Vet Treatments For French Bulldogs (Advice From A Vet)
Source: https://topfrenchie.com/health/vet-treatments-french-bulldog/
What Vet Treatments Do French Bulldogs Need?
French Bulldogs are lovable and loyal pets, but unfortunately, they suffer from more health problems than other dog breeds. To ensure your Frenchie lives a happy life, vet treatments and preventive care are necessary.
The most common vet treatments French Bulldogs need include vaccinations against diseases such as Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper. They are also prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, and conjunctivitis. Taking your French Bulldog to the vet to treat these conditions is recommended. Other necessary vet treatments for French Bulldogs include dental care, neutering/spaying, and worm/parasite prevention.
Preventive Care for French Bulldogs
Preventive care is a key component in the health and well-being of French Bulldogs. It involves vaccination, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, and dental examinations.
What Vaccinations Do French Bulldogs Need?
Vaccines are an important part of preventive care for French Bulldogs and protect them from deadly diseases. According to AAHA guidelines, core vaccines such as Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Rabies, Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis), and Parainfluenza are recommended for all French Bulldogs.
Depending on their lifestyle and risk of exposure to certain diseases, vets may recommend non-core vaccines such as those against Kennel Cough, Lyme disease, Canine Influenza, Rattlesnake Toxoid, and Leptospirosis.
The following tables summarize the core and non-core vaccines and their recommended schedules. However, remember that it’s always important to follow your vet’s advice regarding vaccinating your dog.
Core Vaccines
Diseases Initial Vaccination BoosterFor 6 weeks old PuppyFor Dog Older than 16 weeksCanine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, ParainfluenzaFirst dose at 6th-weekSecond dose at 9th-weekThird dose at 12th week2 doses of vaccine 21 days apartBooster within a year of the initial vaccination and then every 3 yearsRabies 2 Doses:First at 12th weekSecond at 15th week2 doses of Vaccine 21 days apartAfter 1 year, then every 3 year
Non-Core Vaccines
DiseasesInitial VaccinationBoosterLeptospirosisTwo doses of vaccine 21 days apartAnnualLyme DiseasesTwo doses of vaccine 21 days apartAnnualBordetella (Kennel Cough)A single dose given under the skin, by mouth or through nasal route (inhalation)AnnualCanine InfluenzaTwo doses of vaccine 21 days apartAnnualRattlesnake ToxoidDose frequency and requirement depend upon the Frenchie’s weight and exposure risk. Your vet will guide you about it.
What Worm & Parasite Treatments Do French Bulldogs Need?
Prevention of worms and external parasites is essential for the health of French Bulldogs. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms can cause discomfort and transmit serious infections.
It is important to use veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventives to prevent your Frenchie from these pests. They can come in several forms, such as topical medicines, oral medications, or collars.
Heartworm is a serious disease that can affect the heart and lungs and is spread by mosquitoes. To protect your French Bulldog from this condition, you must use a monthly heartworm preventive pill either orally or as a topical therapy.
What Dental Care Do French Bulldogs Need?
Dental care is an essential part of veterinary care for the French Bulldog. Poor dental health can result in many issues, such as plaque and tartar build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are recommended to ensure your French Bulldog’s teeth remain healthy and strong. During these check-ups, your veterinarian can detect and address any potential dental problems before they become serious. They may also recommend professional dental scaling for the best results if necessary.
Do French Bulldogs Neutering/Spaying?
Neutering and spaying in French Bulldogs refer to the surgical removal of the sex organs in male and female dogs, respectively.
The primary purpose for neutering or spaying French Bulldogs is to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to keep the pet population under control.
Neutering and spaying also have several health benefits for Frenchies.
- Neutering the males can lessen the incidence of testicular cancer and aggressive behavior.
- Spaying the females can minimize the chance of breast cancer and also prevent pyometra, a dangerous uterine infection.
When to Neuter/Spay Your French Bulldog?
When considering neutering your French Bulldog, the timing of the procedure is often a question that arises. Many French Bulldog owners struggle with this decision as there are various opinions on the matter.
Most veterinarians suggest neutering French Bulldogs at 8–10 months of age, when they reach sexual maturity and experience significant hormonal changes that affect their growth. However, if your puppy is exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, it may be appropriate to consider the surgery at an earlier age. On the other hand, if you choose to wait, it is never too late to have the procedure done.
Common Health Issues In French Bulldogs That Need Vet Treatment
Health issues in French Bulldogs can affect several body organs and systems, such as the skin, ears, eyes, and more.
