French bulldogs are wee yet robust pooches that are beloved not only for their humorous and pleasant dispositions, but also for their lovable, slightly wrinkled visages. As all dogs, certain medical issues affect French bulldogs — or “Frenchies” — more commonly than others.

Basics

French bulldogs appear in colors including white, pale yellowish-brown and brindle, the latter of which involves a blend of colors such as brownish-orange and gray. As adults, these dense, sturdy pooches typically reach between 11 and 13 inches tall. They usually weigh no more than 28 pounds. One of the most prominent physical characteristics of French bulldogs involves their ears, which point straight up and are similar to those of bats. This smart, amiable and funny dog keeps a close vigil on his home.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

As with pugs and a handful of other doggie breeds, French bulldogs are brachycephalic, with skulls that are markedly wide and short. Their faces have a conspicuously flattened appearance to them. Although the look undeniably is cute, it also can trigger health issues that revolve around breathing, problems that can become life threatening. Some common indications of brachycephalic syndrome are excessively loud breathing, coughing, hacking and snoring. All of these signs are usually particularly noticeable during times of excessive heat. Inordinate discomfort in heat is typical of dogs with brachycephalic syndrome. Take your sweet Frenchie to the veterinarian immediately if he shows any signs of this condition.

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Intervertebral disk disease is relatively prevalent in the French bulldog breed. This orthopedic condition results from the deterioration of the spinal column’s dense intervertebral disks. Some of the signs that are typical of this disorder are backache, rigidness of the body, scooting of the hind limbs during walking, difficulty standing up, general feebleness, crouching over, shivering and soreness of the stomach. Paralysis is a possibility for some dogs with the condition. If you have any reason to think that your precious pet might be dealing with intervertebral disk disease, schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is another problem for many French bulldogs. The skeletal condition involves the atypical growth and progress of the hip joints. Signs of the condition pop up early in dogs, starting as early as at 4 months. Lack of body coordination is a common sign of the disorder. Other symptoms of canine hip dysplasia are rigidness, avoidance of physical activity and hobbling. Note, however, that many dogs with the condition barely display any hints at all. Regardless, veterinary attention is a must for any pooches with hip dysplasia.

Other Conditions

Other medical issues that also sometimes affect French bulldogs are luxating patellas, cataracts and entropion. The latter entails the eyelids turning in an “inside” direction. If your dog shows any sign of abnormalities or malaise, a vet appointment should be your next step. Dogs don’t always display obvious signs of illness, though, which is why it’s so crucial to routinely bring your pet in for regular veterinary checkups. With the right love and care, French bulldogs can often survive healthily and contentedly for anywhere between 10 and 14 years, or perhaps longer.

While English spaniels are generally a healthy breed with limited serious health issues, poor breeding can exacerbate some conditions the breed is prone to. For best results, only purchase English spaniels from reputable, licensed breeders and inquire about parent genetics and health testing to ensure you are getting a strong, thriving pup. If you’re adopting or rescuing a dog and knowing your dog’s health history is important to you, consider DNA testing to ensure you have a good understanding of the dog’s lineage.

Eye Conditions

English spaniels are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a type of inherited degenerative condition that can result in diminished vision or blindness. While it primarily impacts middle-aged dogs, even dogs as young as 2 years old can develop the disorder. According to the English Springer Spaniel Club, this breed also may develop glaucoma in one or both eyes. Depending on the severity of the condition, the dog can lose its eyesight or even lose an eye as a result. Cataracts and retinal dysplasia also can develop in this breed. Regular eye exams can help identify potential problems and address them early to reduce the potential for pain and vision loss.

Inherited Diseases

Canine fucosidosis is an inherited disease of the nervous system that can be fatal if not identified and treated quickly. The English Springer Spaniel Club indicates this disease is most commonly found in young dogs and includes symptoms such as loss of coordination, problems with vision and hearing and digestive issues. The condition is caused by the missing enzyme alpha-L-fucosidase. Genetic testing is available to determine if your pup has the potential for this disorder.

Hip Dysplasia

English spaniels may be subject to the joint condition hip dysplasia. Symptoms include lameness in hind legs, a tendency to be slow to stand or hopping when running or walking. Hip dysplasia, left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to a painful arthritic condition and severely limit movement. According to the Baker Institute of Animal Health, your vet can identify the disease through X-rays. The symptoms of the disorder can be minimized through pain relief and treatment with joint-lubricating supplements.

