 The Short Answer is: |
Hives or lumps on your French bulldog can be caused by anything, including bee stings, dust mites, animal dander, airborne pollen, mold spores, contact with poisonous plants or shrubs, or even vaccinations. Dog hives, known scientifically as urticaria, are similar to those in humans. In a nutshell, it is an allergic reaction and outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly, either as a response to certain allergens or for unknown reasons. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Why Has My French Bulldog Got Lumps Under Its Fur?“.
- Why does my French bulldog have lumps or hives under their fur?
- How can the lumps or hives be treated?
- How Can I Prevent Hives In My Frenchie?
- What are French Bulldogs Most Allergic To?
- What are common skin problems for French bulldogs?
- Can French bulldogs suffer from yeast infections?
- Why is my Frenchie losing hair in patches?
- Why Has My French Bulldog got Lumps Under Its Fur? (Watch Video)
In addition to being very sweet and friendly French Bulldogs tend to make very good companions says Dr. Stacey Wylie DACVIM of NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville New Jersey. France is home to some of the cutest creatures that have ever walked this planet. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States thanks to their easygoing nature intelligence and giant bat-like ears. As a result of numerous folds on its face and body the French bulldog is naturally susceptible to skin conditions such as dermatitis of the facial folds interdigital dermatitis and dermatitis in the armpits which cause significant itchiness and redness as well as prompt scratching biting or rubbing thus worsening the problem.
Although certain breeds may be more prone to food as well as environmental allergies allergies are not necessarily influenced by a dogs gender size breed or age. You must be especially attentive to your Frenchie or French bulldogs skin when you own one of these breeds. The purpose of this post is to shed light on the best solution to your Frenchies skin problems.
Why does my French bulldog have lumps or hives under their fur?
The risk of an allergic reaction when you have a French bulldog is one of the risks. In addition to all the other allergic skin conditions your Frenchie can have hives are probably one of the most common. Hives or lumps on your French bulldog can be caused by anything including bee stings dust mites animal dander airborne pollen mold spores contact with poisonous plants or shrubs or even vaccinations.
The dog hives known scientifically as urticaria are similar to those on humans. In a nutshell it is an allergic reaction and outbreak of swollen pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly either as a response to certain allergens or for unknown reasons.
Hives are an allergic reaction as mentioned previously. Different types of allergens are responsible for causing the reaction.
We’ll start by discussing the food allergen; a single ingredient in your dogs food can cause hives. It is possible to switch dog food brands or go home-cooked for a while if you want to determine the exact cause of food allergies that cause the hives. An allergic reaction to a vaccine could also cause hives. When your pup develops these bumps after vaccination you should speak to your veterinarian.
Your pets reaction to hives will depend on the nature of the pet and the severity of the condition. Dogs may leave the bumps alone which is a good sign. When its a random event like an insect bite the likelihood of the condition recurring is slim.
How can the lumps or hives be treated?
The simplest way to determine whether your Frenchie is allergic to a particular food is to do an elimination diet. Test your dogs symptoms by removing any potential food allergens from its diet for seven to ten days. If they do gradually add items back into their diet until you identify whats wrong. In order to remove potential food allergens your veterinarian may recommend special grain-free diets or home-cooked meals.
If the protocol does not work and the symptoms are getting worse your Frenchie may need a more detailed examination that includes blood and urine tests. If no disease is found then the vet is likely to prescribe prescription food probiotics and medication if necessary.
When your Frenchie suffers from environmental allergies the veterinarian will usually prescribe drugs to prevent him from scratching. Your vet will determine the strength of the medication based on the severity of the allergic reaction. Environmental allergies can not be completely avoided and reduced unlike food allergies. Therefore it is important to properly treat your dogs allergies by providing him with the right medication a clean environment additional grooming and allergy shots if necessary.
Likewise topical ointments prescribed or over-the-counter can help heal the scabs or open wounds on your dogs skin and reduce their irritation. If your French bulldog loves to lick make sure you apply the treatments during a time when he is sleepy or while he is distracted for 15-20 minutes before applying the treatments. Using ice or a cold towel on your dogs skin can also help them feel better and limit excessive scratching.
How Can I Prevent Hives In My Frenchie?
