Frenchies are often regarded as hypoallergenic because of their short coat. However, this is not true. In fact, some short-haired breeds lose even more hair than some long-haired breeds. If you are interested in adopting or buying a French Bulldog, here are all the important things to know about their coat and shedding levels.
The French Bulldog’s Coat
Frenchies have a smooth single coat. Their hair is usually short and fine in texture. They shed less compared to other breeds and do not lose hair that much except during spring and fall or during the warmer months.
Contrary to popular belief, the Frenchie is not a hypoallergenic dog. But do note that there is really no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet. All dogs, regardless if they appear to be hairless will shed to a certain degree. It’s just that some breeds, especially the double-coated ones, shed more than the others.
In the case of Frenchies, you will still see pet hair on the floor, on your clothes, and even on your furniture. The good news is that the amount is manageable, as long as you have a good vacuum and you groom your fur baby regularly.
Just a tip for every pet parent – invest in a lightweight vacuum with powerful suction. They can be the answer to your problem especially if you have carpeted floors or upholstered furniture.
French Bulldog Grooming
Frenchies are easy to groom. A 15-minute brushing session once a week will keep their coat shiny and healthy. Don’t bathe them too much or use too much shampoo because it can dry your pet’s coat and could even increase their chances of suffering from dermatitis.
While you don’t need to spend so much time grooming their body, you will need to pay more attention to cleaning their face. The Frenchie’s wrinkly face needs to be wiped with a soft washcloth regularly. Always check their face because the folds easily attract dirt and debris.
Health Issues Related to Excessive Shedding
There are conditions that cause a dog to shed more hair than normal. If you suspect that your dog’s shedding is related to the health issues listed below, seek veterinary attention immediately.
- Food allergy – losing a lot of hair can be a reaction to a certain food item and in the case of Frenchies, they are among the breeds prone to food allergy. Many Frenchies have allergies to wheat, soy, and dairy products. Consult your vet if you observe anything unusual with your pet after eating something.
- Flea or tick infestation – parasites can be caught from other pets or dormant flea eggs on surfaces. Dogs can lose a lot of hair because of fleas and tick. Hair loss is a result of uncontrolled scratching or biting because parasites can make the dog very itchy.
- Cancer – another reason why dogs lose a lot of hair is coetaneous lymphoma. This is among the common kinds of cancer in dogs and it can be confirmed with the help of biopsy. It is not curable.
- Thyroid disease – hypothyroidism causes hair to become thin and results in intense shedding. This happens when a Frenchie’s thyroid cannot produce sufficient metabolism-regulating hormone.
- Sebaceous Adenitis – although it is not very common among French bulldogs, it does not mean they cannot have this inflammatory skin disease. This condition can be treated with topical medication.
- Fungal and bacterial infection – it is actually a result of an underlying disease. This complicating factor should be treated immediately before it worsens your pet’s condition. A bacterial or fungal infection is normally treated with antibiotics and topical medications.
In addition to the health-related concerns mentioned above, Frenchies may shed excessively because of sunburn or after being exposed to plants or shrubs. Dogs with poor nutrition are also at higher risk of losing a lot of hair.
A trip to the vet is warranted if excessive shedding is accompanied by other symptoms like skin inflammation, pimple-like bumps in certain areas of the body, flaking, dryness, itchiness, and uncontrolled scratching.
How to Manage French Bulldog Shedding
There is no way you can stop a Frenchie from casting off dead hair. Dogs shed to let new hair grow. They need to shed some hair, especially during summer to help their bodies cool down during the warm months. But the good news is there are a few things you can do to keep shedding under control. Here are a few things you can do at home:
- Use a rubber brush during regular seasonal shedding – massage it in circular motion especially during spring and fall, when your Frenchie is expected to lose a great amount of hair.
- Keep a lint roller in handy – this helps remove pet hair in surfaces your vacuum cannot reach. It is the best tool to use in case you need to remove pet hair from your upholstered furniture.
- Give your pet fish oil – it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the best natural treatments for skin conditions and can help improve the appearance of the coat. It can be given in the form of supplements.
- Bathe your pooch with a gentle dog shampoo – did you know that even the gentlest baby shampoo can irritate some dogs? Only use a product intended for dogs. Use shampoos made of natural ingredients like oatmeal. If your pooch is suffering from any skin condition, like flea infestation, your vet will likely prescribe a medicated shampoo.
Conclusion
French Bulldogs have a short coat but they will shed to a certain degree especially during the changes of the seasons. Vacuuming daily and grooming your fur baby consistently should keep shedding under control. Dogs can lose a lot of hair due to infections, hormone-related problems, and parasite infestation.
