An appropriate diet can make a big impact on your dog’s overall health, from helping them maintain a lean body condition, promoting healthy skin and fur coat, and keeping digestion running smoothly. Yet canine nutrition is a hot topic that is often controversial, leaving pet parents confused about what is best for their dog. Many boutique brands convincingly tout the benefits of organic, grain-free, raw food, or diets free from specific ingredients, such as fillers or byproducts; however, some of these diets are actually linked to medical issues such as heart disease and bacterial contamination.

As a veterinarian, I want not only the best for your dog, but also to help simplify things for busy pet parents. So here it is: The most important consideration when choosing a diet for your dog is to look for one that is WSAVA-compliant. Let’s break down the complex terminology and explore what this means, why it’s important, and how to use the WSAVA guidelines to choose the best diet for your Frenchie.

What Does WSAVA Stand for and What Is Its Purpose?

WSAVA stands for World Small Animal Veterinary Association. This non-profit organization composed of over 300,000 veterinarians, is dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of companion animals globally, by:

• Creating guidelines to promote higher quality standards of care, in areas such as nutrition, pain management, preventative care, and more.
• Promoting continuing education opportunities for veterinarians
• Fostering a global community of veterinarians and increasing awareness of the “one health” concept

While WSAVA does lots of important work, they are especially well known for developing a set of guidelines to help veterinarians and pet owners evaluate pet food brands and labels, and make informed decisions about what to feed their pets. One important aspect is that pet food is complete and balanced, meaning it contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your pet needs.

AAFCO vs WSAVA: How Do They Differ?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is another organization with an important role in the nutritional quality of pet foods. AAFCO is not a government agency, but it is a non-profit whose members consist of government regulatory officials (confusing, I know). These members work together to set standards for pet food nutrition, requirements for labeling, and definitions of ingredients.

AAFCO sets the minimum standards for a food to be considered complete and balanced in the United States. As nutritional requirements change over time, diets must be formulated for a specific lifestage (such as growth, adult, senior, pregnant/nursing, or all lifestages) and labeled as such. Meeting these requirements can be achieved through formulation (simply creating a recipe) or, preferably, through feeding trials (feeding the diet to animals to make sure there are no nutritional deficiencies).

In contrast WSAVA goes further and offers a set of global guidelines to help pet owners choose a quality pet food that is not only complete and balanced but produced by a company that employs veterinary nutritionists, performs feeding trials, nutritional analysis, and quality control testing, and is dedicated to research and transparency, among other things.

Is There Such a Thing as ‘WSAVA-Approved’ Dog Food?

Neither WSAVA nor AAFCO regulate, test, or “approve” pet foods. This is the job of the FDA or state officials. Rather, they both provide a set of standards, and it is up to the individual pet food companies to formulate and test their pet foods accordingly. While every pet food in the US is required to have an AAFCO statement to be marketed as complete and balanced, WSAVA offers pet owners with a list of questions to help them further evaluate the quality of a pet food.

WSAVA does not have a list of approved or certified brands, but veterinarians widely consider dog foods that meet WSAVA guidelines to include: Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, Purina, Iams, and Eukanuba. Other pet food brands are also currently working towards meeting these guidelines.

Understanding WSAVA’s Global Nutritional Guidelines on Selecting a Pet Food

What’s the Difference Between ‘Guidelines’ and ‘Recommendations’?

WSAVA does not recommend individual brands of dog food. Instead, their overarching guidelines are less specific and designed to provide education about how to evaluate a pet food.

Benefits of Choosing a Food That Follows WSAVA Guidelines

Currently, feeding a WSAVA-compliant dog food is the easiest way to ensure that your pup is eating the best. As a veterinarian, the benefits below are the exact reasons why I always recommend WSAVA-compliant diets.

• Diet is nutritionally appropriate – Understanding that a diet has been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and is guaranteed to be complete and balanced based on feeding trials and chemical analysis, provides peace of mind that your dog is getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they need for optimal health, in the proper amounts.
• Lower risk of contamination – Owning the manufacturing plant and using third-party quality control testing help prevent errors and contamination.
• Reduced risk of heart disease and other nutrition-related issues – Most raw and BEG (boutique, exotic, or grain-free) diets do not meet the WSAVA guidelines for dog food. While research is ongoing, BEG diets containing high levels of pulses (peas, lentils, chickpeas, dry beans) and potatoes, are most commonly implicated in causing heart disease known as diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy. Raw diets are often unbalanced and have a high risk of contamination with bacteria and parasites, which can affect not only your dog, but other human and furry family members.
• Brand is trustworthy and transparent – A company that participates in nutritional research and is transparent about where and how their food is made demonstrates dedication to a safe and reliable product.

Is There Anything Wrong With WSAVA’s Guidelines?

Overall, WSAVA guidelines are well respected and used by veterinarians all over the world. The main complaint about these guidelines is that they do not recommend or endorse specific foods. Others feel that the guidelines are not effective enough in promoting companion animal health, not fully studied, and are biased against new or smaller pet food companies. As there is no such thing as a WSAVA-approved food, it has been a difficult area to research. However, it is clear that the independent components (such as a diet being formulated by an experienced nutritionist and tested for quality control), do lead to safer and higher-quality pet foods.

Why WSAVA Guidelines Matter for Frenchies

French Bulldogs are currently the most popular dog breed in the United States, and for obvious reasons. But these affectionate and charming dogs are also prone to several medical conditions, including brachycephalic airway syndrome, orthopedic issues (such as back injuries, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas, IVDD), food and environmental allergies, eye problems, dental disease, and heart disease.

While not a replacement for other treatments, feeding WSAVA-compliant dog foods is a good way to help set your Frenchie up to combat some of these common conditions. For example, maintaining a healthy body weight can decrease pressure on bones and joints to minimize arthritis pain, while a diet high in essential fatty acids can support a healthy skin barrier for protection against allergies. Quality control and reduced risk of contamination are also key for dogs already prone to skin and stomach sensitivities.

How Should I Use WSAVA to Choose a Dog Food? Key Questions to Ask

Whilst WSAVA do not approve a dog food, the WSAVA’s guidelines on selecting pet foods advise carefully evaluating both the brand and pet food label, and are summarized below.

What To Look for on a Label

• Nutrition adequacy statement – Look for an AAFCO statement on the label to indicate that a diet is complete and balanced, and whether this was determined by formulation alone or confirmed with testing and feeding trials. This is also how you will be able to tell which lifestage the food is meant for, and whether it is approved for long-term or only intermittent feeding.
• Energy density (how many calories per serving) – Understanding the calories per serving can help you determine the right amount of food to feed your dog for a healthy body condition. There should also be a guideline on the back of the food indicating an appropriate amount of food based on your dog’s weight.
• Contact information – Phone number and/or email address should be easily accessible. Upon contacting the company, they should be able to provide you with a nutritional breakdown and be willing to answer any of the questions listed here.
• Who makes the food? – Wording such as “made for by” or “distributed by” indicates use of a third-party manufacturer.

What To Look for in a Brand

• Is there a full-time veterinary nutritionist on staff? – A PhD in animal nutrition or nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) or the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN) should be employed and fully utilized by the company.
• Who formulates the diet? – The diet should be formulated by an expert with specific training.
• How is quality controlled? – To ensure safety, control measures should involve “ingredient (food and supplement) validation, final diet nutrient analysis, toxicology, bacteriology, and packaging/shelf-life screenings prior to, during, and after manufacturing.”
• Is research conducted and peer-reviewed?

Is This Diet Right for MY Dog?

Just because a diet is WSAVA-compliant does not mean that it will be the right choice for every dog. In addition to asking the questions discussed above, when choosing the best dog food for French bulldogs, it’s important to also take into account your dog’s lifestage, size, activity level, and health.

Key WSAVA-Compliant Brands

While WSAVA does not recommend specific brands, the five mentioned below are well known to be WSAVA-compliant, science-backed, and highly recommended by vets.

Best WSAVA Dog Food Picks for French Bulldogs

Your vet will always be your best resource when choosing a diet for your French Bulldog, but here are some of my top recommendations of what you can consider WSAVA “approved” dog food.

Royal Canin: French Bulldog Adult Dry Food
Best for: Adult Frenchies
Royal Canin is a highly respected and vet-recommended brand, and this diet is tailor-made for Frenchies – from the curved kibble shape (easy on the short muzzle and underbite) to the high-quality carbohydrates, easily digestible protein, and precise fiber content to combat gas and stool odor. It’s also packed full of nutrients to support a healthy skin and coat. A puppy version is also available. This diet contains chicken and pork, which can be associated with food allergies in some dogs.

Hills Science Diet: Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Best for: Adults with sensitive skin and stomachs
This diet is easily digestible and contains prebiotics for sensitive stomachs, while also full of nutrients for a lustrous and healthy fur coat. Again, chicken is a primary ingredient, so this food would not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

Purina: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed Salmon & Rice Formula
Best for: Adults with sensitive skin and stomachs or those with chicken allergy
The real salmon and fish oil in this food are an excellent source of essential fatty acids for skin and heart health. Like the other foods mentioned, it is high in quality protein and contains other ingredients to aid healthy digestion.

Eukanuba: Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Food
Best for: Healthy puppies
This is a solid option for a puppy food that is formulated to help your little Frenchie grow and thrive, with ingredients including high-quality animal proteins, essential fatty acids, fiber and prebiotics, and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for healthy growth. This diet is also in a lower price point than the brands above.

Iams: Iams Proactive Healthy Aging
Best for: Seniors
Designed for senior dogs, this diet contains high-quality and easily digestible ingredients and supplements to support bone and joint health, digestion, healthy weight, and cognitive and immune support. Like many of the other diets, it also contains chicken, and the kibble size and shape are not specifically tailored to Frenchies. Iams is also usually a slightly lower cost diet.

Prescription veterinary diets: If your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy or other chronic condition, such as arthritis, obesity, or dental disease, they may benefit from a prescription veterinary diet made by one of these brands.

FAQ

Is Blue Buffalo a WSAVA approved dog food?

As we have already discussed, there is no such thing as a WSAVA approved dog food, but The Blue Buffalo brand states that they are both AAFCO and WSAVA compliant on their website, and appear to be making a dedicated effort to follow WSAVA guidelines; however, this brand does have a history of making BEG diets, misleading marketing, and limited transparency.

Is Open Farm a WSAVA approved dog food?

Although they emphasize transparency and quality, Open Farm does not currently appear to meet all WSAVA guidelines, such as participating in peer-reviewed research.

Is Farmer’s Dog a WSAVA approved dog food?

Farmer’s Dog makes human-grade fresh dog food, and appears to be highly dedicated and transparent in meeting WSAVA guidelines. This brand has also been recently recognized as a WSAVA diamond partner, providing financial support for WSAVA’s missions.

Is Kirkland brand a WSAVA approved dog food?

No, Kirkland brand dog food does not currently meet WSAVA guidelines.

Should I avoid boutique brands for my Frenchie?

While boutique brands may seem appealing based on marketing, these diets are more likely to be unbalanced or contaminated than brands that follow stringent WSAVA guidelines.

There may come a time when you need help with vet bills for your beloved Frenchie. Our pets are family. We love them and want them to live healthy, long lives. So, when an illness or injury happens, we want to be able to do the right thing, which is, rush them to the vet.

And yet with the costs of veterinary services, this can quickly become impossible to shoulder. In an emergency, bills can add up quickly, and finding a way to cover them becomes as tough as handling the pain of watching our fur baby suffer.