Epileptic Symptoms

Epilepsy can occur in English spaniels. Dogs of this breed who contract the disorder usually exhibit symptoms in the first three years of life. According to the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, the condition is characterized by repeated seizures and often is confused with other neurological and health conditions. English spaniels also are prone to canine autoimmune disease, which can exacerbate various forms of epilepsy, so proper diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.

Chocolate may intimidatehttp://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/DM-Resize/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/251/147/86525295.jpg?w=600&h=600&keep_ratio=1&webp=1″ you because of its possible effects on your waistline, but the sweet stuff is actually far more risky to your dog — it’s actually toxic to him. Because of that, it’s crucial to avoid ever giving your pet any chocolate, regardless of how crestfallen his brown eyes look when when he watches you eating it.

Theobromine and Chocolate

The poisonous factor in chocolate is its theobromine, which is a type of methylxanthine. To humans, theobromine produces subtle stimulating responses. Those responses, however, are markedly more intense in dogs. Tiny portions of theobromine from chocolate can be hazardous to pooches, often leading to throwing up, unusually antsy behavior, panting, loose stools, quivering and problems with heart rhythms. In severe situations, significant consumption of chocolate can even bring upon seizures and comas in dogs. Some dogs can pass away from it, too. This is why it’s so important to never give your pet chocolate. It’s also important to make sure he never gets it on his own, whether by going through your kitchen cabinet or exploring the contents of your trashcan.

Kinds of Chocolate and Toxicity

“One piece” of chocolate can mean many different things. Different kinds of chocolate contain varying amounts of theobromine, for one. Not all single pieces of chocolate are the same size, either. Darker chocolate, in general, has more theobromine and is therefore more hazardous to dogs. Baking chocolate and good dark chocolate often have 130 to 450 milligrams for every single ounce. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, generally has markedly less, with a typical 44 to 58 milligrams for every ounce. Lastly, white chocolate has the least theobromine, as it typically has just 0.25 mg for every ounce. Since there’s absolutely no reason for your dog to have chocolate in his diet, the smartest thing you can do is make sure he never even has the slightest taste of it. If it’s large enough, one piece of chocolate can indeed be detrimental to your dog’s health, especially if it’s dark.

Chocolate Size and Toxicity

A single “piece” of chocolate can sometimes be as big as 8 ounces. If your curious mid-sized dog gets his paws on a giant milk chocolate bar of 8 ounces and eats it, it might be enough to bring upon toxic effects in him, indicates veterinarians Justine A. Lee and Ernest Ward on VCA Animal Hospitals’ website. This applies to dogs who weigh around 50 pounds. If your pooch is smaller than that, he could experience toxicity with a more minimal amount. Baker’s chocolate is even more hazardous. A mere single ounce of baker’s chocolate can be dangerous to mid-sized canines. Remember, single squares of baker’s chocolate often are 1 ounce. If you ever see your dog eating any type of chocolate, get immediate veterinary assistance for him, no matter the amount. Seek veterinary care even if you don’t notice any symptoms.

Ban Chocolate in General

White chocolate is less toxic to dogs than darker kinds, but it’s still nowhere near safe for your furry buddy. Paler chocolates are fatty, and as a result can bring upon diarrhea and throwing up in dogs. Fatty foods can also make dogs more vulnerable to pancreatitis, which is a potentially deadly disorder that involves the pancreas swelling. Keep all chocolates out of your pet’s mouth, period. Never feed your dog any human food unless your veterinarian tells you that it’s safe.

Mother Nature decrees that a pregnant animal’s body must devote itself to the development of the babies. That means a female dog should be in good physical shape before she’s bred. Those two months of gestation take a lot out of a dog. A malnourished dog’s inner workings will utilize all the nutrients necessary to nourish the fetuses, at the risk of the mother’s life and those of the puppies.

Feeding

The mother dog is eating for more than eating for two. She might be eating for six or more. The American Kennel Club recommends feeding a high-quality diet consisting of at least 29 percent protein and 17 percent fat — a diet for puppies or high-energy dogs. Start feeding her such ration as soon as she becomes pregnant, no more than normal. After her gestation’s first month, gradually increase her food intake, up to 25 percent extra daily by the time she’s ready to give birth. As she gestates, offer her several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large feedings.

