Frenchie Food Allergies – Why is my Frenchie Itchy?

Frenchie Food Allergies – Why is my Frenchie Itchy? Read about the symptoms and treatment of food allergies in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are a beloved breed for many reasons. Their adorable little faces bring joy every time you look at them. And they’re a great family dog who loves to run and play as much as they love to lounge around. But owning and caring for a French Bulldog comes with responsibilities (on top of making sure they always have a ball to chase).

French Bulldogs can have breed-specific health concerns, including a predisposition to food allergies. If your dog is showing any signs of a food allergy, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about Frenchie food allergies, including why they happen and what you can do about them.  

French Bulldog Allergy Symptoms

French Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to allergies, both from their environment and potentially from the foods they eat. Learning to recognize the symptoms of allergies in your Frenchie is the first step in finding the remedy, so your dog can live their best life.

Most food allergies in dogs are a result of an immune system reaction. It’s very similar to what happens to humans when they have an allergy. The result is usually a response like sneezing, watery eyes, hives, or a rash. Here are some common symptoms of food allergies in Frenchie’s.

1.  Gastrointestinal upset

Because of the French Bulldog’s short face and snub nose, they often snort and make noises when they breathe. They also tend to gulp air, which leads to excess air in the digestive system. This can result in some smelly situations. However, excess flatulence, vomiting, and even diarrhoea can be a direct response to a food allergy.

2.  Itchy skin

If you notice your Frenchie constantly itching or scratching, this could be a direct immune response to an allergy.

3.  Hives

Dogs with food allergies can develop hives or red bumps on their skin. Because Frenchie’s have such a short coat, you may be able to see them under the fur.

4.  Hair loss

Persistent itching can cause hair loss. You will usually notice this happening in certain areas rather than all over. These are sometimes called hot spots and will lead to your dog scratching the same spot until it causes the skin to become irritated and the hair to fall out.

5.  Breathing issues

Because allergies can trigger what is known as a histamine response, just like in humans, common symptoms can involve wheezing, coughing, and sneezing.

6.  Broken skin or sores

Broken skin or sores can result from the constant scratching caused by an allergic reaction. Broken skin can become a big problem and can lead to infection. Common areas to check for skin irritation is the paws, ears, face, and underbelly.

What’s the difference between allergies and intolerance?

It’s important to note the difference between food allergies and food intolerance. Allergies cause an immune response to a specific food or ingredient. When your dog eats that food, the body will produce antibodies called immunoglobulin. The immune system uses antibodies and histamines to fight off the “invader.”  The result is a whole-body immune response that leads to inflammation.

Food intolerance means your dog cannot process a specific food. It’s similar to humans who are lactose intolerant. Food intolerance is most likely to result in gastrointestinal and digestive issues, like vomiting, diarrhoea, and flatulence.

How do you know if your Frenchie is allergic to food?

There are a few ways to find out if you are dealing with a food allergy. The first way is to look at the symptoms listed above. If your Frenchie is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s time to find out why.

Other things to look out for may not be as easy to spot. You know your dog better than anyone. So, if you notice something unusual in their behaviour it’s worth noting. Excessive excitability or lethargy, sudden weight loss, or a change in demeanour can all be signs that something is making your pup feel uncomfortable.

1.  See your veterinarian

There are at-home steps you can take to find out if your Frenchie has a food allergy, but the best and quickest way to get answers is a trip to the veterinarian. They can look at the whole picture of your dog’s health, including diet and environmental stressors. Plus, if there is a more serious underlying illness going on, they can catch it and begin treatment early

2.  Blood Testing

The best reason to visit your vet is so they can perform blood tests to check for allergies right away. A blood test isn’t always going to provide a quick and easy answer. But it can provide helpful information. This option can be pricey but is usually the first-place vets will want to start when diagnosing a potential allergy.

3.  The Elimination Diet 

The elimination diet is a way to test your Frenchie’s allergic response to certain foods. The test usually takes 10-12 weeks to complete and involves eliminating foods from your Frenchie’s diet and then adding them back in one at a time. This allows you to see how your dog reacts to each ingredient in their food.

It’s best to undertake this kind of diet with the oversight of a veterinarian, who can advise you how to do it safely.  

What Foods are French Bulldogs Allergic to?

Proteins cause the majority of food allergies in dogs. Chicken and beef are the most common offenders, but fish, lamb, and other proteins can also cause problems. Grains, dairy products, and even more can cause issues for some dogs but are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than proteins.

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Barley
  • Corn
  • Oats
  • Rice
  • Soy
  • Gluten

Allergies can develop over time or may happen suddenly with no warning. The more often a dog eats an ingredient or food, the more likely they are to develop an allergy to it. Some vets recommend a rotation diet, meaning you rotate the protein source in your dog’s food every so often. This way your Frenchie is not eating the same protein for an extended period.

What’s the best food for French Bulldogs with allergies?

There is no correct, or right dog food for your specific Frenchie. The best dog food will simply not include any of the ingredients your pooch is allergic to. That’s why it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms of a potential food allergy. 

Once you have determined the exact allergen that triggers your Frenchie, you can partner with your vet to choose the best food for your dog. There are a lot of brands that make high-quality, hypo-allergenic dog foods. Picking the right protein source is the key. You should also avoid common triggers like soy, gluten, and grains.

Some people also recommend a raw diet, and some companies produce raw, all-natural meals you can buy at the store or online. It’s worth noting that these raw diets are somewhat controversial, and some believe them to be terrible for your dog.

It’s important to note that most dog foods contain fillers and byproducts. You should always check the label and read the entire ingredient list. These ingredients may not be listed on the front of the bag. But if you scroll down through the list of ingredients, you may find many you didn’t realize were there.

You can also check out DogFoodAdvisor.com for tons of reviews and information about specific dog food brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Can French Bulldogs be allergic to grass?

Yes absolutely! Many environmental triggers can cause allergies in French Bulldogs. Pollen, grass, dust mites, fleas, and many more things can cause an allergic reaction, and many of the symptoms are the same as those that occur with a food allergy.

If you’re having trouble figuring out if your Frenchie has a food allergy or an environmental allergy, there are some things you can consider that will help you pinpoint the problem. Do they only have symptoms during the spring and summer when they are more likely to be exposed to environmental triggers? Or are the symptoms persistent and present year-round? 

2.    How often to bathe French Bulldogs with allergies?

It is recommended that a Frenchie with allergies get a bath twice a week. But this is dependent on your dog and its specific symptoms. Over-bathing can cause issues as well. And certain shampoos may cause more harm than good, drying out your dog’s skin. A hypo-allergenic shampoo may be a good choice when bathing a dog with allergies, but you should always consult your vet if you’re concerned.

References


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