As a pet parent, it can be very hard to openly admit that you need help with vet bills. But the truth is even the best financial planning can fail, and anyone can suddenly need help with vet bills. And there is help available, you just need to be brave enough to ask for it.

What to Do When You Need to Ask for Help with Vet Bills

1. Consult with your vet

   The first thing you must do is tell your vet that you are unable to immediately cover the costs of your dog’s vet bills. There often will be solutions your vet can offer you, such as agreeing on a payment plan so you can pay for the costs in installments while your dog gets the care it needs right now.

   If a payment plan agreement isn’t on the table, financing the cost of care is another viable solution. Your vet might be working with other third-party billing services like VetBilling that can help you pay in installments if you qualify. There are also credit card programs, such as Care Credit, that can help you cover the costs while paying them off over time.

2. Get a second opinion

   This might be tough to do, especially if you already trust your vet, but it’s a good thing to try it. There often are different ways to treat medical conditions, some less expensive than others but equally efficient.

   While getting that second opinion, consider getting it in areas where you’re likely to be charged less for the same services as in your area. You might end up finding someone who will offer the same medical treatment at a more affordable price.

3. Find your local community clinics

   It’s no secret that veterinary care is increasing, placing a lot of burden on pet owners. To help with these rising costs and especially when emergencies threaten to make access to vets and medical help unaffordable, there are several community clinics that offer services at a discount or even for free.You can find your local community clinics and see what services they offer through Pet Help Finder.

4. Seek out veterinary colleges

   Veterinary colleges often operate vet clinics with low or even no fees, geared for low income pet owners.

   The best way to find those is to contact the veterinary colleges directly and inquire if they operate such clinics and how you can have access to them.

5. Look up your state and local resources

   While it often feels that way, you are not alone in getting help with vet bills. There are many state-specific programs and resources available to help you get access to veterinary medical care or mitigate the costs through your regular vet. Since these programs vary wildly from state to state and region to region, make sure you do your own research to find your options. Since a lot of these programs are accessible through veterinarians, talking to your vet first is going to make the process a lot easier.

6. Look up relevant charities

   There are many charities geared to helping pet-parents get help with vet bills. When in search of financial support for your dog’s medical care, make sure to contact as many as you can at the same time. Often, you can get small support from several charities which adds up nicely if you do so. Here are some of the main programs and organizations that provide financial assistance:

   

   Brown Dog Foundation: Founded in honor of a chocolate brown labrador with a charming personality and many chronic issues exacerbated by his owner’s sudden lack of finances, Brown Dog Foundation aspires to help owners avoid the same situation going forward. Make sure to contact them before you pay any bills, as they do not reimburse bills already paid.

   Even if you don’t qualify for their support, they will help you find the most affordable care available and guide you to as many resources as possible to get you through.

   

   The Pet Fund: This charity was founded to help pet owners fund veterinary costs that go above and beyond regular pet care and vet visits. However, the Pet Fund doesn’t support finding for medical emergencies simply out of sheer volume of applications. Make sure to email them first and wait for a representative to reply and guide you through the application process for any vet bill needs that are not emergencies.

   

    

   Paws 4 a Cure: Paws 4 a Cure will give you help with your dog’s vet bills if it’s sick or injured. They don’t cover costs of regular vet care (vet visits, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, etc.) but they will help you with anything that doesn’t qualify as routine. Make sure you work with your vet to get the paperwork right according to the application process.

   

   Frankie’s Friends: If you require emergency care, contact this charity first. The Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation will help you cover the costs of treatment for life-threatening conditions or chronic conditions that significantly harm your pet’s quality of life (such as cancer). The charity funds treatment only when the prognosis is good. Involve your vet and provide Frankie’s Friends with all the documents necessary for the application process.

7. Try crowdfunding for vet bills

   Crowdfunding has become a real option for anyone seeking to cover sudden medical care costs, especially in emergencies. Communities world-wide will come to your aid if you ask for help and tell them your story.

   GoFundMe is the most popular crowdfunding platform, so start a fundraiser there as soon as you can.

   While making the fundraiser, be clear about what your pet needs. Don’t hesitate to add photos, share updates on how your dog is doing or what new developments there are, and never forget to thank your donors!

   If you feel that your local community would be interested in your pet’s story, try contacting the local news by reaching out to journalists that habitually cover stories similar to yours. The media can be a massive help in garnering support.

How not to need help with vet bills

There’s no complete answer on how not to end up needing help with vet bills. Even the best planner among us pet-parents might eventually find themselves in a perfect storm of circumstances that make covering vet bills hard or impossible.
That said, there are things we can do to minimize the risk, and here are some precautions I’ve found work well enough:

Get Pet Insurance

Getting the correct pet insurance can be a literal life saver. Designed to keep you from worrying about financing expensive surgeries or difficult procedures, good pet insurance programs will put your mind at ease for a relatively modest monthly sum.

I’ve already talked about how to choose the best pet insurance for French bulldogs here. I’ve also included a list of the best pet insurance companies I’ve found available in the US.

Focus on preventative care

The cheapest health care is preventative one: minimize the chances of your dog becoming sick or injured as much as possible. A healthy lifestyle can significantly prevent emergencies from happening.

To do that, you must keep up to date with your dog’s yearly vaccinations as well as monthly heartworm and pest preventatives. Don’t let your dog get overweight, since obesity puts it at risk for a wide range of illnesses. Lastly, don’t neglect giving your dog exercise, even if it is just the daily walk and play!

In the end, hang in there

You may do everything right, keep up with every preventative healthcare measure, try to stay financially robust, and still end up needing help with vet bills. It can happen to anyone, anytime. That’s why there are so many resources out there to help when you need it the most. I only listed a few main ones to start you off, but there’s even more out there.

In the end, we are not alone in caring for our pets. We have each other, and that will see us through the tough times when our furry family needs us the most.

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.

National Rescue Dog Day brings awareness to the many rescue dogs that need to find their forever home. You won’t find a more touching story of success than that of a rescue dog. The sheer love and thankfulness they shower their rescuers with will bring tears to anyone’s eyes. A rescue dog knows the hardships of life on the street or in unsuitable conditions. They know they are loved when they find their forever home and in return, they change your life for the better. You will be hard-pressed to find many others in your life who will love you like your rescue dog will.

However, not everyone knows the joys that await when rescuing a dog. To increase awareness and to encourage more people to improve their quality of life with a lifelong friend, we celebrate International Rescue Dog Day, on May 20th!

What is National Rescue Dog Day?

Each year, around 3.1 million dogs enter shelters in the USA alone. There are many ways that dogs end up being homeless and in shelters. From unethical breeding like in the French bulldog breed, to simply being a stray to just losing previous owners due to illness, a variety of reasons can land a dog in a kennel hoping for a forever home.

In 2018 Lisa Wiehebrink, a children’s book author and executive director of Tails That Teach founded National Rescue Dog Day to bring awareness and motivate more owners to adopt their next dog.

Why do shelter dogs need rescuing?

Life in the shelter can be difficult. But above all, it is short. In the USA there are roughly 5000 animal shelters that are operating to shelter those millions of homeless dogs (among other animals) that need it every year. Ideally, each dog will only stay there temporarily until they are adopted or their original owners retrieve them.

However, that isn’t always the case. Often animal shelters are overwhelmingly filled with amazing dogs that need their help. So much so that room must be made for new arrivals. When that need becomes impossible to ignore, shelter workers are forced to choose the oldest and sickest dogs (and cats or other animals) to euthanize them.

How long a dog can stay in a shelter varies according to legislation from state to state and even from country to country, but the fact remains that there is a time limit. All of those dogs are living on borrowed time.

Approximately 400,000 to almost 1 million dogs are euthanized annually according to the ASPCA. And though that seems a huge number, it has actually declined from previous years when more than double that amount was the norm.

This decline is thanks to adoptions! More and more prospective dog owners choose to adopt a stray, thus saving their lives. That’s why National Rescue Dog Day is so important to bring awareness about the number of dogs in shelters and encourage people to adopt a dog rather than buy a puppy. When you adopt one of the many dogs from a shelter to be a part of your family you are saving lives and giving a dog a second chance at a truly happy life.

How does a dog end up in a shelter?

Dogs end up in shelters because they were either found roaming the streets or because they were surrendered there by their owners.

Many of the dogs roaming the streets aren’t actually strays but dogs that have escaped from their homes or have lost their way. Without a microchip, it can be hard for owners to reunite with their lost dogs which end up in shelters.

Another reason for a dog to end up in a shelter is to be surrendered there willingly by their owners. That doesn’t happen because the owner doesn’t love their dog. It can be any range of reasons, from financial difficulties to having to move to an illness, making the owner unable to care for the dog properly anymore.

There are also those surrenders that happen because there are behavioral issues the owner can’t handle with their dog. That often happens not because the dogs are at fault but because there is a mismatch between the breed and the owner: when people get a breed without knowing the breed’s needs, it often leads to the dog acting out when the lifestyle is inappropriate for it.

Lastly, there are dogs that end up in shelters from illegal puppy mills or when they have been seized from abusive homes.

The truth is that all dogs can be the perfect companion to the owner who is a good match for them, knows how to properly train them, and is aware of their breed’s temperament and needs. So, before you decide what dog you like, make sure you’re educated in their breed!

Debunking Rescue Dog Myths

People looking for their forever family pets may feel unsure about adopting a rescue dog due to a number of common myths about them. Let’s debunk them today!

Shelter dogs all have behavioral problems

As already described, there are very few dogs that end up in the shelter due to behavioral issues, and even then, it’s often not an issue with the dog but with the previous owner.

When you go to a shelter, you may notice dogs (and cats) being nervous, scared, or huddled in a corner. That is completely normal! The shelter is a new, unfamiliar environment with a lot of other animals housed in close proximity with each other. It’s only natural that a lot of dogs react with caution, fear, or even defensiveness while they adjust, especially when they are new arrivals.

You can’t find purebreds in shelters

They may require a bit more research, but you absolutely can find purebred puppies and dogs in shelters. In fact, around 25-30% of dogs in the shelter are purebred. All you need to do is look for them.

You don’t know what you’re getting with a rescue dog

Lack of papers or pedigree might make prospective owners nervous that they don’t know what they are getting into with a rescue dog. However, that’s not true. According to the SPCA, rescue dogs are more likely to come to you healthy and well-behaved. That’s because they receive training while they are in the shelter while they also have all their health needs met.

What a pedigree tells you is how a dog is supposed to look and what requirements its breed has when it comes to daily needs (exercise, grooming, etc) and health needs (usual breed health risks, etc). The shelter will be able to tell you as much, even if your dog is a mix. As for their health going forward, research has shown that mixed breeds are at lower risk for genetic diseases, but have no difference in health risks for other ones common in dogs in general. Beyond that, you know as much about your rescue’s future as you would buying a puppy from a breeder.

Rescue dogs can’t bond as well with new owners

Most vets and dog experts will categorically say that dogs are very resilient and very forgiving. If they are shown love and acceptance, they are highly likely to form a strong bond with new owners as they had with previous ones.

Or, in the case of abused dogs, once they trust that they are safe and loved, they will form a powerful bond with their owners, forgetting the hardships of the past.
Older rescue dogs can’t be trained

Every dog can be trained at any age. In fact, vets argue that older dogs are easier to train than puppies because they have a longer attention span and full bodily faculties! However, if you are worried you won’t be able to train an adult dog, you can easily adopt a puppy from the shelter. There are many!

