Choosing your perfect puppy can be exciting, but it’s essential to take the time to check for health issues. Frenchies are relatively inactive dogs and require little exercise, so picking one in good shape is a good idea. French Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They also do well with short, frequent training sessions.
Ears
It’s easy to fall in love with a cute French bulldog for sale and immediately scoop up the little furball, but you must take your time and ensure your new addition is healthy and robust. Look for a compact, tight body and avoid any sign of malnutrition. Their eyes should be bright, free of irritation and redness, and their ears should be clean with no signs of excessive earwax or odors. Watch to see if their ears shake or wiggle when touched, and look for any sensitivity. A healthy puppy should be curious about his environment, active and energetic when playing, and have a bright and s, shiny and good appetite. They should also wag their tails often, be excited when you come home, and enjoy rolling around or barking to let you know they’re happy to see you. Watch for a puppy that appears depressed, is reluctant to leave its mother, sleeps more than it should, or demonstrates any unusual behavior that could indicate illness.
Eyes
Frenchies are fun-loving, family-friendly dogs that are a joy to be around. They have a calm temperament, make great house pets, and can easily adjust to different living situations. But just like any other pet, they are susceptible to health problems if not cared for properly. The most common French Bulldog health issue is eye problems. Genetics, a poor diet, or improper breeding practices can cause them. A reputable breeder will screen parents for conditions that could be passed on to the puppies. A healthy puppy will have clear, bright eyes with white around the edges. They should be free of crust, excessive tearing, discharge, and visible third eyelids. In addition, the eyes should shine with moisture. A droopy eyelid or a white or red outline on the inside of the eyelid can indicate glaucoma, which is an unhealthy increase in pressure behind the eyes. A vet can help with this problem by prescribing medication that promotes fluid drainage and decreases eye pressure. In severe cases, the eye may need to be surgically removed.
Nose
Frenchies are people-loving pups who get along with children, other dogs, household pets, and humans. They are playful, affectionate, and intelligent but stubborn sometimes, so consistency and patience will help with training. Like many other brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies have sensitive noses. Their noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that absorbs scent chemicals and presents them to the olfactory glands on the roof of the mouth for interpretation. They lick their noses to sample the aromas around them and sniff the air for information about what they’re smelling. A healthy nose looks uniform in size (with the right side equaling the left) and is moist to slightly dry to the touch. It should also have consistent in-and-out airflow, lack textural changes on the surface or deeper tissues, and exude only small amounts of clear discharge. A nose that looks swollen or has an odor is a sign of a respiratory problem that needs immediate attention from your vet. This is especially true for any nasal discharge that is bloody.
Mouth
As their name suggests, Frenchies are companion dogs. They bond closely with their families and do not like being alone for long periods. They enjoy walking and playing but don’t require a large yard to stay happy and healthy. French Bulldogs are not prone to many health issues, but there are some things you should keep an eye out for. Look for a puppy that wants to spend time with you, is energetic when playing, and has relaxed postures. A healthy pup will also wag its tail frequently. Also, please pay attention to your puppy’s breath and the color and condition of its gums. Contact your vet immediately if you see any bleeding (other than from normal chewing) or a rash around the mouth. Make sure to ask about the health history of your pup’s parents. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing genetic conditions, such as heart disease and joint problems, to their puppies. You should also check whether your puppy’s mother and father are up to date on their routine preventative healthcare, such as flea and worm treatments, vaccinations, and microchips.
Coat
A healthy Frenchie has a soft, smooth coat that isn’t flaking or itchy. A healthy pup should also have a tight, compact body and not look like it carries too much weight. Any noticeable swelling or blotches could indicate a medical issue, including allergies, worms, Cushing’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you’re unsure whether or not a pup is healthy, take them aside and test their hearing and vision by clicking, clapping, or dropping something on the ground behind them. Make sure they respond to the sound and find whatever you’ve dropped. You should also check their mouth for open sores, drooling, or any head issues such as open fontanelles (where the bones in the skull don’t fuse as they should). A healthy puppy is a curious and playful pet that shows happiness when you come home and enjoys playing and sleeping with you. A healthy Frenchie is happy, active, and will live long with you if given the proper care and attention. This includes food, water, exercise, and regular veterinary visits.
