What Is a French bulldog?
French bulldogs are the breed of dogs that have gained fame from the last few decades. They are cuddly, quiet and playful dogs. French bulldogs are purebred dog breeds that you may find easily in rescue and shelters. These are domestic dogs that are loyal and companion. French bulldog is also known as “Frenchy”. French bulldogs have brachycephalic faces and pointed bat-like ears. French dogs are easily adjustable dogs that are willing to make new friends.
How Long Do French Bulldogs Live?
The average life expectancy of French bulldog is between 9 to 12 years. The life spans of French bulldogs are fairly average for dogs overall, but on the low end of small breeds. Lifespan of a French bulldog depends on many factors.
They often die prematurely because of the difficulties in breathing, for example collapsed lungs that are caused due to their flat faces.
Common Health Problems That Reduce French bulldog lifespan
The French bulldogs are very prone to multiple health issues, some of which are very serious issues and can be life threatening for them. Poor nutrition, genetic deposition and external factors can all shorten the lifespan of the French bulldog.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic disease in French bulldogs. In this disease the ball and socket joint cannot fit together appropriately which leads to pain.
Hip dysplasia symptoms include difficulty in walking and running, difficulty standing up from the sitting position, incapability to climb up the stairs and refusal to go on walk or fetch play. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it is best to visit your pup to the veterinarian for hip/elbow x-ray.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):
IVDD is a serious problem that affects the dogs who are more than 50lbs and have a long back. Intervertebral Disc Disease is an injury of one or more discs that lie between the vertebrae of dogs. Dog’s spinal cord is made up of many vertebrae that can be injured or damaged by cancers, trauma, IVDD, infections and congenital defects.
Breaking of this disc can cause severe pain that can affect the dog’s health. When these discs break down, they can affect the nearby nerves that lead to pain and loss of control over different muscles. This condition can cause paralysis in French bulldogs.
Brachiocephalic respiratory problems:
Brachiocephalic respiratory problems are the condition that affects dogs with short noses. The shortened nasal passage and an elongated soft palate make it difficult for them to breathe properly. This condition can cause difficulty in regulating breathing and can also be responsible for changing their shapes of faces. The short, squashed nose looks cute but it can be a life-threatening problem for a French bulldog.
Entropion:
French bulldogs are the breed of dogs that need proper attention to their eyes. Entropion is the disease that can cause inward rolls of eyelids that leads to serious discomfort and irritation. In this condition, the pup can rub his eyes with one or both paws. If this condition cannot be treated on time, it can lead to ulceration or corneal abrasion.
It can be prevented by massaging a dog’s eyes daily to prevent their eyelids from rolling inwards. If you notice any symptoms of Entropion, you have to check your dog to the veterinarian. Veterinarians can prescribe topical ointment and eye drops that can relieve the discomfort.
Tips To Help Your French Bulldog Live Longer
There are some tips that can help your French bulldog to live a longer and happy life as your buddy.
Create a space for your French bulldog:
The worst thing is that you put your dog into a crate for twelve hours or more while you are at work. French bulldogs are curious in nature and they need more space to play. If you put them in the crate, it decreases the lifespan of your dog. It is important to devote a room to your Frenchie and fill the room with your pup’s favorite toys.
Learn common risks:
French bulldogs have flat faces that can cause respiratory problems. You should learn what to do in case of an emergency or any accident. The reason is that you are the line of defense between your loving pup and an accident.
Moreover, you can always notice near water because Frenchie cannot swim. So, it can be very dangerous for them if water is over their heads.
Regular checkups:
As French bulldogs are very prone to different diseases, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Every Frenchie needs flea treatment, blood panels and diagnostic tests as the veterinarian recommends.
Blood panels are important because veterinarians can recommend some vitamins to keep your dog healthy and help to live a long happy life.
Diet:
French bulldogs are small dogs that can gain weight easily. To prevent weight gain, it is necessary to give them food made from lean meat and vitamins sources. You can also give them omega 3 and 6 that can keep their skin in good condition.
Frenchie food should be low in fat and contain low no sugar. It is better to purchase a low feeder bowl to avoid weight gain of your Frenchie. Low feeder bowl has knobbly sections that can force your Frenchie to take a small amount of food in the mouth. It prevents choking that can reduce digestive issues.
Final Words on French bulldog Life Expectancy
Since it is impossible to determine the exact lifespan of the French bulldog, the only thing you can do is to give your pup a lot of affection and love. In this way, you can improve the lifespan of your Frenchie. They are playful and require a lot of care.
Various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet and exercise can affect the lifespan. Moreover, it is important that your Frenchie gets all vaccinations that are good for their immune system and save them from future illness.
