No one wants to imagine their new puppy getting sick, but luckily, most common illnesses are mild and improve quickly with prompt vet care—and many are preventable with parasite control, vaccinations, and good hygiene. 

French Bulldog puppies, however, are prone to a few breed-specific problems due to their body shape and anatomy, so knowing the early signs helps you act fast. 

Written by our compassionate team of vets, this guide gives you trustworthy, up-to-date advice you can feel confident in.

1. Parasites

Because French Bulldog puppies love exploring and meeting other animals, they’re especially likely to pick up parasites. Many are easy to treat, but heavy parasite burdens can make puppies seriously unwell.

Common parasites in puppies include:

• Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and a pot-bellied appearance. 

• Fleas: Tiny insects that bite and irritate the skin. French bulldog puppies tend to have quite sensitive skin, so it’s especially important to keep them protected from these parasites.

• Ticks: Small parasites that attach to the skin. 

• Ear mites: Tiny parasites that live in the ear canal, causing irritation and infections.

Treatment
Your vet can prescribe safe medication for each type of parasite. They will take into account your living location and lifestyle. It’s important to keep up to date with regular parasite control; prevention is much easier and safer than treatment! 

2. Ear infections

French Bulldog puppies have delicate ears with narrow canals that can develop infections. Spotting early signs helps you treat it fast and prevent painful complications.

Symptoms:

• Scratching at the ears or shaking their head frequently

• Painful or swollen ears

• Red, smelly, or waxy ears

Treatment:
Ear infections are usually treated with vet-prescribed drops. Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent future infections. Repeated ear infections can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem, like allergies, which are common in Frenchies. 

3. Tummy upsets

French Bulldog puppies often get tummy upsets because they explore the world with their mouths. Most mild diarrhoea or vomiting settles with supportive care, but swallowing toxins or objects can quickly become an emergency (poisoning or a blockage). Knowing what is dangerous and taking quick action will keep your puppy healthy.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting or loose stools

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

• Tummy pain: having a hunched posture or restlessness

Prevention:
Frenchie puppies don’t usually do well with sudden food changes or too much variety in their diet, so it’s important to maintain a high-quality diet. As hard as it is, it’s also important to avoid giving too many treats. Choose a couple of good-quality treats, and save them for training and for specific times and places. 

4. Skin issues and allergies

Frenchie puppies often develop skin problems early because their skin is sensitive, allergies are common, and skin folds can trap moisture. Mild rashes can worsen quickly, so early action helps keep them comfortable.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Red, itchy skin or frequent scratching

• Hair loss / bald patches

• Flaking, scabs, or sore “hot spots”

• Redness or odour in skin folds (especially facial folds)

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause and may include parasite control, antiseptic/medicated washes or wipes, topical creams, oral meds, or diet trials for allergies. For Frenchies, gently clean and thoroughly dry skin folds daily. Your vet may recommend medicated wipes if folds look red or irritated. 

5. BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

Some of the features of French Bulldogs that contribute so much to their cuteness, unfortunately, come with a cost in terms of the functionality of their airways. The spaces that air has to move through are often narrow and convoluted. This means it’s always harder for Frenchies to breathe, and this is worse during exercise and sleep. In severe cases, this may prevent a puppy from playing and developing as normal, and can lead to chronic respiratory and sleep problems.

Symptoms of concern:

• No interest in normal puppy play, or becoming tired and breathless after just a couple of minutes of play

• Gagging, retching and loud breathing noises

• Loud and frequent snoring with disturbed sleep, such as jerking movements or waking up constantly

• Narrow nostrils

Treatment:
Speak to a vet to discuss your puppy’s specific features. In some cases, no intervention may be needed, but there are minor surgeries that can greatly improve function and quality of life and prevent complications from developing.

6. Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious issue to be aware of in French Bulldogs. Air circulation in the upper airways is a very important part of how dogs maintain a normal body temperature. Frenchies have narrower and shorter airways, and this leads to heatstroke developing faster than for most other breeds. Another factor is the frantic personality of many Frenchies; they’re usually either chilling out or at full throttle!

Symptoms of concern:

• Excessive panting or laboured breathing

• Drooling or foaming from the mouth

• Bright red or pale gums

• Confusion or collapse

Treatment:

Stop exercise and move your pet straight to a cool, shaded area. Pour cool tap water over them, avoiding the nose and mouth. Don’t use wet towels, as they can trap heat. If they’re alert, offer small amounts of cool fresh water, and create airflow with a fan or open windows. Then get to the nearest vet immediately, using AC or open windows during transport.

Prevention:

Walk them during the coolest parts of the day, and during extreme heat, it’s safest to skip exercise altogether. Always bring drinking water, and never leave your dog alone in a car—even for a few minutes.

7. Eye problems

French Bulldog puppies are prone to eye problems because their eyes sit more exposed. Cherry eye is when a tear gland slips out, appearing as a pink lump in the inner corner. It may not hurt at first, but it can lead to dry eye or damage. Eye injuries (scratches, trauma, debris under the lid) can happen easily, too, and they need urgent vet attention.

Symptoms of concern:

• Excessive blinking or closed eye

• Pain when being touched around the eye

• The two pupils have very different sizes

• Swelling 

• Discharge, especially if thick and yellow/green

Treatment:

Gently bathe the eye with cooled boiled water, if it’s not too distressing for your puppy, and speak to a vet for further advice as soon as possible. Many minor injuries heal well, but starting treatment early is important to prevent complications.

8. Dental disease

The shorter faces of French bulldogs mean that they are prone to overcrowding, where the teeth are on top of each other and in abnormal positions. This doesn’t often interfere with chewing, but it makes dental disease develop sooner. To combat this, great dental care is very useful. The best way to achieve this is regular brushing. 

Frenchies tend to be particularly displeased to be held around the mouth and have their teeth brushed. For this reason, it’s especially important to introduce tooth brushing and dental care at an early age, make it a calm and fun experience, and a steady part of their daily life. 

Q&A: Common Puppy Concerns

Q: How often should my puppy see the vet?
A: After their initial vaccinations—usually between 8 and 12 weeks—most vets recommend another full exam at around 6 months old. These visits are a great chance to track their development.

Q: When should I seek emergency care?
A: If your puppy has any of the following signs, seek emergency care: severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, suspected poisoning, difficulty breathing, collapse, or signs of pain or trauma.

Tips for Success

• Observe daily: Keep an eye on your puppy's appetite, toilet habits, energy, and behaviour. Small changes can indicate health problems.

• Provide preventive care: Vaccinations, parasite control, and a high-quality diet can make a big difference to your puppy's health.

• Protect their environment: Supervision, safe toys, and puppy-proofing reduce accidents and injuries.

• Trust your vet: Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming serious.

Join us next month as we explore how much exercise and sleep your growing Frenchie really needs. From energetic play sessions to the all-important naps that support healthy development, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect daily routine for your little companion.