French Bulldog allergies? Are you experiencing problems with your adorable Frenchie and think you have a “sick or weak” pup? While we explore common French Bulldog allergies and symptoms, see if you recognize these signs. This will make it easier for you to treat your otherwise playful beloved Frenchie’s allergies as you can identify the cause. Don’t consider yourself a bad pet parent when you never thought of allergies.
A survey conducted by the Novartis Animal Health concluded that more than 50% of Frenchie owners weren’t aware that their innocent fur-clad family members can also spend a miserable Spring thanks to local pollens and environmental allergens. French Bulldog allergies are an immune system response as a result of exposure to foreign substances or allergens.
The severity varies from mild discomfort to severe facial swelling, hives, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. Any severe reaction requires immediate vet care which includes bee stings, foods, drugs, or vaccines. While there are many allergy types, food intolerance and skin allergies are more common French Bulldog allergies.
French Bulldog Club of England
How to Recognize French Bulldog Allergies Symptoms?
Frisky, fun-loving Frenchies exposed to allergens experience similar reactions as their human parents. Their bodies release histamine that causes typical allergy symptoms. While there are other potential symptoms, the more common include:
- Itchy skin
- Itchy but
- Sneezing
- Runny discharge from the nose or their eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Diarrhea or chronic bad gas
- Stomach problems
- Licking their feet
- Vomiting
Does any sound familiar to you? If so, you can only treat it by identifying the root cause.
What Causes French Bulldog Allergies?
We already established that the symptoms come from histamines, but where do these come from in the first place?
All external factors causing allergies are referred to as allergens. The most common allergens come from environmental factors and food. A very important aspect that is attributed to allergies in dogs, is their genetics. Typical allergies are seasonal, skin, environmental, and food allergies.
1. Seasonal and Environmental
Just like you, your Frenchie can suffer from grass, trees, pollen, and environmental pollutants in the surrounding air that causes symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies
As you can conclude from the name, is it possible that your otherwise lively Frenchie suffers more during certain months? They could go up and down throughout the year or disappear entirely but during particular months flair up!
- Scooting their butt
- Paw licking
- Excessive shedding
- Inflamed and infected skin
- Biting and scratching
- Chronic ear infections
Common causes of environmental and seasonal allergies
- Grass
- Animal dander
- Mold spores
- Pollen
- Dust and dust mites
- Flea bites
2. Skin Allergies
Your Frenchie will be very itchy when it is a skin issue. Aside from chewing and biting at certain areas and excessive scratching, he may rub against carpets and furniture. With an itch, scratch, chew cycle, skin becomes tender and inflamed. You may see scabbing, hair loss, and open sores. Hot spots can develop, the skin may become very red and occasional blood may be present. French Bulldog skin allergy types include:
- Hot Spots
- flaky or dry skin
- Mange
- Ringworm
- Seborrhea
- Impetigo
- Yeast Infection
- Allergic Dermatitis.
3. Food Intolerance and Allergies
While it may irritate you when your gorgeous Frenchie doesn’t stop itching, biting his fur, and scratching, imagine how the poor animal feels. It could be a food allergy when symptoms like facial swelling or hives are present.
Common causes of food intolerance
As with any allergy is it through trying to determine what food intolerance your Frenchie suffers from. You may have to change from one meat type to another. The ingredient list your Frenchie may be allergic to include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Soy
- Wheat
- Dairy
American Kennel Club
Top 3 FAQs– French Bulldog Allergies
1How do I know my Frenchie suffers from allergies?
Humans with allergies often have itchy eyes while dust, mold, or pollen make them sneeze. Instead of a sneeze, dogs get itchy which is a common Frenchie problem. Areas that are most affected are ears, folds of skin, belly, and feet. They will rub their faces, scratch and lick their paws and ear infections are also common. Frenchies can also have gastrointestinal responses like non-stop flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2Are allergies treatable in Frenchies?
