French Bulldog Allergies

Frenchies are lovable companions that can bring joy to any home! But they are very fragile, and many things can set off their allergies. Unlike other dogs, French Bulldog allergies are more likely to occur since Frenchies are much more sensitive and are known for their allergies and extensive care requirement!

This article will talk about the different allergies that can happen to French bulldogs and what different symptoms can be observed if your dog has an allergic reaction. This article will also cover the different remedies that you should follow if your Frenchie has an allergic reaction and what types of foods are the best food for French bulldogs with allergies.

Frenchies usually have two different types of allergies. These allergies are either food-related or skin related. You need to make sure that your dog receives the proper remedies and that you don’t mistake one allergic reaction for another!

So, make sure to read this article till the end so you know how to deal with this important issue, as keeping good care of your Frenchie is extremely important!

French bulldog food allergy symptoms

 

French bulldogs can have various reactions to different types of foods. It is always important to figure out what foods your Frenchie can safely eat and which can trigger an unwanted reaction.

Usually, the main culprit is meat or processed dog food. If your dog has any of the following symptoms, then there’s a high chance of having an allergic reaction to something food-related.

Diarrhea & Vomiting

If your Frenchie has diarrhea or is vomiting, that’s a clear sign that its body is unable to process the different food it’s ingesting.

Weight loss

Low appetite will generally cause your doggie to lose weight, and if your pup seems to be getting thinner, along with losing the shine in its coat, that might be the cause of concern.

Flatulence and bloody stool

If your dog is getting extremely flatulent, and its excrement has tinges of red in it, this can be a huge problem. It might mean that the food is not being properly digested and expelled.

Low or no appetite

If your Frenchie is refusing to eat any of the food you’re giving it, this might mean that they either don’t like the food or is experiencing some allergic reaction.

Itchy skin

Your pup might develop itchy or flaky skin, and this is a common symptom of a French bulldog allergy. Constant scratching, biting off their own skin, and bloody patches on the skin are all known symptoms of allergies.

Itchy skin is also identified as allergic dermatitis, and you might see your Frenchie scratching the parts where the itching occurs most. These can be either the rear, ears, paws, or stomach.

Hives and spots

If the aforementioned itchy skin keeps occurring, your dog might develop small patches of inflamed skin, which can cause even more itching.

Spotting these can be a difficult task since the patches and lumps that may develop are minuscule in size and usually develop a few days after your dog has ingested any food that it’s allergic to.

Swelling

One very problematic symptom is swelling. The parts that can swell up are generally the facial features of the Frenchie, and this is very problematic since the swelling can cause breathing problems for your pup as well.

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning their skull structure is not big enough to fit their tongue and other organs, making it harder for them to breathe.

Swelling of the face can also obstruct the nostrils, making it harder for air to pass through, and this can be life-threatening for your dog.

How to deal with French bulldog food allergies

 

If your doggie is diagnosed with a food allergy, you need to change several things in their diet, among other things. So let’s get into that!

The elimination diet

One of the most well-tested ways is to bring your dog onto a diet without any potential allergy-causing foods. Feed your dog only homemade dog foods or any type of vet-approved foods free of any chemicals. Make sure that your vet has approved any elimination diet you want your pet to go through.

Once your dog has been on this diet for around 8-10 weeks, start testing different foods by introducing them into your dog’s diet. This will be done by introducing one item at a time and waiting to see if there are any adverse effects on your dog. If none occur, that means that the food is good to go!

You do the same procedure for every type of food you want in their diet. Any foods that cause no effects are good to go, and you should generally test one food per week.

This is usually done best when you maintain a food diary for your pet as well. The food you want to test should be given in small portions with the exclusion of food that your vet has recommended. Do this for three days, and record the type of food you gave your pet. Once a food causes no issues or reactions with the pet, you can mark it as safe and feed it to your pet without worrying about any allergic reactions.

Blood testing

After your French bulldog has an allergic reaction, getting a blood test might help you identify whether your pet has a certain sensitivity and what is triggering it.

Asking your vet about blood testing is the best idea since they would be able to offer expert advice and whether you should have some blood work done for your dog or not.

Medicine

Since itching, scratching, and inflamed patches might become very painful for your doggie over time, get a natural balm or cream for your dog to help soothe their pain.