Success stories: Transformation through adoption

Being a French bulldog mom myself, I wanted to highlight some success stories of Frenchie rescues! All of the following stories are of shelter dogs that are purebred Frenchies:

Tugboats Story

A Forever Home for Ivy

Ivy is a six-year-old French bulldog that was a puppy mill surrendered at the Chicago French Bulldog rescue. When her owners first got her she was timid and didn’t like to be touched or held. However, when Ivy saw her owners petting their other dog, she quickly began to seek the same attention, warming up to her new family. From shy and reserved she quickly became alert and effusive in her love of her new owners, seeking belly rubs and following them around everywhere. Her owners are thankful she has made their lives better by just being a furry love bug.

Penelopes rescue

Peggy’s amazing transformation

Another amazing transformation is Peggy, a Frenchie that arrived at that same shelter in terrible shape. She was emaciated and with severe breathing issues. The shelter workers took care of her, bringing her weight up to healthy levels and treating her breathing issues. Peggy was transformed from a depressed, reserved dog to a happy, loving, playful one who loves to be with people and other animals.

Minnie’s Tough Story

Olive’s Happily Ever After

Olive was surrendered to the Socal French Bulldog Rescue after her owner couldn’t afford her necessary surgeries. The shelter workers found her a good foster home for Olive to have her essential surgery and nursed her back to health. Afterward, Olive was adopted by her mom and is currently living her best life in Wisconsin!

Why is rescuing a dog good for you?

Getting a dog is a commitment, both financially and emotionally. So why is that worth it?

You will live longer

Studies have shown that dog owners are likely to recover better from serious illness and live better lives with lower stress. You are less likely to get a heart attack or a stroke if you are a dog owner. If you do get either, you are likely to recover faster and better than people who don’t own a dog.

You will feel better

When you own a dog you get a faithful friend that unconditionally loves you and looks up to you. Those same studies found that dogs can boost your production of “happy hormones” such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.

That means that just being around you, your dog will make you feel happier, more content, and generally better. Your dog will also boost your tendency to be more social and meet more people. It’s not a coincidence that dog owners report lower rates of anxiety and depression!

Saving Lives: Rescue one dog, save a lot more

By adopting a dog from a shelter, you are already saving a life by giving that dog a second chance at a happy life in a forever home. But that doesn’t stop there.

By taking your rescue dog home, you make it possible for another stray dog to find shelter and help in its place. By gaining a new best friend you have immediately freed up resources and space for more dogs to be rescued! And while that is happening, you are also helping your community lower the amount of stray dogs in the streets.

Lastly, by choosing to adopt from shelters you are helping fight unethical breeding and puppy mills. Dogs or puppies you find at pet shops are almost always sourced from unethical breeders and puppy mills that exhaust mother dogs in horrible conditions. By reducing demand for such dogs, you are discouraging the practice and helping curb this cruel practice.

How to celebrate National Rescue Dog Awareness Day on May 20

Create awareness

The best thing to do is to educate people as much and as thoroughly as possible about dog rescue. Help debunk those myths, share adoption stories, and talk about dog rescue and its benefits on social media. All of these things can help people consider adopting a dog when they otherwise wouldn’t have!

Volunteer

The work of shelters never ends. There’s a constant need for resources and people to support them so that dogs can get the care they need and a chance at a new, happy life. So, to celebrate National Rescue Dog Day, how about volunteering at your local dog shelter?

Maybe participate in any events taking place and spread awareness of what your local shelter does to your community.

Another way to volunteer is to foster rescue dogs. Shelters always need more room and more caring people to temporarily host rescue dogs until they find their forever home. If you have the capacity and the time, fostering can be an incredibly rewarding experience without making the commitment of adopting.

Advocate with your wallet

Money talks, so use it!

Consider donating to your local animal shelters to help them provide more for their rescues. Do your research and find businesses that support shelters and other animal rescue initiatives and support them by buying their products or services.

Adopt a rescue dog!

If you are ready to invite a dog into your life, consider choosing to adopt a rescue dog. Do your research and find the animal shelter that best fits what you are looking for (especially if you are looking for a purebred dog). Visit the shelter and invest time to interact and play with the dogs to see if any of them steal your heart!

If so, then take the plunge and get a new best, loyal, true friend today. The best way to celebrate National Rescue Dog Day!

French Bulldog Rescue Organisations & Adoption Tips

Our top French Bulldog rescues, are dedicated to the well-being of French Bulldogs and can be excellent resources for adoption, fostering, or volunteering opportunities.

French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN)
Rockaway, NJ
Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming French Bulldogs from various situations, including commercial breeding kennels and public shelters.
French Bulldog Rescue Network

SNORT Rescue
Northeastern US
An all-volunteer nonprofit focusing on rescuing brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, and Pugs.

If you are seriously thinking of rescuing a Frenchie be sure to download our Top Ten Tips on Rescuing a French Bulldog before you do.

Throughout history, dogs have been bred to have a set of desirable characteristics. In the case of the French Bulldog breed, who have been bred mainly as companions, this has resulted in puppies with striking and unusual features. Whilst French Bulldogs are probably one of the most popular dog breeds it is hard to ignore the accusations surrounding this breed particularly when it comes to merle French bulldogs; with vets now speaking out about the wide range of serious health issues that they face due to the way they have been bred.

These dogs were bred to have distinctive ‘bat ears’, a sturdy but very compact body and a shrunken head with facial wrinkles. Though french bulldog breeders were focusing on the aesthetic of the dog, they inevitably changed their genes and ended up with serious health predispositions too. A long back is prone to slipped discs, while a shrunken skull means less space for teeth and nostrils. Even those ‘cute’ skin folds are prone to skin infections.

The Merle color variation is a genetic feature, that causes a mottled unique coat in French bulldogs quite different to the usual solid coat color. It is not to be confused with sable French bulldogs, which have a coat that transitions from a light fawn or cream base to darker black or brown-tipped hairs. The merle produces a more mottled color variation, however, we know now that it is strongly associated with a range of certain health issues including deafness and reduced vision. For this reason, Merle French bulldogs are among the most controversial breed variants, and one of the colors in this breed, not recognized by the major Kennel Clubs.

What is a Merle French Bulldog?

To appreciate why the Merle color appears, we need to have some understanding of genetics. Genes are what determine specific traits, like a dog’s propensity to have floppy or erect ears or their coat color.

An allele is a variation of a gene; an alternative form that has mutated. The M Locus codes for the Merle pattern. As it is a dominant gene, one copy is enough for the Merle French bulldog puppies to display the traits.

The Merle coat pattern is easy to spot. There are patches of pigment on the dog that appear diluted or washed out. Many would agree that merle French bulldogs are considered a desirable color, which is unusual and an interesting change to the more solid colors we are used to seeing.

The issue arises when the dog inherits two copies of the Merle gene (homozygous). They inherit one gene from each parent. These ‘Double Merles’ can experience a wide range of health issues including deafness, sun sensitivity, and blindness.

As every Merle dog carries the gene, they must never be bred together. Doing so would mean each puppy would be a double Merle French Bulldog. While breeding a Merle dog to one who is visibly ‘normal’ would generally be okay, there is a risk that the non-Merle dog is actually a ‘cryptic Merle’. This means, that despite looking like a regular Frenchie, they actually carry one ‘hidden’ Merle gene.

Understanding the Merle Frenchie coat

If you’ve ever seen a Merle Frenchie, you’ll likely have noticed how different they look right away. They have colors that are more unique – a dark base with diluted patches of color and skin, in an irregular pattern. As well as this, they may have striking light blue eyes, or heterochromia (one blue and one brown eye). Some will also have mottled or light pink paw pads and noses.

Merle coats are not naturally occurring within the breed and have come about due to a genetic mutation. It is only because breeders liked this mutation and bred from affected dogs, that we’ve seen a new breed variant emerge. The most common Merle variations include:

Blue Merle French Bulldog

The Blue Merle Frenchie is one of the most rare French bulldogs. It has a blue coat with darker spots or patches on a lighter background. The base color is typically gray or silver-blue with darker blue/black patches mixed throughout. Many blue Frenchies often have sparkling blue eyes or one of the eyes is blue – heterochromia (different colored eyes). This unique coat pattern has been popularised on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram making them a more in-demand color for the wrong reasons. This has meant that these dogs are bred for their color rather than a focus on health and temperament so like all Merle color Frenchies they can suffer from severe health conditions.

Blue Merle Frenchies are often referred to as being the most rare of them all, so this combined with the higher demand means these dogs can come with a hefty price tag. They often sell for between $5000 – $15,000 or more.

Lilac Merle French Bulldog

The lilac French bulldog color variation is a light silver or lavender color. They have a ‘dilute’ gene that lightens coat color, as well as the Merle gene affects, which creates patches and mottles.

Chocolate Merle French Bulldog

This breed variant has a deep ‘chocolate’ brown coat with lighter brown patches and mottling. Their eyes are generally hazel or golden, rather than blue.

Black Merle French Bulldog

Black Merle French Bulldogs feature a dramatic coat pattern with a mainly black base mixed with irregular lighter patches, creating a striking marbled effect. As with all merle frenchies, their unique color is often accompanied by striking eye colors, ranging from light blue to heterochromatic combinations, adding to their unique appearance.

Fawn Merle French Bulldog

The fawn merle French Bulldog has a warm, light tan or beige base coat with the characteristic merle pattern, it is actually a lovely blend of soft fawn tones with irregular lighter and darker patches. This color variation has a more subtle and natural-looking merle pattern than some of the rarer merles, with the traditional Frenchie fawn color as the base for the mottled markings that distinguish the merle genetic variation.

Merle Frenchies: A Brief Overview

While Frenchies have been around since the end of the 1800s, Merle Frenchies are a much more recent creation.

History of Merle Frenchies

Standard French Bulldogs do come in a wide range of ‘accepted’ solid colors including brindle, fawn, and pied (white French bulldog with brindle or fawn patches).

It is widely believed that Merle Frenchies were first bred in the early 2000’s, when the French Bulldog was crossed with other breeds that had Merle genes, including the Chihuahua and Dachshund. Prior to outbreeding, there was no record of any Merle Frenchie, as the M Locus gene was not in their natural gene pool.

This theory seems to hold true, as genetic testing of Merle Frenchies can find DNA from these other dog breeds. As well as this, anecdotally, some owners describe Merle Frenchies as having unexpected temperament traits, such as being more energetic than a typical Bulldog.

As Breed clubs became aware of the Merle variants circulating, they spoke out to warn against the potential health risks of using these dogs for breeding. Despite this, Merles remained popular. Today, due to their unusual appearance, they tend to command a higher price tag and are often seen as a status symbol.

Breed Standard and Recognition Issues with the Color Variation of the Merle French Bulldog

Internationally, there is a wide base of kennel clubs that oversee and regulate dog breeding, and who should work to ensure dogs are ethically bred and that their health is prioritized. Some of the better-known Kennel Clubs include the AKC (American Kennel Club), the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), and the United Kingdom Kennel Club.

These Kennel Clubs do not currently recognize Merle French Bulldogs, as these dogs have been outbred with other breeds, so are not classed as purebreds. One of the top aims of a Kennel Club is to preserve the breed standard and original characteristics. On top of this, they have concerns for the dog’s health, and for the potential for breeders to prioritize the worth of rare colors over anything else.

