20 French Bulldog Sick Symptoms & What The Indicate

Most Frenchie owners seek to learn about French Bulldog sick symptoms, which is exactly why it took seven weeks to draw out this list.

So after reading this article you will know when your French Bulldog is showing symptoms of sickness and what sickness they attribute to each symptom.

The Frenchie is one of the most common small dog breeds in circulation and this makes Frenchies more popular in the US, and also makes Frenchies so expensive.

Also, note there are major health challenges associated with French Bulldogs which can lead to unnecessary Frenchie behaviors.

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French Bulldog sick symptoms

Here are all the common French Bulldog sick symptoms you should always look out for as well as the possible health challenges associated with each symptom.

Warning: Do not do self-medication or treatment for your Frenchie, always sick professional advice from a reputable veterinary.

Prolonged loss of appetite

Anorexia is a term used to describe a situation in which French Bulldogs lose their appetite and are unwilling or unable to eat.

“Loss of appetite” in French Bulldogs or other dogs has many causes and is often the first sign of illness.

Whatever the cause appears to be, loss of appetite can have serious implications for Frenchie’s health if it lasts 24 hours or more.

It is important to note that most Frenchie puppies under 7 months of age are especially prone to loss of appetite.

So always pay close attention to how they feed until they grow past this age which won’t be that long.

Causes of Loss of Appetite in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Loss of Appetite in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Pickiness
Broken or loose tooth
Recent vaccination
Dental disease
Pain
Oral tumor
Cancer
Infections
Liver problems
Kidney failure
Gingivitis

Itchy skin or lashes

Itchy skin in French Bulldog is usually indicated by patches, small flaky spots, or acne-like red bumps that appear suddenly.

This can also be referred to as an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that creates an urge the French Bulldog to scratch that can involve any part of your Frenchie body.

One of the most popular French Bulldog sick symptoms is itchy skin.

So the question is when my Frenchie starts over the scratch or experiencing itchy skin what could be wrong?

Causes of Itchy skin in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with itchy skin in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Allergies
Food Allergies
Pyoderma
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Scabies
Parasites
Burns
Scars
Insect bites and hives
Internal diseases
Irritation
Nerve disorders etc.

Persistent fever

Fever is believed to be one way to fight infection in French Bulldogs.

The French Bulldog body readjusts the brain’s temperature control zone to raise body temperature – possibly in response to an intrusion of foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses.

The normal temperature of a French Bulldog should be between 98.9 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your Frenchie’s temperature is high or too low, please contact your veterinarian for professional advice.

Causes of Fever in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Fever in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Parasite
Bacterial infections
Fungal infection
Viral Infection
Tooth infection or abscess
Toxic plants injection
Urinary tract infection
An infected bite
Human medications
Ear infection

Prolonged Vomiting

Vomiting in French Bulldogs can be caused by poor judgment by owners, also known as nutritional intolerance, and is probably nothing to worry about in some cases.

However, vomiting can also be a symptom of a serious or even life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate medical attention and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Vomiting for most Frenchies can also occur when the contents from the stomach and upper intestines are forcefully ejected.

Vomiting is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

If your Frenchie vomits more than once in a day, without a break, or for more than 24 hours, you should see a veterinarian.

Causes of Vomiting in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with vomiting in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Constipation
Diet change
Viral infections
Pancreatitis
Kidney failure
Ingestion of toxic substances
Liver failure
Uterine infection
Intestinal inflammation
Bacterial infections
Intestinal obstruction

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Excessive panting

Excessive shortness of breath is a common symptom of discomfort or pain in most French Bulldogs.

It is normal for French Bulldogs to gasp for air, especially when they are hot, excited, or energetic.

However, severe shortness of breath is different and could be a sign that your dog is dangerously overheating, has a chronic health problem, or has suffered a life-threatening injury.

Always remember French Bulldogs are prone to heat exhaustion and get tired easily. Excessive panting is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

Causes of Excessive panting in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with excessive panting in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Lung disease
Anemia
Laryngeal paralysis
Stress
Anxiety
Fear
Pain
Bloated Stomach
Obesity
Heatstroke
Heart failure
Allergic Reaction

Pacing and Restlessness

It is important to note that in French Bulldogs, speed and restlessness can indicate pain, discomfort, or stress most times.

Anxiety in French Bulldogs can be associated with a condition called “gas” in which the stomach is affected.

Pacing and restlessness in French Bulldogs can be an indicator of a serious problem.

