French Bulldog Allergies: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

The French bulldog is a small domestic breed and is also known as the 'Frenchie.' This breed is an easygoing, lively, alert, bright, affectionate, and playful dog. French Bulldogs are prone to many types of allergies such as those from environmental factors, called atopy, and food and flea allergies. The substance that triggers the allergy is called an allergen. The immune system of the canine goes into overdrive where it is over stimulated, causing an allergic response. Allergies are genetic and cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed with preventative care and treatment.

Symptoms

Most of the symptoms that your pet will exhibit in response to an allergic reaction are itching, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, vomiting, and ear infection. In some cases the canine may have difficulty in breathing which is also a symptom of an allergy.

Types of Allergies

• Airborne allergy or atopy
• Flea allergy
• Food allergy
• Contact allergy

Airborne Allergy

Common allergens are pollens from trees, grass, or weeds that cause allergy to your pet when inhaled and are normally seasonal allergies. Once you have identified this allergy, you can prevent the symptoms by ensuring your pet avoids contact with this allergen. Molds, mildew and dust mites also cause allergies all year around. Cutting down the trees or mowing the grass before the pollens begin to pollute the environment, is one way to avoid airborne allergies.

Allergy shots can be prescribed by the vet, although this line of treatment may take several months for the full effects to be visible.

Flea Allergy

This is one of the most common types of allergies in the French bulldog. The saliva of the flea causes an allergic reaction when the flea bites the dog and injects the saliva into the body. The allergy may cause hair loss and irritation. Scratching may cause the skin to become exposed and prone to infections. Control fleas by killing them with home treatments or vet prescriptions.

Food Allergy

Food allergies are very common amongst French bulldogs. Food allergies can surface at any age and the canine may develop allergies to proteins or carbohydrates. Your pet could be allergic to beef, pork, chicken, soy, corn, or dairy products. Change the diet to identify what your pet is allergic to. Once that is identified, find an alternate for that food and do not give that food to your pet.

Contact Allergy

Coming in contact with detergents, dog shampoos, cleaning agents, carpets, fabrics, or plastics, may cause an allergic reaction. Identify the allergen and avoid contact to prevent triggering the allergic reaction.

Treatment

There is no treatment for allergies although the symptoms can be treated to alleviate the pet's discomfort. Minimize your pet's exposure to allergens.