Ask the French Bulldog Experts

admin August 7th, 2008

This site is so great.  Thank you for everything that you have advised for Stella.  Two questions today:

Something that we’ve been curious about:  Ever since we met Stella she has been making this quiet whimpering sound.  Usually when you pick her up (loves being held, so I don’t think it’s an anxious sound) , but sometimes it’s even when she is just walking around.  We think it’s adorable, but sometimes we wonder if maybe she is in pain, or when we pick her up we are pressing on something that is straining her breathing?  She seems fine, but always makes that noise.

We obviously understand that Frenchies have breathing problems.  But, is there a way to tell if her snorting/snoring is just normal, or if it’s a problem.  We find that certain positions are very bad for her snorting – and she realizes it too.  But is there something we should look for?

Dr. Lori writes –

Sounds like Stella has the usual Frenchie range of communication.  They sure can make some strange, very un-doglike noises!

I have a few that purr a bit when you pick them up… maybe that is what she is doing.  If you could get a video of the noise, it would be very helpful is assessing it.

In answer to the second part of your question, if Stella doesn’t vomit, gag, produce a lot of phlegm, get out of breath quickly, or have trouble eating, she is probably fine.

I have written an article, which you’ll find here.  Have fun with Stella!

Lori Hunt, DVM
French Bulldogs d’Assisi

Tags: breathing, French Bulldog, health, veterinarian

• French Bulldog Veterinary , breathing system
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lorihuntdvm June 10th, 2008

A question about a lethargic French Bulldog -

Hello. I have a 4 year old Frenchie Male. About 3 weeks ago, he became aloof and wanted to just lay around.I took him to his vet and x rays were taken. He does have hemivertebrae and hip dysplasia, however the xrays did not convince the vet of a diagnosis. His appetite is normal, as are his bodily functions. The blood tests all came back normal He is assuming there was an injury due to activity or strain.

My pup has been on Medicam for 10 days and some days seems chipper and other days, not so much. Any suggestions as to what the next step should be or is he just getting older and slowing down?

Dr. Lori writes -

It could be that he is just slowing down. Sometimes arthritis does develops secondary to the hip dysplasia and/or hemivertebrae, so that could be slowing him down as well. You did mention bloodwork, but you may want to check his thyroid function as well, as that could cause him to be a bit apathetic and lazy.

If all else fails, take him for a second opinion - fresh eyes sometimes see things differently.

Lori Hunt, DVM

Tags: arthritis, blood work, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Veterinary, French Bulldogs, Frenchie, health, hemivertebrae, thyroid, veterinarian

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lorihuntdvm June 9th, 2008

I have a 6 month old, neutered, male French bulldog.

I love to take walks and Taz is very high energy so along with many games of fetch in the backyard, I try to take Taz for a walk everyday.

Today is about 80 degrees out. I would say we walked about 1 mile when Taz was panting and lay down in the grass flat on his belly refusing to walk anymore even when bribed with treats. I waited for him to relax a bit but he still would not walked and looked as though he might be in distress (breathing very heavily) and finally had to call someone to drive us home after trying to carry him some of the way back.

My question is how far can a Frenchie walk?

I know that they do not like very long walks or very hot days but “very long” and “very hot” means different things to different people. I thought exercise is good for all dogs. A 2 mile walk in 80 degree weather seems like it should be ok for a dog.

What signs should I look for to know that Taz has had enough because panting is normal right?

Dr. Lori writes –

Oh dear - A frenchie is not meant to walk 2 miles in 80 degrees!!! Heck, they hardly want to walk around the block in 60 degree weather! It sounds to me like you were VERY lucky that you did lose your Taz to heat exhaustion today!

I personally only allow my dogs out for short periods on such hot days and never encourage any exercise if teh weather is over 70 degrees. There have been instances of frenchies overheating and dying in much cooler temperatures.

Please do not subject Taz to this type of exercise again unless it is very cool outside. It is way too big of a risk! You need to pay closer attention to his breathing as he may have been giving you signs he couldn’t handle it. And obviously when he laid down he was suffering and overheated and was telling you he couldn’t take the combination of heat and exercise.

Since frenchies are brachycephalic dogs, they are not capable of cooling down like other breeds. This is not a sporting dog, and even they shouldn’t be working out like that is 80+ degrees. I am sorry if this sounds harsh, but it’s a matter of life and death with a frenchie!

Dr. Lori Hunt, DVM

(editor’s note: Here’s an article on over heating in French Bulldogs, including emergency measures and a kit to keep on hand - http://www.frenchbulldogz.org/learn/heatstroke.htm )

Tags: French Bull Dog, French Bulldog, Frenchie, health, heat stroke, hot, overheating, panting, summer, walks

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lorihuntdvm May 25th, 2008

My wife and I would love to get a Frenchie but we are really quite afraid by the long list of potential health problems associated with them.

We have had several dogs and currently have a 15 yr. old Border Collie - we know what normal maintenance vet bills look like, but how many Frenchie owners (a average guess) end up paying more than $1000 a year on their Frenchie’s health issues?

Dr. Lori writes -

That is a good question, and a tough one to answer…

I think it is a tough question for any dog of any breed, as you just never know what may happen… generally speaking the first year of any dog’s life is the most expensive, as you have frequent vaccinations and altering.. that is until you have an older frenchie, just as in other breeds, the costs can go up for any older dog. If you take the time to research your breeder and her lines, you will have better luck in getting a healthy dog who only requires yearly check-ups… I would say the percentage of people who spend over $1000/year is less than 25%, but that is honestly just a guess…

Hope it helps!

Lori Hunt, DVM
French Bulldogs d’Assisi

Tags: costs, French Bulldog, French Bulldogs, Frenchie, health, health care, veterinary expenses

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