replaced with weight gain fat.

How can I get my French Bulldog to lose weight?

If you are concerned that your fat French Bulldog puppy is overweight or that your adult Frenchie is no longer at a healthy weight anymore, then here are some tips on what to do.

1. Feed them lighter dog food

And by that, I mean dog food with less calories, higher in fiber, and more protein. By doing so your Frenchie will burn the calories off faster and will lose weight quicker as a result.

Vets say that dogs should not eat anything more than 25 calories for every pound they weigh. The average male Frenchie weighs around 25 pounds, meaning your dog may only need 625 calories a day.

2. Feed them the correct amount

According to research published in 2014, as many as 68% of pet owners don’t feed their dog according to the correct guidelines, leading to overfeeding and weight gain.

You should always read the guidelines written on commercial dog food packaging, and if in doubt please read my guide to how much Frenchies should eat to stay healthy.

3. Reduce their portion sizes

If your Frenchie is seriously overweight, then you should consider reducing down how much you’re feeding them. But please do this on advice of your vet.

Handy Hint: You can slow your Frenchie’s eating down and monitor how much they eat by using specialist French Bulldog feeding bowls that limit their intake and feeding speed.

4. Stop feeding them as many treats

For a healthy French Bulldog weight, you should follow what the vet’s call the 90/10 rule. This means that treats and snacks should never exceed 10% of your Frenchie’s daily calorie intake.

You might be surprised at how many extra calories your overweight French Bulldog takes on from picking up scraps in the kitchen or dropped from the table.

5. Give them regular exercise and walks

There is a common misconception that Frenchies are lazy dogs who don’t need a lot of exercise. Whilst it’s true that they can’t walk long distances (particularly in the heat), they do need regular exercise.

I try to walk Claude twice a day if I can, each time taking up around 30 minutes. I think this is probably why my Frenchie is very trim and muscular, rather than being a fatty.

Handy Hint: Here’s how much you should be walking your French Bulldog to keep him or her healthy and fit each week.

6. Weigh your Frenchie regularly

If you have got a fat French Bulldog who needs to go on a diet to lose weight, then you should have a target in mind. The weight target is something your vet can advise on.

Once you have that target weight in mind, I recommend regular weighing sessions, probably every couple of days. This will help you to keep them on target.

Weighing a fat Frenchie is actually quite easy. Weigh yourself on the scales first, then pick your dog up and weigh yourself again. The difference in weight is what your overweight Frenchie comes in at.

If you need helping weighing them then watch this video on our YouTube channel on how to pick up a Frenchie properly so you don’t hurt them.

Other causes of weight gain in Frenchies

Just because you have a fat French Bulldog, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing something wrong; there are certain illnesses that can lead to weight gain, as well as them just getting older.

Causes of weight gain can include:

• Chronic illnesses such as Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes.
• Neutering which can lead to less energy.
• Bloating and water retention due to illness.
• Canine medication.
• Internal parasites can cause fluid build-up.
• Possible pregnancy (here’s how to tell).
• Getting old and being less active.

Why are Frenchies prone to weight gain?

French Bulldogs find it hard to self-regulate their eating; all the ones I have ever met are totally focussed on food and would eat way beyond what they are meant to.

As owners, we need to be careful that our Frenchies don’t overindulge and end up getting fat and overweight – it can dramatically reduce their lifespan and quality of life.

Control what your Frenchie eats with two meals a day with limited portions that don’t go over their daily calorie recommendations: 25 calories for every pound in healthy weight they weigh.

Frenchies are also prone to a very high percentage of health issues, many of which can result in them gaining weight.

Then there’s just the fact of getting older. The older your Frenchie, the less energy and inclination they have for exercise. Just like the best of us, they can get fatter as they reach their middle age to twilight years!

When to see your vet

If you have concerns about your Frenchie’s weight, then that’s enough reasons to make a vet’s appointment. They will be able to properly diagnose why they are getting fat, and develop a safe and sensible weight loss plan.

Conclusion

When you choose a Frenchie as a pet, you’ve got a friend for life. Through fat and thin, your best friend will at your side.

There will always be some challenges, as Frenchies are more prone to becoming fat and overweight than many other breeds.  But providing you are vigilant and diligent in your care towards them, you should be able to keep them at a healthy weight

As long as you can commit to feeding your Frenchie just twice a day, cutting their treats down, and keeping them well exercised, you should be able to stop them getting fat.

But lastly, I started out by saying all Frenchies are different so please do talk with your vet. You might just have a stocky French Bulldog who is perfectly fine… always seek a professional opinion.

The post Fat French Bulldog? Signs of an Overweight Frenchie + How to Lose Weight appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

In this guide I will explain just what percentage of French Bulldogs have health problems and how common each of those different diseases and conditions are in both the male and female genders of the breed.

It makes for sobering reading, and for some, might make them question where they stand ethically when buying a Frenchie.

What percentage of French Bulldogs have health problems?

72.4% of French Bulldogs have health problems according to a study of 2,218 Frenchies conducted in 2018. The research was conducted by Royal Veterinary College in the UK and found that this high percentage of French Bulldogs had at least one of the health problems listed as common complaints.

The study was said to be the largest ever conducted on the French Bulldog breed, with Dr Dan O’Neill (read bio), a senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College saying this about the research:

“French Bulldogs are a relatively new arrival to the list of common UK breeds, so there has been very little previous research on them. Our study provides owners and vets with information on the issues that they could expect and should look out for in French Bulldogs. It may also assist potential new owners to decide whether this is even the right breed for them.”

The French Bulldog health problems with the highest percentages were skin problems (17.9%), ear infections (14%), diarrhoea (7.5%) and conjunctivitis (3.2%).

Handy Hint: I have explained in more detail what these French Bulldog health problems involve in this more in-depth guide to Frenchie health.

Male French Bulldogs have a higher percentage of health issues

The study also made an interesting observation about the difference between the genders, with males French Bulldogs having a higher percentage of health problems than the females. They tended to be more at risk of 8 of the 26 most common health problems.

A spokesperson for the research said:

“One of the interesting findings from our research is that male French Bulldogs appear to be less healthy than females. Males were more likely to get 8 of the 26 most common health problems while there were no issues that females were more likely to get than males.”

