You no doubt love your French Bulldog. So when you see them incessantly itching, scratching, and biting, you probably make it your mission to correct that issue by whatever means necessary…right? But before you can do that, it would help to learn a bit about French Bulldog allergies, so you know where to begin. And that’s what we're here to help with. So let’s get started.
Do French Bulldogs Get Allergies?
Just because Frenchies have short coats, doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic. So yes, just like humans, French Bulldogs are also susceptible to getting allergies. And the sooner you identify the problem, the quicker you can give your dog (and you) some relief.
What Are the Types of Allergies French Bulldogs are Susceptible To?
There are two types of allergies French Bulldogs are susceptible to and those are food allergies and environmental allergies. Additionally, food and environmental allergies usually manifest themselves through your dog’s skin. So learning the signs and symptoms of dog allergies is important.
Food Allergies
Many dogs experience food allergies and French Bulldogs are no exception. Food allergies are caused by antibodies in a dog’s intestines. When those antibodies interact with any given allergen in food, it has the potential to cause a histaminic response that triggers allergy symptoms. The most common food allergy French Bulldogs experience is an allergy that’s associated with certain proteins.
Here are the most common protein offenders.
If your Frenchie experiences food allergies, try changing the protein source in their food. For example, if you feed your dog chicken, try switching to a less common, novel protein. You might have to eliminate animal proteins completely by substituting your dog’s food with an insect or plant-based protein source (more about that in a moment).
Environmental Allergies
Just like food allergies, environmental allergies could be just about anything in the dog’s environment. The allergic reaction happens when the dog’s antibodies react to any given allergen, resulting in the dog producing an excessive amount of histamine. This causes an allergic reaction. Here are some of the most common environmental allergies Frenchies are most prone to.
- Dust and dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Mold spores
- Pollens, grass, weeds, trees
- Animal dander
- Indoor plants
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in a French Bulldog?
Here are some of the symptoms of allergies to watch for when you have a French Bulldog.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are the most common food allergy symptoms you might notice. These issues include constant gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, gastrointestinal issues frequently prevent your dog from digesting their food, which could lead to dehydration, pancreatitis, and other potentially life-threatening medical conditions.
Skin Issues
Food allergies in your dog can also cause skin issues such as itching, hives, sores, rashes, bumps, hyperpigmentation, and more. When a dog has open sores, that can lead to fungal and bacterial infections that could lead to even more infections.
Miscellaneous Issues
- Wheezing and coughing
- Feet licking
- Itchy butt or ears
- Face rubbing
- Discharge from eyes or nose
What Allergies are French Bulldogs More Prone To?
Food allergies in French Bulldogs are commonly a reaction to different kinds of meat and other foods. These allergies cause inflammatory reactions which turn food allergies into skin issues such as dermatitis, lesions, pruritus, and hives.
Additionally, food allergies can sometimes develop into more serious medical conditions such as French Bulldog inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So it’s extremely important to identify what type of allergy your Frenchie has so it can be treated before it develops into a dangerous medical condition.
Managing and Treating French Bulldog Skin Problems
Food and environmental allergies that usually result in skin problems can be managed with proper hygiene, nutrition, and diet.
1. Bathe with sulfate-free organic hypoallergenic shampoo. This will help control your Frenchie Bulldog’s itchiness.
2. You can also look for shampoos that contain added anti-inflammatory ingredients such as hydrocortisone and aloe vera. These will help soothe your dog's itchy, red, inflamed skin.
3. Experiment with an elimination diet to help identify which protein sources are causing your dog’s issues. You might have to switch your Frenchie Bulldog to an insect or plant-based protein dog food to help eliminate their allergy issues.
4. Try adding some prebiotics and probiotics to your dog’s food. Prebiotics and probiotics help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. They will also strengthen your dog’s immune system. And this will help stave off allergies.
5. Make some dietary adjustments. Increase your dog’s amino acids, avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, fortify food with Vitamin E, B, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids, adjust the EPA and DHA levels, and introduce more Zinc and Vitamin A.
Are There Any Alternatives to Meat Proteins for French Bulldogs?
Yes! You can opt for a combination of plant and insect-based ingredients in dog food to feed your protein-sensitive dog. Plant and insect-based dog foods and treats are delicious, nutritious, easily digestible, contain prebiotics, and are hypoallergenic. And, did we mention they are sustainable too? That’s just a bonus!
Where Can I Get Insect-Based Dog Food for My Frenchie Bulldog?
Jiminy’s carries a line of insect-based dog foods and treats. If you would like an alternative to the traditional protein meats your French Bulldog is so allergic to, why not consider Jiminy’s Dog Food and Treat Products today? Jiminy’s is crafted without the use of corn, wheat, soy, or chicken (poultry) products, and it’s hypoallergenic!
Remember to switch your dog's food gradually. For help transitioning, check out this post that walks you through the food transition process. HERE
Disclaimer: We are not licensed veterinarians. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or considering any type of medical or alternative treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions — French Bulldog Allergies
1. Do French Bulldogs get allergies?
Yes — despite having short coats, French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic and can develop both food and environmental allergies that often show up as skin or digestive issues.
2. What types of allergies are common in French Bulldogs?
Frenchies commonly develop food allergies (often to specific proteins) and environmental allergies (like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander).
3. What are common signs of allergies in my French Bulldog?
Look for itching, scratching, hives, rashes, gastrointestinal upset (gas, diarrhea, vomiting), paw licking, ear irritation, and discharge from the eyes or nose.
4. Can food allergies in French Bulldogs cause serious health issues?
Yes — chronic food allergies can lead to skin infections and gastrointestinal problems, and in some cases contribute to inflammatory bowel disease if not addressed.
5. How can I tell if my Frenchie has a food allergy versus an environmental allergy?
Food allergies often present with GI symptoms and year-round itchiness, while environmental allergies may be seasonal and triggered by things like pollen and dust. If symptoms align with changes in the environment or season, environmental triggers may be to blame. (For precise diagnosis, a veterinarian may recommend testing or an elimination diet.)
6. What should I do if my French Bulldog is allergic to their current food?
Try an elimination diet with a novel or alternative protein source to identify triggers. Switching to a hypoallergenic formula (such as insect or plant-based diets) can reduce allergic responses.
7. Are insect-based dog foods good for French Bulldogs with allergies?
Yes — novel proteins like insect meals are less common and often less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs, making them a good option for many French Bulldogs with food sensitivities.
8. Can environmental allergies be managed at home?
Yes — regular grooming, bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo, cleaning bedding, and reducing indoor allergens (dust, mold) can help manage environmental allergy symptoms. For persistent issues, veterinary guidance may be needed.
9. Do French Bulldogs need special allergy testing?
Veterinarians may recommend skin or blood allergy testing, or a structured elimination diet to pinpoint specific allergens, especially if symptoms persist.
10. How long does it take to see improvement after changing diet for allergies?
Improvements can take several weeks after starting an elimination diet or hypoallergenic food. Always transition gradually and monitor symptoms to see what works best
