Both human and animal bodies change with the season. In the summer, human bodies can sweat much more, and that can cause the body to create more acne. For dogs, they also risk having skin problems if they spend too much time out in the sun.
Allergies can be more frequent in the summer. Along with that, if it gets too hot, your french bulldog could experience changes in its coat. This happens more in humidity.
If your french bulldog is experiencing skin problems, analyze the situation, and figure out what could have caused the problem. Before diagnosing or medicating, talk with a vet for guidance.
What the Most Common Skin Problems for French Bulldogs?
Most people that go to the vet due to skin problems don't understand that it can be a pretty tricky thing to diagnose. There are so many different types of skin problems that can happen for various reasons.
Here are some of the most common skin issues that your french bulldog might be facing:
1- Nutritional or Environmental Dermatitis
Environmental dermatitis happens when your dog interacts with something in the environment that is toxic. Nutritional dermatitis occurs when your dog is eating a diet that lacks proper nutrition.
According to the Animal Medical Center, medicated baths, supplements, and hypoallergenic diets are all things that are involved in treating dermatitis in dogs.
In the environment, vegetation or certain insects may be the cause of the adverse reaction. Certain water can be the cause of an adverse reaction as well, especially if the dog is drinking it from a source that is anything other than the freshwater provided in the home.
If you see your french bulldog is continuously licking, biting, or scratching at a specific area on the body, this is an indicator of an infection.
Most dogs eat at the hair and pull chunks of it out by accident. This can make the situation worse because exposed skin is more likely to get infected from bacterial growth.
2- Certain Critters Like Fleas and Mites
Fleas, ticks, and mites are the most common critters that attack dogs and cats. But most dog owners don't realize that there are many more types of critters that can attack.
If you notice that the problem lingers, go to a vet and let them diagnose the problem before making any assumptions.
There are several different over-the-counter medications that you can purchase to help control the problem. You should also consider buying some device or spray that can keep insects away during the summer. Most fly traps online work for all bugs that bite and cause bumps like mosquitoes and nats.
Medications for dogs usually come in either an oral form or a cream form. If you get the oral medication, try mixing it into your french bulldog's food.
That will be the easiest way to get it in the system. If you're using cream, wash your hands before and after application to avoid spreading bacteria.
3- Allergic Reactions
Most dog owners go to the vet because of a skin problem that has gotten out of control. Skin allergies are most commonly surfaced from dogs being poorly bred. This can be the number one cause in most cases.
It can be frustrating for dogs and their owners because the cause of the skin allergy isn't always apparent. If you do an excellent job of tracking your french bulldog's whereabouts and habits, it will be easier to revisit the past to see what could have caused the problem.
Until you get in touch with your vet, you can still try to treat itching and scratching with necessary ointments from the drugstore.
According to the American Kennel Club, food allergies can often be mistaken for food intolerance. Food allergies can cause damage to the immune system and other parts of the body.
Food intolerance only brings out certain symptoms such as vomiting and excessive pooping. Food intolerance usually doesn't have permanent or especially damaging effects.
4- Allergic Reactions to Food
Most owners need to know that food allergies also include allergic reactions to drugs. Allergic reactions to things consumed by the dog make up ten percent of all the allergy symptoms most dogs have.
Once you've discovered the food allergy, you should eliminate the toxic foods from your dog's diet. Then, make sure that you are keeping track of your dog's behavior and health to see if anything progresses.
Most dogs are allergic to wheat, chicken, eggs, and soy. Corn can also cause allergic reactions in dogs.
French bulldogs can tolerate chicken, but it depends on how it is prepared. Dog Food Advisor recommends that you shop for hypoallergenic food to ensure your french bulldog's diet is safe.
5- Allergies From Contact With the Skin
Certain things that touch your french bulldog's skin can cause an allergic reaction. For example, if your dog has been swimming in a pool and it comes into contact with chlorine, this can cause a reaction.
If this type of reaction happens, you should bathe your dog in a shampoo made for allergy relief. Make sure that you wash thoroughly and rinse multiple times, so you avoid leaving any residue behind.
If the residue is left behind your dog's hair can start to fall out after a while.
Once he's been washed, make sure that you contact your vet to see if he suffered any skin damage.
6- Hives on the Skin
Hives can affect both humans and dogs. They usually form into little round bumps that are reddish and itchy. If your dog gets hives, it can cause a problem with the hairs in the coat and may even cause swelling. Hives can appear anywhere on the body.
Insect bites, environment, and certain medicine can bring on hives for both humans and dogs. Pet MD suggests that insecticides in the grass can also cause hives for dogs.
They usually go away within 24 hours. Since they are only there for a short time, treatment will most likely be quick and easy.
Your vet will probably give you an antihistamine to control the hive growth. While your dog is healing, make sure that you keep its coat clean and fresh.
Conclusion
Keeping your french bulldog's skin clean is the number one priority. Use conditioner after every shampooing session and make sure that everything is rinsed off and completely dry.
Some dogs can even be blow-dried to speed up the process. Just make sure that the air isn't hot.
Cuteness recommends that you brush your dog's hair regularly. Regular brushing inspires the body to produce more natural oils.
Keeping your french bulldog's diet will also help prevent it from experiencing any skin or coat problems.
Make sure that everything is well balanced and fresh. Check out this YouTube video for more information on how you can keep your french bulldog's skin healthy.
As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama.
