If you’re ready to add a furry companion to your family, the French Bulldog may be a great choice for you as they have a great temperament and typically live around 10 to 12 years but what else should you know? Our Orange vets share some information about the common issues affecting French Bulldogs and what you can do to help your 'Frenchie' live a long and healthy life.
The Life of a French Bulldog
If you are looking at bringing home a new dog, such as a French Bulldog (otherwise known as a 'Frenchie'), then you may want to know certain things such as how long you can expect them to live. It is always a good idea to be prepared for the commitment needed when choosing a new pet as well as how to care for them properly to allow them to live the longest and healthiest life possible.
So when it comes to the French Bulldog, how long do they typically live for? On average, you can expect this breed of dog to live around 10 to 12 years with proper care.
What factors influence the lifespan of a French Bulldog?
Like most animals, the care that your French Bulldog receives will have a direct effect on their lifespan and the quality of their life.
Some of the factors that directly affect a French Bulldog's lifespan include the following:
Diet & Nutrition
Just like you or I, the food that your pup eats will have an effect on their health. In order to keep your dog as healthy as possible you should aim to feed them a nutritious and well-balanced diet. If you need help deciding which type of food or brand to feed your French Bulldog feel free to reach out to your vet.
Your vet can also help you determine the right amount to feed your Frenchie in order to prevent weight issues that could affect their health.
Exercise
While you may think that a Frenchie would require less exercise due to their small size, that is actually entirely untrue. While they won't spend an entire day running for long periods of time like some working dog breeds, they will still need daily exercise in order to help manage their weight, keep their joints and heart healthy and alleviate boredom. Be sure to spend some time each day playing with your dog using toys as well as taking them on walks.
Even though exercise is essential, it is also important to remember that breeds of dogs with short 'smooshed-in' noses can have difficulties breathing, especially in warm weather, so be careful to not overdo the exercise.
Routine Veterinary Care
In order to live a long and healthy life, your French Bulldog will benefit greatly from regular veterinary care and checkups. No matter how old your pup is, this routine care is vital for the care of your dog and the prevention of serious conditions that could have a serious impact on your Frenchie's health. Our Bulldog specialists in Orange recommend bringing puppies in every few weeks for a check-up and vaccinations while adult dogs should visit yearly.
During this routine visit your French Bulldog will also be provided with the necessary parasite prevention to help protect against pests that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Your vet will use these visits to perform a full physical examination looking for any concerning signs which should be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure the best outcome.
Health Issues
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can be affected by a number of different conditions that can have a detrimental effect on their quality of life and even potentially shorten their lifespan.
One of the main concerns is due to Frenchies being a brachycephalic breed. This means they’re more susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome which can be caused by a number of abnormalities that can result in difficulties breathing. The short facial shape of these dogs means that they can have trouble breathing even in conditions where other dogs are perfectly fine.
Fenchies are also prone to conditions affecting their eyes and joints, especially as they age. While these issues may not seem too bad at first, they will continue to worsen over time. This makes early detection and treatment crucial.
What are some common French Bulldog health concerns?
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Heat Stroke
- Brachycephaly
- Entropion
- Otitis Externa
- Corneal Ulcer
- Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Luxating Patella
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Otitis Media
- Cataracts
- Diarrhea
- Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
- Deafness
- Dry Eye
- Allergies
- Conjunctivitis
- Tooth Pathology
- Cleft Palate
How can you extend the life of a French Bulldog?
So now that you know what the major concerns are, how can you help a French Bulldog live a long life?
It begins with the food that they eat. Feeding your Frenchie a healthy and balanced diet can help to prevent weight-related concerns. You can also help to prevent other issues with the help of a nutritious diet and supplements if needed. Your vet can make recommendations for supplements that may benefit your pup.
Bring your Frenchie out for exercise often but keep in mind that the temperature and air quality will have an effect on their ability to breathe.
Bring your dog in for routine veterinary care to help spot and prevent serious conditions at the first sign. Our Bulldog vets in Orange will perform a complete examination as well as administer any vaccines and parasite prevention deemed necessary.
If you're getting your pup from a breeder then be sure to ask for information about the parents of your Frenchie to get an idea of conditions that they may be predisposed to.
Why is routine care important for a long life?
Routine physical exams and dental care are just as important for your Frenchie as it is for you.
Aside from needing routine care, your Frenchie also has special care requirements to help watch for and manage certain conditions that are likely to occur with a French Bulldog.
Your vet will take some time during your visit to examine your dog, provide any preventive care needed including parasite prevention and vaccines and check for any signs of the common issues that affect this dog breed.
Once the exam is completed, your French Bulldog vet in Orange will discuss their findings, if any, and share their recommendations for your French Bulldog moving forward,
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
