Is your Frenchie peeing more often than normal? French Bulldog frequent urination is due to a lot of things, some of which can be life-threatening if not treated early on. In this post, I will discuss the common causes of excessive urination among dogs and what you can do about it. Read on to know the possible reason behind your Frenchie’s condition.
NOTE: This advice and information don’t replace veterinary expertise. If you suspect that your French Bulldog has urinary problems, a veterinarian is still the best person to consult.
What’s causing French Bulldog frequent urination?
If your Frenchie is peeing more than usual, the following might be the reasons why:
🐶Marking
The most common reason why French Bulldogs will pee often is their marking process. Dogs do this to claim their territory, especially if they are new to their home.
Also, threats like another pet or stressors can trigger marking. This is a natural reaction of canines, but there are a few workarounds you can try.
First, consider neutering or spaying your French Bulldog. This will not stop marking entirely, but it will drastically reduce its occurrence.
If your pet is already fixed, you should consider checking for the next possible reasons.
🐶Changes in diet
Before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to assess your French Bulldog’s diet. The new food may have more diuretic ingredients, which triggers frequent urination.
Moreover, canned dog food products are more likely to make your Frenchie urinate more. This is due to the higher moisture level compared to dry kibble.
So if you recently switched your Frenchie to wet food from eating dry food, the increased urination may not be a cause of concern.
Aside from the food type, you should also check your dog’s salt intake. When Frenchies eat more salt, it will make them thirstier. And since the dog drinks more water, it will definitely urinate frequently.
🐶Increased water intake
As mentioned above, increased drinking will lead to frequent peeing. This may look harmless at first glance, but you should know that a sudden increase in thirst can point to a slew of health problems.
French Bulldogs with an insatiable thirst might be suffering from diabetes. This is due to the excess sugar in the canine’s blood that the body failed to store. With this, the kidney would take over to expel the sugar from your Frenchie’s body. That would only be possible by drinking lots of water.
So if your Frenchie is losing weight for no reason, experiencing appetite changes, and having recurring infections, you should have it checked at the vet.
Canine diabetes, like those in humans, is a life-long condition that requires continuous treatment. Otherwise, your Frenchie will suffer from complications.
🐶Separation anxiety
Many Frenchie owners don’t realize that even separation anxiety can trigger frequent urination.
Like other Bulldog breeds, Frenchies crave attention. If you leave them alone for long, this dog will become anxious. This will lead to a slew of problems line accidents all over the house, urinary incontinence, howling, and destructive behavior.
Such frequent urination will also occur if your dog hears loud sounds like thunder, noisy cars, and fireworks.
Take note that separation anxiety doesn’t go away on its own. Proper training and desensitization are crucial if you want your French Bulldog to become a well-rounded canine.
🐶Aging
Old age is also a common reason why French Bulldogs urinate frequently. Aging dogs are starting to lose their muscle strength, which can lead to urinary incontinence. This might explain why your Frenchie is always running for its potty spot.
French Bulldogs older than 8 to 10 years are already considered senior canines. This is also the same age where you should focus on your dog’s health through regular vet visits.
When it comes to age-related incontinence, there’s isn’t much you can do. The best move is to put your old Frenchie on a doggy diaper if you’re leaving him at home. This way, there wouldn’t be accidents to clean. Just make sure that you remove the diaper and clean your dog after a few hours.
Aside from that, age-related diseases can also lead to urinary problems and increased urination.
🐶Cushing’s disease
The canine Cushing’s disease is another potential culprit as to why your Frenchie is urinating more frequently. This is due to the excessive production of cortisone from the adrenal glands.
However, Cushing’s disease can also be pituitary in nature. It’s crucial to identify the type your Frenchie is suffering from to provide the right treatment.
French Bulldogs with this condition will exhibit frequent urination as well as increased water consumption. And since the cortisone hormone also regulates appetite, your Frenchie will also appear hungrier than usual.
Aside from increased urination, Cushing’s disease will also cause reduced activity, fragile skin, hair loss, and panting.
Unfortunately, Cushing’s disease is a life-long condition. The vet needs to see your Frenchie regularly to monitor the condition and perform the necessary blood tests. Through this, the veterinarian can administer the right dose of medication.
🐶Kidney infection
Lastly, your French Bulldogs’ frequent urination might be due to an ongoing kidney infection.
One of the most common infections is pyelonephritis. This is a bacterial infection that occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract. It’s also more common among female dogs than males. Nonetheless, the breed isn’t a factor, so that it can occur to any canine, Frenchie or not.
Moreover, French Bulldogs with pyelonephritis will exhibit uncomfortable and frequent urination. Urinary incontinence and painful urination will also occur.
This kind of infection happens when bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus climbs from your dog’s bladder into the kidneys.
If diagnosed early, pyelonephritis can be treated with antibiotics and other drugs. But if the infection is already circulating in your Frenchie’s blood, the vet may advise that your dog be admitted into the pet hospital.
What to do with Frenchies’ frequent urination
If your French Bulldog is frequently urinating, it’s best to set an appointment with the vet. The veterinarian will conduct a physical test and bloodwork to see if there’s something off on your dog’s system.
Early and proper diagnosis is crucial for any dog health problem, much so for conditions involving vital organs.
Depending on the cause of frequent urination, treatment may range from antibiotics, heavy medications, surgery, or diet shift. In some cases, your Frenchie may require life-long treatment to manage its condition.
Never try to self-medicate your French Bulldog if it’s suffering from a kidney infection, Cushing’s disease, and other aforementioned conditions. Instead, always seek the expertise of a veterinarian for your pet’s safety and quick recovery.
Remember that many causes of urinary problems aren’t easily visible. It requires specialized tools and a licensed veterinarian. Otherwise, you’ll be making your Frenchie’s condition worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do French Bulldogs have bladder problems?
A: French Bulldogs have a higher predisposition to bladder problems compared to other breeds. They can develop infections and kidney stones if you don’t watch over their diet. Also, it’s crucial to have your dog’s kidneys checked regularly to spot any signs of bladder problems right away.
Q: Are French Bulldogs prone to UTI?
A: Any dog can develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), and it’s quite common among Bulldogs. The folded skin near the urethral opening increases the risk of infection due to accumulated dirt. Also, female Frenchies are more likely to have UTI than male ones.
Q: Why is my French Bulldog peeing on my bed?
A: If your Frenchie is suddenly peeing on your bed, you should consider the possibility of medical problems. Urinary incontinence is the most common reason canines will suddenly pee all over the place despite being fully housebroken.
Q: Why is my French Bulldog leaking urine?
A: Dripping urine from your Frenchie could be due to a bladder infection or inflammation. It’s best to have your French Bulldog checked at the vet’s clinic for proper diagnosis. This is much so if the urine leaking is accompanied by other symptoms, including lethargy, poor appetite, and a bad smell.
Q: How long can a French Bulldog hold its pee?
A: Adult Frenchies can hold their pee for as long as 8 hours. After that, your Frenchie will likely have accidents all over the house. Also, it’s not safe to force your Frenchie to hold its pee for too long as it can lead to urinary tract infections.
Q: Why does my French Bulldogs pee smell so bad?
A: A strong and foul-smelling dog pee indicates the presence of an infection. It can be a sign of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or even a foreign object dislodged in the urethra. The vet is the only person that could determine the exact problem.
Final words
French Bulldog frequent urination should be considered a serious condition. An appointment with the vet is the best solution to diagnose and treat your pet’s condition as soon as possible. Remember that increased urination is a general symptom of many health problems that could put your dog’s life at risk. Being proactive with the diagnosis will help save your Frenchie from complications.