Causes of Pacing and Restlessness in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Pacing and Restlessness in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Separation anxiety
Heat Exhaustion
Phobias
Obesity
Fleas and ticks
Cardiac Disease
Tapeworms
Neurological Issues
Poisoning
Seizures
Cushing’s Disease
Respiratory Issues
Abdominal Pain

Prolonged Coughing

Coughing is a common protective reflex that removes secretions or foreign bodies from the throat, vocal cords, and/or airways and protects the lungs from aspiration.

It affects the respiratory system and hinders the ability to breathe properly.

Some causes of cough in French Bulldogs are life-threatening and all pets with coughs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Causes of Coughing in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with coughing in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Airway obstruction
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Heartworm disease
Lung tumors
Kennel cough
Heart failure
Distemper
Fungal infections

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Loss of coordination

Loss of coordination is also known as Ataxia is a condition associated with sensory dysfunction resulting in loss of head, leg, or hind limb coordination.

There are three types of ataxia commonly seen in French Bulldogs:

cerebellar ataxia
sensory ataxia
vestibular ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia occurs when the cerebellum is damaged.

Vestibular ataxia is the result of an issue with the inner ear or brainstem.

Sensory ataxia is when the spinal cord becomes compressed due to a bulging intervertebral disk or a tumor.

Causes of Loss of coordination in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with loss of coordination in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Brain Tumor
Ear Infection
Poisoning
Cancer
Stroke
Infection
Brain inflammation

Continues Nausea

Viruses or parasites such as roundworms can cause your French Bulldog adult or puppy to feel sick and vomit.

While these problems need to be assessed by your veterinarian, they are easy to treat.

However, nausea and vomiting can also be associated with more serious problems, such as cancer or kidney failure.

Causes of Nausea in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Nausea in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Uterine infection
Liver failure
Kidney failure
Intestinal parasites
Bacterial infections
Cancer
Diabetes mellitus

Persistent Diarrhea

Blood in the poop of a French Bulldog may appear “muddy”, which makes the stool look black and slow as the blood is absorbed in the poop.

Melena in Frenchies is different from fresh blood in the poop (hematochezia).

Bleeding in the colon or rectum looks like fresh blood in your Frenchie poop, and diarrhea is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic.

There are several possible causes including bacterial infections, cancer, stones in the urinary tract.

Always remember that bloody diarrhea in French Bulldogs should be checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Causes of Diarrhea in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Diarrhea in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Whipworms
Hookworms
Roundworms
Distemper
Viral infections
bacterial infections
Cancer
Stones in the urinary tract
Ingestion of spoiled food
Change in diet or treats

Difficulty Breathing

Difficulty breathing often referred to as dyspnea, is shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or shortness of breath.

This can occur at any time during the breathing process, while inhaling (breathing in) or exhaling (breathing out).

If your French Bulldog is having trouble breathing, he may not be able to get enough oxygen to his tissues, this is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

In addition, if your Frenchie has heart failure, your Frenchie may not be able to pump enough blood to the muscles and other tissues.

Dyspnea is often associated with a buildup of fluid (swelling) in the lungs or chest cavity (pleural effusion).

This fluid can cause shortness of breath and coughing. This is a very serious symptom and should be investigated immediately.

Causes of Difficulty Breathing in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Difficulty Breathing in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Lung disease
Anemia
Laryngeal paralysis
Stress
Anxiety
Fear
Pain
Bloated Stomach
Obesity
Heatstroke
Heart failure
Allergic Reaction

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Collapse or Fainting

Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your French Bulldog to fall and be unable to rise.

Some Frenchies that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness while some recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing.

Whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped.

All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored.

Causes of Collapse or Fainting in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Collapse or Fainting in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Lung disease
Anemia
Laryngeal paralysis
Stress
Anxiety
Obesity
Heatstroke
Heart failure
Allergic Reaction

Lameness

Lameness in French Bulldogs is said to be referred to as an inability to properly use one or more limbs both in adults or puppies.

It is most often associated with pain or injury.

The most common causes of acute or sudden lameness in French Bulldogs are soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation.

Causes of Lameness in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Lameness in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Arthritis
Infection
Genetic disorders
Bone cancer
Nerve damage
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Congenital abnormalities
Inflammatory diseases

Nasal discharge

Nasal discharge is a common condition in French Bulldogs, and often times it may not be a condition or serious problem at all.

Some Frenchies just get runny noses once in a while.

