A qualified French Bulldog should have a broad and strong head, a triangular shape with wrinkles, a short and wide muzzle, powerful structure, large dark round eyes, and slightly protruding eye shape. These traits make the breed look especially cute, but they also bring several common health problems such as skin disease, eczema, and eye conditions. Anyone who wants to raise a French Bulldog should know about these issues.
Common Diseases in the French Bulldog
Because of the breed's physical characteristics, French Bulldogs are prone to several kinds of illness. Skin disease is common, because the many wrinkles on their bodies easily trap dirt and allow bacteria to grow if owners do not clean them properly. They are also prone to eczema, which may be related to the folds of skin and can spread easily. Eye disease is another common issue, because the breed's eyes are more prominent and therefore more vulnerable.
Treatment of Common Diseases
Different diseases require different treatment plans. In the case of skin problems, prevention is often better than treatment. Owners should pay attention to hygiene, maintain a suitable bathing frequency, and clean the skin regularly after daily walks. In hot summer weather, skin folds become an especially favorable environment for parasites, so owners must clean these folds thoroughly and always dry them completely after bathing.
For eye disease in the French Bulldog, there are also several important measures. When discharge builds up around the eyes, it should be removed promptly. Tear stains should be wiped away as soon as they appear, and eye hygiene should always be maintained. If a large amount of tears is flowing from the inner eye corner, the dog's eyes can be rinsed with an eye wash, and the surrounding skin can be cleaned carefully. Some owners who want to reduce long-term workload may even consider taking the dog to a veterinarian for eyelid surgery, which can lower the risk of future eye disease in some cases.