Breed Health Guide
French Bulldog Health Issues & Vet Costs
French Bulldogs are adorable, but they come with serious health risks. Here's what to expect—and what it costs.
The Reality Check
French Bulldogs are one of the most expensive breeds to own medically. Their flat faces, compact spines, and skin folds create predictable health problems. This isn't bad luck—it's breed structure.
Most Common Health Issues
1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
What it is: The flat face that makes Frenchies cute also makes breathing difficult. Narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrowed trachea all restrict airflow.
Symptoms: Loud breathing, snoring, gagging, exercise intolerance, overheating, blue gums during exertion.
Treatment: Mild cases managed with weight control and avoiding heat. Moderate to severe cases need surgery to widen nostrils and shorten soft palate.
Estimated Cost: $2,000 - $5,000
Surgery typically $2,500-$4,000. Specialist surgeons charge more.
2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
What it is: Spinal disc herniation causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. Frenchies' compact build puts extra stress on their spines.
Symptoms: Back pain, reluctance to jump, wobbly gait, dragging legs, paralysis in severe cases.
Treatment: Mild cases: crate rest, anti-inflammatories, pain medication. Severe cases: emergency spinal surgery.
Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $9,000+
Conservative treatment $500-$1,500. Surgery $3,000-$8,000+. Rehab adds more.
3. Skin Allergies & Infections
What it is: Environmental and food allergies causing chronic itching. Skin folds trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections.
Symptoms: Itching, licking paws, red skin, ear infections, hot spots, smelly skin folds.
Treatment: Allergy testing, prescription diets, antihistamines, Apoquel or Cytopoint injections, antibiotics for infections.
Estimated Cost: $500 - $3,000/year (ongoing)
Apoquel: ~$2-3/day. Cytopoint: $50-150/injection monthly. Adds up fast.
4. Hip Dysplasia
What it is: Malformed hip joint causing arthritis and pain. Common in Frenchies due to their build.
Symptoms: Bunny hopping, difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise, limping.
Treatment: Weight management, joint supplements, pain medication, physical therapy. Severe cases may need hip replacement.
Estimated Cost: $500 - $7,000+
Management: $500-$1,500/year. Total hip replacement: $5,000-$7,000 per hip.
5. Cherry Eye
What it is: Prolapsed third eyelid gland appearing as a red mass in the corner of the eye.
Symptoms: Red, fleshy mass visible in eye corner. May cause irritation and excess tearing.
Treatment: Surgical repositioning of the gland. Removal is discouraged as it leads to dry eye.
Estimated Cost: $500 - $1,500 per eye
Often recurs. May need repeat surgery.
6. Ear Infections
What it is: Chronic ear infections due to narrow ear canals and allergies. Very common in Frenchies.
Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching ears, odor, discharge, redness.
Treatment: Cleaning, medicated drops, treating underlying allergies. Chronic cases may need surgery.
Estimated Cost: $200 - $1,500/year
Each infection: $100-$300. Chronic cases add up quickly.
Total Cost of French Bulldog Health Issues
Conservative estimate for a Frenchie with typical health issues:
- BOAS surgery (once)$3,000
- Allergy management (per year)$1,500
- Ear infections (per year)$500
- Cherry eye surgery$1,000
- First few years total$8,000+
This doesn't include IVDD or hip dysplasia, which could add $5,000-$15,000.
How Pet Insurance Helps
Most French Bulldog health issues are covered by pet insurance if you enroll before symptoms appear. A policy costing $45-85/month could save you thousands on:
- BOAS surgery
- IVDD treatment or surgery
- Allergy medications (ongoing)
- Hip dysplasia treatment
- Cherry eye surgery
The key is enrolling early—before conditions become pre-existing exclusions.
Find Coverage for Your Frenchie
See which insurers best cover French Bulldog health issues—and what to watch out for in the fine print.
French Bulldog Insurance Guide →