How To Treat & Manage Common French Bulldog Allergies

French Bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. Although they make great companions, Frenchies are prone to many allergies that can cause discomfort and even health issues if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the most common French Bulldog allergies and provide practical tips on how to treat them effectively.

Do French Bulldogs get Allergies?

French Bulldogs can get allergies just like any other breed of dog. Some common allergens that can affect French Bulldogs include pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain types of food.

Allergic reactions can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling of the skin, as well as respiratory issues such as sneezing and coughing. 

Types of French Bulldog Allergies

There two most common types of allergies that French Bulldogs may experience are:

• Food allergies: These are allergies to certain ingredients in dog food or treats. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy skin.
• Environmental allergies: These are allergies to things in the environment such as pollen, dust, mold, or chemicals. These allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy skin, and watery eyes.

Food Allergies

French Bulldogs and other breeds of dogs often share food allergies. These allergies occur when a specific allergen in the food interacts with the antibodies in the dog’s intestine. 

This causes a histaminic response, similar to what humans experience, and results in visible symptoms. The most common type of food allergy is often related to certain proteins, which means that Frenchies may need to have a diet with more lean meat.

French Bulldogs and other dogs can experience allergic reactions to certain foods that irritate their immune system. These foods may include 

• Dairy products
• Chicken
• Beef
• Fish
• Wheat
• Lamb
• Corn
• Soy
• Eggs

Environmental Allergies

Frenchies can also be prone to allergies due to environmental factors, similar to how they can have food allergies. 

When a Frenchies immune system becomes overly sensitive to a particular allergen, it can release a large amount of histamine, causing an allergic reaction. Environmental allergens that may trigger reactions in Frenchies include

• dust mites
• animal dander
• Pollen
• Mold spores

How Do You Know If Your French Bulldog has An Allergy?

There are several signs that your French Bulldog may have an allergy:

1. Itchy skin: If your poor Frenchie is constantly scratching and biting at their skin, it may be a sign of an allergy.
2. Red, inflamed skin: If you notice red, inflamed areas on your dog’s skin, it could be a sign of an allergy.
3. Excessive shedding: If your French Bulldog is shedding more than usual, it could be a sign of an allergy.
4. Ear infections: Allergies can often lead to ear infections in dogs, so if your dog is frequently experiencing ear infections, it could be a sign of an allergy.
5. Breathing difficulties: If your French Bulldog is experiencing difficulty breathing or wheezing, it could be a sign of an allergy.

If you suspect your French Bulldog has ongoing signs of allergies, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and treatment options.

Food Allergy Symptoms To Look Out For

There are several ways to determine if your French Bulldog has a food allergy:

1. Observing symptoms: If your French Bulldog experiences any of the following symptoms after eating certain types of food, it may be an indication of a food allergy: diarrhea, vomiting, itching, scratching, redness or swelling of the skin, coughing or sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
2. Elimination diet: To determine which specific food(s) may be causing the allergy, try an elimination diet where you remove all potential allergens from your French Bulldog’s diet and gradually reintroduce them one at a time. If your French Bulldog experiences symptoms after the introduction of a specific food, it may be an allergen.
3. Blood or skin testing: Your veterinarian may recommend blood or skin testing to identify specific allergens.
4. Food trial: Your veterinarian may recommend a food trial where your French Bulldog is given a hypoallergenic diet for a certain period of time, and then gradually introduced to other types of food to determine if there is a reaction.

Environmental Allergy Symptoms To Look Out For

Chronic environmental allergies, which are passed down genetically, often appear in dogs between the ages of three and six. These allergies, similar to those experienced by humans, can manifest as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, asthma, or irritated, scabbed skin and rashes. 

Unfortunately, these allergies are often permanent and cannot be cured, but they can be managed well with medication. 

Frenchies with environmental allergies may excessively scratch, rub, or lick the affected areas. The most common areas that dogs may chew, lick, or scratch due to inflammation are 

• The groin or stomach
• Toes and feet
• Ears, and eyes
• nose, or face. 

If your Frenchie’s cute little face is showing irritation, be extra careful as the skin folds may hide underlying allergies or rashes.

How to treat your French Bulldogs Allergies

Treating Food Allergies

As a general rule, it’s recommended to follow this process to start managing and treating your Frenchies’ food allergies 

1. Identify the allergen: The first step in treating a food allergy in a French Bulldog is to determine what is causing the allergy. This may involve working with a veterinarian to perform allergy testing or eliminating certain ingredients from the dog’s diet to see if the symptoms improve.
2. Avoid the allergen: Once the allergen has been identified, it is important to avoid feeding the dog any food or treats that contain the allergen. This may mean switching to a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet, such as a lamb or duck formula.
3. Consider medication: If the allergy symptoms are severe or persistent, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help alleviate the symptoms. These may include antihistamines, steroids, or other medications to reduce inflammation and itchiness.
4. Try a limited-ingredient diet: If the allergen cannot be easily identified or avoided, your veterinarian may recommend trying a limited-ingredient diet. This type of diet contains a single protein source and a limited number of ingredients, which may help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
5. Keep the dog clean: Allergies can often lead to skin irritation and hot spots, so it is important to keep the dog’s skin and coat clean and well-groomed. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and avoid using any products that may further irritate the skin.
6. Monitor for symptoms: It is important to monitor your French Bulldog for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itchy skin, redness, swelling, or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for further treatment.

Treating Environmental Allergies

Similar to the process of managing and treating your french bulldog’s food allergies, a process of identifying and limiting the cause of the environmental triggers of the allergies, then taking further steps to maintain hygiene and possibly the use of medication in severe or ongoing issues.

1. Identify the allergen: First, it is important to determine what your French Bulldog is allergic to. This can be done through a visit to the veterinarian, where your dog may undergo allergy testing to identify the specific allergen.
2. Avoid exposure: Once the allergen has been identified, it is important to try and avoid exposing your French Bulldog to it. This may involve removing certain plants from your yard, using air purifiers, or using hypoallergenic products in your home.
3. Use medication: Depending on the severity of your French Bulldog’s allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to help reduce symptoms.
4. Use natural remedies: There are also several natural remedies that can help alleviate allergy symptoms in dogs, such as fish oil or quercetin. Consult with your veterinarian before giving any natural remedies to your French Bulldog.
5. Keep the area clean: Regularly cleaning your home and yard can also help reduce allergens and alleviate your French Bulldog’s allergy symptoms. Vacuum and dust frequently, and keep the area around your dog’s bed clean and free of allergens.
6. Consult with a veterinarian: If your French Bulldog’s allergy symptoms do not improve with the above treatments, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment options.

Summary Of Common French Bulldogs Allergies

Overall, most allergies can be easily managed and your furry friend can still have a joyful life. However, it is important to speak with a veterinarian if you suspect that your French Bulldog has any ongoing and/or allergies, as proper treatment and management can help alleviate symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

At the end of the day, even though our loveable Frenchies do experience allergy issues, this isn’t unique to this breed and it shouldn’t sway you from owning a Frenchie due nor should you take it as a reflection of your care and love for your dog.