French Bulldog Allergies: Top 8 Reasons and Best Treatment Options

If you’re dreaming about to live with a tiny little gremlin, then you have to stay aware of the French bulldog allergies. Allergies in French bulldogs can be very devastating both for the owner and for the dog. That’s why we want to provide you with some useful tips on how to deal with those issues.

We all know that Frenchies are currently the 1st place on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds. And, to be honest, we should not be surprised by that fact. Besides they are so distinctive and unique, Frenchies steal our hearts with theis witty and affectionate personalities. 

However, when there’s a distinction, there’s often a problem that shows not so thrilling side of something. We talk about allergies that can cause not only breathing issues in your frenchie, but also problems with skin and stomach. Unfortunately, Frenchies with a tendency to allergies often suffer from dermatitis.

Why Are French bulldogs prone to allergies?

French bulldogs are prone to allergies like no other dog breed. However, have you ever wondered why are they so susceptible to these problems? We made a list of the most-common triggers that will reveal you the truth.

A lot of it boils down to their unique physical characteristics and genetic makeup. French Bulldogs were bred for their distinctive looks, but this selective breeding also inadvertently made them more susceptible to allergic reactions. Their compact size and distinctive features, while endearing, contribute to their allergic tendencies in several ways:

• Brachycephalic Facial Structure: 

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. This trait makes it harder for them to filter the air they breathe. That’s why they easily inhale allergens like seasonal pollen, dust, and other environmental irritants. 

• Skin Folds:

Those adorable wrinkles can trap moisture, dirt, and allergens, leading to skin irritation and infections if not cleaned regularly.

To keep their folds healthy and odor-free, we recommend you to clean them with baby wet wipes. The wipes shoul be free of alcohol and to nourish your Frenchie’s skin with essential oils. At the end of the process, you can put a cornstarch between deeper folds to pick up the moisture.

• Sensitive Skin: 

Frenchies often have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation from environmental allergens like grass, pollen, dust, mold and house cleaning chemicals. Therefore, it’s important to wash your dog’s bedding with a hypoallergenic detergent and double rinse it.

When it comes to picking a shampoo for a French bulldog, you should never bathe your dog with a shampoo for babies or humans. Dogs have different pH value of the skin and bathing them with shampoos for humans can make their skin itchy.

In case you’re searching for a shampoo for your Frenchie, then we recommend you to check our Hypoallergenic French Bulldog Shampoo. It contains olive oil that soothes a dog’s skin and hydrates the dog’s coat.

Anti-Itch French Bulldog Shampoo is our second recommendation. It combines olive oil and oatmeal that release itchiness and allergies. Dealing with French bulldog allergies isn’t an easy task, and choosing the right dog shampo is the first thing to deal with.

• Compromised Immune System: 

The genetic pool of French Bulldogs is relatively small, which can lead to a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to allergies. to boost your Frenchie’s immunity, you should include some supplements into his/her diet. 

In case of severe French bulldog allergies, switching to a raw diet can help a lot. When you decide to feed your dog with a raw diet, you’ll need to carefully choose the ingredients.  Besides buying raw and fresh meat at truster butcheries, you’ll also have to include some fresh fruits and veggies. 

For example, many people don’t know that dogs can actually eat many fruits we eat. They think that dogs should only eat meat in order to get a proper amount of proteins. However, the truth is quite different.

Your vet should tell you what percentage of proteins your Frenchie needs according to his/her age and activity level. Fruits like blueberries, apples, watermelon, bananas, and many other fruits represent great healthy snacks.

• Dietary Sensitivities: 

Their unique genetic makeup can also make them more prone to food allergies, with common triggers including grains, beef, chicken, and dairy. In case your vet told you not to feed your French bulldog with meat proteins, then you can opt for insect-based ingredients. They are hypoallergenic, tasty (even it doesn’t sound so), and contain probiotics.

The Main Causes of French Bulldog Allergies

1. Food Allergies: The Culinary Conundrum

Food allergies are like dining at a fancy restaurant only to find out you’re allergic to half the menu. For Frenchies, the common culprits often include beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, egg, and soy. Imagine craving a juicy steak or a bowl of ice cream and then realizing it turns you into an itchy mess. Not fun, right?

When choosing a food for your French bulldog, you need to carefully read the label on the back. Ever glanced at your dog’s food label and felt like you were trying to decipher an ancient manuscript? You’re not alone! These labels pack a ton of info, but here’s the lowdown on what matters, especially for our beloved Frenchies who might have a thing or two to say about allergies.

