Common Health Issues and Care Needs of a French Bulldog
The French bulldog, a strong dog with a face that's push-faced is gaining popularity and is now America's most loved purebred. This replaces the Labrador Retriever who held that title for 31 years. Social media may be partly to the blame.
What is it that makes the Frenchie such a wonderful breed to own? Their charming personalities are the answer. They also have some quirks worth noting.
Characteristics
A French Bulldog has a distinct personality and is playful. These dogs are great family pets and get along well with kids. They are also great with other animals and pets. They may be a little shy when it comes to strangers. They may also drool or snore which can be annoying for owners.
These dogs have a smooth fine coat that comes in various colors and patterns. These dogs are also famous for their wrinkles and soft, supple skin. They shed a little and require regular grooming to keep looking their best. The shedding is not as severe as other breeds, and a little brushing can go a long way.
Frenchies are moderately active and are easy to train. They are ideal for families with active children, but love spending time with their owners. They can adjust to different living environments, including apartments. To stay active, they need regular walks or trips to the dog park. They also enjoy swimming and running around the yard.
The most prevalent health issues of the French Bulldog include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and hip dysplasia. The short face structure causes tissues in the nose and throat to relax. This condition can cause breathing problems and heatstroke in warm weather. The joint disease affects the hip sockets, kneecaps and shins. It is treated with physical therapy and medication.
Despite their health problems, the majority of owners are extremely satisfied with their dogs. They are loyal and affectionate and love to spend time with their owners. They are great with children and other animals. In fact, many owners say their dogs are family members.
A study revealed that owner satisfaction increased when they first owned a pet and the degree of the dog-owner bond. On the other hand owners who viewed their pet's health less than ideal had fewer positive opinions about the breed. In addition, the chances of being able to recommend the breed to others decreased with the amount of conformation-related health problems and the perception of the owner that their dog's behavioural traits were more problematic than they expected.
Health Issues
Frenchies are susceptible to some health issues, but most of them can be cured by regular exercise and a healthy diet. More Help includes a diet low in sugar and fats, which will prevent excessive weight increase. To remain hydrated, people should also drink plenty of fluids. Another problem that is often encountered is a sensitive stomach, which can cause stomach discomfort, including diarrhea and constipation. A doctor may prescribe a diet to help manage these conditions.
Frenchies may develop arthritis or other mobility issues later in life due to their shortened legs. This is because the kneecaps (patella) may move out of position and cause your dog to sway or skip when they walk. This is known as patella luxation and it is quite common in smaller breeds. Treatment options vary from rest to surgery.
Since Frenchies are brachycephalics, they can suffer from breathing issues. This is because their flat faces make it difficult to breathe for them more easily than breeds with longer noses. They also have a hard time recovering from anesthesia, since their airways are small and irritated.
Other health risks that could be present are a genetic predisposition eye diseases, such as corneal dystrophies and glaucoma and a tendency to become hot easily. This can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which is common in these breeds. In addition they are more susceptible to kidney stones and bladder. They are composed of a crystal called cystine, which is very painful to the bladder. The doctor can dissolve them with a prescription diet that increases the acidity of the urine or surgically remove them from the bladder.
It's essential to ensure that you take your French Bulldog for regular vaccinations and checks. A healthy dog is more likely to live an extended and happy life with you.
Training
Frenchies are playful, affectionate dogs that make great companions. They are easy to train and adapt well to different environments. They are a great option for families with children as well as other pets. They are also good in apartments. They may snore or drool in excess, and be sensitive to heat. They also are susceptible to respiratory ailments and other health issues. Many rescues and shelters have adorable Frenchies in need of loving homes.
Although some owners have cited the ease of training as a reason to recommend their breed, others have reported difficulties in training their dog. These issues were often blamed by owners on the stubborn nature of French bulldogs. Working with a professional trainer can help ease these issues.
Dog trainers are experts at teaching obedience techniques and behavior modification. They also help owners improve their relationship with pets and address behavioral issues. They are qualified to work with a variety of breeds of dogs and offer customized training plans for every client. The cost of their services varies based on the kind of service they provide and the length of the program.
Numerous research studies have investigated the motivations of dog owners. One study showed that extrinsically motivated owners tend to purchase trendy breeds as part of a "personal identity project," whereas intrinsically motivated owners see their dogs as family members. The latter group is more inclined to have intrinsically satisfying goals and strives to be aware of their pet's unique characteristics.
When choosing a dog trainer, choose a professional with experience and accreditation who is knowledgeable about positive reinforcement. A trustworthy trainer will employ positive reinforcement to promote obedience and improve the overall bond between the owner and dog. They will also possess extensive knowledge about canine anatomy and behavior. They will be able to suggest an appropriate diet for the breed, as well as provide important information.
Care
Frenchies require a good amount of care to have a long and healthy life. Frenchies are not for the first-time dog owners who aren't able to commit to their requirements. This playful breed doesn't like being left alone and enjoys the company of family members and friends as well as other dogs. It is important to be aware of the most common health issues and needs of your French bulldog to ensure that they can have a loving environment.
The small breed is fun and affectionate, which makes it easy to train. They are also sociable and don't need a lot of training. They can be very quick to learn and are able to master the subject despite their relaxed personalities. Training sessions should be enjoyable and positive, as Frenchies are prone to becoming bored by repetition-based training exercises.
Frenchies might suffer from breathing issues because of their pushed-in faces, particularly in hot temperatures. Frenchies are also prone to skin and ear problems. They're also prone to accidents due to their short legs and awkward gaits.
In contrast to many breeds of dog, Frenchies are not watchdogs and only bark when needed. However, they are excellent companions and will protect their people and possessions with their lives. They are, therefore, great house dogs that spend most of their time inside. Regardless of their indoor habits, they still need daily walks and trips to the park to socialize.
A French bulldog's short, smooth coat is easy to maintain and groom. The French bulldog is available in a variety of markings and colors, including white and cream (from light fawn up to red fawn) Fawn, fawn, and black. They also come with spotted, piebald or brindle patterns.
Getting a new puppy can feel overwhelming particularly if you haven't done your research. Besides finding a veterinarian and arranging appointments, you'll have to prepare your home and buy items for your new puppy. Find pet insurance as quickly as you can in order to ensure your puppy has a happy and healthy life.
BlueHaven offers an analysis of quotes from the top pet insurance providers. You can find low-cost options for your pet. You can set up a pet savings account to help you pay for medical expenses for your dog.