In the table below you can see how the two genders are split with the different health issues recorded in the study.

What percentage of French Bulldogs have breathing problems?

Breathing problems are one of the most common health problems reported by vets and Frenchie owners, and the study found this a recurring theme too.

Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that a massive 66% of French Bulldogs have breathing problems, with complaints including stenotic nares, upper respiratory tract disorders and infections, plus brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

You can read more about this study and the percentage of Frenchies with breathing problems on the Wiley Online Library.

The reason a large percentage of French Bulldogs have breathing problems is entirely breed related. They are brachycephalic meaning they have been bred to have shorter snouts and squashed faces.

This genetic trait has got more exaggerated over the years, making the breathing issues progressively worse.

For example, the dogs can become over-heated and short of breath in hot weather or over-exertion. Respiratory distress and labored breathing are something that most Frenchie owners will see in their dog’s lifetime.

Handy Hint: You can compare what Frenchies used to look like 100 years ago in this post, with the snouts looking significantly longer historically.

What percentage of French Bulldogs have IVDD?

The percentage of French Bulldogs with IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) is said to be much higher than that of other breeds, but I was unable to find an exact figure.

I did however find a study published in 2017 found that IVDD is a very common health problem for Frenchies. With conservative estimates saying that 2% of all dogs tend to get IVDD, you can assume Frenchies will be higher than this number.

In the study they looked at 533 Frenchies who had existing neurological diseases. The research found that 45.5% of them were afflicted with Hansen type I intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH).

This type of complaint has a higher percentage in dwarf breeds, particularly in Frenchies who have genetic dwarfism.

Health testing a French Bulldog

Given that we know a high percentage of French Bulldogs have health problems, you should have your health tested with regular trips to the vet. The types of tests available are as follows:

• BOAS respiration: includes grading of the nostrils and is tested at rest and after exercise.
• Eye testing: this is essential for brachycephalic dogs as their shortened snout can lead to eye diseases.
• Eye cataracts: in particular, a test for hereditary cataracts should be performed annually.
• Hip dysplasia: the hip and thigh bone can become displaced but early tests can detect it.
• Cardiologist test: this is a test of the heart and can check for heart murmurs as your Frenchie gets older.
• Dental check: teeth can become overcrowded due to a Frenchie’s shortened head, so teeth checks can flag up any issues.
• DNA testing: this will show a range of health issues and genetic health problems.
• Spine X-ray: this will check for a malformed spine and back problems.

Should we stop buying Frenchies?

If there wasn’t a demand for French Bulldogs, there wouldn’t be so many of them with health problems. Which leads on to a question of ethics, and whether we should even buy them in the first place, given that we know this leads to more puppies being born with health issues.

I decided to canvas the opinion from two different sides of the argument.

Those in favor of breeding

I went on social media and got in touch with some French Bulldog breeders, who as far as I can tell are in the responsible and ethical bracket. I asked them what they thought about the high percentage of French Bulldogs having health problems.

Here is a selection of their comments, which they asked to remain anonymous:

“The high percentage of Frenchies with health problems has been inflated by irresponsible breeders looking to make quick money. They ignore the health issues and continue to breed male and females with existing hereditary conditions, which isn’t helping!”

“I’ve worked as a breeder and a judge and will not reward a Frenchie that has any breathing issues. We all need to start moving away from the flat noses, and the tight nostrils that can plague this breed.”

“There are some terrible breeders out there who are encouraging conditions like dwarfism. They give us a bad name, but sometimes it is purely down to ignorance. By educating people we can start to get the health problems percentages lower over the next 5 to 10 years.”

Those against breeding

I then wanted to get some opinions on the opposite side of the argument from people who thinking breeding French Bulldogs is not acceptable due them being so prone to diseases.

“I don’t believe there is such a thing as ethically breeding French Bulldogs. They suffer hugely due to the demand in the way they look. Health testing isn’t going to make a difference on this, until the demand for that certain look changes… give them longer noses!”

“There’s something I read on Quora recently which sums it up; if a person performed surgery on a dog to give it a really flat face, tight nostrils, and a shortened nose then they would be charged with a criminal offence. But if you breed them like that, it’s perfectly fine, go figure.”

“It’s no surprise Frenchies have such a high percentage of health problems when you see the way in which they have been changed so much to look how they do, compared to what they looked like fifty years ago.”

What owners say

Of course, owners are going to be very protective over their decision to buy a Frenchie despite knowing the health problems they can develop. I found a few relevant comments on Facebook regarding the matter:

“They are sadly very badly affected by allergies and some also suffer with BOAS. They are gorgeous dogs but don’t even think about having one unless you have deep pockets and a vet you know and trust as you will probably be seeing a lot of them!”

“One of Frenchies has no health problems. The other has allergies, hip dysplasia, had cruciate ligament damage. That meant two operations before she was even one year old, plus a whole load of physio and hydrotherapy. My advice is to get great insurance.”

“They aren’t one of the most expensive dogs to insure for no reason. But French Bulldog health issues often don’t show until they are adults. In many ways they aren’t a robust breed. Personally, we’ll always rescue as sadly too many don’t research enough about the breed and training problems begin that owners can’t manage. Some people aren’t really responsible enough to take on the commitment of a Frenchie dog and then there’s those who face unexpected life changes. Rescues have to then pick up the pieces.”

“Do your homework before you make a decision. There is plenty of information on the internet. As said previously though, do make sure you have adequate funds as there can be lots of potential French Bulldog health issues and vet bills are steep. Sadly, this is probably why there are so many in rescue homes.”

“Yes, breathing and skin allergies are definitely very common. Also, they get problems with spine, sensitive tummies, ears prone to infection, eyes prone to scratches, cherry eye, and teeth problems. Mine has hip dysplasia.”

What diseases are French Bulldogs prone to?

The most common health problems as a percentage are listed above in the table. In terms of how common certain diseases are, here are the more common ones:

• Cancer.
• Dental diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Eye diseases.
• Heartworm.
• Kennel cough.
• Parvovirus.
• Ringworm.
• Thyroid disease.
• Viral diseases.

What do most French Bulldogs die of?

According to the Finnish Kennel Club, most French Bulldogs die of cancer. They say that cancer accounts for 38% of Frenchie fatalities. However, the data from the study in the UK shows different percentage rates against other illnesses.

