As many owners of French bulldogs have discovered, fame often has a downside. As the most popular dog breed in America for two years running, Frenchies boast more than 206,000 American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations since 2022. However, the little bat-eared, big-eyed, short-nosed dogs who have charmed their way into the spotlight come with several breed-specific health issues, some of which are serious enough to diminish their quality of life.

If you own a French Bulldog, you’ll probably need to visit your veterinarian frequently to keep them in peak condition. Our Pets & Friends Animal Hospital team can provide all tests and treatments they may require. Read our guide to learn how to keep your French bulldog as healthy and happy as possible.

Health problems that make life difficult for French bulldogs

Although Frenchies are adorable and sweet, the breed is predisposed to myriad health problems. The following health issues are common in French bulldogs:

  • Breathing problems — French bulldogs can experience labored breathing and be unable to exercise regularly because of their short muzzles, flat faces, and narrow airways. If the respiratory issues are severe enough to degrade your dog’s quality of life, they may need surgery.
  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke — Heat sensitivity is another issue that arises because of Frenchies’ flat faces. Owners need to keep their dogs inside on hot days and limit their exercise to avoid overexertion.
  • Joint issues — Two orthopedic conditions—hip dysplasia and disc degeneration between the vertebrae—can cause pain, lameness, and mobility issues that affect these dogs’ ability to enjoy their lives.
  • Difficulty giving birth naturally — French bulldogs have unusually large heads for their size. This means that about 80% of pregnant Frenchies must give birth by Cesarean section. Veterinarians typically recommend no more than two or three such deliveries because each successive surgery is increasingly risky, negatively affecting the dog’s overall health. 
  • Skin problems — Skinfold dermatitis can be a problem because French bulldogs’ facial skinfolds trap moisture and bacteria, which can be irritating and cause infection. The breed also suffers from allergies.
  • Eye issues — Congenital eye issues that can cause trouble for Frenchies include corneal ulcers, cherry eye—swelling of the gland behind the third eyelid that makes the gland protrude as a reddish mass—and abnormal inward or outward rolling of the eyelid margin.

How to care for your French bulldog

You can ensure your Frenchie’s quality of life is excellent by providing them with care that helps prevent their potential health issues from becoming severe. To meet your French bulldog’s health and lifestyle needs, follow these tips.

  • Nutrition — Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s life stage that has one or more animal protein sources listed as the first ingredients on the label. If your dog tends to gulp their food, try a slow feeder bowl. Avoid foods containing preservatives and ingredients known to cause allergies. 
  • Exercise — Take your French bulldog for a daily walk with their leash attached to a harness, not a collar that could injure their neck, back, or eyes, or cause a breathing problem. Use a bungee leash to absorb shocks from pulling. Walk your pup for about 12 minutes each day, and lengthen walks gradually to between 30 and 45 minutes for adults. 
  • Grooming — Clean your Frenchie’s facial wrinkles and skinfolds with unscented baby wipes at least once a week to prevent infection. Clean their ears with a canine ear cleaning solution. Clean their private parts and under their tail if they are unable to do so themself. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, and bathe them at least four times a year with shampoo for sensitive skin. Check your Frenchie’s ears every week for redness, odor, or discharge. Trim their nails every two to three weeks.
  • Behavior — Be patient when training your Frenchie, as this breed tends to be stubborn and have “selective hearing.” Provide frequent training sessions using positive reinforcement with treats or games they love. Emphasize basic commands such as “come,” “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” and “leave it.” Start potty training early because your dog may take a long time to get the idea. When they do their business outside, praise them enthusiastically, and offer a reward. Socialize your French bulldog with other pets and people to prevent fearfulness or aggression. Call in a professional trainer if you need help.

Help your French bulldog avoid health issues and injuries

In addition to providing your French bulldog with the care they need, you also need to help them avoid certain health conditions. Help your Frenchie avoid the following health issues and injuries:

  • Obesity — Don’t let your French bulldog overeat because this breed is prone to obesity and bloating.
  • Drowning — Put a life jacket on your pet whenever you take them near a swimming pool or any other body of water. French bulldogs’ bodies aren’t built for swimming, so they can easily drown. 
  • Water in the ears — If water enters your French bulldog’s ears, they can easily develop an infection. Put cotton balls in your dogs’ ears to prevent this when you bathe them. 
  • Heatstroke — Frenchies are extremely sensitive to heat. Prevent your dog from becoming overexerted on hot, humid days by keeping them indoors or in the shade.
  • Climbing and jumping — Don’t let your dog hurt their back by walking up and down stairs or jumping on a bed or couch. Carry them or train them to use a ramp. 

You love your Frenchie and want to ensure that their quality of life is excellent. To learn more about French bulldog care, contact our Pets & Friends Animal Hospital team.