However, if the discharge is colored or if he has other signs or has a hard time breathing, you should make an appointment for your Frenchie to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Nasal discharge may be caused by allergies, respiratory virus (parainfluenza, adenovirus, or distemper), parasitic infestation, or even dental problems.

Causes of Nasal discharge in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with nasal discharge in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Pollens
Grass
Tumors
Mold
Adenovirus
Parainfluenza
Distemper
Parasitic infestation

Persistent weight loss

Weight loss is a physical condition that can be found in French Bulldogs that results from a negative calorie balance.

This usually occurs when the French Bulldog consumes and/or releases essential nutrients faster than it can use.

Basically, the French Bulldog tends to burn more calories than it eats or takes in. Weight loss is one of the popular and common French Bulldog sick symptoms

Weight loss in French Bulldog is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal bodyweight of the French Bulldog and is not associated with fluid loss.

There are several reasons for weight loss in French Bulldogs, some of which can be very serious.

Causes of Weight loss in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with weight loss in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Kidney Disease
Stress
Parasites
Diabetes
Cancer
Frenchie fasting
Dental Disease
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Advanced Heart Disease
Metabolic Disorders
Changes in Diet

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Difficulty urinating

Trouble urinating can include straining to urinate, frequent attempts at urination, and evidence of discomfort when urinating.

These signs are often early signs of disease including kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland problems, uterine infection (called pyometra), as well as other causes.

Some of the causes if left untreated can result in death in as little as 36 hours, this is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

Symptoms include excessive licking at the urogenital region or turning and looking at the area of the area.

Causes of Difficulty Urinating in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with difficulty urinating in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Bladder stones
Bladder infections
Enlarged prostate
Urinary tract infection
Cancer
Dysautonomia
Obstruction in the urethra
Spinal cord injury

Lethargy

Lethargy in French Bulldogs means sluggishness, drowsiness or dullness, and more.

Any Frenchie who’s lethargic may show no interest in going for a walk, even though that’s usually the highlight of their day, or they might not want to play or eat.

French Bulldogs have lethargy just love to sit and lay down like a lazy bone, and will respond to nothing.

Causes of Lethargy in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with lethargy in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Heart disease
Heartworm disease
Kennel cough
Leptospirosis
Distemper
Hypoglycemia
Diabetes mellitus
Infection
Chronic or acute diarrhea
Trauma
Pain
Tumors

Swollen belly

Enlargement of the stomach in the French Bulldog (or abdominal distention) is used to describe the situation in which the stomach of the Frenchie seems prominent or greater in certain areas.

Dilation of stomach-volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition and is fatal if it is not treated.

Usually referred to as “bloating,” GDV occurs when the French Bulldog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or liquid and then rotates.

GDV develops without warning and can develop rapidly. It’s always an emergency and is a common French Bulldog sick symptoms.

Causes of Swollen belly in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Swollen belly in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Urinary Problem
Gastrointestinal Issues
Presence of Intestinal Parasites
Enlargement of Organs
Low Thyroid Levels
Presence of Air in the stomach
Intestinal Lymphoma
Cancer of the Spleen

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Swollen Paws

Swollen paws are often caused by foreign objects trapped between dog bearings/feet.

Insect or spider bites, puncture wounds, broken toes, cracked paws, and constant chewing / chewing (such as allergies or other chronic irritation sources) are other common causes.

Paw inflammation, also known as pododermatitis, can be very annoying and often painful for dogs.

Because pododermatitis has a lot of triggers, treatment is usually focused on the underlying causes of swollen legs.

Causes of Swollen Paw in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with Swollen paw in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Tumors
Allergies
Cracked paws
Dirty Environmental
Insect or spider bites
Immune-Mediated Disorders
Puncture wounds
Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Labored or shortness of breath

Labored breathing or shortness of breath in French Bulldog is often called dyspnea.

Labored breathing may prevent your Frenchie from getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream and is a life-threatening emergency.

The causes of labored breathing in French Bulldogs are varied.

One of the most common in older pets is fluid in the lungs or chest cavity.

Causes of labored breathing in French Bulldogs

Here is the list of possible health challenges associated with labored breathing in French Bulldogs which are as follows:

Bleeding into the lungs
Tumors
Pulmonary edema
Anemia
Allergies
Heartworm infection
Hypoxemia
Pneumonia
Injury to chest wall
Bacterial infection
Elongated soft palate
Ascites
Reaction to certain medications

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