Those reasons are shown in the table below:

Conclusion

French Bulldog ownership has soared in recent years, jumping from them being just 0.02% of puppies born in 2003 to 1.46% in 2013. I would assume that figure is even higher today.

Knowing what we now know about the high percentage of health problems in French Bulldogs, it will hopefully mean breeders and animal charities can prioritize health issues in the breed.

One would hope that this could possibly lead to a change in breed standards, meaning the physical characteristics that lead to health problems aren’t as pronounced.

However, that time hasn’t come yet.

So, if you are thinking about buying this breed, please do consider the abnormally high percentage of French Bulldogs that have health problems as part of your decision-making process.

Here are some other guides to help you make an educated decision:

• Are Frenchies good dogs for first time owners?
• An overview of Frenchie skin allergies
• What Frenchie cherry eye looks like
• Reasons why your Frenchie is limping so bad

The post What Percentage of French Bulldogs Have Health Problems? appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

Before I get into too much detail on Frenchie walking distances and walk times, let’s start off with the basics of French Bulldog walking habits.

Do French Bulldogs need walking?

There are many misconceptions over the Frenchie breed. Many people don’t think they need lots of exercise. In fact, I recall when we were first considering getting a French Bulldog, we were told that they were lazy, sedentary, and required very little exercise.

Whilst Frenchies do sleep a lot (here’s how much), when they are awake they have lots of energy to burn, and walking is the best way you can handle this.

The bottom line is that all dogs need to be walked. It doesn’t matter what the breed is, and Frenchies are no different; French Bulldogs need walking. If they don’t get this daily exercise, it’s not just bad for them, but also for you.

French Bulldogs need to be walked because…

• Exercise and health: Overweight French Bulldogs will suffer with breathing problems, possible diabetes, and damage to their hips and joints. Frenchies are already prone to a wide range of medical problems, but walking them often can reduce their chances of an early death related to weight gain.
• Mental stimulation: Frenchies that are left alone indoors and don’t get the exercise they need will suffer mentally. It’s not just related to separation anxiety, but also keeping them mentally active. If you don’t walk your Frenchie often, you might find he starts to exhibit destructive behavior in your home.
• Natural instinct: Walking fulfils their natural instinct that harks back to their pack mentality of getting up in the morning and walking from their home to find food.
• Socialization: Walking lets your Frenchie socialize with other dogs, other people and adapt to unique situations so they can grow up to be well adjusted dogs. This will make them far happier and less inclined to exhibit depression.
• Training and behavior: Walking your Frenchie lets you train them, practice obedience skills, and reinforce your own relationship with him. When you’re out, he will be exposed to various different things which will provoke a reaction, letting you train him to be a well-behaved dog. Dogs behaviourists believe that dogs walked regularly will be far better behaved than dogs who aren’t.

I hope that convinces you; all Frenchies need to be walked. But exactly how often and how far should their walk lengths be?

How much walking do French Bulldogs need?

Your French Bulldog’s walk time will vary depending on their age, and also a little bit on their own personality and character. Our own Frenchie Claude would probably walk as often as he could (given the choice) – but it won’t be good for him.

French Bulldog walk time examples (personal experience)

Here’s a very basic overview of how much walk time French Bulldog need in one go, depending on their age – these times can be done twice a day in most cases.

• 4 months old: 12 minutes.
• 5 months old: 15 minutes.
• 6 months old: 18 minutes.
• 7 months old: 21 minutes.
• 8 months old: 24 minutes.
• 9 months old: 27 minutes.
• Adult: 30 to 45 minutes.
• Older Frenchies: Dependent on health.

Please Note: The above walking times do not mean my Frenchie is walking constantly for these minutes. This is just the amount of time we are out of the house so will include walking, stopping, playing, pooping, and sniffing around. He will not be constantly on the move. It’s just out “out of the house” time.

The times above are based on my own experience of owning this breed, and how much time Claude would need walking before he became an adult. I’ve based it on around 3 minutes of exercise for every month of his life, before he grew out of the puppy phase.

Your Frenchie might be different and may not be able cope with this amount of long walking time – alternatively he might demand more.

Despite what people say, most Frenchies I’ve met are very energetic and need to be walked at least twice a day. Be careful though; Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed so you should avoid walking them in hot weather or letting them run continuously for more than 5 minutes; they can quickly overheat and have breathing difficulties.

How often you should walk a French Bulldog

The example French Bulldog walk times I’ve listed above have always been done twice daily; for example, I walk Claude in the morning and in the early evening where possible.

However, how often you walk your French Bulldog will boil down a number of factors;

• Age: The older they get, the less they will need or be able to walk.
• Health: Frenchies are prone to health problems, some of which limit walking.
• Character: All dogs are different, and some could be less active than others.

French Bulldog walking distance / walk length

But what about walking distances and how long can you walk them for? Again, this is all down to my own personal experiences of walking our own Frenchie…

How far should you walk a French Bulldog? An adult French Bulldog walk length can be as far as 3 miles. I walk my own Frenchie this far and this long many mornings through our local forest (providing its not too hot). He then demands a further afternoon walk of around 1.5 miles. At the very least, our Frenchie is getting 3 miles a day in walks. 

Can French Bulldogs go for long walks?

This depends on how you define a long walk. Our Frenchie can walk up to 3 miles quite easily, as long as it’s not a hot day.

However, how long can you walk a French Bulldog should be treated with caution. Whilst my Frenchie loves to go on long forest walks, I time the walk carefully so it’s in the morning when the sun isn’t as bright.

Can you walk a French Bulldog too much?

Yes, you can walk a French Bulldog too much, and it can be dangerous.

I have got personal experience of why this is so important due to an incident when Claude was younger. My family I went for a walk in our local forest when the sun was behind clouds. As we turned back to walk the 1.5 miles back to our car, the sun came out really strong.

Within 10 minutes Claude was totally exhausted due to the heat. I had to leave him with my wife and run back to the car, and then drive back to get them. Never will we make this mistake again, it actually very scary.

Handy Hint: Read my guide on how to tell if your Frenchie is overweight with tips on how to help them with a weight loss diet.

The morale of the story is you need to keep an eye on the weather. Frenchies can easily overheat, and when they do, you need to take steps to cool them down. I’ve published 15 ways you can cool down a Frenchie which gives some tips.

