French Bulldog Lifespan-How to Help Them Live Longer

French Bulldog Lifespan

When you have already acquired or are just planning to bring a French bulldog into your home, remember that this is a dog that really needs communication. The curious and good-natured pet is distinguished by its sociability and will certainly get acquainted with a large number of animals.

Factors Affecting Longevity

The lifespan of a pet is a very conditional indicator. Veterinarians can only name an approximate figure characteristic of a particular breed. But how long a dog’s life will be depends on the dog breeder, living conditions, nutrition and some health features.

• What factors can affect the life expectancy of a French Bulldog:
• Weight – extra pounds cause serious pathologies. Obesity is often caused by an uncontrolled diet, improperly selected food, too large portions or lack of exercise. Some owners do not take into account incentive treats, although they are also a source of calories.
• Physical activity – if the dog lies down most of the time and moves little, there is a high risk of complications from the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system. The pet’s lungs, joints and muscles suffer.
• Diseases – breeders should be aware of the most common ailments for this breed. These include: respiratory diseases, heart failure, dermatitis, digestive disorders. Some diseases are inherited (genetic factor).
• Psycho-emotional state – the emotional background is important for the health of the animal no less than for humans. Chronic stress causes the development of some serious diseases.
• The emotional state of bulldogs is affected by moving, changing the usual schedule, the appearance of a new pet in the house, the long absence of the owner, the owner’s dissatisfaction and frequent punishments. In some situations, the veterinarian prescribes sedatives.
• Sexual behavior – the lifespan of French bulldogs is affected by sterilization and castration . It is believed that animals that have undergone surgery live longer than their peers, due to the prevention of a number of diseases (hormonal, oncological).

Some of the listed aspects can be adjusted. A pet that is cared for, properly fed and raised, most often lives longer. Timely examinations by a veterinarian will help you ensure a comfortable life for your pet, choose the right diet, and promptly identify and eliminate diseases.

How long do french bulldogs live

The French Bulldog breed is perfect for both apartment buildings and private homes. These dogs adapt well to urban conditions. In addition, due to their friendliness and playfulness, they often find it easy to get along with other people and pets. French Bulldogs are naturally quite healthy, except in cases where there is some kind of genetic disease.

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10-13 years.

The indicator depends on the above-mentioned features and is not universal at all. Some pets can live up to 14-15 years and at the same time remain active longer. However, at the age of 14, representatives of this breed can already be called long-livers.

Is there a difference between males and females?

Boys

The life expectancy of male dogs of different breeds may be shorter if the pet is not neutered. Then he remains at risk of developing certain diseases of the reproductive organs, which can affect life expectancy. In addition, the operation minimizes the likelihood of injuries caused by sexual behavior.

Girls

Females have the same life expectancy as males. With the same care, the life expectancy of French bulldogs of both sexes is the same.

In this case, castration also plays a role, which not only can protect against certain diseases, but also prevents unplanned pregnancy, which can negatively affect health.

French Bulldog Age in Human Years

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) methodology allows you to compare the age of a pet and a person. The table shows a conditional correspondence for small dog breeds, which include the French bulldog.

How to determine the age of a pet?

It happens that the owner does not know the exact age of the pet. It can be determined using several methods.

• First of all, you need to pay attention to the animal’s teeth:
• A dog under 2 years of age usually has white teeth;
• At the age of 3, the lower incisors begin to wear down;
• By the age of 4, signs of wear appear on the upper incisors;
• When an animal reaches five years of age, its fangs become rounded;
• By the age of 6, the incisors and canines are worn down so that they are now the same height;
• After 8 years, teeth begin to fall out;
• By age 12, most teeth may be missing.

Determination by teeth is a rather approximate method, since the condition of animals’ teeth depends heavily on genetic factors, as well as on whether the owner has taken care of the pet’s oral cavity or not.

Health and care affect the signs of aging. However, by the age of seven, for natural reasons, the pet’s coat begins to fade, the hair on the muzzle becomes gray, and the look becomes slightly cloudy. After 7-8 years, dogs generally become less active, need more sleep, and get tired faster.

As dogs age, they gain excess weight and their vision and hearing deteriorate.

Diseases Common in French Bulldogs

To choose prevention methods, you need to know what you should protect your pet from. What are the most common diseases of French bulldogs? Let’s look at the most common diseases.

