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Understanding The French Bulldog’s Coat
Before we discuss the details of shedding in French Bulldogs, we should first introduce you to the Frenchie’s coat characteristics. French Bulldogs typically have fur that is incredibly fine and shiny, which leads to a velvety coat that we all know and love. They have no undercoat and their fur is very short, so they have minimal grooming requirements because of it. French Bulldogs can now sport almost every coat color you can imagine, and you may see everything from solid colored Frenchies to marbled Frenchies.
Does The French Bulldog Shed?
Since French Bulldogs have a coat that is so short and fine in nature, does this mean they do not shed? While they are known to shed much less than other breeds, the French Bulldog will still shed lightly throughout the year. Their fur is very fine so it may seem like they are not losing much fur, but if you look closely, you will see a thin layer of fur left behind in their resting places and other areas they frequent. Shedding amounts will vary from dog to dog, but French Bulldogs are typically considered light shedders.
When Do French Bulldogs Shed the Most?
The French Bulldog may not be a heavy shedder, but there are certain times in which they will shed more than usual. These times include the period in which they trade out their adult coat for their puppy coat, and a couple of times a year when the seasons change. Most French Bulldogs will have a period of increased shedding between 6 months to 12 months of age when they lose their puppy coat, but this should only last for a month at most once it begins. In addition to transitioning away from their puppy coat toward the end of their puppyhood, you can also expect your French Bulldog to shed more than usual during the spring and fall months. While the French Bulldog does not have an undercoat, they will still experience some light seasonal shedding. This is when their body prepares for both the warm and cool months that are approaching, so their fur will shed in effort to accommodate the slight coat changes.
Are French Bulldogs Good For People With Allergies?
Since the French Bulldog is known to be such a light shedder, many assume that the Frenchie is hypoallergenic. They can be a better choice for those that have sensitives to dog fur, but there is no way for a dog to be completely hypoallergenic. Most people are actually allergic to the dog’s dander and proteins in their saliva, and there is no way to eliminate these factors from your pup. They may not be hypoallergenic, but the French Bulldog may be a good pet option for those with sensitivities to dogs due to their low shedding. You may not be able to escape your dog allergies completely, but their minimal shedding will likely make your allergies more easy to manage in comparison to other heavy shedding breeds.
Why Is My French Bulldog Shedding So Much?
Now that you know that French Bulldogs are typically light shedders, it may lead to some concern if they are suddenly shedding more than usual. To help you get to the bottom of your French Bulldog’s excessive shedding, let’s discuss the possible causes below.
Seasonal Shedding In Frenchies
As we discussed above, some French Bulldogs will shed more during the spring and fall months. They do not have an undercoat like many other breeds, but they still might lose a bit more fur than usual during these period. However, it is typically still light enough that you can manage it easily with increased brushing.
Puppy Coat Shedding In Frenchies
If your dog is between the age of 6 months to 1 year of age and they seem to be shedding more than you would expect, they are likely blowing out their puppy coat. This period should last for a month at most, and increased brushing sessions will make it a bit easier to manage. Once their shedding slows down after this period, you may notice that your Frenchie’s coat texture is a bit different than before.
Skin Allergies In Frenchies
Unfortunately for our Frenchie canine friends, they are very prone to developing skin allergies. French Bulldogs can be allergic to anything in the world around them, ranging from plant material outdoors to fragrances inside of your home. Allergies in dogs often manifest as skin complications, which can in turn lead to excessive shedding in some dogs. French Bulldogs with allergies may also experience skin redness, itchiness, watery eyes, red or irritated eyes, hives, patches of fur loss, and even GI symptoms. If you think your Frenchie could be struggling with skin allergies, we always suggest having them seen by your veterinarian. These pups often require assistance from your veterinary team moving forward.
Fleas & Skin Mites In Frenchies
Fleas and skin mites exist in the world around our French Bulldogs. If our pups are not on a monthly flea and tick prevention, they may become a home to these crawling critters. Any type of ectoparasites can lead to significant skin irritation and fur loss, especially if your Frenchie is constantly biting or scratching at a certain area on their body. These dogs may also experience skin redness, severe itchiness, skin infections, sores on their skin, and patches of fur loss. If you see any evidence of fleas or skin mites in your French Bulldog, we suggest reaching out to your vet to get them started on a proper preventative plan.
Hormonal Changes In Frenchies
If you have a French Bulldog that has not yet been spayed, it is possible for them to experience excessive shedding due to hormonal changes. You may notice these pups shedding more than usual during the estrus stage of their estrous cycle, as well as while they are nursing puppies after giving birth.
Stress & Anxiety In Frenchies
Stress and anxiety can deeply impact the beloved Frenchies in our home. This can lead to physical manifestations in our furry friends, and excessive shedding is just one of the many symptoms they may experience. French Bulldogs can experience stress due to being left alone for long periods often, the sudden absence of a pet parent they are close to, new animals in the home, a change in their environment, and even underlying medical conditions that are causing them pain. We urge you to evaluate your shedding Frenchie for any potential stressors in their life, and you can always reach out to your veterinary team if you need some help with finding any stress triggers.
How To Manage Shedding In Your French Bulldog
Thankfully for the French Bulldog parents out there, it is not common for the Frenchie to experience excessive shedding. However, since there are periods in which they will lose more fur than usual, we have gathered a few tips that can help you effectively manage their fur loss.
Increased Brushing Sessions
If your Frenchie seems to be shedding more than usual, we suggest brushing them at least 3 times per week with a pin style brush. This will help to stimulate the natural oil production on their skin, which in turn hydrates the skin and limits shedding and dryness. While this is essential during increased shedding periods, you can do this all the time to promote optimal skin and coat health.
Using A Shedding Tool
Using a de-shedding tool once a week can also be an effective option when your Frenchie is losing more fur than usual. These de-shedding tools can help to remove any lose or damaged fur that is soon to fall out, which can in turn decrease the amount of fur you find around your home. If you need some assistance in finding the best shedding brushes for your French Bulldog, you can check out our detailed guide on the best shedding brushes for dogs.
Monthly Soothing Baths
If it seems like your French Bulldog is prone to periods of increased shedding or dry skin, you can always introduce a soothing bath every 4-6 weeks. This can help to soothe their irritated skin, hydrate their dry skin, and hopefully cut back on any increased shedding as a result. Soothing shampoos for dogs typically include ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, honey, and coconut. Just be sure to never bathe them more than once per month unless instructed by your vet, as this may backfire and strip their skin of their natural oils.
Final Thoughts On Shedding In Frenchies
If you are looking for a lovable pup that is known to be low shedding, then the French Bulldog may be the perfect dog for you. If your Frenchie is ever shedding more than usual, we suggest review the potential causes we discussed above, as well as reaching out to your vet if you are ever concerned.
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