If you have a Frenchie, you know that they are one of the most loving, loyal, and fun-loving breeds around. But did you know that they are also prone to obesity? Here are 7 simple tips to help keep your French Bulldog healthy weight:
What is a healthy weight for a French Bulldog?
The average healthy weight for a French Bulldog is between 20 and 28 pounds. However, some French Bulldogs may be overweight or underweight. If your French Bulldog is overweight, you may notice that they have a pot belly, are slow to move, and have trouble breathing. If your French Bulldog is underweight, you may notice that their ribs are visible, they are lethargic, and they have a poor appetite.
Health risks for overweight French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs who are overweight face a number of health risks. These include joint problems, such as arthritis; respiratory difficulties, due to the breed’s short snout; and heat intolerance since they cannot pant as effectively as other dogs. French Bulldogs who are obese are also at an increased risk for developing diabetes.
How do I know if my French Bulldog is overweight?
Your French Bulldog is considered overweight if he or she weighs more than
28 pounds. To check if your dog is overweight, you can use the Body Condition Scoring Chart. This chart rates dogs on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being too thin and 9 being obese. If your dog falls into the 5 to 7 range, he or she is considered to be at a healthy weight. However, if your dog falls into the 8 to 9 range, he or she is considered to be overweight and you should talk to your veterinarian about a weight-loss plan.
Why are Frenchies prone to weight gain?
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short snout. This can lead to health problems like difficulty breathing, which is why they should never be exercised to the point of exhaustion. They are also prone to weight gain because they are such small dogs – just 24-28 pounds on average – and they love to eat. A diet high in calories and fat can cause Frenchies to put on weight, which can then lead to even more health problems like joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease.
More signs that your fat French Bulldog is overweight
1- French Bulldog Visual checks and indicators
The French Bulldog should be a compact dog with heavy bone, a smooth coat, a short face, and bat ears. They should be well balanced and not appear either top-heavy or bottom-heavy. Good indicators of health in a French Bulldog include:
•Eyes that are clear, not runny, and free from discharge
•Ears that are clean and free from discharge
•Nose that is clean and free from discharge
•Coat that is shiny and free from bald spots or excessive shedding
•Body that is free from lumps or bumps
2- They get tired and overexerted easily
French Bulldogs are a small breed of dog, and as such, they get tired and overexerted easily. They are not built for long periods of exercise, and they should not be pushed too hard, or they will quickly become exhausted. It is important to keep this in mind when exercising your French Bulldog and to make sure that you do not overdo it.
3- They are unable to groom and scratch themselves
This is one of the reasons why French Bulldogs require human assistance to keep them clean and healthy. They need to be brushed regularly, have their nails trimmed, and may need their anal glands expressed. Without this help, they can develop health problems like skin infections, eye problems, and ear infections.
4- Breed
French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog, known for their comical expressions and big personalities. They are also breeds that are prone to weight gain. Overweight French Bulldogs can suffer from a number of health problems, including joint pain, respiratory difficulties, and heat intolerance.
There are a few signs that you can look for to tell if your French Bulldog is overweight:
- They have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- They seem short of breath after moderate activity.
- Their belly hangs down low to the ground.
- They have folds of skin on their neck and back.
- They have difficulty getting up after lying down.
If you think your French Bulldog may be overweight, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to help them get back to a healthy weight.
5- Age
As your French Bulldog starts to age, it may become less active. This can make it easy to overfeed them and not realize it.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to cut back on their food intake and make sure they are getting enough exercise. Obesity can lead to health problems such as joint pain, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
6- Pre-Existing Diseases
There are several signs that your French Bulldog is overweight. If you notice that your dog is eating more than usual, drinking more water, or urinating more frequently, these could be signs of diabetes. If your dog is panting excessively, has trouble breathing, or is lethargic, these could be signs of heart disease. If your dog’s joints are stiff or he/she is having trouble walking, this could be a sign of arthritis. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
7- Reproductive Status
French Bulldogs are a stocky breed, and when at a healthy weight, they should have a defined waistline when viewed from above. An overweight Frenchie will have a rounder, fuller body with less of a defined waist. Additionally, you may be able to feel their ribs, but there should be a slight layer of fat over them. If you can’t feel their ribs at all, or if you can see them clearly, your dog is likely overweight.
How can I get my French Bulldog to lose weight?
1- Feed them lighter dog food
One of the best ways to keep your French Bulldog healthy is to feed them lighter dog food. Lighter dog food is easier for them to digest and helps to prevent obesity. French Bulldogs are also prone to snoring, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
2- Feed them the correct amount
French Bulldogs are notoriously difficult to feed. They are prone to weight gain and may suffer from health problems if they are overfed. It is therefore important to make sure that you are feeding your French Bulldog the correct amount of food. The recommended amount of food for a French Bulldog is 1-2 cups per day, divided into two meals. If you are unsure about how much to feed your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
3- Reduce their portion sizes
Reducing French Bulldog portion sizes is a great way to help your dog stay healthy and fit. By reducing the amount of food your dog eats, you can help them maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. It is important to speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet and to make sure you are providing them with the nutrients they need.
4- Stop feeding them as many treats
French Bulldogs are a popular breed, known for their loving and affectionate nature. However, they can also be prone to weight gain if they are not exercised regularly and fed a healthy diet. One way to help keep your French Bulldog at a healthy weight is to limit the number of treats they eat. This doesn’t mean you have to stop giving them treats altogether, but you should be mindful of how many you’re giving them and make sure the treats make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
5- Give them regular exercise and walks
French Bulldog owners should give their dogs regular exercise and walks. This breed is not known for being particularly active, but they do need some level of physical activity to stay healthy. A good way to provide exercise for a French Bulldog is to take them on short walks several times a day. These walks can be around the block, at a local park, or even just in the backyard. It’s important to keep in mind that French Bulldogs are susceptible to heat stroke, so exercise should be done in cooler weather or in shaded areas.
6- Weigh your Frenchie regularly
Your French Bulldog should be weighed regularly to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight. You can use a regular bathroom scale, or invest in a pet-specific scale. If you notice your dog starting to put on weight, or if they seem to be losing weight, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss possible causes and solutions.