Merles cannot compete in recognized dog shows, and breeders are unable to register them with Kennel Clubs. Despite this, their cost remains high.

Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Merle French Bulldogs

Being a Merle dog means a lot more than just a different fur pattern and color. All of the pigment-containing cells in the body are affected, including melanocytes in the ear and eyes, affecting vision and hearing.

Within the Merle population, there are many pups that are blind and deaf and that suffer from eye issues including microphthalmia (shrunken eyes) and colobomas (a gap in one of the eye’s structures).

Their skin is more sensitive to the skin, due to the lack of pigment. This means a higher risk of both sunburn and skin cancer.

Double Merle Frenchies are also at increased risk of immune system disease including specific types of anemia and polyarthritis. Dogs tend to have a weaker immune system in general, making them more susceptible to infections.

Due to the way the French Bulldog is shaped, they have a much higher incidence of disease when compared to the average dog (Link). If this is complicated by adding in the Merle genes, the chance of medical issues and reduced quality of life surges.

The Double Merle French Bulldog Puppy

A double Merle is a dog that has two copies of the Merle gene; one from each parent.

It is wildly irresponsible to mate two Merle dogs, as this results in a homozygous MM (two Merle genes) Frenchie puppy population. This gene combination has severe health consequences.

Sadly, many of these puppies are so unwell that they are put to sleep early on in their life. Given the above, it is ethically wrong to breed these dogs together, and it is to be avoided at all costs.

The Ethics of Merle Breeding

Consumers are willing to pay a premium for something that is rarer, and this holds true when it comes to Merle dogs. While this is a genetic mutation that can have seriously harmful effects, this seems irrelevant to the breeders and owners who covet a Merle dog. You will see the breeders use terms such as ‘Highly rare’, ‘Much sought after’, and ‘Exceptional’ in their ads, in order to drum up interest and business.

Buyer beware though; this is a marketing tactic to make potential owners think that there is something superior about Merles. As we have learned, quite the opposite is true.

Merles are often glamourized on social media, with large followers on their Instagram or TikTok accounts. Comment after comment says how they’re ‘cute’ or ‘adorable’, but it is rare for anyone to discuss what health issues they may be dealing with.

Responsible Frenchie Puppy Options for Prospective Owners

So, what is someone in the market for a Frenchie to do? Ideally, these prospective buyers would research and find out about the many health issues that are associated with this dog’s shape and conformation and would appreciate why having the Merle gene as well, is not an attractive quality.

For those set on buying a French Bulldog, one of the best ways to minimize the chances of purchasing an unhealthy pup is to find a reputable breeder who health screens their dogs and is Kennel Club registered. Of course, this means not buying a Merle.

Those who buy Merles would preferably only buy those who have come from dogs that have been genetically tested, so it is certain that the pups do not have the MM gene pattern.

Will a Merle French Bulldog pup Cost more?

Cost is based on supply and demand, and the Merle Frenchie is known to be one of the rarest. This is especially true for certain uncommon dogs such as the Isabella French Bulldogs, Lilac Frenchies, and the rare Blue Merle French Bulldog. Depending on where you are in the world, and depending on the color variation you would be looking at a higher price range for a merle than a regular-colored Frenchie. These dogs can fetch prices upwards of $5000.

Conclusion

While visually striking and attractive in the eyes of many, Merle French Bulldogs are often linked to a range of serious medical issues. On top of this, these dogs are not recognized by the major Kennel Clubs. Even still they are readily available for sale and the demand is still high so breeders looking to make money will keep breeding them.

In the world of dog breeding, there is a fine line between choosing dogs based on their physical appearance and prioritizing their health and well-being. It is up to the public to educate themselves and it’s very important to find breeders who prioritize the health of their pups. Unfortunately, where the market for Merle pups exists, these dogs will continue to be sold, regardless of ethics.

References and Further Reading

Scientific studies on Merle genetics

• Being Merle: The Molecular Genetic Background of the Canine Merle Mutation
• The genetics of merle coat patterns in dogs
• Hereditary Deafness in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Prevalence, and Current Research

Kennel club position statements

Statements from the UK Kennel Club:
‘We only register merle dogs in breeds where this type of coat is known to traditionally appear.’

‘Dogs that have two copies of the merle gene variant, inherited from both of their parents, have an increased risk of problems with their eyes and ears, causing blindness and/or deafness’

‘Mating two merle dogs together increases the risk of their puppies having health issues and could have a serious impact on their health and welfare. For this reason, we do not register dogs from merle-to-merle mating’.

Statements from the AKC:

‘It’s essential to DNA test before you breed any dog from a breed or family known to produce merle.’

‘Although beautiful and unique, this color can also be associated with health problems, primarily deafness and blindness. Awareness is key to responsible breeding; it is not recommended to breed two merles together’.

Veterinary resources on French Bulldog health:

• The Most Popular Breed, But at What Expense? French Bulldog Health and Welfare
• “Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog”: French Bulldog no longer a ‘typical’ dog
• French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders

There are no 2 ways about it. Frenchies are one of the world’s most high-maintenance breeds. Period. I had somebody tell me once that if you don’t have an extra $10,000 sitting around for when a medical emergency shows up, then I should consider a different breed of dog. I’ve got to say that comment is not far from the mark. And this is where pet insurance is an attractive option because, at some point in their life, your Frenchie will need it.

Why Does My French Bulldog Need Pet Insurance?

There are many stories I have heard of owners who neglected to get insurance, thinking their dog would be that “magical unicorn” who would never get any issues. A few years later, those same owners are pleading on social media to SAVE MY DOG via a go fund me page because the “unexpected”  bill was unaffordable for them.


This is the main reason the majority of French Bulldogs in rescue shelters are there, because of common health issues the owners couldn’t afford, like:

•  IVDD
• Untreated massive tumors
• botched C-sections
• extreme allergies
• dry eye / blindness
• tiny Merle puppies born with cleft palates / no eyes / etc

 It breaks my heart that so many people buy dogs without doing the proper research into the breed and then give them up because they can’t afford to keep them.

That’s why I and all the other owners I know would tell you every time that pet insurance is a part of owning a French Bulldog. If you can’t afford it, choose another breed of dog. It’s sad but true.

So how do you choose the right insurance? 

When I adopted Pinto, I did A LOT of research on pet insurance and monthly premium comparisons and ended up with PetsBest.

I’ve got to say I found that all the quotes were around the same when I added in the options I wanted (low deductible, high annual limit w/ 90% payout amount, wellness benefits, etc).

But while PetsBest was right for me, it isn’t the only provider and might not be the best option for you. 

 To properly make your informed decision on what type of pet insurance to choose for your own dog, it’s best to first understand the needs your dog will have, what to expect cost-wise, and the estimated range of these cost with each pet insurance. Then, I am going to do a breakdown of some of the most popular and top pet insurance companies so you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you and your dog.

What Are the Common Frenchie Health Issues You Should Expect to Face? 

While I only mentioned a few health concerns above, as a French bulldog owner, you should expect more than 20 different health conditions and be ready to face them. Of those, some of the most prominent are the following: 

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

This dog breed is a “brachycephalic” breed, which just means it’s got a short head. It is a genetic health issue, as this trait was bred for over generations within the breed. 

Unfortunately, together with that there came health problems such as issues with the Frenchie’s nostrils and windpipe. This makes it difficult for your pup to breathe. It’s corrected by surgery. BOAS surgery cost varies from country to country and in the specifics of what your dog requires (how extensive, the method, etc). However, you can expect anything from $1000 to $8000, depending on the clinic, the methodology, and the severity of the issue.

Allergies and Various Skin Issues

The very things that make your dogs so cute are also the things that make them susceptible to many allergies and a higher skin sensitivity: their skin and tail folds. And while regularly and carefully cleaning the skin folds will help mitigate some of the issues, French bulldogs are genetically more prone to allergies that often present as skin issues. Expect such problems to occur in the paws, ears, and belly as well as their skin folds. 

Battling your dog’s allergies is a lengthy and costly process. From managing to properly detect what your dog is allergic to and accordingly adjust their food to battling the symptoms, costs easily stack up. Any modest estimation brings the cost upwards of $1000 in this prolonged, perpetual fight.

Eye infections and issues

Problems with their eyes are unfortunately very common with French bulldogs, exactly because their snouts are short, which makes their eyes more exposed and vulnerable to threats than other dogs. There can be a variety of different issues, with the most prevalent being:

Bacterial infections from watery eyes or inflamed eyes

These infections often can be treated with antibiotics and special eye drops. You might need a trip to the vet to diagnose the exact issue and get the proper prescription if problems persist beyond the usual treatment your vet has given your dog. 

Cherry eye

 Cherry eye occurs often in all bulldog breeds because gravity pulls their loose skin downwards, exposing their eyes’ membranes. This may lead to a tiny gland ‘popping’ outwards and looking like a small cherry in the corner of your dog’s eye. This can be corrected with routine corrective surgery to get the gland back in its place. 

Corneal Ulcer

This is the most serious issue that may occur in your dog’s eyes, and it usually happens after some kind of injury to the cornea or from untreated dry eyes (i.e., if you don’t make sure your pup’s eyes are properly hydrated with eye drops). 

If left untreated, corneal ulcers can even lead to blindness, so you need to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice your dog experiencing discomfort in his/her eye (rubbing it often, keeping it closed, having discharge from it, etc). 

Cataracts

Cataracts are the hardening of the eye lenses which then become opaque instead of clear. This eventually leads to blindness. French bulldogs are genetically predisposed to getting cataracts as they age. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery.

The cost of eye issues can greatly vary depending on the severity and the type. It may simply be the cost of a trip to the vet and some eye drops (so around $100) or it may amount upwards of $1500. For cherry eye surgery or treatment of cataracts or other such issues, expect a price in the ballpark of $2000 – 2500.

There are more issues that can occur in your dog’s eyes, such as issues with their eyelids or eyelashes and more, but these are some of the costliest and most prevalent issues to give you an idea.

Hiatal Hernia

This occurs when the diaphragm in your dog isn’t fully developed. This allows the stomach to move between the abdomen and chest, causing regurgitation. Regurgitation means that food comes back up through the esophagus without that being vomiting.

This condition can even be life-threatening as it can lead to aspirational pneumonia and other serious secondary conditions. A hiatal hernia needs surgery to be corrected, which costs anything from $4000 to $8000, depending on your dog’s specific needs and condition. 

Pyloric Obstruction

This condition happens when the pylorus, the valve in the stomach that allows food to pass to the intestines, is too narrow. This condition is extremely life-threatening and dangerous because it causes extreme weight loss together with appetite loss, vitamin deficits, and a range of other problems from the simple fact that your pup can’t properly eat. Frenchies are genetically at a higher risk of being born with or developing this condition as they grow older.

Treatment of pyloric obstruction has different avenues, but, in the end, a permanent fix is only done through surgery. Surgery for the condition and supportive treatment can cost up to $5000. 

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a bone disorder that usually develops over time and tends to be genetic. It’s when the hip socket develops in such a way that it becomes loose. This causes extreme pain in your dog, and activities such as jumping or walking are severely impaired the more the disorder develops. You guessed it: French bulldogs are genetically prone to the disorder.

Hip dysplasia is treated with surgery, which can cost anything from $1500 to $2500 per hip, depending on the type of surgery and other specifics for your dog. 

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

 This is another condition to which French bulldogs are genetically prone. It can be very painful and eventually debilitating, even leading to paralysis in your dog. 