Allergy medication is also an option to be considered since these can be administered through allergy shots or allergy drops. They dampen the immune system, making it harder for certain triggers to activate the allergic reaction. However, administering these should always be done after consulting your vet.

Best food for French bulldogs with allergies

Choosing the right food for your dog can be a hectic process, and that’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide on different dog foods and which ones are the healthiest!

The list of dog foods we’ve mentioned below are types of dog foods that take into account the nutritional needs of French Bulldogs and are good options that are usually free of any trace elements that might trigger your dog’s allergies.

Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult – Breed Specific 

 

Royal Canin helps dog owners provide specific feeding amounts as per the age and weight of the French bulldog and are designed to meet the different nutritional needs of your dog.

The dog food is made into smaller pieces, making it easier for French bulldogs to chew and digest. The great thing about this dog food is that it’s proven to reduce gas and stool odor caused by indigestion.

Royal Canin also contains different vitamins and minerals that help promote bone density and health and improve muscle and joint health. The immune system of your French bulldog will also be made stronger with the different vitamins, like vitamins E and C, in this dog food.

Healthy Dog World Allergy Immune Supplement

 

This is a really great option for when you want supplements that provide allergy relief, including seasonal and food allergies. This includes a hefty amount of vitamin C, making sure your pup is energized and healthy!

The great thing about this supplement is that it contains different types of probiotics, which greatly help with digestion and growth. Along with this, the treats are specially formulated to help in tissue repair, improve the immune system, and reduce soreness and itching when an allergic reaction occurs.

The treat has kelp, which helps with glandular activity, and reduces inflammation. This supplement also includes colostrum, which creates antibodies to fight different types of allergens. Bee pollen helps to improve resistance against disease, and vitamin C helps as an antioxidant.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

 

Hill’s Science diet dog food promotes digestive health with vitamin E, along with different Omega and fatty acids, making sure that your dog’s coat has a shine!

This is highly digestible, making sure that your dog has reduced flatulence and digestive problems, and is veterinarian approved and recommended as well.

French Bulldog Skin Allergy

 

Aside from food allergies, your French bulldog can also be allergic to different things found in the environment.

This is also referred to as dermatitis and causes the skin of the dog to be extremely sensitive to different allergens. These can be found both indoors and outdoors, so you need to be extra careful where your Frenchie is going!

French Bulldog Skin Allergy symptoms

Dermatitis causes the skin to become very itchy, so that you will note the following symptoms in your dog.

Symptoms of this affliction are as follows:

• Severe itching
• Skin infection
• Oily or flaky skin
• Parasites
• Cuts on the skin
• Constantly irritated behavior

Itching can also lead to inflamed, red patches and swelling on the body since the dog will constantly be biting and scratching its body. While this can be caused due to food allergies as well, we can’t rule out the factor that allergens in the environment can be just as harmful.

How to treat French Bulldog skin allergies

 

In order to make the whole ordeal less painful for your precious pup, you need first to implement the treatments for food allergies as well as to rule out any foods that may be causing this.

Aside from this, you need to consult your vet and get some ointments and creams which will relieve the pain from the scratching and swelling that your dog might have. Your vet might also recommend some medical shampoos, which might help if your bulldog has parasites.

Medication can also help to improve your dog’s condition, and you should consult your vet so you can get the proper medicine.

Protective clothing for your pup

If you regularly take your dog out for walks, there are many different things that might trigger your dog’s allergies, from seasonal allergies to spilled chemicals on the sidewalk. We’ve also compiled a small list of different clothing options that you can get for your French bulldog so they stay protected against the environment!

iChoue Cotton Sweatshirt for Frenchie

 

This shirt is extremely easy to put onto your Frenchie and will help protect against dust and dirt. The jacket is made from 100% cotton, and the shirt’s zipper is designed so that your doggie’s hair will not get caught in it.

 

Fitwarm French Bulldog Pajamas

 

These are a pair of lightweight cotton pajamas which are very soft and comfortable, making them ideal for outdoor walks! The great thing about these pajamas is that they come with a V-neck design, making it easier for the Frenchie to breathe. This is really important since Frenchies have a tough time breathing, and they can really do it with ease of breathing!

Final thoughts

Always make sure to use pet-friendly cleaners in the home, and always consult your vet whenever you feel that your Frenchie is facing an allergic reaction. The best advice from experts will help prevent further issues that can occur with your Frenchie.

We hope this article was helpful and that your Frenchie stays in the best of health!