Exercise

Unless your dog participates in strenuous physical exercise, she can maintain her normal routine for the first month of her pregnancy. Taking regular walks helps maintain her muscle tone. By the sixth week of pregnancy, she’ll have gained considerable weight and her mammary glands will have gotten bigger. By that point, she should take it relatively easy. Short, easy walks in good weather are fine, but don’t let her do anything to potentially cause overexertion.

Considerations

Because anything she consumes can affect the puppies, don’t give your dog any supplements or over-the-counter medications without checking with your vet. Keep your home as quiet and stress-free as possible. This is not the time to do major home renovation or anything disrupting normal routine, such as adding another dog to the household. Make sure your dog has a private area of her own where she can rest, away from other pets or children.

Vaccination

Ideally, your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations before breeding. In most cases, it’s not a good idea to vaccinate a pregnant dog, as it could harm the fetuses. If a pregnant dog is in a high-stress environment — such as a shelter — with an unknown vaccination history, the risk of coming down with a serious disease might outweigh potential fetal damage. That’s especially true in the case of distemper or parvovirus.

When you fall in love with those pleading puppy eyes, consider your financial status before signing the adoption papers. Few things are more exciting than welcoming a new furry family member into your household, but the costs of caring for a dog extend far beyond adoption fees, food, toys and a leash. To keep your promise of providing your dog with years of happiness, good health and longevity, you must be prepared for important and unexpected health care expenses.

The First Year

The first year of your dog’s life, be prepared to incur hundreds of dollars in veterinary costs. Puppies must receive a series of vaccination booster injections to achieve protective immunity. Initial puppy care also includes deworming treatments for intestinal parasites and followup fecal analyses to confirm that the dewormers eliminated them. If your puppy comes from a shelter, spaying or neutering likely has been performed. Otherwise, the expense of this necessary procedure will be your responsibility.

The Unpredictable Years

In the years that follow, expect to pay for a yearly checkup, which may include heartworm screening, vaccination boosters and a fecal analysis, and expect the unexpected. Your dog can require medical attention at any time, and the cost is unpredictable. You may deal with a simple ear infection one year, a costly orthopedic surgery the next and a dental cleaning procedure the year after that. Do your homework before selecting a particular breed, as some dogs are more prone to certain conditions, such as ear infections, dental disease, allergies or hip dysplasia.

Expenses of His Golden Years

The average age when dogs are considered seniors is 7 years though that varies based on breed. As his body wears over time, his chances increase for developing costly medical conditions. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that senior pets receive blood panel screenings every six months to catch looming illnesses early. Some of the common senior dog illnesses include cancer, kidney disease, diabetes and Cushing’s disease. Added health care costs to treat or manage these conditions include chemotherapy, medications, diagnostic tests for monitoring the disease’s progress and prescription diets.

An Ounce of Prevention

Preventative products, including heartworm preventatives and flea and tick control products, are a lifelong expense. Do not gamble with your dog’s health by cutting corners on these products. The consequence could be more costly in the long run. Ticks transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, all of which require treatment. Fleas can make your dog miserable, especially if he suffers from flea allergy dermatitis. Heartworm prevention is safer for your dog and far less expensive than the treatment for heartworm disease.

The Bottom Line

Once the cost of food, toys, treats, dog licensing fees, obedience training, grooming services, boarding or pet sitting, dishes, collars and leashes are added to the above veterinary care, the cost to own a dog for a 14-year life span can average well more than $18,000. Veterinary care makes up at least one-third of this figure, and that figure may be lower in rural locales, or it can be double the cost in metropolitan areas. The size, breed and overall health status of your canine companion throughout his life also will influence the bottom line.

Plan Ahead

Before taking on the financial responsibility of owning a dog, consider how you will pay for these expenses. Some options include maintaining a savings account for your dog’s health care expenditures, keeping a credit card solely for veterinary use or applying for a medical payment card. Many pet owners are turning to pet health insurance to cover some of the veterinary costs. When considering a pet insurance plan, be sure to read the fine print and have a complete understanding of how the policy works and exactly what is covered. And remember, a trip to the emergency vet hospital costs double or more than a regular visit to your vet.

boxers were the seventh most popular dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. But boxers are prone to many health problems, especially puppies. Anyone considering purchasing or adopting a boxer puppy needs education about common health problems of the breed such as bloat, heat stroke and hip dysplasia.