IVDD happens in your dog’s spine. The cushions between the vertebrae bulge out or burst from their proper position into the spinal cord space, pressing into nerves and muscles and causing extreme pain and eventually nerve damage and even paralysis. 

You should always keep this risk in mind, as there are things you can do to lower the chances of this condition occurring (especially keeping your dog from becoming obese and making sure the general living space lowers the risk of injuries). If it does occur, treatment often requires surgery and other supportive remedies.

The cost for the surgery alone can range from $1500 to $4000 depending on the specific parameters of your own dog’s condition, but that price can quickly stack with everything else necessary (x-rays, ICU costs, physiotherapy, etc) closer to the area of $8000 or even $9000. 

There are more conditions that might eventually require surgery, but if you are vigilant and careful of your dog’s health, there are ways to avoid going down that path. If you do, surgical costs will cost you a few thousand dollars, depending on the severity. 

Considering the costs, getting pet insurance for your French bulldog is a no-brainer. So how does that work and what should you consider to find the pet insurance that is best for you and your Frenchie?

How Much is Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs?

Different breeds of dogs will determine the insurance cost, and unluckily for us French Bulldog owners, they come in at the most expensive.

Where you live can also have an impact on the pet insurance premiums you you will pay. For example pet insurance in Connecticut is more expensive than Alabama, Arizona and Florida.

The average monthly cost for pet insurance for French bulldogs is $130, but it can range from $50 for a healthy Frenchie puppy to $170, depending on the policy and services covered. The $130 average usually includes unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet Insurance is a healthcare insurance policy that covers a range of veterinary costs for your dog. These can be only unexpected veterinary costs (i.e. accidents, sudden illnesses, etc) called “accident only” plans or they can be regular, preventative, and hereditary conditions veterinary costs, depending on the policy you choose. These are called “accident-illness” plans with supplemental “pet wellness” plans, which will cover everything from vaccines to regular checkups.

The most popular plans are the “accident-illness” plans that insure against the most expensive veterinary costs for any range of injuries and illnesses that your pet may get. Pre-existing conditions aren’t usually covered.

 Pre-existing conditions are any health issues diagnosed before your health insurance plan takes effect. Also, keep in mind that there is a specified waiting period that counts down from the beginning of your health insurance, during which if a condition is diagnosed, it qualifies as a pre-existing condition. What these waiting periods are depends on the type of condition and will be clearly listed in your insurance plan as they can vary from a week to 14 days or more. This is why it’s prudent to get your pet insurance as early as possible in your Frenchie’s life.

How Does Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs Work? 

There are certain stages in acquiring and then using Pet Insurance when you need it.

Stage 1: Choose the right policy for you

As soon as you are aware of the health risks and various genetic conditions your dog is most prone to and the lifestyle your puppy will be having with you, you are ready to begin the process of choosing the right pet insurance company for you. 

The biggest challenge is to choose the correct combination of deductibles, reimbursement limits, and payout limits alongside the list of conditions and services covered.

A deductible is the amount of money from a vet bill you are responsible for paying out of pocket before the Pet Insurance kicks in to cover the rest of the amount. 

A reimbursement limit is the percentage of the vet bill amount that the dog insurance will pay you back out of the total. The best policies reimburse 80% to 100% of the total care costs.

The payout limit is also something you should pay close attention to. It’s the actual maximum amount of money you can be reimbursed for a single event- a single accident or a single illness that occurs. So if, for example, you have a payout limit of $3000, but the surgery required costs $7000, you will be responsible for at least $4000 of the vet bill, assuming you have a 100% reimbursement limit. 

Payout limits can be per-incident as described already, or annual, meaning the payout amount stated is supposed to cover everything within a year, beyond which you are responsible for everything within that same year.

Therefore, knowing your Frenchie, the lifestyle you and your dog are leading, and possible issues you will encounter according to the breed itself, it’s extremely important to make sure you get the best coverage to ensure treatment of your furry baby is as financially worry-free as possible for you.

Stage 2: Qualify for coverage

In order for the Pet Insurance to agree to cover your dog with the plan you want, your pet must fulfill some requirements. Usually, that is age (dogs usually aren’t covered if they are younger than 8 weeks old) and an overview of your dog’s health history up to then so pre-existing conditions can be specifically noted.

 There may be other specifications too, such as where you live and other requirements so make sure to compare and contrast different policies to choose the best for you.

Stage 3: Pay your premium

The premium is the monthly fee you pay for your Pet Insurance coverage to be active.

Stage 4: File a claim and get reimbursement 

After the waiting period ends on your Pet Insurance plan, when you visit the vet or have to handle illness or an accident, you first pay the vet yourself. Then, you file a claim with your Pet Insurance provider. Make sure you have kept all the receipts and other information required for your claim to be processed quickly and successfully.

Once your claim is approved, you will receive reimbursement. Usually, you are paid by bank check or bank deposit, though having the provider pay the vet is also an option for some policies. Keep in mind that you will be paid what amount is left after the deductible is met. Claims are usually processed quickly, within 5 days to a week.

What a Pet Insurance Company Will Cover

As a rule, Pet Insurance for French bulldogs includes all veterinary costs that arise from accidents (e.g. broken bones, swallowed objects, various wounds, etc) and from illnesses (e.g. allergies, congenital diseases, various other diseases, etc). Depending on the policy, wellness and preventative care veterinary costs may also be covered.

What Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs Won’t Cover

Unless your policy specifically indicates they do cover any of the following or if you have the supplemental “pet wellness” plan, you can expect that these procedures and costs are excluded from Pet Insurance:

• pre-existing conditions
• routine wellness exams / vet visits
• preventative care
• vaccinations
• spay/neuter surgery
• pregnancy/birth
• cosmetic/elective procedures
• preventable diseases
• bilateral conditions (conditions that happen on both sides of the body) unless clearly listed in your policy as covered
• any specific exclusions listed in your plan (be sure to read the policy carefully!)

How to Find the Best Pet Insurance for Your French Bulldog 

There are many owners that swear by their dog  Insurance, just as there are others with horror stories from theirs. The difference that will make or break your experience with Pet Insurance is how well you do your own homework in selecting the policy that fits your budget and is right for your specific, very own French Bulldog.

There are things you need to calculate before you even begin to search and compare different Pet Insurance plans from various providers. 

First and foremost, consider the breed itself and its average costs, both annually and over the years. On average, estimations are that owning a French Bulldog costs anything from $1000 to $4000 a year plus any extra vet bills that may accrue as your dog ages and issues arise. Keep in mind that most medical conditions are likely to appear after your Frenchie’s first couple of years of life.

Then, you must think about your dog’s lifestyle. What are the risks involved in terms of accidents and illnesses? For example, being in the outdoors often might increase the risk of heatstroke or developing certain diseases faster. On the other hand, being indoors in a more sedentary lifestyle may increase your Frenchie’s risk of obesity, with all the risks and strains that come with that. How ready are you for preventative care for your dog, including daily practices such as cleaning the skin folds and taking care of watery eyes, or handling their dietary needs properly? These are likely to raise or lower the risk of certain illnesses occurring (but keep in mind that you might do everything perfectly and still have to deal with serious health issues anyway). 

Lastly, calculate your dog’s routine care expenses. The food, regular vet visits, annual vaccinations, etc. will have a standard cost that you can calculate to know what your out-of-pocket limits are and what you need your Pet Insurance to cover in all scenarios.

We have created a handy checklist and spreadsheet to help you choose the best pet insurance for your frenchie. Download the best pet insurance for French bulldogs checklist here and the pet insurance comparison spreadsheet here.

Here's a Breakdown of the Best Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs as Recommended by Owners

Though there are many aggregators superficially comparing the most popular policies of various providers, I preferred to do my own research to find the best Pet Insurance providers for my dog. These providers have been tried and tested by many French bulldog owners, and there is a general consensus that they have allowed pet parents to be solely focused on the health and well-being of their fur babies rather than worry about the steep financial costs involved.

Here is our breakdown of the best pet insurance for French bulldogs that owners have used and recommend:

 Each of these providers offers customizable plans and promises quick turnaround in payouts as well as reliable coverage for your dog. But this may be too general, so I compiled the following table, starting with the top ranking provider according to my standards as a French bulldog owner, to better compare and contrast their different features:

Overall Rank as Best Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs Provider

INSURANCE PROVIDER	PROS	CONS	BEST PET INSURANCE FOR FRENCH BULLDOGS	USER REVIEW
	Direct vet billing, no limits, fast claims.	Higher premiums; costly for some.	1(Best Overall pet insurance for french bulldogs)	“Trupanion saved me thousands on a costly surgery – my claim was processed in just a day!”
	Reasonable premiums, $500 deductible, 80–90% fast reimbursement.	Coverage details can vary by region; be sure to read the fine print	2	“Pets Best has saved us thousands on emergencies – their reimbursement process is straightforward and efficient.”
	User-friendly app, customizable plans, fast, transparent claims.	Some routine exam or dental fees may not be covered	3	“Lemonade’s app is incredibly easy to use and I get reimbursements almost immediately after submission.”
	Comprehensive coverage with wellness benefits, for acute & chronic care.	Premiums can vary by location and may be higher with extra add-ons	4	“I chose MetLife for their complete coverage – the wellness add-ons even helped cover my pet’s spay surgery.”
	Reliable accident & illness coverage with fast reimbursements.	Less recommended, with fewer options than top providers.	5	“Fetch provided fast, reliable reimbursement during my dog’s IVDD treatment, and the process was hassle-free.”

Small dogs with big personalities, it is hard not to fall in love with cheeky and confident French Bulldogs. For many people, their tail is a source of interest, as well as confusion. It has quite a unique appearance, and there are a few variations within the breed.

Sadly, their tail design is somewhat flawed and can contribute to several health issues. Knowing what to watch out for can help you both manage and prevent chronic tail issues in your quirky little companion.

Do French Bulldogs Have Tails Or Is It Docked?

If you had never met a French Bulldog before, you’d be forgiven for assuming their tail is docked. Indeed, such a short tail on a Dalmatian, Boxer or Spaniel, would not be natural. However, French Bulldog puppies are born with this type of tail.

If you see what you think is a French Bulldog with a longer tail that is long and straight, they will be a cross-breed, rather than a pedigree.

French Bulldog Tail Types & French Bulldog Breed Standards

1. Within the breed, and even within the same litter, there can be slightly different French Bulldog tail types. For the most part, the length and shape of the tail are determined by genetics. This means that puppy tail types tend to take after their parents.

   French Bulldog Standard Tail

   According to the Kennel Club breed’s standard, a french bulldog’s tail should be long enough to cover the anus. They are thick at the root, but then taper to a tip. There is a preference for non-curly tails.

   The French Bulldog Straight Tail

   A straight tail will be thick and stumpy and should be several inches long. This sort of tail should be low set, rather than carried high in the air.

   A French Bulldog Screw Tail 

   An ingrown or corkscrew French Bulldog tail is seen as a flaw within the breed and is not desirable. It is linked with a genetic mutation and often means vertebral abnormalities. 

   If your french bulldog has an inverted tail it will be coiled and sit to one side. In the most severe cases, the tails cannot be straightened, even by hand.

What Causes the Frenchie Tail To Be So Short?

These dogs have been bred by people to have shorter tails. This was not only for aesthetic purposes but also to ensure their tail would not get caught or trapped when carrying out their work.

