Common French Bulldog Health Issues, Treatment, and More

There are a million reasons to love your French Bulldog. The floppy ears. The enthusiastic kisses. Their playful, expressive faces.

But as much as we love these pint-sized paw pals, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Knowing what French bulldog health issues to look out for—as well as how to treat and prevent them—can keep your beloved buddy healthy and happy. 

A French Bulldog ear infection can occur when bacteria or fungi grow in the ear, causing your dog pain in the infected area. Every dog breed can contract an ear infection, but the French Bulldog breed can be especially vulnerable due to the shape of its ears. ¹

If your Frenchie has an ear infection, they might: ^2,3

• Scratch their ear more often than normal
• Shake their head excessively
• Have black or yellowish discharge coming from the infected ear
• Have an unpleasant smell coming from their ears
• Have ear canals that appear red or swollen
• Carry themselves with one ear held lower than the other, instead of at an even height

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consider contacting your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. They can determine the cause—or causes—of the ear infection and prescribe a treatment. Typical treatments include removing any foreign bodies from your dog’s ear and applying prescribed medication.²  There are also over-the-counter solutions designed to help manage ear infections like Vetericyn Triple Action Ear Treatment.

You can help prevent French Bulldog ear infections by flushing your dog’s ear out with antimicrobial ear wash about every two weeks—or as often as your vet recommends. Cleansing their ears every time they get wet can also help lower the risk of a health problem and keep your dog’s ears comfy and bacteria-free.

If your French Bulldog keeps scratching excessively in the same area of skin or has developed scabby or crusty sores, this could be a clue that they’re experiencing a skin infection, such as French Bulldog skin bumps.⁴

Dog skin problems can be caused by: ⁴

• Fleas
• Bacteria growing in their skin folds
• Allergies, either to something in their diet or something external in their environment

Vets may use a two-pronged approach when treating your French Bulldog’s skin infection: eliminating the source of the health problem and reducing certain symptoms to make your dog more comfortable in the meantime. ⁴

Depending on the source of the skin issue, your vet may recommend:

• Changing your pet’s diet or home environment to reduce exposure to a specific allergen
• Using topical steroids or antibiotics
• Applying an antimicrobial hydrogel
• Using an antimicrobial hot spot spray

Antimicrobial sprays and gels can help you keep the affected area clean, as well as relieve symptoms so your French Bulldog breed stops scratching—both of which are an important part of the healing process.

Treating the affected area and skin folds as soon as possible can help reduce the chance of infection and return your four-legged buddy to their normal, cheerful, itch-free self.⁴ 

Should dogs take vitamins? Like humans, dogs need certain vitamins and minerals in their diet to stay healthy. Consuming enough calcium iodate, folic acid, and zinc oxide can help keep your dog’s teeth and bones strong. It can also help them maintain a full, healthy coat.⁵

You can make sure your bulldog consumes the vitamins they need via:

• Their daily dog food
• Their treats
• A vitamin supplement

If you choose to give your pup a vitamin supplement, consider selecting one that has the following traits:

• Clinically proven – If your dog can’t absorb them, it doesn’t matter how many awesome vitamins have been packed into a supplement. You don’t want a vitamin that will run through your dog’s body like that rubber band they ate once. Instead, look for a supplement with clinically-proven absorption.
• Age-appropriate – Dogs require different care depending on their age. Whether your pooch is a puppy or a senior, make sure to use a vitamin that’s designed specifically for their age group.
• Safe and natural – Always check the label closely to make sure each ingredient proves to be a safe, natural addition to your pet’s diet. If you have questions about a particular ingredient, you can always reach out to your vet to ensure it’s safe for your pup.
• Vitamin and mineral–rich – While you could use several different vitamin supplements with your dog, it’s normally easier to choose one supplement that can act as a complete source of minerals and vitamins on its own. That way, you don’t have to coax your pet into eating multiple supplements or worry about how one supplement might interact with another one.

While not every dog breed needs vitamin supplements, they can help ensure your dog’s diet checks off all of the nutritional boxes—especially if your pup’s a picky eater. 

From skin care and eye care to vitamin supplements and ear wash, Vetericyn is committed to supplying you with products designed to keep your French bulldog healthy and thriving. Available at our Amazon, Chewy, and Petco shops, we design safe and effective animal wellness products trusted by vets worldwide.

Whether you’re looking to treat a health issue or prevent one, we’ve got you covered.

Sources: 

1. Country Living. 30 dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a37629194/dog-breeds-ear-infections/
2. VCA Animal Hospitals. Ear Infections in Dogs (Otitis Externa). https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-infections-in-dogs-otitis-externa
3. Tier 1 Vet. Quite a few bugs in your ear. https://tier1vet.com/how-to-prevent-ear-infections-in-dogs/#:~:text=The%20single%20most%20effective%20way,itself%20below%20the%20ear%20flap.
4. All About Frenchies. French Bulldog Skin Problems. https://allaboutfrenchies.com/french-bulldog-skin-problems/
5. Discover Magazine. 25 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in 2022. https://www.discovermagazine.com/lifestyle/25-best-dog-foods-for-french-bulldogs-in-2022