Image Credits: Pixabay
The French bulldog is a craze among many dog owners. Most, however, are unaware that this breed of the dog brings with it a substantial number of health problems. Dog insurance helps a little and works only if the canine is covered before the disease is diagnosed. If you own a French bulldog, it is essential that your dog visits the veterinarian at least once every year. If it is a senior dog, the veterinarian should be seen twice. It is important that you keep a close eye on your French bulldog.
Allergies
Chronic allergies are the bane of French bulldogs. It is one
of the hardest ailments to diagnose. Allergies happen due to a number of
factors, and in dogs, the majority of the causes stem from dairy and wheat
along with different varieties of meat. Occasionally, the allergen could be
environmental like pollen and cleaning products. Fleas and dust are also
sources of allergy. If your French bulldog suffers from allergies, then there
will be symptoms like excessive itching, constant licking, diarrhea, visible
scaly patches, or sneezing. The diagnosis can be a tricky affair.
Cleft palate
This breed of dog has a flat face with a genetic defects
propensity has made deformities in the palate common. This term palate in this
context refers to mouth roof, separating nasal passages. The birth defect comes
when the tissues present between the sinuses and the mouth do not ultimately
develop. A cleft palate in French bulldogs is quite common and is mostly
observed in brachycephalic breeds and purebred pets. This deformity may affect
a combination of soft and hard tastes. The lip can also be affected.
The cleft palate symptoms depend on the deformity location. If it is a cleft lip, it is immediately visible, with the protruding gums or teeth. There could be a misshapen nostril too. It is harder to diagnose the secondary cleft palate as it occurs inside the mouth. A French bulldog suffering from a cleft palate will exhibit symptoms like excessive snorting, coughing at the time of drinking water, labored breathing after any activity, a chronic runny nose, and difficulty eating.
The only way to correct a cleft palate is through surgery. Veterinarians consider minor cleft lips to be a cosmetic, but any issue linked to secondary cleft palate frequently cause repeated respiratory infections. Corrective surgery could be risky in younger dogs who are usually malnourished and suffer from breathing issues. Dogs who have smaller clefts enjoy better outcomes. There are antibiotics, and soft foods, along with the E-collar are generally prescribed as a component of post-operative care. Since it is a birth defect, only surgery can correct this defect. Your dog's medical insurance may cover the cost.
