The English Bulldog is sociable, laid-back, and prized for their personality over intelligence. Following commands they tend to weigh up “what’s in it for them” before responding.
Research shows the breed is 2 x more likely to suffer health concerns, than any other breed. So what conditions do Bulldog owners need to be aware of?
Whilst some find the skin folds around a Bulldogs face endearing, the warm and moist environment becomes a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Hence this breed is often prone to secondary skin infections, typically around the face, between the toes or around the tail fold.
Additionally, the breed is predisposed to allergies. Classically affecting the paws, belly, skin folds or ears.
Common symptoms of allergies include;
Interdigital cysts in Bulldogs are mostly due to the breeds bristly short hair being pushed inward during movement and are compounded by allergies. These cysts can become painful and infected. They may require a long course of antibiotics to address, followed by a special focus on reducing the allergic response.
It takes a dedicated skin consult to determine potential underlying triggers and consider diet trials and ways to avoid unwanted environmental allergens. Here at Vetsy we can provide just that. We will help clear up any secondary infections, whilst stopping the allergic reaction. Often these treatment options are lifelong, so once we have gained control of the symptoms we can provide you with ongoing prescriptions to avoid future flare ups.
Bulldogs are part of the Brachycephalic family; dogs that are developed with a short skull and flat faces. This means they often suffer with narrow nostrils, nasal passages and windpipes. They also often have an overlong soft palate. These issues usually result in breathing problems, known as BOAS. The breathing noise is often perceived as “normal” or even “desirable” novelties, rather than a major welfare issue.
Classic Symptoms include;
Some cases require surgery to correct the problem, but it is also key to maintain a healthy weight and encourage an appropriate level of exercise.
Unlikely humans, dogs cannot sweat. They instead cool down by panting. Due to suffering from BOAS, Bulldogs are more likely to struggle to cool off and are therefore predisposed to heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a life threatening condition, where the body overheats. It can progress very rapidly, leading to potential seizures, organ failure or even death.
Typical symptoms range from heavy panting, excess drooling, and red gums or tongue, to disorientation, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In the event of suspected heat stroke, you need to actively cool the dog by providing shade, pouring water over the body and ideally a fan, before calling your vet for further veterinary assessment.
The breed commonly can suffer from corneal injury or ulcer formation. This may require eye drops and pain relief to manage. Occasionally, more severe cases require surgical intervention. Due to the shape of their short skulls, the breed's eyes protrude more than normal from the eye sockets, leading to poor corneal health and inadequate tear film.
The bulldog may also be prone to entropion (an inward rolling of the eyelids) or distichiasis (an abnormal growth of eyelashes), which too can cause corneal irritation, inflammation, conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
If your dog suffers from repeated bouts of ocular discomfort, it may be worth reviewing if one of the above abnormalities are present.
Dogs and cats have a third eyelid, situated in the inner corner of each eye. Cherry eye is a condition when the gland associated with the third eyelid, prolapses, presenting as a bright pink, rounded mass in the corner of the eyes.
Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to this and it often requires surgery to replace the gland. The gland should never be removed surgically, as this will inevitably lead to dry eye (a condition associated with a lack of natural tears).
Due to the shape of the brachycephalic skull, the Bulldog’s teeth are often overcrowded with a distinctive underbite, therefore tartar accumulates quickly. It is essential to brush their teeth regularly to reduce the risk of suffering from heavy tartar, gingivitis and dental disease.
If brushing is not successful, it is likely the dog will require dental treatment under general anaesthesia, where the teeth are scaled thoroughly, and rotten teeth can be extracted and hopefully prevent future issues.
We at Vetsy can suggest an array of effective dental products to prevent recurrent episodes of dental disease.
Before you consider breeding from your Bulldog, you need to be aware that they rarely give birth naturally. Almost all require a caesarean section (C-Section). This is because the breed has very large heads but narrow hips - making it difficult for the bitch to give birth. Puppies will often get stuck in the birth canal, putting both mother and puppies at risk. Emergency C-sections are often warranted, which can be costly and not always planned.
If you have any concerns or questions about your English Bulldog book an appointment with Vetsy to get the answers you need.