In the past, they’ve been used for bull-baiting, in blood sport, and as ratters. For all of these purposes, the breeders will have selected those dogs with shorter tails, that were less prone to injury. However, in doing so, breeders have unwittingly selected for genetic mutations which have had unfavourable consequences.

How Short Are French Bulldogs’ Tails?

A typical tail length is just a few inches, and rarely more than five inches. This is contrast to a Chihuahua, for example, that has a tail which can measure up to eight inches.

Are Short Tails Considered a Health Problem?

Very short tails like those of the French Bulldog are linked to health issues, yes. As the tails are tucked closely to the body, localised infections are frequently found in the tail pocket. Worst case, these short tails will be associated with spinal malformations and neurological deficits.

How to Care for a French Bulldog Tail

These stumpy tails cling tightly to the body, meaning there is poor ventilation. This leads to increased humidity and a build-up of moisture, which commonly causes chronic skin infections. Owners can help by regularly cleaning the skin folds around and under the tail. They must also be thoroughly dried. It is sensible to get into the habit of checking the tail every day, ensuring there is no redness, discomfort, ooze, or bad smell.

Can French Bulldogs Wag Their Tails?

Most French Bulldogs are physically able to move and wag their tail. However, they are not able to do so vigorously, and their wag is a lot more subtle than that of other dogs. Indeed, this can lead to other dogs having trouble understanding their body language, as they’re not used to such short tails.

Are French Bulldogs Born With Naturally Short Tails, Or Do Frenchies Have a Docked Tail?

As a Frenchie is born with a naturally short tail, there would usually be no need to dock (surgically amputate) the lower part. A French Bulldog’s docked tail is an uncommon sight. If their already very short tail needs to be removed, this would usually be a result of e.g. an injury, advanced infection, or cancer.

French Bulldog Tail Issues

Unfortunately, many French Bulldogs must deal with tail issues throughout their lives. For most, these will be manageable but does mean that owners need to be quite on the ball when it comes to their hygiene and monitoring their tails.

French Bulldog Anatomy

The tail is the bottom part of a dog’s spine. The spine is made up of about 50 vertebrae, with 20-23 of these usually being the coccygeal (caudal) vertebrae. However, for a French Bulldog, they can have 10-15 less than this!

What is a Tail Pocket on a Frenchie?

Some Frenchies have small dents or ‘pockets’ or dimples, where the skin puckers inwards, under their tail. This is not how a dog’s body was designed, and this ‘flaw’ can lead to dirt, debris and moisture becoming trapped.

What is an Infected Tail Pocket?

If not cleaned out very regularly, there may be an overgrowth of bacteria and fungi in the tail pocket. This will lead to infection, inflammation and discomfort. Unfortunately it is common in short tailed dogs like the French Bulldog.

How can you tell if your Dog’s Tail Pocket is Infected?

The tell tail signs (pun intended) of tail pocket infection include:

• you can smell the infection as there is a bad odor in the region
• a brown colored discharge
• unusually dry or flaky skin around the tail pocket
• red or swollen area at the base of the tail 

Most cases are prevented with regular cleaning and medicated washes. If your dog has any of the above however, a trip to the vet is warranted, where you will probably get antibiotics or anti inflammatory medicine to treat the infection. When the issue is persisting, a surgery to remove the affected tissue may be advised.

To prevent Infection cleaning and maintenance are crucial. The best way to do this is to get a damp cloth or wipe and gently wipe the area clean of any dirt.

French Bulldog Hemivertebrae

Hemivertebrae are abnormally shaped spinal bones (vertebrae). They do not align as they should, which can result in instability and even spinal cord compression. Signs can include wobbly walking and weakness and can be a very painful condition for a dog.

Signs can range from non-existent or very subtle weakness to severe pain, incontinence, and paralysis. Those with advanced signs may require surgery, though this is sadly not always effective. When a dog’s quality of life is badly impacted, euthanasia would have to be considered.

Imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans can identify hemivertebrae. It is possible for them to be identified on a radiograph by chance, and to never cause the dog any issues.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Hemivertebrae?

When it comes to this sort of hereditary issue, it is the breeders who can help prevent future suffering. Those with hemivertebrae and tail pockets should not be bred from. Sadly those breeders motivated by financial gain only may not follow ethical breeding practices. Breeding only those Frenchies with the healthiest spines and tails is the best way to keep the breed happy and healthy.

As a potential owner, take a look at the tails of both mum and dad. Try, as much as you can, to choose pups who have been bred from excellent examples of the breed, with straight tails that completely cover the anal opening.

The best dog food for French Bulldogs supports their sensitive digestion, skin health, and nutritional needs, significantly reducing the risk of french bulldog allergies. Vet-recommended options include Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach, Royal Canin breed-specific formulas, and limited-ingredient diets like Natural Balance or Ollie Fresh Food.

Choosing the best food for your frenchie can be tricky, as French Bulldogs are prone to many allergies and have rather specific dietary needs. And on top of that, there is a lot of noise online about feeding Frenchies, from grain free diets, to raw foods, dry food verses wet food, homemade food versus commercial brands… It really is a minefield out there! We want to cut through all that noise and dispel some of those issues, so you can feel confident your Frenchie is getting the right food for a healthy and long life.

Vet-Recommended Top Picks for French Bulldogs

So, what factors are essential to consider when choosing the best food for your frenchie? 

The Unique Dietary Needs of French Bulldogs

Every French Bulldog owner will agree that there is something special about their chosen dog breed. As well as a unique personality and appearance, this dog also has a number of prerequisites that pet parents should be aware of. An important one of these, is their dietary requirements.

As a rule of thumb, these doggos thrive on a high protein, limited ingredient diet that is packed full of essential fatty acids. Let’s take a closer look at why this is.

Dog Food Nutritional Needs: Proteins, Fats and Carbs

Here is a quick recap of the main dietary needs to consider:

1. Proteins
   Help maintain muscle mass and should typically be sourced from meat or fish. For healthy dogs, we are usually going to want the proteins to be the first listed ingredient.
2. Fats
   Should make up about 10-15% of the diet and are used as an energy source. They are also important for several processes, including hormone production and organ insulation.
3. Carbohydrates
   Are also used by the body as fuel and are found abundantly in foods including grains and potatoes. They’re not essential for every dog, but are important for those who do a lot of exercise or who are pregnant or lactating.

Ingredients to Look for and Those to Avoid in Frenchie Dog Food

The best dog food for Frenchies is going to depend on the individual and their specific needs. We will go through the best foods for specific health concerns a bit later but for now, if your dog doesn’t have any know specific issue, typically, some of the best ingredients will be:

• Protein sources such as oily fish, turkey or lamb, to maintain muscle mass.
• Salmon oil, to provide lots of omega fatty acids, for a robust skin barrier and sleek coat.
• Carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, which release energy slowly throughout the day.
• Prebiotics and probiotics for good digestive health.
• Fruits and veggies such as blueberries, carrots and cranberries, which are packed full of antioxidants
• It is best to avoid the top allergens i.e. chicken, beef, dairy, soya, egg and grains.
• Steer clear of foods that do not specify their ingredients and use vague terms such as ‘meat by-products’ or ‘vegetables’. This typically means that they will regularly vary the recipe, to keep costs down.
• You’ll want to avoid any added flavours, colours or artificial preservatives.

Below is a list of the top 10 ingredients to look out for in your dog food that could be harmful and provide no nutritional benefit:

Food Requirements Throughout a Dog’s Life Stages:

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), French Bulldogs require a highly-balanced diet to maintain an ideal weight for their age. As obesity is an issue for many Frenchies, you must be sure to give your Frenchie the right amount of nutrients for its stage of life. 

Best Dog Food For Frenchie Puppies

The best dog food for French bulldog puppies will be easy for them to eat, given their small mouth size. This can mean small kibble soaked in warm water, or a soft food that is easy to eat.

Pups also require calories dense foods, as well as a good amount of calcium and phosphorous for skeletal development.

Suggested portions:
A Frenchie puppy from eight to 12 weeks of age needs 1.5 cups of high-quality commercial puppy food or kibble daily. Spread it out into three meals or ½ cup each meal. When your pup reaches six months, reduce feeding to twice daily.

Food Requirements for a Frenchie Adult Dog 

Adult French Bulldogs will require smaller amounts of proteins and fats than puppies.

So once your Frenchie is an adult, between the ages of 1-10, we want to stop puppy food, as it contains too many calories, which can lead to obesity. Given that Frenchies are prone to joint disorders including IVDD and hip dysplasia, this is to be avoided at all costs.

Suggested portions:
Feed your adult dog one to two small meals daily or 1-2.5 cups of commercial dog food based on their needs. Less active and an overweight Frencies may require less food.

Best Dog Food for A Frenchie Senior

Once a senior (over the age of 10), we want to change the food, once again. A senior Frenchie food contains less calories than an adult food, so we are preventing the pet from becoming over weight. These diets should also be highly digestible and supplemented with joint supportive ingredients such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate.

Suggested portions:
Ideally, give your senior dog 1-1.5 cups of food in the morning and another at night.

Homemade Food vs. Commercial Dog Food Brands: Pros and Cons

There are a lot of owners online talking about the benefits of homemade food for their dogs.

But ask most vets, and they will tell you, they are not huge fans of these homemade diets. From the vets perspective, it is way too easy to make a nutritionally lacking diet, which does not contain the right balance of micronutrients that a French Bulldog needs to thrive. Unless you have a veterinary nutritionist who you work with to develop a meal plan, there is a high risk your dog won’t get the necessary nutrition it needs.

Most owners are surprised to know that a dog requires around 37 nutrients daily, for healthy body function. An interesting study by UC Davis analysed 200 homemade dog food recipes from various sources and found that 95% lacked at least one essential nutrient, and 84% were deficient in multiple required nutrients. So while it is not impossible to create a nutritionally balanced diet at home, it’s a lot more complex than most owners understand and with minimal room for error. Add to that, the fact that home making food is also time consuming and not always practical, for the busy pet parent.

Still, if a homemade diet is curated alongside a nutritionist and adapted to the life stage of the Frenchie, it can have its benefits. Owners know exactly what is being fed, and they’re able to avoid any known allergens. This can also be a good solution for very fussy eaters, who like their food ‘just do’.

Commercial diets tend to be cost effective, convenient and easy to store. However, they are more processed than homemade diets, and may be harder for a dog to digest. They also tend to include ingredients that we would not necessarily choose to feed our dog (such as preservatives). Given the thousands of options on the shelf, it’s very confusing to know the good from those that just use good advertising. 

Why is it so hard choosing the best food?

Keep in mind that pet food companies usually have a profit as their main driver. They often want to keep their costs low, which can mean scrimping on the best ingredients. They also want to sell as much as possible so may use unscrupulous selling techniques on their packaging to make you buy their product over the one sitting next to it. As well as this, many companies rotate their protein source and use meat by-products, which can spell disaster for a French Bulldog. The best dog food for Frenchies with allergies should contain limited ingredients which are clearly listed.

So, what should the considered pet owner do?  First thing would be to talk to your vet who can help you select the right food that meets your Frenchies specific needs at different ages based on their activity level and their body health. The label on the pet food should also always be the first place you look to see the quality of the food. You can also rely on one very useful piece of information on the label – the nutritional adequacy statement or sometimes it is called the AAFCO statement

7 tips to find the best food for your French Bulldog

When sourcing your furry friend’s food, consider the following factors:

1. The ingredients of the dog food
   The ideal ingredients for your dog will depend on their taste preferences and any known medical issues or allergies. Try to choose diets with a limited number of whole food ingredients.

