Being one of the smallest dogs, French Bulldogs also have a small lifespan. The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years but it can be drastically affected by different factors.
It is your responsibility to provide the best care for your pet dog so that to be able live a healthy and long life. But lets talk in detail how you can help improve the life of your pet Frenchie.
How Long Do French Bulldog Dogs Live?
As I said above, the average life of a French Bulldog is 10-12 years, but it can be shorter than this. French Bulldogs often live a shorter life than average because they are more susceptible to certain diseases than others.
You will often find that a Frenchie will live the shortest life of 4.53 years, and this figure was obtained by observing 30,000 dogs from 18 different breeds.
If you take good care of your Frenchie, he might live his full life, or it could be cut short.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of French Bulldogs
A Frenchie may not live to the fullest; it can sometimes die earlier or live longer than expected. The lifespan of a French Bulldog is affected by a variety of factors which are given below:
1. Health Issues
When buying a Frenchies, researching the breeder and finding its genetic history is crucial if you want it to live a healthy and long life. DNA screening ensures the puppies are genetically sound and free from hereditary health issues.
2. Exercise
Exercise plays a significant role in your dog’s life expectancy because it is directly linked to the health of your Frenchies. According to vets and professional trainers, you should always keep your Frenchies active and give them lots of exercises.
The best way to keep your Frenchies active and give them exercise is to take them on walks, jogs, and hikes with you. You can take your dog to the dog park and play fetch, frisbee, or tug of war.
If you are sometimes out and need to keep your doing active, you can get him to mind puzzles and other indoor activities, including chew toys. However, ensure you only overwork your Frenchies and provide enough water and resting time, as these dogs can quickly overheat.
3. Diet
For any living creature, a diet is necessary, and that too nutritious. Frenchies are muscular and energetic dogs, and to keep up with their daily requirements, you must feed your dog a protein-rich diet, essential fats, and some carbs.
Ask your vet for correct food suggestions and dog food brands. Your vet may also prescribe some supplements, such as calcium or iron supplements.
You must give them a proper diet and feed them at appropriate intervals according to their age and requirements. A healthy diet means healthy Frenchies and healthy Frenchies live long life.
4. Living Conditions
Dogs that live outside are more prone to accidents, diseases, dog fights, and other fatal incidents. Such dogs live shorter lives as they are exposed to disorders and disasters.
On the other hand, indoor dogs are less likely to face road accidents as they tend not to chase after stray animals or cars. Indoors live longer than dogs that stay outside most of their lives.
The thing that differs between them is the activity level; if an indoor dog is less active, it is doubtful that it to survive for long.
Tips on Maximizing the Lifespan of French Bulldogs
We can only do our best to delay the inevitable but never prevent it. Maximizing the chances of your French Bulldog living longer is all we can do; following these key points is the way to do it.
Proper Nutrition
Food is essential to living, forming, and maintaining a healthy body for a French Bulldog. Feed your French Bulldog a diet of protein, healthy fats, daily carbs, and essential vitamins.
Ask your vet for supplements to help him grow even better, and feed your Bully twice, sometimes three times a day.
Regular Exercise
French Bulldogs may be couch potatoes, but they still have a lot of energy stored in them. They need to release this energy; daily exercise is the best way.
To achieve that, you must give time to taking your French Bulldog on walks, jogs, playing fetch, and doing some brain activities. Your French Bulldog will get bored without activity and develop depression and destructive behavior.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Consulting with a vet for your Bully is crucial in keeping him healthy. Frenchies are susceptible to various health issues, and detecting and eliminating them at an early stage is best.
Keeping your vet in the loop with your French Bulldog’s daily activities and habits is the best way to detect any health issues.
Preventive Health Care Measures
You must avoid any and all sorts of health issues that could arise with time. To do so, you must always get your Bully the latest vaccinations, regular medication, exercise, and socialize them.
Keep a thorough eye on your Bully and his daily behavior, and follow the following steps.
Grooming
Frenchies are revered for their amazing short coat and beautiful colors. A quick coat also requires less care, but the fold of skin all over the Bully catches debris, causing it to develop skin issues.
To avoid that, groom your French Bulldog regularly by brushing him once a week and bathing him once every month. With no skin problems to worry about, your French Bulldog can live his life to the fullest.
Socialization
Frenchies are social butterflies that love interacting with other dogs and humans. They crave to be around others and be the center of attention.
Taking your French Bulldog to dog parks or doggy day care will let him socialize with other dogs and help improve his behavior and mental health.
Love Your French Bulldog
There are always misconceptions that Frenchies are always dangerous because they are dogs. That’s all a big lie and has no actual meaning. We must break the social stigma associated with Frenchies because of their looks and ancestry.
French Bulldog is the most loving and loyal breed of all dogs. They have a goofy yet warm nature with intelligent humor making them the best dog breed for a family. You must always love your French Bulldog, no matter what people say.
Reputable Breeder
When looking for a French Bulldog, always find a reputable breeder in your area or nearby. A reputable breeder will always use selective breeding to ensure a healthy litter of Frenchies.
This process ensures that the Frenchies produced will have the best genetic makeup giving them the advantage of living a healthy and maximum life.
Signs of Old Age in French Bulldog Dogs
Everyone has to grow old and die; it’s inevitable. Not even the cute little puppies we adopt are an exception to this divine rule. A French Bulldog will show mental and physical signs of growing old with age, and you will notice them very clearly.
A French Bulldog is considered old at 7 years, which may not seem much, but it is a lot in dog years. Here are a few signs that your Bully is getting old:
Physical Signs
- Cloudy eyes
- Horrible breath
- Slowing down
- Difficulty getting around
- New lumps and bumps
- Incontinence or problem going to the bathroom
- Change in weight
Mental and Behavioral Signs
- Increased anxiety
- Repetitive or compulsive behavior
- Forgetting commands and cues
- Increased barking and vocalization
- Change in the walking and sleeping cycle, including restlessness or pacing at night
- Confusion and disorientation
- Noticeable change in activity
- House soiling
- Fear of familiar objects and people
While there are cures for mental and behavioral change with old age, a few medications may help improve your Bully’s overall mental health. Check with your vet if you notice any of these signs.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 Old for A French Bulldog?
The maximum a French Bulldog can live is 12 years, so 7 years makes it a middle age for Frenchies. Your dog may start to slow down, but if you keep an active life, this won’t become a problem.
Why Do French Bulldogs Have Such a Short Life Expectancy?
Short-faced dogs such as Pugs and Frenchies have the shortest life expectancy. And to worsen it, they are prone to several diseases, including back issues that render them paralyzed.
What Is the Leading Cause of Death for Frenchies?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and brain tumors are among French Bulldogs’ leading causes of death. These are painful health issues, and early detection can help prevent them from worsening.
Conclusion
Any dog can live a long life if kept in a healthy environment. Your Frenchie can live its fullest life and keep filling your life with love if you provide it with love.
You should not give up on your friend if they face any health issues, but try to stick with them.
