French Bulldogs are adorable and lovable pets known for their affectionate and playful personalities. However, like other short-nosed or brachycephalic breeds, they are susceptible to various skin issues. Their short fur can break or irritate easily and their wrinkles can hold moisture and dirt, increasing the risk of infections and allergies.
Several treatments are available to help minimize the skin issues of French bulldogs. But it is critical to understand the symptoms French bulldogs exhibit when they have skin allergies so you can provide early treatment and stop the conditions from worsening or spreading.
Common Frenchie Skin Problems
Poor hygiene and grooming around a French Bulldog’s skin folds contribute to many common skin conditions, while food allergies and irritants cause others. A French Bulldog can suffer from these common conditions:
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Skin fold dermatitis results from the chafing, moisture, and heat between skin folds. Symptoms include redness and pain in the skin folds.
Antibiotics and topical creams reduce infection. Dry cloths help remove excess moisture from the skin folds and prevent dermatitis, pyoderma, and canine acne. Since obesity creates extra tissue that exacerbates skin fold problems, nutritious dry food for dogs, regular exercise and portion control can help you manage your dog’s weight.
Hot Spots
Excessive licking may cause hot spots. These moist red lesions can cause extreme discomfort and be exacerbated by food allergies typically caused by ingested foods containing corn, soy, wheat, and dairy. Veterinary treatments include antibiotics, steroids, and neck cones to prevent further infection. Your vet may test your French bulldog for food allergies so they can recommend food to support your dog’s digestive health.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus. It is characterized by raised red pimples and crustiness in the skin folds. Antihistamines and steroids help resolve the infection, while medicated shampoos and antimicrobial sprays treat the skin and prevent the condition from spreading.
Canine Acne
Canine acne appears on the lips and muzzle as red bumps and pimples. Oral or topical steroids and ointments containing benzoyl peroxide treat canine acne. You should also avoid popping or squeezing the pimples to prevent infection.
Contact Dermatitis.
Itching, redness, swelling, and bumps on the skin all indicate contact dermatitis. Your vet can determine the cause of your Frenchie’s dermatitis, which can often be due to food allergies, mold spores or grass pollen. Your vet may prescribe oral medication and antibiotics if necessary. If food allergies are the cause, a balanced diet of healthy wet dog food may help to support your dog’s skin and immune system.
Treat French Bulldog Skin Issues With a Healthy Diet
Some pups suffer from skin sensitivities and dry, itchy skin. Open Farm’s allergy-friendly ingredients can help you manage your pet’s skin condition. Here are some great recipe options to help support your pup’s skin and coat health.
Homestead Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs
Open Farm Homestead Turkey Bone Broth supports your dog’s skin and coat health and can be a topper for your soft dry dog food for older dogs. As the turkey bones simmer in broth, they release nutrients such as collagen to maintain the skin and joints. This broth is also rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, so it’s perfect for adding to your favorite dry dog food for small senior dogs.
Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Ensuring an adequate intake of essential fatty acids and vitamins is vital to maintain normal skin and coat. Open Farm Surf & Turf Dried Raw Dog Food contains grass-fed beef and liver to provide Vitamins A, D, E and K to protect against oxidative damage and prevent skin problems.
Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dog Food is packed with wholesome ingredients to help your dog's skin stay healthy. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids to maintain the skin barrier and relieve skin conditions. If you have older pets, it also carries a vitamin E supplement, an antioxidant that protects the skin and circulatory system from free radical damage, to help you provide the best dog food for senior dogs.
Protect Your Pup’s Skin With Hypoallergenic Food From Open Farm
Open Farm helps support your dog’s skin issues and unique needs with nutrient-dense proteins and non-GMO foods. You can choose from dry, raw, and cooked dog food to help your pup recover from skin issues.
This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances. To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best.