Allergic reaction

Dogs of this breed are susceptible to various types of allergies – food, parasite bite allergies, and atopic dermatitis (allergies to environmental agents). It is important to find out what exactly caused the allergic reaction: flea and other insect bites, some food component, or an environmental element such as dust, household chemicals, pollen. The provoking factor must be eliminated, because such diseases can affect how long French bulldogs live.

Diseases of the respiratory system

The main feature of bulldogs is their shortened respiratory tract. The muzzle of these dogs is somewhat flattened and stretched, so they are predisposed to brachycephalic syndrome.or narrowing of the airways. The disease is associated with anatomical features.

A healthy bulldog breathes with a barely noticeable snort. Hoarse breathing can be observed, for example, in hot, humid weather or with obesity. If serious changes in breathing occur, it is necessary to take the animal to a veterinarian for examination.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Arthritis , osteochondrosis, spinal diseases – the predisposition to these and other joint pathologies is caused by the special body constitution of representatives of this breed.

Bulldogs require moderate but regular activity and a balanced diet to help maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining an optimal weight is critical for animals prone to joint problems.

How to increase the life expectancy of a French Bulldog?
Regular walks in the fresh air, a nutritious diet, games and communication with other animals will help strengthen the health of the pet. Prevention and attention from the owner will help prevent many diseases.

Nutrition

A quality diet that matches the age and needs of the body is a key factor in health and longevity. Table food, unbalanced nutrition, lack of microelements and vitamins, as well as a combination of industrial food and home-cooked food are detrimental to the dog’s health.

Care

Caring for an animal involves an annual check-up with a veterinarian, even if there are no obvious reasons for checking. Regular nail trimming, cleaning teeth and ears, treatment with antiparasitic drugs, skin and coat care are components of complete care, with which a French bulldog lives a long life.

Activity

French Bulldogs can have a hard time with prolonged exercise, but a sedentary lifestyle will have a negative impact on their condition. Moderate activity, walks and games will do the pet good.

Be careful during the hot season – overheating and excessive physical activity in the heat are not recommended for these dogs. Do not allow the bulldog to jump over obstacles or run for too long.

Monitoring your well-being

The owner can assess the animal’s condition by its breathing – a barely perceptible noise or snorting is normal for this breed. But heavy, unhealthy breathing and wheezing can be a reason to immediately contact a doctor.

To assess your pet’s well-being, you need to:

Listen to his breathing.

• Monitor your dog’s mobility during a walk. If your dog suddenly stops or breathes heavily, it’s because it’s lacking air.
• Examine the oral cavity. Normally, the tongue and gums have a pinkish tint. A change in color to gray or purple indicates oxygen deficiency.
• Watch for signs of heat stroke, such as increased thirst, loss of coordination, and lack of response to the owner’s voice.

Comfortable space

The French bulldog needs its own place to rest – a bed where it will feel safe. The place is determined for the puppy as soon as it appears in the house. When the French bulldog is resting in its place, it should not be disturbed. If possible, do not change the resting place, as rearrangement can cause confusion and stress. The bed is placed away from the radiator, drafts and doors.

Vaccinations

With timely vaccination, French bulldogs live longer and are less likely to encounter infectious diseases. Adult animals are vaccinated once a year, young animals up to a year – several times until they have completed a full course of vaccinations. The exact vaccination schedule will be suggested by a veterinarian, having assessed the dog’s condition and selected a specific drug.

Results

Life expectancy depends on a number of factors: nutrition, care, health, heredity, body weight, veterinary supervision, vaccinations.

The average lifespan of these dogs is 9-13 years.

• These pets need moderate exercise – walks in the fresh air and active games are ideal. A 15-20 minute walk in the morning and evening will do them good. Lack of activity provokes obesity and deterioration of health.
• Castrated/sterilized animals have a minimal risk of developing tumors and reproductive diseases. They become calmer, so the risk of injury may be reduced.
• The lifespan of French bulldogs at home is also influenced by anatomical features that make the respiratory system, musculoskeletal system and eyes a “vulnerable spot”.
• The owner of a French bulldog must monitor the dog’s breathing, not allow the pet to become overtired and not stay in the sun for a long time.
• Loud breathing is normal for this breed. Heavy, labored breathing, as well as wheezing, indicate a possible pathology.