Signs of over-exertion

Here are the signs that you have over-exerted your Frenchie with too much walking, either distance and time related, or to do with the heat:

• Heavy, continuous panting.
• Glazed eyes.
• Weakness and/or collapse.
• Increased pulse.
• Vomiting.
• Dark red tongue or gums.
• Excessive drooling.
• Seizures.

As well as over-averting your Frenchie due to walks being too long or regular, you can also cause damage to their joints, paw pads, and muscles.

Do French Bulldogs like to walk?

I can only talk about our own Frenchie Claude and the dogs of our friends. In my experience, French Bulldogs love to walk – it gives them the opportunity to make new friends, sniff around, and explore.

When you think about it, if we humans go on the same walk every day, we can get bored by it. I don’t think it’s the same for dogs. I think that every time they go out there are so many new smells that have been left since last time, that it’s a completely different walk to them!

With Claude, he would honestly walk all day if he could. He loves going on walks, and it can be to his detriment unless I rein him in. This is why Frenchies are not good running partners.

If I didn’t bring him home from a long walk, he would run himself into the ground with other dogs, balls, and sticks – you can see how much he loves to play in this video and blog post.

French Bulldog puppy walking

Growing puppies don’t need to be walked as much as adults. You might find that hard to believe given the amount of energy Frenchie pups have, but you do need to take it easy with them.

Frenchie puppies are still growing. Their bones are still developing, and they will also have low immune systems. Because of this, you should not walk a French Bulldog puppy outside of your own yard of garden until two weeks after their final vaccinations – read more here.

How long should you walk a French Bulldog puppy?

My own rule of thumb is to use 3 minutes of walking for every month of your Frenchie puppy’s life. Earlier I referenced these walk times, but here they are again:

• 4 month old puppy: 12 minute walk time.
• 5 month old puppy: 15 minute walk time.
• 6 month old puppy: 18 minute walk time.
• 7 month old puppy: 21 minute walk time.
• 8 month old puppy: 24 minute walk time.
• 9 month old puppy: 27 minute walk time.

Please Note: The above walking times do not mean my Frenchie is walking constantly for these minutes. This is just the amount of time we are out of the house so will include walking, stopping, playing, pooping, and sniffing around. He will not be constantly on the move. It’s just out “out of the house” time.

The American Kennel Club say this (view source):

“Your puppy’s exercise needs will change as she grows. When your puppy is very young, veterinarians recommend keeping exercise limited to short walks and multiple play sessions throughout the day, with plenty of time for naps.”

If you find your Frenchie is still hyper after walking, you should play indoor games and try some activities that require mental challenges. You can see some of those in my Frenchie Toys guide.

How often should you walk a French Bulldog puppy?

All of the walk times above can be done twice daily. How far you should walk your French Bulldog puppy depends on the distance you travel in those time frames.

With Claude we didn’t take him too far from our house at first, with short walks where he was kept on the lead.

For more tips on walking a French Bulldog puppy, please read my leash training guides:

• The French Bulldog leash training guide
• How to stop your Frenchie from pulling on the leash
• How to walk your puppy off the leash for the first time
• How to teach your Frenchie to come back with recall

What other owners say

I took a look on social media to see what other owners say about Frenchie puppy walking. Here’s a selection of the best comments which aligns closely with my own recommendations:

“In my opinion walking a Frenchie puppy for 60 minutes in one walk is way too much. It could damage the puppy’s cruciate ligaments in the long term. I say this from bitter experience as by 14 months my Frenchie had surgery for 3 cruciate operations!”

“Walking your Frenchie puppy for too long can be really bad for their joints. Frenchies are very prone to spinal and joint problems. Please stick to 5 minutes for every month in age each day. You don’t want your dog crippled in later life.”

“Their growth plates don’t mature until they are nearer to 12 months old. Too much walking on loose wobbly joints can potentially cause premature wear and tear that will become problematic in a few years time. If you’re in a part of the country where it’s suddenly become summer, be very careful of them overheating. Puppies don’t have the sense to know when to stop so it’s up to us as guardians to make the best decisions.”

Tips for walking older Frenchies

As your French Bulldog gets older, how long and how far he can walk for will dramatically reduce. It’s not just the walk lengths, but also the environmental factors too.

Here are a few tips you can use:

1. Prepare for the weather and don’t even think about walking when it’s sunny or when it will be cold and wet: both can result in health problems.
2. Take them on shorter and more frequent walks to ensure they don’t over-exert themselves.
3. Pay attention to what time it is and keep their routine regular to keep their anxiety levels down.
4. Walk on easy surfaces which aren’t hot, uneven, or hard. This will keep the impact levels and stress placed in their joints to a minimum.
5. Take regular breaks and bring plenty of water with you.
6. Make sure they eat right and are healthy, with special attention given to diet and regimes helping with arthritis.
7. Pay attention to the signs your older French Bulldog gives you, and don’t walk him long distances or for too long if he’s showing signs of distress.

General dog walking tips

Before wrapping things up, here are some additional dog walking tips that apply to all walks, whether with a Frenchie puppy, adult, or another breed.

1. Always remember to take poop bags and pick it up.
2. Don’t rush them when they pee or poop.
3. If a longer walk and possible sun, take water with you.
4. Check that the pavement is not hot to the touch before walking.
5. Buy reflective gear or an LED clip for the collar in the dark.
6. Let them stop to sniff and explore.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing I’ve learned down the years, it’s that all Frenchies are different. This means there really is no set rule on how long your French Bulldog’s walks should be. Whilst my dog Claude loves his walks, we know other Frenchies who are more chilled out.

Ultimately you don’t want an overweight Frenchie, so providing yours is happy and healthy, and you aren’t over-exerting him, you’ve probably got your walk schedule spot on.

You might also like…

New Frenchie owners might also find the following guides interesting in relation to walking:

• The ultimate leash training guide
• Why you dog walks in between your legs
• How soon you can take your dog for a walk after neutering

Disclaimer: I am not a vet and everything in this guide is based on personal experience of owning a Frenchie, what I have learned, and feedback from other owners. Always ask your vet for any advice on your dog’s health.

