Do French Bulldogs Shed? Vet Approved Facts & Tips

There is so much to love about French Bulldogs. Their little bodies, the way they walk, their big ears, sweet eyes, and squashed faces can melt anyone's heart. However, they aren't suitable pets for everyone. Although French Bulldogs are considered "low shedders," they do leave hair and dander wherever they go, which can cause symptoms in allergy sufferers.

Some Frenchies shed more than others, which can be normal. However, excessive shedding can be concerning. We're going to discuss why dogs shed, factors that affect normal shedding in Frenchies, and reasons why your dog may be shedding more than they should be.

Why Do French Bulldogs Shed?

Dogs have hair to keep them warm, protect them from dirt, repel water, and protect their skin from the sun. To do its function well, your dog's old and damaged hair falls out and is replaced by new, healthy hair.

More hair may fall out at certain times of the year when the weather warms up because your dog's body is shedding the hair that kept them warm in the cooler months. Once that hair no longer serves a purpose, it needs to go. Therefore, shedding is a normal and natural process for your French Bulldog.

Factors That Affect Shedding in French Bulldogs

It is normal for French Bulldogs to shed, but if your one Frenchie is shedding more than the other, here are a few factors why this could be the case:

Age

Young Frenchies commonly shed more than adults because their coats are changing from soft, silky hair to stronger, shinier hair. As they shed their puppy coats, their adult coats grow in.

Breed

Frenchies come in many different colors and markings, but they also come in different coat lengths. Although the common Frenchie has a short coat, there is another type called the "Fluffy Frenchie" that has a medium coat, which sheds more.

Going Into Heat

Female Frenchies that are in heat tend to shed a little more than usual. This is only possible if the Frenchie has not been spayed.

Weather

Most breeds will shed their thicker coats during spring and summer when the temperature rises. It's important for Frenchies to lose their winter coats to stay cool in the warmer months.

Grooming

A Frenchie that isn't brushed often will shed more than one that is brushed several times a week. Brushing your French Bulldog's coat will remove dirt, spread their natural oils—and remove loose hairs. Removing loose hair during brushing sessions will reduce the amount of hair that is left around your home.

Diet

French Bulldogs need good quality, nutritious dog food to stay active and healthy. They also need it for the health of their coats and to keep them looking shiny. If a Frenchie isn't getting the nutrition they need, one of the first signs will be the deterioration of their coat. It will lose its shine and softness and become dull and dry. The Frenchie will also shed a lot more than a healthy one.

Is Excessive Shedding a Concern?

Some dogs shed more than others because of the factors listed above. However, if your dog starts to shed a lot more than they normally do, there could be an underlying issue that needs attention. It's important to take your Frenchie to the vet if there is a sudden increase in hair loss. A few health issues that cause excessive shedding are:

• Fleas, lice, or mites
• Skin infections
• Allergies
• Thyroid issues
• Stress
• Cancer
• Side effects from medicine or topical treatment
• Dietary imbalance

If there is a health issue causing your dog's hair loss, it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in toileting, thirst and appetite, red and inflamed skin, dry skin, bald spots, open sores, dull and dry hair, scratching, frustration, and excessive licking.

How to Reduce Shedding in French Bulldogs

If there isn't anything wrong with your French Bulldog's health, there are ways to reduce their shedding. Although these changes may seem small, they can make a big difference and will reduce the amount of hair you find lying around your home and that you'll leave behind when out in the city. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, you will never be able to stop shedding completely.

Frequent Brushing

Brushing your dog frequently has many benefits. It keeps their skin and coats healthy and shiny; it spreads their natural oils, which hydrate the skin and bring out a shine; it helps with temperature regulation; exposes parasites that are hiding within the hair; brings your attention to any cuts or sores on your dog's skin; increases your bond with your dog; and removes loose hair and dander.

Frenchies need weekly brushing sessions, and the best tools to use that help remove loose hairs are a comb, bristle brush, and deshedder. You can also opt for grooming gloves so that your pup gets a massage while they're getting brushed. Avoid hard and rough hair brushes or ones that don't have coated tips, as these can hurt their skin as their coats are very short and their skin is sensitive.

Baths

Baths help remove dirt and loose hair, too, and can be very helpful in reducing hair around your home. Make sure you use shampoo that is gentle and hydrating, as French Bulldogs often suffer from sensitive skin that can dry out easily and become itchy and inflamed.

Change Their Diet

If your French Bulldog's diet isn't up to standard, change to dog food that is nutritionally balanced and complete. Good quality food will improve digestion, maintain weight, give them the energy they need, and improve their skin and coat health. Healthy skin will have less dander and quality coats drop less hair. Supplements like fish oil in the diet contributes to good skin and coat health.

Conclusion

French Bulldogs, like every other breed, do shed. They are considered "low shedders" but not hypoallergenic. Dogs shed their hair to make space for new, healthy hair, which is a natural process. You cannot eliminate shedding in your dog, but there are ways to reduce it, such as frequent brushing, baths and good quality dog food.

If your French Bulldog is suddenly shedding more than usual, take them to the veterinarian, as there could be an underlying health issue that needs to be treated.

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