Bloat

Boxer puppies are prone to bloat because they possess an insatiable appetite coupled with a conformation conducive to bloat — deep chests and narrow waists. Boxer puppies or adults that bolt their food can develop bloat, also known as stomach torsion or gastric-dilatation volvulus. Gas pressure accumulates in the stomach and expands the stomach to dangerous degrees. The stomach presses on other organs and can shut off blood supply to the stomach and heart. Bloat is a medical emergency. Symptoms include abdominal swelling, dry heaves, drooling and panting suddenly due to pain.

Heat Stroke

Boxers possess a very short nose or a brachycephalic face. Although this makes a boxer cute, the shape of the nose can lead to serious health issues, most notably heat stroke. Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, not sweating. The tissues inside of a dog’s nose help cool inhaled air. But brachycephalic noses like boxers work inefficiently because they lack enough of this tissue. Boxer puppies play vigorously, even during hot and humid weather. They may play until they collapse with heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal. Symptoms of heat stroke include panting rapidly, struggling for breath, bright red gums and loss of coordination.

Hip Dysplasia

The American Boxer Club states that hip dysplasia is the leading cause for lameness in boxers and that 11.3 percent of boxers develop dysplasia. Hip dysplasia, mostly seen in puppies, is a genetic disease that causes malformations of the hip sockets. The head of the femoral leg bone rolls loosely in the socket, causing pain, lameness and arthritis. Puppies begin to show signs of lameness and sitting awkwardly when they are from 6 to 18 months old, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Hip dysplasia is treatable, often through surgery.

Cardiomyopathy

Sometimes known as boxer cardiomyopathy or arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, this is a genetic heart problem that can cause sudden death from congestive heart failure in boxers of all ages. Boxers with this condition may suddenly faint or go into a seizure. Boxer cardiomyopathy is treatable with medication.

Australian cattle dogs are powerful and bold herding animals who hail — you might have guessed it — from the land of koalas, kangaroos and vegemite. These midsize canines are commonly referred to as “blue heelers,” a reference to their heel-nipping approach to herding and their often blue-tinged coats.

Blue Heeler Basics

Blue heelers have been around since the end of the 19th century, when they were bred to work alongside cattle. Not only are blue heelers renowned for their diligence, they’re also frequently considered to be loving family dogs. Their thick and short fur is either blue or red, and “red heeler” is another common handle for the breed. Blue heelers who have caring and attentive caretakers can have content and thriving lives of 10 to 13 years. Blue heelers are vulnerable to a handful of medical conditions.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that frequently appears in blue heelers. This ailment involves retinal deterioration and the vision detriment that follows it. If your blue heeler is dealing with this disease, you might notice symptoms including difficulty seeing at night, widened pupils and the emergence of cataracts. Dogs with this issue do not experience pain. Progressive retinal atrophy works slowly to bring upon full vision loss in canines.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Blue heelers are susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, a disorder caused by irregularities with hip joint growth. With dysplasia, hip joints aren’t fixed in place, and discomfort results. If your blue heeler has canine hip dysplasia, he might hobble a lot and exhibit a strong aversion to physical activity. His body might always be rigid and tense, particularly at morning.

Deafness

Deafness occurs in many blue heelers. Some blue heelers who develop hearing difficulties can’t hear at all; others can to a degree. If your blue heeler has congenital hearing problems, he might make it apparent to you in a variety of ways. If, for instance, your pooch never seems to be aware that you’re nearby prior to your establishing physical contact with him, it could mean he never hears you approaching him. Other common indications of deafness in canines are inordinate barking, lack of reaction to random noises and trembling of the ears.

Other Health Issues

Other health issues that blue heelers are prone to are the blood vessel irregularity of liver shunts, the foggy eye lens condition of cataracts, the eye difficulties of persistent pupillary membranes and the blood disorder von Willebrand’s disease. Since symptoms for any diseases to which blue heelers are prone might not always be 100 percent clear or obvious, regular veterinary appointments are a must. The sooner you confirm the presence of a medical situation in your pooch, inherited or otherwise, the sooner you can get him the proper veterinary management he needs.