Best Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs – Top 5 Insurance Companies

Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs

A healthy and happy Frenchie can live up to 15 years. Though your dog’s natural lifespan somewhat depends on its genetics and line of breeding, there are many things you can do to prolong your pup’s time on this Earth. 

Let’s have a look at the most common health issues and diseases you should be on the lookout for.

Allergies

All dogs are prone to allergies, just like us humans. However, French bulldogs are at the top of the list, being known as the breed that’s most susceptible. There are even rare circumstances where allergies can cause visible swellings on a Frenchie’s skin.

However, in most cases, your dog won’t exhibit such severe symptoms. If a French Bulldog does have allergy issues, it will usually sneeze a lot, scratch itself using its paw or other surfaces, and even bite its body. 

Your French Bulldog may be reacting to dust mites and pollen, but it could also be hypersensitive to the following foods: 

• Chicken;
• Eggs;
• Dairy;
• Lamb;
• Corn;
• Wheat;
• Soy.

Thus, in order to prevent allergy symptoms and keep your dog healthy, make sure to be aware of your Frenchie’s diet restrictions and feed them accordingly. 

Conjunctivitis – Eye Infection ($600 for treatment)

The French Bulldog has a very distinctive appearance – a flat face, short legs, and large eyes that are exposed to many possible infectants. Conjunctivitis is a common health issue that comes hand-in-hand with the breed’s features. 

Pinkeye, the other name for conjunctivitis, is an infection of the transparent membrane that lines the eyes. In order to prevent this issue, make sure to keep your dog’s face clean. 

If you notice growing swelling and teary eyes, it may be time to take your Frenchie for a regular vet visit. Many insurance policy riders cover routine exams and will be able to reimburse you whenever you get your dog checked out.

BAS – Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome ($850 for treatment)

Another risk and possible health concern for Frenchies and their faces is BAS, or brachycephalic airway syndrome. This is a serious condition that affects airflow through the dog’s nose and airways and makes inhaling more difficult. 

Although more than 50% of French Bulldogs can suffer from breathing problems, not all of them will have BAS. So, if you’re wondering if your Frenchie has it just because they snore – don’t worry, as they all snore. The signs that are more indicative of BAS include: 

• Vomiting, retching, or regurgitating;
• Intolerance to heat and lengthy cool-off periods;
• Quick onset of fatigue and panting.

Since it’s genetic, there’s not much you can do to prevent this highly likely Frenchie disease. One measure is making sure your dog doesn’t become overweight, which would increase the chances of BAS. However, for the most part, all you can do is watch out for symptoms and go to the vet when needed.

This is a good example of why your pet insurance plan needs to be tailored to your dog specifically. If a provider doesn’t cover hereditary or congenital issues, it’s not a good pick for your French Bulldog, who may likely need BAS treatment.

Ear Infection- Otitis Externa ($300 for treatment)

The famous Frenchie “bat” ears are another inherited trait that can cause health problems for the breed. 

The external area of the ear is very wide and open, while the internal ear canal is really narrow. This makes it really easy for bacteria, debris, and dust particles to get stuck inside and cause infections.

Your dog may be acting differently, but it can’t always tell you it’s in pain. To spot an ear infection, make sure to check on your dog’s ear canals from time to time. If there’s excessive greasy wax tissue, then it’s probably infected. 

When you notice this – don’t play doctor and go to the vet. Though it shouldn’t be anything serious, there can be severe swelling in some cases, which will be extremely painful for your furry friend.

Skin Issues

The French Bulldog is recognizable for its folded skin and wrinkled face. This also causes some skin issues not typical for other dog breeds that don’t share that same look.

Skin Fold Dermatitis ($300 for treatment)

This is the most typical skin infection your Frenchie can suffer from. They’ll likely have to deal with it not once but multiple times during their life, especially when it’s hot. 

As the name suggests, this disease appears on the folded parts of your dog’s skin – most usually the armpits, vulva, and the region around the neck. 

Pyoderma

Though this is a totally different skin disease – in Frenchies, it’s usually considered to be “phase 2” of skin fold dermatitis. This is because pyoderma is caused when the scratches and wounds that appear in the folded skin area get infected.

But this is nothing that an antibiotic cream can’t solve, so make sure to always have one around your house. Don’t hesitate to talk to a vet and apply some of that cream on your Frenchie whenever you notice excessive scratching or visible wounds. 

Hemivertebrae ($9,000 for treatment)

Hemivertebrae is a condition where a dog is born with an abnormally shaped skeleton, particularly the spine region. This can lead to pain, wobbliness, loss of function of the hind legs, and incontinence. 

Thus, there’s a good chance that some of your baby Frenchies might need surgical intervention or additional mobility devices. These will cost extra dollars, especially if you don’t have pet insurance for them.

Even if born perfectly normal, French Bulldogs have a higher tendency to develop skeletal and mobility issues as they age due to their compressed body structure. So, always be vigilant of your dog’s behavior and watch out for possible problems.