In 2022, Frenchies made their way to the top of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) list of the most popular dog breeds in America. With their charming personalities and adorable, smoosh-faced looks, Frenchies are irresistible. However, like all breeds, Frenchies are prone to an array of health problems and their care can be costly. Our Flora Family Vet team shares what you should know before bringing a Frenchie into your life.

Meet the French bulldog

French bulldogs differ from their English bulldog counterparts. The Frenchie sports distinctive bat-like ears, a compact build, expressive eyes, and a larger-than-life personality. Although often opinionated, the Frenchie is also affectionate and playful, which makes them wonderful companions. French bulldog owners appreciate their pups’ hilarious antics and sweet, cuddly side.

French bulldog health challenges

While French bulldogs are cherished for their personalities, they are unfortunately prone to many health issues that require special care. Many of Frenchies’ health concerns are expensive to treat and may require ongoing management. Whenever possible, our veterinary team recommends obtaining pet insurance to cover your Frenchie’s unexpected healthcare costs. This breed’s common health concerns include:

  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS) — BOAS is a collection of airway abnormalities common in flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) dogs that reduce breathing efficiency. BOAS can be severe and often requires specialized surgery to correct. Our Flora Family Vet team can perform this corrective surgery to help your Frenchie breathe better if they are affected. We enlarge the nares and trim back the soft palate. Patients typically breathe better immediately after surgery.
  • Joint and spinal problems — The Frenchie’s compact body and short legs predispose them to joint problems, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Treatments may be medical or surgical.
  • Allergies — French bulldogs are prone to food and environmental allergies that can manifest as skin inflammation, chronic skin infections, and chronic ear infections. Allergy diagnosis and treatment often require extensive trial and error.
  • Heat sensitivity — The Frenchie’s short nose and possible BOAS make dissipating heat difficult for them, increasing their heatstroke risk.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders — French bulldogs are prone to an array of GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, pyloric stenosis, acid reflux, and hiatal hernia, which can cause chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. GI disorders can be costly to diagnose and typically require lifelong treatments with diet changes and medications.
  • Eye disorders — Cataracts, eyelid disorders, eyelash disorders, and corneal ulcers are common in French bulldogs. Most of these eye disorders require surgical correction.

French bulldog care tips

Combatting Frenchies’ health concerns can require extra attention and care. The most important thing you can do for your French bulldog is to schedule routine visits, which allows our veterinary team to monitor them closely for emerging health issues and proactively work to manage existing ones. When you notice changes at home, schedule a visit to address the problem right away. Additional tips for keeping your Frenchie healthy include:

  • Exercise — Daily walks and play keep Frenchies mentally and physically stimulated. Avoid exercising in extreme weather and choose indoor activities instead.
  • High-quality nutrition — Good nutrition is vital for Frenchies, especially those with allergies or GI tract disorders. Ask our team to recommend a diet that is appropriate for your pup’s needs.
  • Temperature control — Avoid exposure to excessive heat and provide plenty of shade and fresh water during hot weather.
  • Grooming — Clean out your Frenchie’s face and body wrinkles daily using medicated or baby wipes. Regular bathing and ear cleaning with medicated solutions—as recommended by our team—can help keep allergic skin inflammation at bay.
  • Dental care — Frenchies have crowded teeth and misaligned jaws that can make them susceptible to dental disease. Routine toothbrushing and dental chews are recommended.

French bulldogs can be wonderful, cherished family members, but most will develop at least one costly health issue during their lifetime. Choosing a Frenchie from a reputable breeder and providing proactive and preventive care help reduce the odds of your pup developing a serious disease. To schedule your French bulldog’s next preventive care visit or nutritional consultation, contact our Flora Family Vet team.