• Why Do French Bulldogs Get Allergies?
• Why The French Bulldog?
• The Main French Bulldog Allergies
• Monitoring Your French Bulldog For Signs of Allergies
• Diagnosing French Bulldog Allergies: Tests and Procedures
• Food Allergies: What is a food allergy?
• Environmental or Inhalant Allergies: What are they?
• Flea Allergies
• Contact Allergies
• Seasonal Allergies
• Common Locations for Allergic Skin Disease
• The Connection Between Skin and Food Allergies
• Managing French bulldog allergies: Wrapping up

Why Do French Bulldogs Get Allergies?

Though any dog can develop allergies and atopic skin disease, it is undeniable that the French Bulldog is one of the most likely breeds to be affected. In fact, ask any vet, and they’ll tell you that it is uncommon to find a Frenchie that does not have some form of allergic disease.

We will discuss the most common allergens that affect French Bulldogs, the signs that they cause, and what can be done to help your dog. Though dealing with allergies can be thankless and overwhelming, there are lots of things that can be done to improve the quality of life of an affected dog.

Why The French Bulldog?

The French Bulldog and allergies go hand in hand. So, what is it about this breed that makes them so predisposed to allergic disease? Let’s take a look at some of the established reasons.

The role of the Brachycephalic Facial Structure in French Bulldog Allergies

The squished face of the Frenchie means there is less space for their anatomy to fit and they’re less able to filter allergens within the air. They are more prone to respiratory inflammation and infections, and can struggle to deal with environmental allergies.

The role of Skin Folds in French Bulldog Allergies

The deeper the skin folds, the worse the local ventilation and the more humid the skin becomes. The skin folds also act as little ‘pools’ in which allergens are trapped. Once the skin becomes inflamed and itchy, the skin folds provide the perfect opportunity for chronic infections to thrive.

Sensitive Skin

French bulldogs often have dry and flaky skin, less able to cope with the world around it. This skin quickly becomes itchy and the weakened skin barrier allows allergens to enter, triggering skin problems or allergic reactions on an ongoing basis.

The role of Bulbous Eyes in French Bulldog Allergies

Due to the shape and position of their eyes within the skull, they are more prone to ocular allergies and conjunctivitis. Their eyes are pronounced and very exposed to the elements as well as allergens circulating within the air.

The role of Ear canals in French Bulldog Allergies

While it bodes in their favour that they have erect ears (as this allows for better ventilation when compared to pendulous ears), many breed members have narrow canals, which means they do not drain well and are prone to becoming itchy and developing infections.

The role of Genetics in French Bulldog Allergies

It is known that allergies have a strong genetic component. If their mother or father were affected, chances are the puppy will be too. Sadly, many breeders continue to breed atopic Frenchies, which means that French Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from a large number of allergies.

The Main French Bulldog Allergies

Almost anything can be an ‘allergen’, but there are a number of triggers that we know to be the culprit for many.

Food Allergies

Owners should be aware that any food can be an allergen. Many focus on specific ingredients (such as grain or chicken), when their dog could be reacting to a whole plethora of ingredients.

Environmental or Inhalant Allergies

Things in the environment around them (such as pollen and mould) will frequently be a trigger. Keep in mind that those with environmental allergies can also have other allergic diseases (such as food allergies and flea allergies).

Flea Allergies

Those with flea allergies can react to even a single flea bite, and the itchiness tends to be focused over the rump. In my experience, Frenchies who live with cats are more likely to get fleas at some point.

Contact Allergies

Direct contact with something like a plant, chemical, or cleaning product can trigger skin inflammation in some individuals. If your dog suddenly develops a rash or itching, ask yourself if anything within the home or along your walking route has recently changed.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are not another type of allergy, but refer to allergy symptoms that are only evident at certain times of the year. For example, if your dog is sensitive to certain pollen, they may have no skin disease when those pollen levels are low.

Monitoring Your French Bulldog For Signs of Allergies

Noticing the earlier signs of allergic skin disease is important, to avoid your dog developing chronic itching and infections that are hard to shift. The sooner you begin to treat allergies with therapy, the better.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in a French Bulldog?

