Health

French Pointer health

France

The Braque Français is rather robust and generally enjoys solid health. Particular vigilance remains necessary in view of its predisposition to gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Longevity

Life expectancy

Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years.

Build

A robust breed?

With robustness assessed as average to good, the Braque Français is rarely ill when it benefits from regular monitoring, an appropriate diet and sufficient activity.

Watch points

What to watch for

Prevention relies in particular on a cautious organization of meals and on monitoring any unusual digestive sign, in order to react quickly in case of emergency.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus : This digestive emergency is the main predisposition reported in the breed and requires immediate veterinary care.

Climate

Cold and heat tolerance

Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. It is advisable to adapt the duration and intensity of outings to the temperatures, avoiding sustained efforts during episodes of heat or marked cold.

Weight

Tendency to gain weight

His tendency to gain weight is notable. A measured ration, adjusted to his activity, and several daily outings help preserve his physical condition.

Daily life

Good habits to keep it healthy

  • Monitor any abdominal swelling or digestive discomfort and seek urgent veterinary care.
  • Avoid physical exercise before and after the meal.
  • Regularly check the condition of the ears and eyes.
  • Maintain a suitable daily activity to limit weight gain.

Vaccination

French Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule

Which vaccines for a French Pointer? Like all cats, the French Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for French Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.

VaccinePrimary seriesFirst boosterThenWho for?
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core

Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus)

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
CoryzaCore

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based

Feline leukemia virus

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearOutdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery
RabiesLifestyle-based

Rabies

12 weeks1 yearevery yearMandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based

Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis)

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearCats living in groups, catteries, show cats

Adult French Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.

Which boosters for your French Pointer?

Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.

Calculate boosters

Adopting well

Adopting a healthy French Pointer

Regular veterinary monitoring is recommended, with particular attention paid to the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus and to any digestive symptom requiring prompt care.

This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.

Best prevention starts with a good breeder

Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for hereditary diseases. We help you find one.

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