2. Dog foods without chicken and grains
   Given how common food allergies are in this breed, it makes sense to avoid the most common triggers in both their daily food and their treats and chews.

3. The price of the dog food
   Of course, you’ll need the dog food to be affordable in the long-term. It is best not to chop and change diets, depending on what is on special offer. Choose the best quality diet that you feel you will be able to reasonably afford for your dog’s lifetime.

4. The size of the kibble
   This is a brachycephalic (small skull) breed with a small jaw, prone to dental issues. Kibble should not be too large, to ensure it can be easily chewed. Feeding some kibble (rather than just wet food), helps prevent plaque and calculus build up, meaning less periodontal disease.

5. The flavor of the dog food
   Dogs are not machines and even the most food-driven French Bulldog is going to have a food preference. If your pooch adores meat, stick to a meat-based recipe, to ensure they enjoy mealtime.

6. The stool of your Frenchie
   Many Frenchies will require a higher fibre diet, to keep them regular, avoid sloppy stools and prevent anal gland disease. In some cases, their diet will also need to be supplemented with extra fibre.

7. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie
   If your Frenchie has signs including chronic itchiness, a yeasty smell to their skin, ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, ear infections or anal gland disease, they may well be dealing with food allergies. Talk to your vet about the best way forward, which may mean a limited ingredient or hydrolysed diet. You can learn more about the signs of French Bulldog allergies and how to deal with them here.
   

The Best Food For French Bulldogs depends on your dog

Not all dogs are the same. Some Frenchies can enjoy a varied diet and are fine on any food while others are far more allergic and will suffer from gassines, diorhea upset stomoach, skin issues if given the wrong diet. Lets take a look at each of these issues in more detail and which foods are best. 

The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach

If your dog has a sensitive stomach you need to get to the bottom of what is affecting them.

Whilst you can have a blood or saliva test done, we would say don’t waste your money as they can be wildly inaccurate. The best way to diagnose if your dog has a food allergy is through an elimination diet. With this form of diet you must only feed your dog a veterinary diet specifically created for an elimination diet for a certain period of time.

This really is the best way to find out if your dog is allergic and to what, which is a darn sight better than burning through money trying every brand of dog food under the sun hoping for the best. My advice would be to get to the source, find out what exactly your dog is allergic to and then make an informed choice on their food. Frenchies have a whole range of foods they can be allergic to – chicken is a big one, as is beef, lamb, salmon, duck, pork and dairy. It won’t matter how expensive or high quality the food is if they are allergic to an ingredient it will upset them.

If you are ready to jump into an elimination diet, there is a good guide here that might help you.

Once you’ve found out what your dog is allergic to you can shop around for a new food that has no allergens that will affect your dog. 

Rank		Brand & Food	Why
1		Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin	Vet top choice, super digestible
2		Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Salmon 7 Rice)	Balanced, affordable, vet-trusted
3		Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey or Salmon Recipe	High-quality, boutique premium pick, clean limited ingredient formula
4		Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat	Vet only prescription for extreme cases
5		Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet (Turkey & Potato)	Good hypoallergenic non-prescription option

The best dog food for Frenchies with Allergies

As mentioned above a full elimination diet to determine what your dog is allergic to is the best way to find the right food. French Bulldogs can have allergic reactions from skin issues like itching skin, vomiting, diorhea, all from their diet. It is essential you find out the cause of their allergy in order to make the right choices to help your Frenchie. Then you can make an informed decision based on what you find out in the elimination trial.

Below is a table of the most common food allergens for Frenchies and their symptoms:

Our recommended best dog food for Frenchies with Allergies

Brand & Product	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Allergies	Format	Price Range
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d	Hydrolyzed protein, single carb source	Formulated to reduce skin & food sensitivities	Dry	$$$	Try Hills
Royal Canin Selected Protein	Novel protein (rabbit, venison, duck)	Ideal for elimination diets	Dry/Wet	$$$	Try Royal Canin
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish	Single protein, limited ingredients	Great for food intolerance	Dry	$$	Try Natural Balance
Zignature Turkey L.I.D.	No chicken, beef, or dairy	Anti-inflammatory protein source	Dry	$$	Try Zignature
Ollie Fresh Dog Food	Custom meal plans, no fillers or common allergens	Perfect for food allergies and sensitive skin	Fresh	$$$	Try Ollie

The best food for gassy french bulldog

Firstly I would suggest a slow feeder bowl, this improves their digestion and means they are not taking in as much air which can contribute to a lot of farts. They also assist with portion control, which is essential as overeating can lead to excessive farting as well.

When looking for a food to reduce gassiness, look for foods that have limited ingredients making it easy to identify and avoid foods that cause the gas. Avoid the common allergens for French Bulldogs as in the table above.

FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement
If your Frenchie is excessively gassy, you might also want to try a probiotic supplement like FortiFlora. This supplement can help reduce gassiness in many dogs.

The Best Wet Food for Frenchies

Some owners exclusively feed their Frenchies wet food, and some Frenchies will ONLY eat wet food. Here are some great brands that offer high-quality wet food:

Stella & Chewy’s
This brand offers a quiz that can help you find the right products for your particular Frenchie based on their allergies.

Cage-Free Turkey Stew
Sounds good enough to eat yourself, right? It is 100% human-grade, so you *could* eat it—if you wanted to. Being a limited-ingredient wet food, it’s perfect for Frenchies with food sensitivities.

 

Bountiful Bone Broth Grass-Fed Beef Recipe
Rich in protein, this dog food is made without by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and contains no grains.

 

 

 

The Best Kibble for French Bulldogs

The dry dog food we would suggest depends greatly on your particular dog.

There is quite the argument around grain free, however, what we have found is that quality grain is more the key. What this means is no animal by products, which a lot of the pre-prepared kibble foods have. So no gluten, corn, wheat, fillers. Unfortunately, any food that is not a prescription can have a certain amount of filler without the need for this to be identified on the label so this can be a problem if you have a dog with certain allergies. So if you have a dog that has allergies we would recommend trying a prescription dog food like the Hills Prescription mentioned below.

The top 3 best kibble for French bulldogs, as reviewed by French bulldog owners are:

Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult

This favourite among frenchies owners, is a dry dog food that has been specifically designed for the breed’s unique needs. The kibble size and shape are perfect for the Frenchie’s flat face and short muzzle. The formula’s protein content and digestibility appear to help reduce the gas issues we all know are common in the breed!

Hill’s Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities

With highly controlled ingredients and an emphasis on digestive health, the Hills sensitive stomach and skin formula is a very good option for the allergy prone Frenchie. Many owners have noticed not only an improvement in their coat but less stomach issues after switching to this food.

Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain

Gaining in popularity for those seeking a higher-protein option with quality ingredients, Farmina N & D Ancestral Grains moderate grain content is good for dogs with allergies.

Important Considerations from Owner Experiences

We recommend considering the following when choosing your kibble:

1. The kibble size and shape should be right for the shape of the french bulldog face
2. The protein sources should be easily digestible to keep the gas at bay!
3. Limited ingredient foods tends to work better for preventing allergies in Frenchies
4. Moderate fat content is helpful for not only maintain weight but in helping with digestive issues as well
5. Avoiding foods that commonly produce allergies in Frenchies like chicken and wheat( See our table here)

If you are changing foods we recommend transitioning gradually between the old and the new food, keeping an eye out for any allergic reactions or sensitivities such as itching, excess paw licking or digestive issues.

 

The best raw food for Frenchies

Raw dog food is an option for fussy Frenchies for many reasons but the main reason many Frenchie owners switch to a raw diet is due to allergies.

Many Frenchie owners whose dogs may have skin issues, diarrhea, vomiting, excess gas make the switch and never go back. The reason raw food is good for allergies is because it is easier for them to digest which in turn can improve issues like vomiting, diarrhea or gassiness.
The essential fatty acids and high quality proteins found in raw foods can improve your Frenchies skin and coat as well. Being lower in in carbs and higher in protein raw food diets are also beneficial for weight management.

However, moving to a raw food diet should not be made lightly and does come with some risks like nutritional imbalance so you should consult a vetirinary nutritionist if you are considering this route for your French bulldog to determine the best food for your particular dog.

We recommend:

Stella & Chewy’s
They have many varieties of freeze-dried raw food, which reduces bacteria, making it a more convenient raw food option than having to prepare it yourself.

FOOD FAQ

Most owners have questions about specific foods and if their dog can eat them. We have outlined most of the foods owners ask about and whether it is safe to feed this food to your dog.

Food	Can French Bulldogs Eat It?	Notes
Eggs	Yes	Cooked only, good source of protein
Squid	Yes	In moderation, cooked and unseasoned
Carrots	Yes	Good for teeth, high in fiber
Bananas	Yes	In moderation, high in sugar
Blueberries	Yes	Antioxidant-rich, good in small amounts
Blackberries	Yes	Similar to blueberries, feed in moderation
Celery	Yes	Low calorie, good for teeth
Pineapple	Yes	Small amounts, remove tough parts
Chicken	Yes	Cooked, no bones, skin, or seasoning
Cantaloupe	Yes	In moderation, remove seeds and rind
Mango	Yes	Remove pit, feed in moderation
Watermelon	Yes	Remove seeds and rind, feed in moderation
Strawberries	Yes	Good source of vitamins, in moderation
Cheese	With caution	Small amounts, some dogs are lactose intolerant
Avocado	No	Contains persin, toxic to dogs
Rice	Yes	Plain, cooked rice is easily digestible
Oranges	With caution	Small amounts, high acidity may cause upset
Apples	Yes	Remove seeds and core
Peanut butter	Yes	Unsalted, no xylitol, in moderation
Cucumbers	Yes	Low calorie, good for hydration
Raspberries	Yes	In moderation, contain trace amounts of xylitol
Grapes	No	Toxic to dogs, can cause kidney failure

Best Food for French Bulldogs FAQ

What is the best food for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs?

Answer:

As a Frenchie owner myself, I know how tricky sensitive stomachs can be! Many French Bulldogs do best on limited-ingredient diets with easily digestible proteins like turkey, lamb, or salmon.

If your Frenchie struggles with a sensitive stomach, look for foods free from common irritants like corn, wheat, and soy.

Brands like Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin are often a great starting point — they focus on gentle, simple ingredients that Frenchie tummies love.

Should French Bulldogs eat grain-free dog food?

Answer:

This is a question I hear from Frenchie parents all the time!

Grain-free diets can help if your dog has a true grain allergy — but for most Frenchies, healthy grains like oats and brown rice are perfectly fine (and even beneficial).

Always chat with your vet before making the switch, especially since there have been some concerns about grain-free diets and heart health in dogs.

How often should I feed my French Bulldog?

Answer:

In my experience, most Frenchies thrive on two meals a day once they reach adulthood — one in the morning and one in the evening.

Puppies under six months usually need three meals a day to keep up with their energy and growth spurts.
Splitting meals also helps prevent digestive issues and keeps their blood sugar stable!

How can I tell if my Frenchie is allergic to their food?

Answer:

Some of the first signs I noticed when my own Frenchie had food sensitivities were itchy paws, ear infections, and occasional digestive issues.

Common signs of a food allergy include:

• Persistent scratching or licking
• Upset stomach (vomiting or diarrhea)
• Red, inflamed skin

Chronic ear infections

If you notice any of these, it’s worth speaking with your vet about trying an elimination diet to pinpoint the trigger.