Frenchie allergies are going to present in a wide range of ways and every dog is an individual who will develop their own specific set of symptoms. Some of the more common signs we see include:

• Paw licking and saliva stained (rusty) fur
• Face rubbing
• Generalise scratching
• Ear infections
• Anal gland disease
• Skin irritation like pink rashes
• Fur loss
• Scabby skin
• Musty smell
• Restlessness
• Hives
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Bloating and gas

Diagnosing French Bulldog Allergies: Tests and Procedures

Frustratingly, it is not always easy to diagnose French Bulldog allergies and we see both false positive and false negative test results. We must always interpret test results alongside the patient’s history and response to therapy.

Before assuming a dog has allergies, vets must first rule out other potential causes for their signs, such as mites, fleas, or skin infections.

Intradermal Testing: Identifying Specific Triggers

Some clinics will offer intradermal testing, whereby small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin to see if there is a localised reaction. The dog will usually be sedated for the procedure, and it can take about 30 minutes.

Blood Tests: Measuring IgE Antibodies

More commonly, blood tests are done. The vet will take several vials of blood and hundreds of potential allergies can be checked for in the lab. This test is usually not done before one year of age, as results are not reliable. Keep in mind that a positive result does not confirm an allergy.

Elimination Diets: Unveiling Food Allergens

French Bulldog allergies to food are common and where food allergies are suspected, an elimination diet is generally advised. This means cutting out suspected trigger foods from your dog’s food, or feeding a completely hydrolysed diet. Usually, this diet trial is run for a minimum of eight weeks. When effective, the Frenchie may stay on the diet for life.

Food Allergies: What is a food allergy?

A dog food allergy is also referred to as a ‘cutaneous adverse food reaction’, and it is the dog’s immune system overreacting to the protein within the food, mistaking it for an invader. Some of the most common foods that trigger allergies include chicken, beef, grains, peas, dairy, soya, and eggs.

What are the symptoms of Food allergies?

As mentioned above, we typically see symptoms like itchy skin, chronic infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Some dogs struggle to gain weight and may deal with bloating and flatulence, as well as sloppy stools.

Treatment options

For these dogs, the first aim is to help reduce itching and to treat any ongoing skin infections. Next, it is all about a lifelong diet change. The best diet for French Bulldogs with allergies to food is going to be a hydrolysed dog’s diet, that has been broken down so the dog will not react, regardless of the ingredients. Examples include Royal Canin Anallergenic, Hill’s Z/D and Purina HA.

Environmental or Inhalant Allergies: What are they?

Atopy is an exaggerated immune response to ‘normal’ things in the environment around the dog, such as mould, pollen, dust mites and storage mites. The allergens are inhaled or absorbed through the skin and can make dogs very uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms of Environmental allergies?

There is a lot of crossover when it comes to the symptoms we see with atopic disease and other allergic skin disease. We are generally going to find that the dog is itchy and has sore skin. Some dogs may also have additional signs such as runny eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Treatment options for Environmentally caused French Bulldog allergies

Where possible, the owner should try and keep their dog away from known triggers. This may mean, for example, walking them on pavements rather than grass and wiping off their paws and bellies when they arrive home. It can help to damp dust in the home, to stay away from large food storage bins, and to use antihistamines when needed.

As with other allergic diseases, when the dog is experiencing a flare-up, the aim will be to settle the symptoms down. This usually includes the use of anti-itch medicine (such as steroids (Prednisone), Apoquel (Oclacitinib), or Cytopoint (Iokivetmab), antibiotics (often Amoxicillin or Cephalexin) and medicated washes (such as Malaseb or Chloraseb).

Flea Allergies

Flea allergies are common in all breeds, and some dogs will react to fleas but have no other allergies. They are a satisfying allergic disease to treat, as once the fleas have been eliminated, the dog’s skin can return to normal and flare-ups should not occur.

What are the symptoms

These dogs are intensely itchy over their rump and flanks. They can experience fur loss and hot spots in these areas. When the fur is combed, owners may find flea dirt or even fleas. However, an absence of fleas does not rule out a flea allergy, as they are quickly eaten by the dog.

