How long do French bulldogs live?
The average lifespan of French bulldogs is 8 to 12 years. Dogs that die at the age of 15 are already recognized as long-livers. And exceeding this milestone is considered a great success.
French Bulldog
Among bulldogs, French bulldogs are in third place in terms of life expectancy, ahead of English and American ones.
Life expectancy of females and males
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Female French Bulldogs generally have a longer lifespan than males. This is explained by a character trait. Girls are more peaceful and not so aggressive, they practically do not get into trouble, unlike boys. Therefore, they are less injured and put their lives in danger.
Note! Bitches can live up to 15 years, which is quite a long time for representatives of this breed.
Factors influencing the lifespan of a purebred Frenchie
Experts have found that height affects a dog’s lifespan. Miniature individuals live longer than their large relatives.
On this basis, we can assume that little Frenchies should live happily ever after, but this breed is endowed with many features that shorten their lives.
Firstly, the age of bulldogs is not very long. Secondly, animals with a shortened muzzle often suffer from difficulty breathing and heart ailments.
The breed's tendency to obesity also does not have the best effect on the life expectancy of a French bulldog.
- Additional troubles are caused by hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition to the occurrence of diseases.
The likelihood of accidents with small pets is extremely high. These Frenchies are endowed with a cocky character, so they rush at large dogs. Such fights can have the most tragic consequences for a bulldog.
It is necessary to have a complete understanding of the nuances associated with the life of a pet. You may be able to prevent the negative effects of these factors and increase your baby’s lifespan.
What affects life expectancy
How long French bulldogs live depends on their care, nutrition and attentive attitude of the owner.
Nutrition
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A balanced diet is the basis of a pet’s health. The animal can be given specialized food, selecting it according to age and weight. It is also not prohibited to adhere to a natural diet.
In this case, you need to rely on a number of rules:
- Meat makes up about half of all foods consumed. It can be boiled or given raw. It is advised to avoid pork.
- Fermented milk products are an integral part of the diet, with the exception of those that contain a lot of sugar.
- Animals cannot digest milk.
- Among vegetables, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini are welcome. Also, the dog will not refuse boiled pumpkin.
- Pets love cereals; rice, buckwheat and millet are especially useful for them.
- You can carefully give apples, bananas and melons, observing the reaction. There is a risk of allergies.
Weight
Excessive weight and obesity often accompany representatives of the breed. Dog owners should constantly monitor their animal's diet by counting calories. Otherwise, excess weight will lead to the development of diabetes, which will greatly undermine the pet’s health.
Care
The dog's ears need to be examined for parasites. It is better to do this after every walk, and if necessary, clean them.
You also need to monitor the condition of the paw pads: for calluses, cracks and other damage. Be sure to treat problem areas to prevent infection and spread of infection.
You also need to take care of your French Bulldog's teeth:
- clean;
- remove tartar and plaque;
- remove sick ones.
Periodically, you need to show your dog to a doctor who will assess the condition of his teeth.
Problems with the birth of puppies
French bulldog puppies have fairly large heads. At birth, the dog often has to undergo a caesarean section. It is extremely difficult to carry out it at home without negative consequences for the animal. To avoid complications and especially death, the operation must be performed in special clinics.
Castration and sterilization
Castration and sterilization can prolong the life of a French bulldog:
- Reduce the risk of cancer.
- Make pets calmer and more balanced. They do not constantly strive to run away from their owner, jump out onto the road, or fight with another dog.
Unsterilized girls can also show aggression and be disobedient.
Note! It is better to carry out the operation before the first heat. If the moment is missed, then you cannot sterilize during the period of active sexual desire; you need to wait until it ends.
Physical activity
The animal must exercise a lot to eliminate the possibility of obesity. To do this, you need to walk the dog every day and encourage him to spend time actively. He will be happy to get involved in any game with his owner and other animals.
Active games
Lack of activity is fraught with:
- development of intervertebral hernias;
- atrophy of the limbs.
Emotional mood
The dog reacts to any emotions of the owner. She perceives shouting and scandals extremely negatively, which affects her health. A favorable environment at home, love and mutual understanding can prolong her life.
How to care for an aging pet
The breed has a risk of ear and eye diseases, which worsens in old age. To extend lifespan, the first step is to properly care for problem areas from the moment they are discovered. The age of the dog is also influenced by heredity, which becomes more pronounced in old age.
Starting from the age of 7, pets need special care - they begin to age. The acuity of hearing and vision is lost, many individuals begin to gain weight, which, along with a weak respiratory system, can lead to complications on the heart and blood vessels. In such conditions, physical activity is reduced and gradually switched to light walks.
For a pet's longevity, the respiratory system plays an important role. Since the structure of the muzzle is special, hence the problems that worsen in old age. Hormonal imbalances are possible. Pay attention to nutrition. The long and high-quality life of your pet is primarily influenced by the care to which he was accustomed in the first year of life.
The breed is intended to be kept warm and comfortable in an apartment or private house. The Frenchman is not happy with either a booth or an enclosure: he can withstand low and high temperatures with difficulty. In the summer, the animal should be given access to the bathtub or leave a damp cloth on the floor to prevent overheating.
When choosing a puppy, it is worth examining the width of the nostrils: the larger they are, the less problems the dog will have with breathing. In any case, the dog should not be overloaded with physical exercise, especially on hot days or days of high stuffiness and humidity.
In addition, bulldogs often develop crusts on their noses that need to be removed. To do this, you need to lubricate it with Vaseline or greasy cream, and when the surface softens, carefully remove the dirt.