Szacki says the best way to prevent a recurrence of hives in dogs is to avoid exposing them to the allergen that caused the reaction.
Pre-treating for a condition can also be done if you know what your pet has reacted to in the past such as a reaction to a vaccination. After a reaction to a vaccination your vet may recommend an antihistamine shot before the next vaccination
Theres no need to panic if your dog does experience hives; most cases are just allergic reactions. Make sure you see a veterinarian and follow their advice for the best treatment.
What are French Bulldogs Most Allergic To?
The most common allergies in dogs are food allergies. Frenchies that are allergic to some kind of food usually exhibit these symptoms: excessive gas diarrhea vomiting itchy skin painful hives and infections.
The majority of food allergens are present in meat and dairy products so if your dog eats either of these you may have to change his diet.
| 1.) Beef – 34% | 7.) Corn – 4% |
| 2.) Dairy Products – 17% | 8.) Egg – 4% |
| 3.) Chicken – 15% | 9.) Pork – 2% |
| 4.) Wheat – 13% | 10.) Fish – 2% |
| 5.) Soy – 6% | 11.) Rice – 2% |
| 6.) Lamb – 5% |
Beef is responsible for a third of all dog food allergies. Chicken and dairy products follow closely after that. Check to see if the food you feed your French bulldog contains some of these top 10 food allergens. If so you should consult a vet and explore the right diet options for your dog.
As well as food allergies environmental allergies are also common. Food allergies share similar symptoms with environmental allergies but they are caused by different allergens. Dust mites airborne pollen mold spores and animal or human dander are the most common environmental allergens.
Skin rashes caused by allergies can progress to atopic dermatitis. Typically fleabites are responsible for causing atopic dermatitis. Because of this it is very important to protect your dog from fleas.
What are common skin problems for French bulldogs?
Food and environmental allergies as well as fleas are the most common skin conditions in French Bulldogs. Its common for secondary bacterial infections and yeast infections to develop in French bulldogs with skin allergies.
Among the less common skin problems are autoimmune skin disease keratinization abnormalities ringworm sarcoptic mange mites Demodex red mites and skin cancer.
Can French bulldogs suffer from yeast infections?
A French bulldogs wrinkles give him a unique look and character unlike most other dogs. However these delightful wrinkles may harbor yucky yeast causing painful irritations. Yeast infections in French Bulldogs affect their skin ears and skin folds (facial nasal tail toes and vaginal folds).
Yeast infections of the skin can occur in bulldogs due to their wrinkles and secondly they are predisposed to immune deficiencies that make them susceptible to yeast infections. This harmless yeast is regularly present on your Frenchies skin but if his immune system isnot working correctly it could become invasive and cause a yeast infection. It is more commonly known as “YEASTY BULLY”.
The symptoms of yeast infection are itching & scratching darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) crusting scaling dry skin or greasy skin thickening of the skin (elephant skin) and moldy musty odor (yeasty smell). Your puppys skin toes and ears are mostly colonized by yeast organisms. Excessive production of lipids in bulldogs and French bulldogs exacerbates yeast infection.
Your veterinarian should be consulted if you suspect your puppy is suffering from a yeast infection.
It is possible to take skin scrapings to determine whether yeast is the cause. A doctor will probably prescribe you antifungal medications or shampoos and creams to apply to his skin to get rid of the yeast and soothe any inflammation.
Why is my Frenchie losing hair in patches?
There is a saying that says a dogs coat is a mirror of his/her health and I must say it is true. You can tell a lot about your dogs diet and care by the way his/her hair looks. Frenchies look stunning with their hair just like every other breed of dog. In general regardless of whether the hair is long or short silky or wiry curly or thick the hair on a fur baby is one of its best features. What would cause your beloved pet to suddenly start losing his hair?
The loss of hair is part of the normal process for Frenchies which could be happening seasonally. Hence they can grow a new set of hair in the following season. Hair loss may be caused by a disease or a health condition if it becomes excessive. Allergies inappropriate nutrition dermatitis genetics mange dandruff and hormonal imbalance are some of the contributing factors.
Brittleness and hair loss are signs that your Frenchies hair is not in good health so go to the nearest vet as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