The post French Bulldog Walking Guide: How Far, How Long, How Much Time appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

How do I know if my French Bulldog has a fever? The best way to tell if a Frenchie has a fever is to check for a high temperature. Normal French Bulldog temperature should range from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A high fever is 103 degrees or more, with 106 degrees being very dangerous. 

How to tell if your Frenchie has a fever

There’s a traditional way of checking for a high fever in a dog, you might have heard of it before; it’s by touching their nose. If your Frenchie’s nose is cold and wet, he won’t have a fever. If his nose if hot and dry, it could mean he has a fever – sometimes this can look like a classic cold like humans get.

Whilst this is a quick way to check for a high temperature, it’s not the most accurate or scientific way of finding out if your French Bulldog puppy or adult dog has a high fever.

The most accurate way is to use a digital thermometer, and taking your French Bulldog’s temperature rectally. Yes, just like vets do!

Signs of a French Bulldog fever

Aside from the obvious taking of the temperature, there are other ways in which you can tell if your French Bulldog has a high fever.

Here are the most common high fever symptoms to look out for:

• Coughing: Your Frenchie could have a high fever due to kennel cough. This is a highly contagious infection that can spread very quickly between dogs.
• Depressed mood: It’s not always that easy to tell if your Frenchie is sad (here are 13 ways) due to their fixed facial expressions. But you should know your dog better than one, so a low mood could be a fever.
• Lethargy: If your Frenchie is less energetic and has a high temperature, it’s a classic sign of a fever. When we feel under the weather, we don’t feel like moving much either; it’s the same for dogs.
• Loss of appetite: If your Frenchie refuses to eat it could be due to a range of things, so best try ruling it out unless it’s accompanied by a high temperature.
• Nasal discharge: A runny nose don’t always mean your Frenchie has a fever (here are other reasons for nasal discharge), but is a common symptom when combined with other signs.
• Red eyes: Sore looking eyes could mean a range of illnesses, but are also on the list of things to check for if you suspect a high fever.
• Shivering and shaking: A French Bulldog with high fever will shiver. The shivering happens as their body contracts and relaxes the muscles to generate heat, leading to shivering movements.
• Vomiting: Sickness can be a high fever sign if related to an infection after something your Frenchie ate.
• Warm and dry nose: This symptom will typically be coupled with another fever sign from the list. Touch your Frenchie’s nose to see if it feels warmer than usual.
• Warm ears: Similarly, warm ears can also be a sign that your Frenchie has a high temperature and fever.

What can you give a Frenchie with a fever?

If you believe your French Bulldog has a fever, call the vet. A fever is considered any body temperature reading that is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whilst you wait to see the vet, you can let your Frenchie drink a small amount of water to keep them hydrated. Do not give them medicines intended for humans.

If the body temperature exceeds 105 degrees, but not quite 106, you can put cool water on his body to bring the heat down. Concentrate around the feet and ears particularly, as you don’t want to bring the temperature down too fast. Here are some more cooling tips.

For Frenchie temperatures higher than 106 degrees, seek urgent vet help. This is a dangerously high temperature and will require immediate attention.

In serious cases of high fever, vets can give Frenchies IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medication. They will also take blood tests to find out what the cause of the high temperature is.

Why do French Bulldogs get fevers?

There are many reasons why your Frenchie is running a high temperature and fever. Some of the more common reasons, aside from wider health issues, could be:

1. Infections

Your Frenchie might have a bad infection leading to a high fever. Infections have multiple causes that can affect any part of the dog’s body including the kidneys, lungs, brain, and skin. The types of infection can be bacterial, fungal, and viral, and include:

• Ear infections (read more)
• Dental infections.
• Infected wounds and cuts.
• Internal infections.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The majority of less serious infections can be quickly treated with a course of antibiotics and will quickly reduce your Frenchie’s fever and high temperature.

2. Toxins and poisonous substances

If your Frenchie has eaten or drunk something poisonous, his temperature can rise leading to a fever. Toxic substances are far ranging and can include certain foods, human medicines, chemicals, plants, and insects.

I’ve previously published a huge guide to the 25 most poisonous foods for Frenchies which you can check against in the event of a high temperature.

3. Vaccinations

French Bulldog puppy fever is very common after they have had their injections. Your Frenchie puppy could have a high fever for 1 to 2 days after the shots.

4. Tick bites

If you walk your Frenchie in long grass and wooded areas, they could be at risk of being bitten by ticks. If you have recently noticed ticks on your Frenchie and removed them, a high fever can follow.

This is a potentially dangerous infection (possible Lyme’s Disease) and should be treated ASAP by your vet. You can read more on how to treat flea and tick bites in this other post.

5. Inflammation

Another cause of high fevers is inflammation. You will need to get your vet to do tests to find out why inflammation has occurred, with the possibility of an autoimmune disease.

Causes of persistent high fevers

These are not the only reasons for canine fever. For more detailed information, please visit this link from a qualified veterinarian. Persistent high fevers could be a sign of the following:

What is the average temperature of a French Bulldog?

The normal French Bulldog body temperature should be between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (the equivalent to 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). Some Frenchies will be a little higher or a little lower.

If your French Bulldog’s temperature goes as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit as a high fever or falls as low as 99 degrees Fahrenheit it is entering dangerous territory.

Do dogs pant when they have a fever?

Frenchies can pant when they have a high fever, but it’s not an accurate barometer to go by. French Bulldogs will mostly pant after over-exertion.

However, panting can sometimes happen with a high fever, as you’re your Frenchie’s way of trying to lower their body temperature.

How do you take a French Bulldog’s temperature?

There are two ways of taking a French Bulldog’s temperature; under the armpit or rectally. The most accurate method is the rectal way. Here’s guide I found on the Spruce Pets website – it’s an easy to understand infographic.

You can buy a thermometer on Amazon. It doesn’t have to be a specialist dog or vet one, a digital thermometer for infants will work just as well – here’s the best one on Amazon I found.

Conclusion

Thankfully we have never had to take our French Bulldog’s temperature as he’s never experienced a high fever in the times we’ve had him. Yes, he’s overheated due to running too much, but has not succumbed to a high temperature yet (finger’s crossed).

If your French Bulldog has a fever, he might exhibit one, some, or a selection of the high fever symptoms listed further up this article.