Treatment options

The mainstay of therapy is eliminating the fleas from the dog, home and other pets with prescribed products. The skin will also be treated with allergy medicine for French Bulldogs such as steroids and antibiotics, so things can settle down.

The newer generation of flea prevention include Credelio, Nexgard and Bravecto (prescriptions required), and resistance issues are less likely with these products. For the home, use a spray such as Advantage Household Spray.

Contact Allergies

The word ‘contact’ is the clue here, as the dog will react due to physically contacting their trigger. Initially, at least, the reaction tends to be more localised to these areas.

What are the symptoms

We tend to see redness and itchiness in places including the muzzle, belly, and paws. The areas that have less fur (such as the groin), are often the worst affected as they have the least protection.

Treatment options

The key is in identifying what it is they have come into contact with. For example, if they are reacting to a new fabric softener that was used on their bed, it must not be used again and the bed should be hot-washed using a product you know your Frenchie can tolerate.

For those with inflamed skin, they will need prescribed anti-inflammatories to calm the reaction down and get them more comfortable. Again, steroids such as Prednisone tend to work well short term.

Seasonal Allergies

Just like humans, a seasonal allergy in dogs simply refers to an allergy that is not present all year round. Food allergies are not seasonal, and a dog will react to their food any time of the year.

What are the symptoms

Owners will notice seasonal patterns, depending on what is triggering their dog. For example, a dog who has dust mite allergies often develops worsening of their symptoms in the warmer months when the dog is inside a lot and the central heating is turned on. Conversely, those with grass or pollen allergies are usually most symptomatic in the Spring.

Treatment options for seasonal French Bulldog allergies

As well as trigger avoidance and the management of flare-ups with medication, owners may consider pursuing immunotherapy. This is a course of injections given to the dog over time, in an effort to convince their immune system that their triggers should be tolerated, and there is no need for the body to overreact to them. While this can be costly, results are good in many patients.

Common Locations for Allergic Skin Disease

We can sometimes make a guess at what is making a dog itchy, based on where on their body they are affected. This is the case, for example, with those who have flea allergies and have itchy rumps.

Those with atopic dermatitis are classically affected on their face, belly, groin, armpits and paws.

The Connection Between Skin and Food Allergies

In dogs, itchy skin is the most common symptom of a food allergy, so the two are very closely linked. Atopic dogs have an impaired skin barrier, and there is a hypothesis that food particles that enter through the skin cause the immune system to mark them as ‘intruders’.

The best supplement for dog allergies should help make the skin barrier more robust, preventing moisture leaving and allergens from entering. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Biotin are all great choices here.

Managing French bulldog allergies: Wrapping up

French Bulldog skin issues are not easy to manage, and they cannot be cured. The goal should be to keep the dog as comfortable as possible and to minimise flare-ups as best we can. This is a lifelong commitment.

Minimize exposure to allergens

Ideally, we’d identify the trigger and avoid it as much as possible. It can be useful to keep a reaction diary, when it is unclear what the dog is reacting to. Keep in mind, many dogs react to more than one thing.

Keep a clean environment

As dust, dust mites, and pollen can all be potential triggers, the aim is to keep the air well ventilated and clear, and the home nice and clean. Air purifiers can be a great investment.

Bathing your Frenchie regularly

Regular bathing not only soothes the itchy dog but also removes allergens from the fur and skin. The best shampoo for French Bulldogs with allergies should include hypoallergenic and mild ingredients such as oats, chamomile and olive oil, as well as an antiseptic such as Chrlohexidine or a prescribed shampoo such as the Douxo S3 options.

Seek veterinary guidance

It is essential that you work closely alongside your vet and that your dog is seen regularly. Itchy dogs need prescription medicine to help them cope, and delaying seeking vet care can lead to deep-seated infections and permanent skin damage.

Treatment for French Bulldog allergies is an ongoing battle, and, whatever we do, atopic dogs will need courses of medication from time to time. As well as this, measures taken from home, such as providing skin supplements (Nutramax and Zesty Paws are two great examples) and allergen avoidance, will help make a real difference to your French Bulldog’s skin health.