Many skin allergies can be managed with proper care like hypoallergenic, sulfate-free shampoo that controls as well as reduce itchiness. Look for shampoos that contain anti-inflammatory agents like aloe vera and hydrocortisone. These ingredients calm itchy, red, and inflamed skin. Food allergies are trickier, and you will have to do an elimination trial diet. Buy high-quality food rich in protein substitute that doesn’t contain grain. There are several good allergy supplements available too which is a great allergy maintenance solution. Often these are chewable supplements in a great taste containing immune-boosting, digestive ingredients.
3How can I treat Atopic Dermatitis?
Your Frenchie’s skin can recover when you can stop him from scratching. Use topical treatments like hypoallergenic gels, lotions, and shampoos. If rashes cause a bacterial or yeast infection, you must disinfect the affected area to regulate skin sebum production with antiseptic lotions or creams. You could also include fatty acids and essential nutrients like Omega 3 and 6 as these make your four-legged friend more resistant to rashes and skin healthier.
What can you do to prevent French Bulldog allergies from flaring up?
Frenchie parents should address a potential root cause at the sign of allergies. Most allergic responses are seen when your pup is between 6 – 9 months old. Addressing it early, circumvent escalating responses year after year.
Allergies come from your Frenchie’s immune system so this is the best place to start. Keeping your Frenchie’s immune function optimal is very important. The first place to start is his diet. Most commercial diets contain plenty of carbohydrates and grains. These foods create inflammation that leads to more than skin inflammation.
Managing French Bulldog Allergies with a Fresh Food Diet
To reduce allergies through introducing fresh foods as these contain nothing but real ingredients. Refine Frenchie feeding journey according to condition, dietary needs, and adjustment.
- Coat Color Change – Increase amino acid intake which is found in protein to 75 grams per 1000 calories.
- Crustiness and Dandruff – increase more vitamin A and Zinc into the diet.
- Scaling and Dull Coat – adjust the DHA and EPA levels with the best way by adding fish oil.
- Dermatitis and Chronic Itching – fortify Frenchie diet with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids found in fish oil, Zinc, B Vitamins, and Vitamin E.
- Concurrent GI Signs – avoid foods with histamine and tryptamine like dairy, or fermented meats and vegetables. Introduce a simple food trial.
French Bulldog Club of England
Find the Cause with an Elimination Diet
Allergies cause a tricky situation when it comes to food since proteins are a common problem. Healthy Frenchies need a fair amount of proteins to remain healthy which is why high-quality food containing protein substitutes is crucial. An elimination diet will determine the cause of an allergy where after you can consult with your vet on recommended dog food.
How to Treat Environmental French Bulldog Allergies?
While everyone cleans their home, it is more important when your Frenchie suffers from environmental allergies. Always make sure your home is dust-free!
Plenty of reactions can be brought on by your puppy himself. That is why pet grooming wipes or wet towels are important to wipe him and clean his paws. Without compromising fur health and his skin, bath him more often with hypoallergenic shampoos. To prevent problems, make sure his skin folds are in tip-top condition as dust and dirt easily collect here.
When his allergies are severe and you have tried natural preventative measures without success, visit your vet. He will be able to determine the right strength and type of antihistamines and corticosteroids or immunotherapy shots.
Conclusion
French Bulldog allergies are not that common which is why it shouldn’t put a damper on potential Frenchie owners getting one of these gorgeous puppy breeds. When they occur it is like human allergies, without being deadly or dangerous, it makes daily functioning complicated and harder. This is true for otherwise lively, healthy Frenchies suffering from allergies. Before you start a treatment plan when you notice potential allergies, check the symptoms. Keep in mind that food intolerance is often confused with food allergies. You must recognize allergies to make your Frenchie healthier and happier. Explore reasons that might cause allergic reactions before finding the best treatment plan to diminish your Frenchie’s sensitivity to different allergens.
