Everything about French Bulldog Allergies

Ah-choo!

Did my Frenchie just sneeze?

Probably not… but that doesn’t mean they can’t get allergies just like we do! (Frenchies aren’t hypoallergenic)

What Exactly are Allergies in French Bulldogs

Allergies are a response from your dog’s immune system as a result of exposure to an allergen or other foreign substance.

The severity of the allergic response can vary from just mild discomfort to severe hives, facial swelling, and rarely anaphylactic shock.

Severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock – which would require immediate veterinarian care– are pretty rare, and could be caused by things such as: vaccines, drugs, foods, or a bee sting.

There are many types of allergies, but skin allergies and food intolerance are the most common in Frenchies.

Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

No, Frenchies are not hypoallergenic. While at first, you might think they’re hypoallergenic due to their short coats— this couldn’t be further from the truth… Frenchies shed a ton!

Symptoms of Allergies in French Bulldogs

When exposed to an allergen, the body releases a chemical called histamine which is responsible for all the typical allergy symptoms.

The symptoms of allergies in French Bulldogs include the following, but are not limited to:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Face rubbing
• Itchy skin & butt
• Licking their feet
• Stomach problems
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Chronic bad gas or diarrhea
• Sneezing and/or reverse sneezing
• Runny discharge from the eyes or nose

Any of these sound familiar for your Frenchie?

If so, the first step to treat your Frenchie’s allergies is to identify the root cause.

What Causes Allergies in French Bulldogs?

Allergens such as dust, mold, cockroaches, pollen, grass, and weeds commonly cause allergies in French Bulldogs. Some Frenchies might also be allergic to certain foods.

Common causes for allergies include…

• Some foods (beef, salmon, chicken, etc.)
• Indoor allergens such as dust, mold, and cockroaches
• Outdoor allergens such as pollen, grass, and weeds

Anything external that causes allergies is called an allergen, and the most common are certain foods and stuff in the environment.

These are some of the most common allergens in French Bulldogs:

Foods

• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Egg
• Chicken
• Lamb/mutton
• Soy
• Pork
• Fish

Indoor Allergens

• Dust and dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pollen
• Cockroaches
• Pet dander
• Some plants

It is always a good idea to keep your house as dust-free as possible — for both you and your Frenchie!

Outdoor Allergens

• Pollen
• Mold spores
• Trees
• Grasses and weeds

Genetics are mainly to blame when it comes to whether a dog is going to suffer from allergies or not.

The typical types of allergies are food allergies, environmental allergies, skin allergies, and seasonal allergies.

The 3 Types of French Bulldog Allergies

1. Food Allergies and Intolerance
2. Environmental & Seasonal Allergies
3. Skin Allergies

1. Food Allergies and Intolerance

Will your Frenchie just not stop itching, scratching, and biting its fur?!

It’s possible your dog is allergic to something in its diet.

The term “food allergies” is often used to describe “food intolerance”. A true food allergy will cause severe symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis.

The Most Common Causes of Frenchie Food Intolerance

Not sure if your Frenchie’s allergies might be caused by food intolerance?

You might want to try changing their protein source to another. For example, if you feed your Frenchie beef, try switching to chicken.

If you suspect your Frenchie is suffering from food intolerance, these food ingredients should be first on your list to rule out as an allergen.

Common Foods that Cause Issues with Frenchies

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy such as eggs, milk, and cheese
• Wheat
• Soy

It’s important to note that most dogs with food sensitives may also be sensitive to other meat types as well.

Allergies can also develop over time, so just because they’ve ate the same food for years doesn’t mean a food sensitivity is out of the picture just yet.

2. Environmental and Seasonal Allergies

Just like us humans, the trees, grass, pollen, and environmental pollutants in the air around us can cause symptoms of seasonal allergies in your Frenchie.

Allergies can be triggered by inhaling the allergen or simply touching it.

As its name implies, it is possible your French Bulldog’s allergies wax and wane throughout the year and flair up during certain months.

These symptoms of environmental and seasonal allergies are:

• Scratching and biting
• Inflamed and infected skin
• Excessive shedding
• Paw licking
• Scooting their butt
• Chronic ear infections

The Most Common Causes of French Bulldog Environmental Allergies

Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are much more susceptible to being genetically disposed to having sensitivity to certain substances in the environment.

These substances are usually the ones that cause trouble in Frenchies:

• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen
• Mold spores
• Animal dander
• Grass
• Flea bites

3. Skin Allergies

There are a few types of skin allergies such as allergic dermatitis, yeast infections, impetigo, seborrhea, ringworm, mange, dry/flaky skin, and hot spots.

Types of French Bulldog Skin Allergies

1. Allergic Dermatitis
2. Yeast Infections
3. Impetigo
4. Soborrhea
5. Ringworm
6. Mange
7. Dry/Flaky Skin
8. Hot Spots

French Bulldog Allergy Treatments

The first step to treating your French Bulldog’s allergies is to determine the exact cause of the allergies.

Once you know the cause, you can start to take steps to avoid the allergen.

1. Remove the Allergen

The first & easiest solution to your Frenchies allergies are to simply remove/limit their exposure to the allergen.

For example, if your Frenchie has food allergies, you’ll need to find a new food that contains a different type of protein they can tolerate.

If your Frenchie can’t stop itching on their salmon diet, consider switching them (slowly) to chicken or beef.

2. Probiotic Allergy Support Supplements

There are allergy supplements available on the market such as this one on Chewy that are designed to stop allergy symptoms without antihistamines.

These work by providing your pet with the support it needs for a strong immune system, histamine production, and digestive enzymes.

3. Benadryl for Frenchie Allergies

Surprisingly, Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, works perfectly fine in most cases for your Frenchie’s allergies– but it’s mostly used to preemptively treat vaccine reactions.

Don’t use Benadryl if your Frenchie suffers from glaucoma, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.

According to PetMD.com, Benadryl really should only be used for preemptive treatment of vaccine reactions, insect bites or stings, or moderate to severe environmental allergies.

Be sure to check with your vet before giving your dog any Benadryl just to be safe.

Conclusion

There are many types of allergies & allergens that your Frenchie might encounter– be sure to know the symptoms & ways to get those pesky allergies under control.

Symptoms of Allergies in French Bulldogs

• Itchiness
• Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing
• Licking their feet
• Stomach problems, bad gas, and/or diarrhea.

Types of Allergies

1. Food Allergies and Intolerance
2. Environmental & Seasonal Allergies
3. Skin Allergies

Food Allergies and Food Intolerance

While a food intolerance might cause mild symptoms, a severe food allergy might result in anaphylaxis.

How to Treat Food Allergies & Food Intolerances in French Bulldogs

• Elimination diets
• Try switching the type of meat. (Salmon to beef, chicken to lamb, etc.)
• Prescription diets given by your vet

Environmental and Seasonal Allergies

How to Environmental and Seasonal Allergies in French Bulldogs

• Avoid known environmental allergens

Skin Allergies

How to Treat Skin Allergies in French Bulldogs

• Give lots of baths
• Avoid the allergens as best as possible

What allergens bother your Frenchie the worst, and what are you doing to treat the allergies?

Let us know down below!