First off, let’s talk proteins. They’re like the rockstars of your dog’s diet. Chicken, beef, lamb – they’re all great, but keep an eye out for the source. Whole meats? Thumbs up. By-products or “meat meals”? Not so much. And for those French Bulldog allergies, proteins can be sneaky culprits. Sometimes, switching up the protein source can make a world of difference for those itchy, scratchy frenchie allergies.

Now, onto the no-no list. Watch out for artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These are the junk food of the dog world. Names like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin should have you running for the hills. Corn syrup? Big red flag. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget about fillers like corn and soy. They might fill up your pup, but they’re about as nutritious as cardboard.

2. Environmental Allergies: Nature’s Nuisance

Imagine a beautiful day, you’re out with your Frenchie, and suddenly, they start scratching like they’re trying to unearth buried treasure. Pollen, grass, mold – nature’s bounty can sometimes be a Frenchie’s bane. It’s like being allergic to the very essence of a delightful spring day.

To ease the contact allergy in your French bulldog, dressing him/her in protective clothes can help. Opt for French bulldog clothes made from breathable fabric and keep their bellies covered.

3. Flea Allergies: The Itchy Invaders

Fleas are the uninvited party crashers of the pet world. A single flea bite can turn into an all-you-can-scratch buffet for a Frenchie with flea allergy dermatitis. It’s the equivalent of having that one mosquito in your room at night that you just can’t seem to find.

4. Contact Allergies: The Touchy-Feely Fiasco

Sometimes, Frenchies can react to the very things they come in contact with. Laundry detergents, certain fabrics, or even their own beds can be like sitting on a cactus. It’s like wearing a wool sweater that’s two sizes too small – uncomfortable and itchy!

5. Inhalant Allergies: The Airborne Agitators

Inhalant allergies are like invisible ninjas for Frenchies, where dust mites, mildew, and pollen are the culprits. Breathing in these allergens can lead to a whole host of problems, making a simple act like inhaling feel like you’re navigating through a pollen storm.

6. Chemical Sensitivities: The Synthetic Snafus

From floor cleaners to perfumes, chemical sensitivities can turn a Frenchie’s home into an obstacle course of potential reactions. It’s akin to walking through a perfume department and coming out smelling like a chemical factory.

7. Seasonal Allergies: The Timely Troubles

Just like us, Frenchies can suffer from seasonal allergies. Spring and fall can bring about a symphony of sneezes and scratches, making these seasons a bit less “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” and more “season of mists and mellow itchiness.”

8. Genetic Predisposition: The Hereditary Hurdle

Sometimes, the luck of the draw isn’t in their favor. Some Frenchies are just more genetically predisposed to allergies, which is like inheriting your great-aunt’s antique vase – lovely, but comes with its own set of problems. That’s why it’s important to consider the genetics of a Frenchie before you make a final decision of buying it. 

Just like humans, every French bulldog carries certain genes. Therefore, when buying a Frenchie puppy, make sure you know everything about its parents. 

To visualize the plight of our Frenchie friends, let’s look at some facts and figures:

So, what can you do to help your Frenchie navigate this minefield of allergies? First, identifying the French bulldog allergies is key. Working with a vet can help pinpoint the cause. From there, it’s all about management: hypoallergenic diets, regular baths with gentle shampoos, flea control, air purifiers, and even allergy medications or immunotherapy.

Possible Treatments of Allergies in French Bulldogs

Besides previously mentioned tips, your vet can also recommend your putting your dog on an antihistamine therapy. These can be a real game-changer for dogs battling allergies. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a popular pick, known for its effectiveness and safety. Just remember, the dosing for dogs is not the same as for humans, so it’s super important to check with your vet before playing pharmacist. Another great option is Cetirizine (Zyrtec), especially for those long-term itch battles, but again, vet advice is key.

Now, let’s talk about topical solutions. Hydrocortisone creams can be a real relief for spot treatments of itchy areas. They’re like a little “ahh” in a tube but use them sparingly and under vet guidance to avoid any side effects. There are also medicated shampoos that can calm the itch and fight off any sneaky skin infections that might be adding to the discomfort.

And then there’s the oatmeal bath – an oldie but a goodie. This natural remedy is like a spa day for your Frenchie’s skin. Just blend plain oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it into a warm bath. It’s a gentle way to soothe and moisturize itchy skin, leaving your pup feeling relaxed and itch-free.

Each of these remedies has its place in the battle against itchy skin, but they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions.

Managing French bulldog allergies: Wrapping up

While French Bulldogs may come with a bit of an “itchy” side, understanding and managing their allergies can lead to a happier, more comfortable life for them. And let’s face it, they’re worth every bit of the effort. After all, who can resist those adorable faces, even if they’re a little sneezy?