I talk more about this here – French Bulldogs Allergies.

What ingredients should I avoid in French Bulldog food?

Answer:

Over the years, I’ve learned to steer clear of dog foods packed with fillers or artificial additives.
When choosing food for your Frenchie, avoid:

• Artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT
• Meat by-products
• Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
  
  

Instead, look for real meat proteins, natural ingredients, and minimal processing. Your Frenchie’s skin, stomach, and overall health will be so much better for it.

Resources:
1.  Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review. 2007. Verlinden et al.

2. American Kennel Club: Benefits of Fresh Dog Food vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble For Your Dog. 2021
3. PetMd: Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients. 2021.

 4. Veterinary Dermatology: A prospective study on canine atopic dermatitis and food-induced allergic dermatitis in Switzerland. 2008. Picco et al.

French Bulldogs can love the water but will have trouble swimming due to the shape of their bodies, and their little legs.

I learned this the hard way.

Having had swimmer dog breeds like Labradors most of my life, I was used to dogs who were okay to be off the leash by the water. I learned pretty quickly that this isn’t the case with Frenchies when Pinto jumped straight into a friend’s pool and promptly sank like a brick, trying to swim, flailing his little legs but without much success. I ended up jumping in to save him fully clothed. A really important lesson was learned that day.

Since then I have some precautions in place for when we are near water which I would advise of any French Bulldog owner:

1. Always have a life jacket when going near water and don’t let your dog swim without it.
2. Never leave your dog unattended near the water. I have heard of several stories of Frenchies drowning when left alone only for a minute. 
3. If you have a pool a pool ramp might be a good idea.
4. Have them on the lead around water.
5. Anybody who minds your pet should be thoroughly briefed to the point of being afraid of you about not taking your dog near the water without a lead.

As most Frenchies I know, do actually like the water, I’m providing some further advice below on how to help your Frenchie safely enjoy some water time with you.

The French Bulldog’s Love for Water

Ask any owner and most of them will tell you that their dog loves the water. They like going for boat rides, lounging by the pool (with appropriate Frenchie treats, of course), and even splashing about in kiddie pools. These are all activities they enjoy with their owners nearby.

Some don’t however, and that’s ok. Just as with us humans, French Bulldogs are individuals. Some dogs would be mermaids if they could be; while others would prefer to curl up by a warm fireplace and never put a paw in the water.

Get to know your Frenchie and how they feel about water.

Signs that your dog likes the water would be if he is curious when he sees you in the swimming pool. You might fill a small kiddie pool with a shallow amount of water to see if he is interested in getting his paws wet. Some Frenchies have even been known to hop in the shower with someone if they really like water; or play in the sprinklers when you are watering the lawn.

Do French Bulldogs Float?

No. French Bulldogs do not float, the reverse actually.

Most will sink like a brick if they fall in the water without a life vest on. It is absolutely essential that a Frenchie is not left around water without a life jacket on. It’s just not worth it. Rock the Dwain and his 2 French Bulldog puppies learned this the hard way when they both fell in the water at the same time and he jumped in to save them. 

Why Can’t French Bulldogs Swim?

French Bulldogs have some breed characteristics that affect their ability to swim. They are a brachycephalic breed and they are heavily weighted in front which also makes it hard to stay above the water. With short legs, it’s difficult for them to paddle as well as breeds with longer legs.

None of this means they don’t have the same desire to swim that other dogs have but it does mean that French Bulldogs cannot swim as easily as other breeds of dogs and may need some assistance if he wants to swim

What’s a brachycephalic breed and why can’t they swim?

Dogs, like the Frenchie, that have a small pushed in flat snout are referred to as brachycephalic breeds.

These sorts of dogs have difficulty swimming for the simple reason that it is hard to breathe for them generally, so the structure of their snout makes it difficult when swimming as too much water ends up getting into their nasal canals.

This increases the risk of them drowning so they should never be left along near water. Period.

Swimming Safely With Your Frenchie

Like I mentioned earlier with Pinto, Swimming can be dangerous for French Bulldogs in some circumstances. 

Even if you have a swimming pool and you believe your dog is savvy about swimming, it’s important to take safety precautions. There are too many tales of Frenchies drowning to not take this seriously.

If you have a pool, make sure the pool has shallow steps. If you teach your dog to swim, be sure to teach your dog to use the steps so he or she can find them and get out of the water if necessary. Or get a doggie pool ramp like this one.

If your dog is at the beach, don’t assume that ocean water is enough to keep him cool and quench his thirst. In fact, some dogs can consume too much salt water while playing. This can lead to a high concentration of sodium in the blood which can be fatal. Symptoms of salt water poisoning (hypernatremia) can include dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting. Your dog may also seem confused and lethargic. Limit your dog to about fifteen minutes at a time in ocean water and make sure he has plenty of access to shade along with fresh water to drink.

The temperature of the water is another thing to consider before taking your dog swimming. Don’t let your dog go in the water when it’s too cold. The best temperature for swimming with your dog is about the same as a warm bath.

Any time your French Bulldog is on a boat or playing in the water, a life vest is a necessity. I’ll mention some more about the ones I recommend you try.

What Can You Do To Help Your French Bulldog Enjoy Swimming?

If your dog seems to want to swim, you should first choose a doggie life jacket for him to wear. This is an essential safety item for virtually all dogs but especially for your French Bulldog. We use the Outward Hound Granby Ripstop Dog Life jacket and have been really happy with it. It has 3 points of adjustment, excellent buoyancy and fits the best. This may not be the best for your dog so look for one with adjustable straps and waterproof materials to ensure a snug fit and proper buoyancy. Brands like Ruffwear and EzyDog offer high quality life jacket for dogs. There are also a couple on Amazon that have good reviews such as this one made specifically for French Bulldogs and this one for XS dogs. Make sure the vest fits your dog properly. French Bulldogs are very popular today so it’s not difficult to find vests for dogs their size.

When teaching your French Bulldog to swim you should start in shallow water and a controlled environment. That way, you will be able to provide your dog with reassurance to help build trust and confidence while introducing him to the water.

The Safer Option: Kiddie Pools

You may want to consider using a small, shallow doggie pool for these first water play lessons. Pools designed for dogs usually have slip-resistant bottoms and are made of durable materials. Brands to look for include Kopeks, Jasonwell, or FrontPet. Doggie pools have advantages over plastic kiddie pools which are usually slippery on the bottom without any kind of slip-resistant features.

You can let your dog get used to just an inch or two of water in one of these pools. It’s important for your dog to have fun with the experience. If he is anxious or scared, don’t force him to continue. Always put your dog’s safety and well-being first when trying to teach him to swim – or when doing anything else. Consulting with a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian can also be helpful to ensure a positive swimming experience for your Frenchie.

Swimming Aids for Teaching Frenchies to Swim

As your dog starts to get used to the water in the small pool, you may want to liven things up for him by introducing some other items. You can try some of these products if they appeal to you or if you think your dog might like them. Remember to keep things fun. The swim lessons are educational for your dog but they should still be enjoyable.

Swim Toys

You can use floating balls or toys with handles for your dog to chase in the water. Many dogs love to chase balls in the water and this can make swimming more fun. It can also help build confidence in the water. 

Safety Goggles

If your French Bulldog doesn’t like to get his face wet, these safety goggles made for dogs can protect their eyes. They can make some dogs more comfortable about being in the water.

Floatation Collar

Floatation collars provide extra support for a dog’s head while swimming. Some dogs are more comfortable wearing one of these collars or a neck ring. Brands like Swimways and EzyDog offer floatation collars designed for dogs.

Swim Trainer Harness

A swim trainer harness is made for helping a dog maintain proper body position while swimming. These harnesses can be especially useful for brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs. Brands like Swimways offer swim trainer harnesses. 

Floating Ramp

If you have a pool, consider installing a floating ramp or water exit ramp specifically for dogs. A floating ramp provides an easy and safe way for your dog to exit the pool. 

Training Leash

Some people like to use a long training leash for better control over their dog during swimming lessons. Make sure it’s made of durable materials that can handle water.

Water-Resistant Collar

Your dogs regular collar will typically get wet during swimming. Many people like to have a water-resistant collar for their dog to wear during swimming. Look for materials such as neoprene that dry quickly.

Teaching Your Frenchie to Swim Safely

When you are ready to leave the doggie pool you will still need an area of water that is shallow and controlled. This could be the shallow end of a swimming pool or some shallow water at a beach. Your dog should be wearing his life vest.

Experienced trainers recommend that it’s best if you encourage your dog to come into the water with you. Bring one of your dog’s toys or a ball to entise him. Keep it fun. He doesn’t need to go out very far into the water.

Once your dog is in the water with you, you can place an arm under his body to hold him up while he gets used to paddling. You can also hold on to the handle on the back of his life jacket to help hold him up in the correct body position, with his head out of the water.

Encourage your dog as he starts to paddle. Many dogs will paddle with their front legs at first, forgetting about their back legs. Offer positive reinforcement and praise. If your dog is frightened, he might try to climb on you, so be prepared. Don’t force your dog to stay in the water if he’s frightened but do help him stay calm. It can take a couple of minutes for a dog to get the hang of paddling with all four legs, even when you are supporting their body.

Remember that swimming is tiring, especially when your dog is just learning. He’s likely excited, too, so don’t keep him in the water too long at first.

Another approach is to do these first swim lessons in shallow water with a friend who has a dog that likes to swim. Your dog should be wearing his life vest. Very often, when a dog sees his doggy friend going in the water (shallow water), he will follow him.

You should stay close to your dog and bring him back if he starts to seem overwhelmed. Long leashes on both dogs can be useful in this situation. Take a break if it seems like your dog is getting tired.

Real-Life Experiences and Success Stories

Look, whilst I and several other Frenchie owners have dogs that can’t swim, even though they want to there are those who can swim successfully! It will depend on your exact dog, and their physical characteristics. 
With proper supervision and precautions, there are French Bulldogs who learn to swim.

Here are a some photos and videos of a few dogs enjoying themselves in the water.

• French Bulldog LOVES the swimming pool
  
• Believe it or not….3 French Bulldogs swim, dive underwater & jump in the pool.
  
• French Bulldog Enjoys Pool Time (Once Again)

Many people are surprised to learn that these dogs are so active. The same is true when people see French Bulldogs running agility or coursing tests.

They are fantastic little athletes. They love to try new things and do things with you. And for many, that includes swimming – as long as you watch them like a hawk! 

Can French Bulldogs Swim? Final Word

French Bulldogs have some physical characteristics that can make swimming a challenge such as their brachycephalic features (flat face, short nose), their heavy front, and their shorter legs. However, many seem to enjoy the water.

If you think your dog would like to learn to swim, start by obtaining a good-fitting doggy life vest. Let your dog get used to playing in shallow water. Make swim lessons fun. Go in the water with him to support his body and help lift him above the water by the handle on his vest while he learns to paddle. Consider taking a friend and a dog that is confident in the water with you to show your Frenchie that the water is fun.

Swimming and water sports are inherently dangerous for both humans and dogs so always take precautions when you and your dog are around water. Your dog should wear a life vest when he is near the water. If you have a swimming pool, make sure gates are securely closed when you are not present. Teach your dog how to exit the pool on his own.

Swimming can be fun for you and your Frenchie if your dog likes the water but don’t push him to do anything he doesn’t enjoy. At the end of the day, the most important thing is for both you and your French Bulldog to come home to dry land safely.