What's the best way to name your pet? Our website contains beautiful and rare nicknames for French bulldogs girls and other breeds.
Accident
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If your French Bulldog is white and has blue eyes, it is most likely deaf. This is a congenital pathology that cannot be corrected. Such dogs often become victims of accidents on the road if the owners are inattentive.
Bulldogs are quite active and inquisitive; they will not miss the opportunity to chase a cat or grapple with a large dog. This often ends quite sadly. Therefore, owners need to constantly monitor their pet so that it does not get into trouble.
Tendency to obesity
If you look at the French Bulldog externally, it looks quite healthy and well-fed. But prosperity appears only at first glance. In fact, this dog has a high tendency to become obese. Those who have this wonderful animal at home will agree that the dog has an excellent appetite and sometimes “sweeps” everything.
How long does a French bulldog live? As a rule, no more than 10-12 years. If you don’t take good care of her, then the bulldog will leave you even earlier, having lived only five or seven years. When deciding to get a dog, you need to be very clear about the great responsibility you are taking on.
How to determine the age of a dog
The easiest way to determine a dog's age is by the condition of its teeth:
- In a young animal they are white, without plaque or stone.
- By the age of three, the lower incisors are slightly worn, and by the age of four, the upper ones.
- At the age of five, plaque appears and caries begins to develop.
- After six they become thinner, tartar appears, and some begin to become loose.
Note! Puppies' eyes usually sparkle, as if glowing with happiness. In an adult dog, they are not so perky, and you feel tired. It is immediately obvious that the dog managed to live for quite a long time.
old dog
Signs of old age
The main signs of old age in French bulldogs include the following:
- Reduced activity, the animal sleeps more and is not eager to go outside.
- Frequent urination appears.
- The dog often barks for no reason.
- Chronic diseases develop.
- Teeth fall out.
- Noticeable graying appears on the fur.
- The sparkle in the eyes disappears.
An elderly dog does not perceive extraneous sounds well and very rarely turns towards stimuli.
What to feed?
Pets are fed either natural products or ready-made mixtures. What to feed a French bulldog, are there any dietary features? A regular diet is suitable, it is selected without any special difficulties and the dog calmly eats 2 times a day, delighting the owners with a good appetite. Puppies need more frequent meals:
- up to three months every 4 hours;
- up to 8 months - 3-4 times a day;
- after 8 months - adult dog regimen (twice a day).
Let us remind you that from the very first days you should use a balanced diet, including not only proteins, but also carbohydrates, fats, mineral salts, and vitamins. Feeding only meat can quickly kill a dog by putting unbearable strain on its kidneys.
Protein requirements depend on developmental stage and physical activity. For sedentary individuals living in an apartment, a fifth of the protein in the diet is enough. The carrier of carbohydrates can be stale black or gray bread and cereals. Fruits and vegetables are also essential for a dog's body.
An unbalanced diet for a French bulldog or the intake of low-quality food can cause food allergies.
Signs of an unhealthy condition:
- rash, pimples and redness;
- scratching the skin until it bleeds and restless behavior;
- plaque formation;
- hair loss.
With the help of a veterinarian, a blood test should be performed to determine the specific types of prohibited components. There are times when the dog’s body does not even accept beef. Eating hypoallergenic food can alleviate your pet's condition.
Feeding an older dog
After 6-7 years, the French bulldog begins to grow old. Metabolism decreases, activity is practically reduced to nothing. Therefore, food should not be as high in calories as before. It is necessary to reduce the animal's portions, leave the number of feedings the same, and offer food twice a day. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and prevent your pet from becoming obese.
Note! Products containing calcium should be given in doses so as not to cause kidney disease.
Characteristic
Look at that funny face - it says so much about the character of the French Bulldog! This loving, lively and cheerful creature is full of mischief. The dog is extremely attached to “his” person and is ready to follow him anywhere. In addition, most Frenchies are fearless defenders, ready to attack even a lion if it wants to eat its owner.
As for correct behavior, bulldogs are a little stubborn, but trainable. They clearly understand who is the leader here, and whose words can be ignored. Therefore, the “baby” needs patient persistence.
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How to Improve Your Old Bulldog's Sleep
Soft bedding will help your old bulldog fall asleep faster. He needs more care, perhaps he will start to freeze outside, so in severe frosts it is better to buy clothes for your pet.
Dog in clothes
It is advisable to feed the dog three hours before bedtime, so as not to provoke digestive problems. The dog is very dependent on people; it needs attention from family members. Without receiving it, she begins to mope, which affects the quality of her sleep.
French bulldogs become old after 6 years of age. Their lifespan largely depends on the actions of the owner. It is important not only to feed the animal in a balanced manner and regularly visit the veterinarian, but also to take care of the dog’s skin, teeth, and ears. This will allow the dog to live a full and happy life.
How to extend the life of a pet
Extending the life of a dog is possible only if the rules of care are followed. If you feed her properly, avoid eating harmful foods and follow a training regimen, then the bulldog will live a long time.
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As for physical activity, it is worth remembering that this breed is not a hound. A bulldog does not need to run tens of kilometers every day to be in shape. But from puppyhood, it is recommended to regularly walk and play with the dog. If it's hot or cold outside, then preference should be given to entertaining at home.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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Recent studies have shown that dogs that have been spayed or neutered live longer.
Another method of prolonging its existence is regular examination of the bulldog by a veterinarian and preventive vaccinations.