The bottom line is this; you should always call a vet the moment your Frenchie appears to be ill and you are in any way concerned. Don’t waste any time if their temperature has risen high!

Disclaimer: I am not a vet and the information in this guide is based on my own online research, personal experience, and having spoken to other Frenchie owners.

The post French Bulldog Fever Signs: How to Tell & Normal Body Temperature appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

Can French Bulldogs get hay fever? French Bulldogs can get hay fever and will exhibit very similar signs to how humans react to high pollen counts. Some research has even suggested that as many of 10% of all dogs will get hay fever, meaning 1 in 10 Frenchies could be suffering in high pollen count days.

So, if you’ve seen your Frenchie with a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezes, and coughs, then it could be hay fever if displayed in the warmer spring and summer seasons.

Do French Bulldogs get hay fever?

Whilst not all Frenchies will suffer with hay fever, with estimates placed at 10%, some certainly do get it. Here’s what the Purina dog food website has to say about this particular allergy:

“Some research has indicated that dogs that are not exposed to a variety of grasses, trees and plants in their early life are more likely to develop signs of dog hay fever later on. Sensitivity to these kinds of pollens is generally more likely to occur in pets that haven’t built up immunity to them, which happens through exposure during early life.”

Purina than go on to say that certain breeds of dog are more prone to hay fever reactions more than others. Breeds that say are more likely to suffer include Dalmatians, Irish Setters, Poodles, Schnauzers, and West Highland Terriers.

Whilst they don’t reference Frenchies, my assumption would be that French Bulldogs might also be prone to hay fever due to their narrow airways. You could come to the conclusion that just the slightest of allergies will be worse for them, as just a little nasal swelling and blockage will result in pronounced breathing difficulties.

The Pets 4 Homes website also reference a different study that reveals as many as 1 in 10 dogs in the UK suffer with hay fever. Here’s what they say:

“As many as 10% of all dogs in the UK are thought to suffer from hay fever to some degree, and while in some dogs this might just mean the odd sneezy spell or the sniffles, for some dogs, hay fever can be fairly pronounced. Research even suggests that dogs in urban areas that are not exposed to a lot of plants and grass from an early age may be even more likely to develop hay fever than dogs that live in the country.”

It could be that if you live in the city, your French Bulldog will get hay fever worse come the summer months due to their lack of regular exposure to plants and grass.

Frenchie hay fever symptoms

The peak hay fever season for Frenchies in the UK is from late March to September time (source: NHS). In the United States it can happen in spring, summer, and early fall. Typically hay fever is worst during warm, humid and windy weather. These conditions make the pollen count rise.

Dog pollen allergies start off just like they do for us. Plants and flowers release microscopic pollen granules which get up their nose and in their eyes.

In humans, we tend to sneeze with have runny noses and eyes. Frenchies get this too but can also get itches all over their body as well, making their suffering even worse.

You can tell if your French Bulldog has hay fever if he is showing any of the following signs:

• They could frequently sneeze (not to be confused with reverse sneezing).
• They could have red eyes, watery eyes, or itchy eyes.
• They could have a runny nose (this could be a sign of another condition).
• They could be scratching and biting at their own skin, possibly leading to patches.
• They could have rashes on their paws or face.
• They could be biting and licking at their paws.
• They could be rubbing their face and body on the floor and furniture.

Your Frenchie doesn’t have to exhibit all of these hay fever symptoms above. Some French Bulldogs might react to a high pollen count allergy with just one or a combination of all the signs listed.

Whilst hay fever can develop at any age, it’s more likely that your French Bulldog will get hay fever symptoms from a young age and continue to exhibit the signs with each season.

Don’t confuse hay fever with dry eye

French Bulldog hay fever and dry eye are often confused, and it’s easy to see why. Both can result in runny and itchy eyes – I wrote about red eyes previously.

As with any health issue, rather than trying to self-diagnose your dog, please do seek professional veterinary advice. They will be able to run tests and conclude what the issue is.

Frenchie hay fever treatment

You cannot completely cure hay fever, but you can help to reduce the impact it has on your Frenchie’s quality of life. Here are some ways you can prevent or treat canine hay fever.

1. Wipe your Frenchie’s coat down

After a walk out in the grass, wipe your Frenchie’s coat down with a damp cloth. This will remove any pollen they could have got trapped in their fur and should reduce the risk of skin allergies and hives.

2. Bathe… but not too regularly

If your Frenchie has pollen all over his coat it might be far better to give him a bath or shower. You can buy special dog shampoos, some of which I’ve listed in my guide to bathing a Frenchie.

Don’t bath your French Bulldog too often as this can dry out their skin and lead to more irritation – here’s are some guidelines to bathing frequency.

3. Use an antihistamine

I have read that hay fever pills don’t work particularly well with dogs, with the best treatment often being a targeted antihistamine. This can take the form of a nasal spray or eye drops prescribed by your vet.

In more serious cases of hay fever, vets can also administer injections to help alleviate the symptoms associated with high pollen counts.

There is also online commentary saying that dogs can take human hay fever treatments, but I would proceed with extreme caution.

The advice on what human hay fever medication is suitable for dogs might be ever changing, so please read this guide on the VCA Hospitals website, written by professional vets.

Here’s what VCA Hospitals said in 2016:

“Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to assure that the product only contains antihistamine.”

Important: I do not recommend giving your dog human medicine unless you have been advised to by a professional vet. I am not a vet so please get their opinion first. Some human antihistamines are toxic to dogs so only give your dog these medicines under direction of your vet.

4. Other treatments

The Blue Cross animal charity say that the following can also be used for treatment:

• Topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, skin sprays and creams.
• Wipes and ear cleaners.
• Medicated ear drops and eye drops.
• Antihistamines, although these aren’t always effective in dogs.
• Essential fatty acid supplements may help treat your dog.
• Medication to reduce the immune reaction including steroids for severe reactions
• immunotherapy (this type of treatment is expensive and not effective in all cases).

5. Avoid the triggers

Of course, the best way to prevent your French Bulldog getting hay fever will be to limit his exposure to the triggers. This will almost be impossible, but you can try the following:

• Keep a diary so you know what triggers an allergic reaction.
• Keep the grass or garden or yard cut short.
• Keep your Frenchie’s bedding washed and clean.
• Walk your Frenchie at times of low pollen counts such as early morning and late evenings.