These conditions can greatly reduce their quality of life if left untreated or managed improperly, so it is important to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
As a whole, the common health issues that affect French Bulldogs and require vet treatment are:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a common genetic issue seen in French Bulldogs. It occurs when the hip joint is abnormally formed, which can lead to dislocation or arthritis over time if left untreated.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia include stiffness, limping, or trouble walking. Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may recommend a combination of treatments such as medication, weight control, physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises, and surgery to manage the condition.
Allergies
French Bulldogs often have allergies triggered by environmental allergens, dietary allergens, or flea bites. Your vet may recommend skin tests, blood tests, or food trials to diagnose the issue.
Once identified, treatments such as medicines, dietary changes, and environmental adjustments can be implemented to reduce exposure to the allergen.
Keeping your Frenchie healthy will then require ongoing monitoring and management of their allergies.
Skin Problems
French Bulldogs are particularly prone to skin problems such as dry skin, itchiness, and hot spots. Allergies, infections, poor grooming habits, or other environmental factors can cause these issues.
To diagnose and treat the problem effectively, the best step is to take your pup to the veterinarian. The vet may recommend antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-parasitic treatments.
Your vet may also suggest using special shampoos or conditioners to relieve itching and changing your dog’s diet to promote healthy skin and coat health.
Eye Problems
Eye abnormalities in French Bulldogs might include cherry eye, eyelid malformations, and cataracts. A veterinarian can recommend suitable therapy, including the following:
- Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections.
- Eyelid surgery to repair abnormalities or cataract surgery to remove the clouded lens.
- Eye drops or ointments to lubricate the eye and minimize irritation.
Ear Problems
Bacteria, yeast, or mites can cause ear infections in French Bulldogs. Moreover, allergies, poor grooming, or foreign items in the ear can also lead to infections.
The vet will diagnose and treat your dog’s ear problem, which may include
- Antibiotics and antifungal drugs to treat or prevent infections.
- Cleaning the ears to eliminate dirt, wax, and debris
- Ear drops or ointments to relieve ear pain and irritation.
- Surgery may be required to restore ear shape or remove tumors or polyps in recurring cases.
Signs French Bulldog Needs Urgent Veterinary Attention
As a general rule, some of the signs that indicate your French Bulldog needs immediate veterinary care are:
Persistent Bleeding
It is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent veterinary attention. An injury, illness, or bleeding disorder can cause it.
Treatment for persistent bleeding may involve blood transfusions and medications to help stop the bleeding.
Breathing Difficulty
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds. So, they are more prone to respiratory problems such as stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), extended soft palate, and laryngeal collapse.
Obesity can also worsen breathing issues. So, seek veterinary attention if necessary and maintain a healthy weight to prevent breathing difficulties.
Seizures
Seizures are a serious condition with symptoms that may include twitching muscles, loss of consciousness, drooling, chewing, paddling of the legs, and inability to control bowel or bladder movement.
The duration of the seizure can range from a few seconds to several minutes. It is important to seek prompt treatment for seizures as they can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Poisoning
Many chemicals, drugs, plants, and meals can cause poisoning in Frech Bulldogs. Depending on the type of toxin consumed, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drooling, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
The vet will likely induce vomiting and give activated charcoal or other treatments to counteract the effects of the toxin. Taking swift action is important, as poisoning can have serious and life-threatening consequences for your dog.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of various medical issues, so a vet needs to conduct a physical exam and request laboratory testing, such as a fecal exam or blood work, to determine the underlying cause.
These symptoms can quickly become dangerous if left untreated and may lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or other serious health problems.
Is Veterinary Care Essential for French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs require extra care due to their brachycephalic facial structure. Owners must be educated about the necessary care for these breeds, including regular veterinary checkups to ensure their health.
At these visits, the vet will conduct a physical exam, assess the pet’s weight and diet, discuss any change in behavior or attitude and diagnose any existing or potential problems to provide relief as soon as possible.
Additionally, preventive measures such as monthly flea preventatives and heartworm medication should be administered properly by a qualified vet.
Scheduling regular vet visits twice a year (preferably around their birth month) is essential for ensuring a long and healthy life for your French Bulldog.
Summary
Common vet treatments for French Bulldogs include vaccinations and preventive care such as parasite prevention and dental care.
Neutering and spaying are one of the most common surgeries at veterinary clinics. French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to many health issues such as skin issues and allergies.
Signs such as breathing difficulty and bleeding indicate that your French Bulldog needs urgent veterinary treatment.
With regular veterinary care, you can make sure that your French Bulldog remains healthy and happy.
