Dog breeds that have ears that stand up straight often hear better than dogs with floppy ears. This is due to the size and placement of their ears, plus the ability to swivel them.

French bulldogs are not all deaf and only those with a merle coat or piebald gene will be at risk of congenital sensorineural deafness (SSD). If you have a white or merle puppy under 16 weeks old, arrange a hearing test.

Causes

If you’re looking to adopt a French Bulldog, there are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to check the hearing of your new dog. First, it’s important to know that Frenchies can be born deaf or hard of hearing because of inherited genetic disorders or abnormal genes in the parent line.

There are many things you should keep an eye out for, including hearing loss, ear infections, and other health problems that can affect your dog’s hearing. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s a good idea to bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

French Bulldogs are prone to a condition called Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This disease affects dogs with short noses, like your Frenchie, and it can cause them to have difficulty breathing.

BOAS is a very serious respiratory disorder and can cause your dog to become very ill, often with exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. It’s a progressive and lifelong condition that can lead to death, so it’s best to take your dog to the vet for regular checks.

Ear infections are another common problem in french bulldogs, and they can occur from a variety of causes. Allergies to food and other substances can irritate the ear canal, leading to inflammation and an infection. In addition, if your Frenchie has an endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, ear infections are a possible symptom.

A severe case of ear infection can even spread to the outside of the ear and cause permanent damage. If you notice your dog’s ears are itching, swollen, or discharged, you should call the vet immediately for treatment.

If your French Bulldog’s ears are infected, you’ll need to treat them with antibiotics and other medications. You can also help by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly and keeping them dry.

The best way to treat a bacterial or yeast ear infection is to use an ear cleaning product that you can purchase at your local pet store. Some of these products contain antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that will help to kill the ear infection before it can cause any damage to your dog’s ears.

Symptoms

Hearing problems are one of the most common health issues in French Bulldogs. There are a number of causes that can lead to deafness, including old age and illness. Luckily, it can be treated and can even improve with treatment.

There are a number of ways to check for deafness in your Frenchie, the most important of which is by having them undergo a BAER hearing test. This is performed by a machine that will amplify sounds to your dog, and will give you a report which tells you whether they are deaf or not.

It is also worth checking for ear infections in your Frenchie as they are often easy to spot and can cause significant pain. A Frenchie with an ear infection will likely shake their head frequently and scratch it to relieve the discomfort.

Ear infections can be caused by debris and bacteria in the ear canal, allergies, or an underlying condition such as otitis media (middle ear infection). It is advisable to clean your Frenchies ears with warm water and a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris.

A Frenchie with ear infections will also exhibit other symptoms such as excessive scratching and redness inside the ear, so make sure to keep an eye out for these signs! It is possible for a middle ear infection to lead to the rupture of the eardrum, which can cause hearing loss.

Another health problem that may affect your Frenchie is conjunctivitis, which is a common condition in dogs and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, as well as allergies. Watch out for swollen eyes, mucus, pink or red eyes, or discharge from the eyes.

This can be particularly noticeable in white-coated Frenchies. This is because their genetics make them more prone to a condition called distichiasis, which is a disorder that involves abnormal hairs growing inside the eyelids.

These extra hairs can rub on the eyelid, causing corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. It is important to treat any of these conditions as soon as they develop.

The Frenchie is a very smart and affectionate breed, so it is important to ensure they are kept healthy and happy. Keeping your Frenchie’s body and ears clean, brushing their teeth regularly and getting them regular vet checks will help you to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Treatment

Hearing problems are not uncommon in French Bulldogs and can be caused by a number of different things. Fortunately, most hearing problems are not permanent.

If you think your dog has a hearing problem, the first thing to do is to check their ears. They are extremely sensitive to sound, so it is important that they are regularly checked by a vet.

Some dogs, especially white or merle-coated Frenchies, are more likely to be born deaf than others. This can be due to genetic defects that affect the development of small hairs in their inner ear called cilia, or because they lack pigment cells.

Ear infections are another common health issue in these dogs, which can lead to deafness if left untreated. It’s important to keep your dog’s ears clean and free from earwax, as this can help prevent infections.

Elbow dysplasia is also a common ailment in Frenchies, and can cause pain or stiffness in the elbow joints. It’s also more likely to develop in older dogs, so it’s important to get your pup’s elbows examined by a vet if they appear abnormal.

A dog’s breathing can be affected by several different conditions, including Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). These dogs have narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate, which makes it harder for them to breathe.

The trachea, or windpipe, may be weakened as well, which can also cause breathing problems. This condition, also known as tracheal collapse, can be present at birth or develop gradually over time.

In some cases, it can be treated with medication or surgery. Your dog’s doctor will need to determine the exact cause of the tracheal collapse before recommending a treatment plan.

Eye disorders are also a frequent issue in Frenchies. They are prone to dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which is inflammation of the cornea because of a lack of tear production.

Frenchies can also have cherry eye, which is a complication that occurs when the tear glands under the eyeslid break down. This can result in inflammation and irritation of the eye, as well as pink or red patches inside the eyes.

Prevention

Whether you’re thinking about adding a French Bulldog to your family or you already have one, there are some things you should know about their health. They’re prone to several diseases, but most are treatable and can be prevented with proper care.

For instance, brachycephalic syndrome is a common hereditary disease that affects Frenchies and other “flat-faced” breeds. It causes a dog’s nose to grow longer and narrower than normal, which can result in airway obstruction and breathing problems.

This can make it difficult for your Frenchie to breathe and cause them to snore or snort frequently. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your veterinarian immediately.

Stenotic nares is another condition that affects Frenchies, and it’s caused by the nostrils becoming pinched or narrowed. It can be painful and limiting, and it’s often aggravated by exercise.

Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing these conditions, so it’s important to keep your Frenchie at a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to joint problems, metabolic disorders, and digestive problems.

A high-quality diet can help prevent these conditions as well. It’s also important to make sure your dog gets enough exercise and water.

It’s important to note that many of these diseases are hereditary, so you should consider breeding two parents who don’t have these issues to minimize your dog’s chance of having them later in life.

In severe cases, distichiasis can cause permanent damage to the eye and may even affect your dog’s vision. To diagnose this condition, your vet will perform an exhaustive eye examination that includes measuring tear production, checking intraocular pressure, and evaluating the level of fluid in the eye.

Some of the most common French Bulldog health problems can be prevented or treated through good diet, grooming, and regular veterinary visits. In addition, it’s a good idea to get your Frenchie spayed or neutered at an early age to avoid them from breeding.

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid weather, so it’s important to keep your dog on a flea control program. A combination of topical and oral flea and tick prevention can keep your dog free from these parasites.