Note: This is a guest post written by Amy from Ultimate Pet Hub. Thanks Amy!

French Bulldogs are full of energy, fun-loving and are generally a joy to be around. 

However, if you’ve spent any long periods around them, you’ll know they are prone to runny noses and nasal discharge. 

French Bulldogs are predisposed to increased nasal discharge as a direct result of their flat face and compressed nasal passages. This dog breed, unfortunately, has genetics that contributes to this common problem.

As an owner, that means you will need to be on guard to make sure that the majority of nasal discharge is trivial and won’t cause any long term health issues.

Remember, if you observe any strange nasal discharge, particularly if it carries blood or pus, you need to get your dog down to your local veterinarian sooner rather then later.  

Why do French Bulldogs have runny noses?

There are seven common reasons that French Bulldogs have runny noses and blocked nasal passages. 

1. They get very excited

All dogs get excited and French Bulldogs are no different. If you notice that they have a runny or congested nose while running, playing or interacting with you, but it suddenly clears up when they stop, then that’s a good sign.

You should be unconcerned with the nasal discharge if it is transparent, shallow, and has no odor. 

However, if your dog’s nose has been running for a few hours without slowing down then this could be a problem, especially if this happens after they have stopped intense physical activity.

It may be time to give your veterinarian a call, just to be on the safe side. 

2. They suffer from nasal infections

It’s not uncommon for Frenchies to suffer from nasal infections. If you see heavy nasal discharge that smells strong and is yellow,  green or white in color, then this can be a sign that your dog has contracted an infection. 

It’s advisable to head down to your local veterinarian to get them checked out.  

Here are some common signs of nasal infections:

• Canine Distemper: Looks like dense, gluey, and yellow nasal discharge.
• Parainfluenza: A continuous cough that won’t go away.
• Aspergillosis: A fungal virus that attacks dogs with vulnerable immune systems.
• Dog flu: Symptoms involve trouble breathing, reduction in strength, fever, cough and general feelings of discomfort.  

3. Allergies

It’s very common for French Bulldogs to suffer from allergies in the same way that we do. They are particularly susceptible during summer months when there is more pollen in the air or if you have recently moved to a new area. 

If your French Bulldog has allergies then you’ll see a runny nose with a nasal release that is thin, transparent, and it will not have a strong odor.

4. Obstructed nasal passage

One reason Frenchies can have runny noses is if they have a blocked or obstructed nasal passage. 

If you notice that they have significant amounts of discharge coming out of one nostril and almost none coming out of the other then there’s a high chance that something is lodged inside there.

Further evidence to support your examination is a nosebleed. This is good evidence to show that your dog has a blocked nasal passage and you may even notice your dog constantly sneezing or itching that side of the nose to get rid of the problem. 

If you suspect that there is an object stuck in your dog’s nose then you will need to get in contact with your local veterinarian immediately.

5. Nasal tumors

If you suddenly see that your Frenchie is finding it difficult to breath and they have mucus, fluid, or blood in their nose this could be a sign that they have nasal tumors or polyps.

If they have a sudden loss of appetite and you can see small swelling against the side of their nose then you may need to get your dog down to your vet as soon as possible.

6. Cleft palate

A Cleft palate is a very common health problem associated with French Bulldogs, particularly those that are purebred. This is a defect that originates from birth and leads to a split-mouth. Besides making your dog more miserable it also divides the nasal passages.

This makes it very easy for food, water and bacteria to penetrate the nasal cavity which allows infections to cultivate.

Look out for water discharge with tiny bits of food in it especially after your dogs drinks or eats food.

7. Breeding issues

French Bulldogs are a very unique looking breed. One disadvantage of this is that they are born with noses extremely small. This small nasal passage results in more trouble breathing and thickened nasal discharge.

It’s advisable to get them checked into the veterinarian if you notice a runny nose for long periods and they aren’t showing signs of improvement.

Some rare Frenchie mixes, however, are lucky enough to avoid these common breeding issues with the nose. Either way, we also recommend your Frenchie wears a harness when exercising to limit the breathing restrictions on their throat and nasal passage.

Wrapping up 

There are a wide variety of reasons why your French Bulldog will have a runny nose. always be diligent and observe your dog for common signs of illness or infections and never wait too long before taking them in for a professional assessment. 

About the author:

Hey, I’m Amy and I’m in love with my Pets! I have a diverse variety, including 2 cats, 1 dog, 3 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, a rat, and a beautiful macaw. I love writing about everything pet-related and spend as much time as I can sharing my personal experiences on my blog. UltimatePetHub.com