Conclusion

If you think that your French Bulldog has hay fever, then you should book a vet’s appointment. Canine hay fever can be easily confused with other health problems so it should be looked at professionally.

By doing so, the vet can rule out a more serious problem, and develop a treatment plan to suit your French Bulldog’s hay fever symptoms.

The post French Bulldogs & Hay Fever: Symptoms & Treatment appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.

Before I get into things, it goes without saying, but you should always call your vet if you have any concerns over your French Bulldog not eating food. I am not a vet, just a passionate owner sharing what I have learned down the years.

When to worry about a Frenchie who won’t eat

Before I start, I want to explain when you should worry about your French Bulldog not eating food.

It’s very unusual for a French Bulldog to not eat or refuse food completely for more than one day. That’s two meals in total for an adult Frenchie, and 3 smaller meals for a puppy.

Things like a recent stressful moment or a stomach upset can lead to a loss of appetite, but these will usually pass in 24 to 48 hours. If your Frenchie has stopped eating for longer than this, then this is the point where you should be contacting your vet.

Reasons why French Bulldogs will not be eating food

If you came to this guide because you wondered why my French Bulldog won’t eat, then here are the top reasons, and no particular order.

1. Anxiety or stress

One of the most common signs of a stress in a Frenchie will be a sudden loss of appetite or a reduction in how much they eat.

What you might think is something relatively simple, can lead to stress or anxiety. In most cases it will mean they might not eat for a day if it was a one-off scare.

But things like environmental changes, a new dog, or separation anxiety can all lead to prolonged periods of not eating. Pain can also make a Frenchie stressed and not hungry, so check for obvious signs of injury.

I spent some time putting together a list of things that make Frenchies depressed. Look through that and you might find the answer to why your French Bulldog is not eating and shaking.

If there are no signs of a health problem and your French Bulldog stops eating for more than a couple of days, speak to your vet to see if they can identify the underlying cause.

2. Dental or mouth problems

Pain or discomfort in the mouth is another leading reason why your French Bulldog is not eating. It could a dental problem with the teeth, or something inside of the mouth causing them pain. These can include:

• Loose or broken teeth.
• Gum infections or abscesses.
• Tooth decay.
• Cuts inside the mouth.
• Mouth cancers and disease.
• Splinters or foreign objects in the mouth.

The easiest way to tell is using a visual check. How bad your Frenchie’s breath smells will also be a signal of various ailments leading to a loss of appetite. To find out what the different bad breath smells can mean, read this guide to Frenchie halitosis.

3. Upset stomach and short illnesses

If your French Bulldog is not eating and throwing up then this loss of appetite is inevitably due to a gastrointestinal problem, hopefully short term.

Aside from not eating combined with vomiting, the lack of interest in eating food can also include diarrhoea.

In cases like this, vets recommend you feed your Frenchie some bland foods to stop upsetting their stomachs further. The go to food for this method is a small amount of boiled chicken with plain rice.

If this doesn’t fix the lack of interest in food after two days, it’s advisable to go to the vets before your Frenchie loses too much fluid from not eating and drinking.

Handy Hint: Some Frenchies can reaction badly to chicken and other poultry meats. Here’s how you can tell if your French Bulldog has a chicken allergy.

4. Medications and vaccinations

You might find that your French Bulldog is not eating or drinking after a vet visit or a dose of medication. Many drugs can act as an appetite suppressant and will mean your dog loses appetite and weight during the period the drugs are taken.

There can be similar results after puppy vaccinations. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons why your French Bulldog puppy is not eating; it’s due to the vaccination shots.

Thankfully, medicines and vaccinations only lead to a temporary loss of appetite, and your Frenchie should start eating again once the drugs have passed through their system.

5. Their appetite changes with age

We all know of old people who age and start eating considerably less food. Dogs are just the same; as they get older their appetite decreases. They can also develop health and dental problems which make eating harder than it used to be.

As Frenchies get older, they can also start to lose the senses that helped make them such ferocious eaters in the first place. For example, if they start to lose their sense of smell, this will make them desire food less.

6. Changes to food or brand

Only recently my wife and I were unable to buy Claude’s usual dry food brand, Royal Canin. We had to order a different brand and flavour altogether. It had great reviews and feedback and ticked all the boxes for what a nutritious dry food should be.

However, Claude the Frenchie refused to eat it for 2 days straight. He was sniffing at the bowl, eating one or two small mouthfuls and leaving the rest. Yep, Frenchies are a very stubborn breed indeed!

My wife was really worried about our French Bulldog not eating properly and wanted to start buying him chicken breasts. He was showing no signs of illness, so I said no way, and let’s have a battle of wills with him!

On the morning of the day 3, he wolfed his breakfast down and since then has eaten this new brand with his usual appetite.

My conclusion on this; dogs can be fussy about what they eat.

If you are experiencing the same thing with your Frenchie, you can try some of the following hacks to get them to eat properly again with a new food brand.

1. Mix other foods in with the new: This could be some leftovers from the previous foods, or something you know they love to taste like chicken or a broth.
2. Stop feeding them treats and scraps between meals: Frenchies are like kids. If you let them eat too many treats, they won’t eat their main meals! Cut the snacks out, and they might stop being so spoiled when mealtime comes around.
3. Try the starvation method: The name of this sounds brutal, but don’t worry, it’s more of a trick I would say. If they have stopped eating the food, pick the bowl back up and hide it away. Do this at each mealtime, and eventually they will figure out that the food is here to stay once they get hungry.

7. Overfeeding on snacks so not hungry

It’s really easy to spoil your Frenchie, and that will often mean giving them lots of treats and snacks. Before you know it, you might have given them so many that they physically cannot eat their main meal.

Keep track on what you are feeding them between meals. As a guideline, an average sized adult Frenchie should eat 625 calories each day. Any treats should only account for 10% of their diet.

To put this calorie amount into perspective, here’s how many calories are in some popular turkey sausage brands that owners might treat their Frenchie with:

• 4 x Bob Evans turkey sausage links (120 calories): 20% French Bulldog daily intake.
• 4 x Jimmy Dean turkey sausage links (174 calories): 28% French Bulldog daily intake.
• 4 x Johnsonville turkey sausage links (160 calories): 26% French Bulldog daily intake.
• 4 x Jones Dairy Farm turkey sausage links (180 calories): 28% French Bulldog daily intake.

8. Getting food elsewhere

A friend of mine lives on a farm that backs onto a large housing estate. Her black Labrador has the run of the farm as you would expect, but my owner friend didn’t think this would be the reason her dog stopped eating.

Unknown to her, the dog was slipping under a fence twice a day and visiting a dear old lady who lived next to the farm. The lady was feeding the dog so much that when it returned home to the farm it wasn’t hungry.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the dog had also been eating small pests it was finding on the farmland to fill itself up.

The morale of the story is this; do you know who is feeding your French Bulldog or whether they have an alternative food source? I am sure you do, but it needs to be discounted if your Frenchie has stopped eating and drinking completely.

9. Serious health issues and pain

A more prolonged loss of appetite in your Frenchie is a sign that something more serious is wrong. If your Frenchie stops eating as much food for more than 48 hours, I would recommend a vet visit; it could be an illness that isn’t passing.

There are multiple health reasons that lead to a loss of appetite in Frenchies. I am not a vet so won’t list them all here, as you should always refer for a professional opinion.

However, there are signs of a health problem you can look out for in addition to the lack of interest in food, including:

• Lethargy and lack of energy.
• diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Aggressive behaviour.
• Rapid weight loss.

The most important sign here is probably a French Bulldog not eating and lethargic. Vets report that lethargy and a reluctance to move and eat is a reason to get an appointment as soon as you can.

My French Bulldog is not eating in hot weather

If you have a Frenchie who eats less in the summer, please don’t worry as much. Hot weather has a unique effect on dogs and how much they can and want to eat.

They are very similar to us in this way. Think about how you are in the summer and winter months; do you eat more in the cold winter, and less in the summer? You may well do, it’s a common trait in us mammals.

Let me explain in a little more detail why your French Bulldog is not eating in hot weather, followed by some feeding tips for hotter summer months.

Why hot weather leads to a loss in appetite

The reasons why we tend to eat lighter foods in the summer season is because we find it a lot harder to digest heavy and fatty foods. We also might not be as active, so don’t need as much energy. Dogs are very much the same as us in this way.

If you think about how your Frenchie doesn’t cope well in hot weather, it’s likely he or she will be far less energetic. This means they will not have as a large an appetite as they would in the winter months.

All they want to do is lounge around and stay in the shade; that’s not conducive to eating like they typically would.

Important: Whilst it’s probable that your French Bulldog stopped eating as much in hot weather due to reduced energy requirements, it might not be the case. If you dog eats nothing at all, then it won’t be related to the hot weather and will require veterinary advice.

Feeding tips for Frenchies in hot weather

It’s key to remember that fatty foods, warmer foods, and larger portions will probably get left in the bowl when it’s hot. You wouldn’t eat a massive roast dinner in the summer, and your Frenchie is no different.

If you’ve eliminated a more serious reason for your French Bulldog not eating as much as usual, and do believe it’s down to the hot weather, here’s what I recommend you do.

• Providing your Frenchie is not ill, and just wants to eat less, then let them guide you with their appetite portions. You might even find that they want to skip breakfast completely when it’s really hot.
• Try boiling chicken and cutting this into small pieces to add to a smaller portion of dry food or kibble.
• Feed your Frenchie in a cooler room. Many Frenchies will be completely turned off their food if they have the sun beating down on them, and also warming up what’s in their bowl.
• Avoid fatty meals and warm foods which your French Bulldog wont’ want to eat as much of in the summer.

Recommend summer foods for Frenchies

Whilst I don’t recommend you alter your Frenchie’s diet too much, you should reduce the portions down. If they are still stubborn and refuse to eat in the heat, here are some raw foods you can try feeding to a French Bulldog who has stopped eating in the summer:

• Fruits that can cool down Frenchies in the summer
• Veggies that your Frenchie can eat in hot weather

I only recommend the advice on the above links as a supplement to their diet, not a complete replacement.

I also recommend you read this guide on how to cool your Frenchie down when it’s hot. There is guidance in there about using ice cubes and frozen fruits.

My French Bulldog won’t eat breakfast

The last scenario I wanted to cover before diving into some final advice on how to get your French Bulldog to eat, is them not eating breakfast.

Our own dog Claude does this a lot. The lack of wanting breakfast occurs mostly in the summer when it’s warm outside, but still happens occasionally during the rest of the year.

If this is happening with your Frenchie puppy or adult, I wouldn’t be overly concerned if they are still eating in the rest of the day. They could be missing breakfast due to:

• Perhaps not hungry first thing in the morning.
• Is getting older and doesn’t need as much food as when a puppy.

If you walk your Frenchie in the morning, the advice is actually to feed them two hours after a walk. You can find out why in this guide I wrote.

Treatments for Frenchies that won’t eat

I’ve already covered off a few tips on how you can get your French Bulldog to eat in the points listed above, so here’s some final advice and concluding comments to wrap this whole guide up.

How do I get my French Bulldog to eat?

If your Frenchie is refusing to eat, and you’ve ruled out health problems with your vet’s support, then you can try:

• Changing their food or adding something else to it.
• Try warming up or softening the food with water to make digestion easier.

If nothing else works after 48 hours and your Frenchie has still stopped eating, talk with your vet. They could do some of the following treatments:

• Could run health checks and blood tests to understand why the lack of appetite.
• Could administer intravenous fluids with electrolytes, particular if they stopped eating and drinking too.
• Could try feeding them with a syringe or feeding tube.
• Could treat an illness with antibiotics.
• Could prescribe appetite boosting drugs.

Conclusion

Every French Bulldog will go through a period of not eating at some point in their lives. With our own dog Claude, it’s been a regular occurrence, particularly in the summer or when he has an upset stomach. However, time to worry is when the lack of eating is combined with shaking, lethargy, lots of vomiting, and continues past the 2 day mark. This is when you should contact your vet.

You might also like…

If you enjoyed my insights into why Frenchies lose their appetites, you might also find the following guides interesting: Goes here

• This is how much you should be feeding your Frenchie to keep them healthy
• Here are main reasons why Frenchies are sick

The post French Bulldog Not Eating: Reasons Why & What You Can Do appeared first on French Bulldog Owner.