How To Take Care Of A Bulldog
How to Take Care of Your Bulldog at Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy, just like it is for people, is common sense. Keep an eye on her nutrition, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, wash her teeth and coat on a regular basis, and call us or a pet emergency hospital if anything appears out of the ordinary (see "What to Watch For" below). Make careful to follow the checkup and vaccine plan that we propose for her. We'll do the appropriate "check-ups" and tests for illnesses and disorders that are frequent in Bulldogs at this time. Signing up for pet health insurance is another crucial step in caring for your pet.Throughout her life, she will almost probably require medical tests and operations, and pet health insurance can assist you in covering those costs.
English Bulldogs may appear formidable, but appearances may be misleading. These dogs have a laid-back, pleasant demeanor and like spending time with their families, generally as couch potatoes.
Diet, Exercise, and Routine Care
Include regular care in your English Bulldog's daily routine to help her live a longer, healthier, and happier life. The value of a healthy diet and exercise programme cannot be overstated.
- As you would a kid, keep an eye on your pet. Close doors, tidy up after yourself, and section off rooms as needed. This will keep her out of mischief and away from things she shouldn't eat.
- She doesn't require much grooming. At least once a week, brush her coat as needed.
- Because bulldogs' teeth are prone to major disorders, you'll need to brush them at least three times a week!
- Even as a puppy, clean her ears once a week. We'll show you how to do it, so don't worry!
- To avoid infections, her deep wrinkles must be cleansed and dried on a regular basis.
- She may have a propensity to be indolent as an adult, so make sure she gets enough exercise by taking her for a regular stroll.
- She is susceptible to extremes of temperature; avoid extended exposure and be on the lookout for indications of heat exhaustion.
- Maintain a regular diet for your dog and avoid feeding her human food.
- Feed her a high-quality, age-appropriate food.
- Regularly exercise your dog, but don't overdo it at first.
Grooming
With a weekly brushing with a slicker brush, a Bulldog's short coat is typically easy to maintain. Their skin, on the other hand, is a different story. The wrinkles on bulldogs must be cleaned every day to prevent dirt and moisture from being trapped inside the folds and developing illnesses. Clean below all the hanging skin with a wet cloth or a baby wipe, especially the creases around the nose and tail, and then dry the same places; dampness can generate bacterial breeding grounds. As you go, keep an eye out for indications of skin irritation, and contact your veterinarian if you detect any redness or peeling.They may advise applying a calming ointment to the affected regions for a few days while monitoring the situation. Remember to clean between your toes, just as your parents taught you! Bulldogs' paws are also susceptible to infection.
If your Bulldog has healthy skin, you should only give him a wash once a month. Consult your veterinarian about washing them more regularly if they have skin issues. To get your Bulldog puppy acclimated to being touched and brushed, begin grooming them as soon as they arrive home.
Keep their nails cut, while we're on the subject of paws. Once a month, you may need to trim them. When you hear them clicking as they walk on hard surfaces, you'll know it's time. Remember to brush their teeth at least a few times a week to maintain their teeth and gums healthy and lower the chance of dental problems in the future. You should also get your dog's teeth properly cleaned once a year by your veterinarian.
Socialization
English bulldogs are known for being loving and friendly towards people, lavishing kisses and attention on them. They can be aggressive against other dogs and cats unless they have had pleasant early contact with them. From the moment your English bulldog puppy arrives at your home, expose him or her to good interactions with new people and other pets. Reward your dog during and after these encounters to reinforce that the interaction was positive and enjoyable. Obedience lessons are a great method for your English bulldog puppy to get some socialization
Training in Obedience
Basic obedience instructions like as "Sit," "Stay," and "Down" should be taught to your English bulldog. To maintain your dog's interest, keep training sessions brief (5 to 10 minutes daily). For accomplishing a desirable action, reward the dog with a goodie and verbal praise. Food motivates English bulldogs, and they react well to positive training approaches. Negative training tactics will only result in an obstinate English bulldog that has no desire to learn from you..
Give the verbal instruction "Sit" to your English bulldog puppy while holding a reward just out of reach above the puppy's head. When the puppy sits, offer the reward and praise right away. The pup will rapidly learn to correlate the instruction and activity with receiving the treat with practise. Allow one command to build on another over time, such as converting "Sit" into "Stay" by increasing the duration between providing the "Stay" order and rewarding the dog with a treat and praise. Holding a reward in your hand, take it to the ground and away from the puppy as you deliver the order will teach your English bulldog to "Down" from the sit.Praise and offer the reward as soon as the dog goes down to follow the goodie.
Exercise
Bulldogs are unable to exercise vigorously or for long periods of time due to respiratory issues induced by their flattened snouts. So, don't try to take your Bulldog for a morning jog—bulldogs aren't known for their speed in the first place. (Won't it be wonderful to have a reason to stay in bed?) They will occasionally get a surge of energy and gallop around in circles (aka the zoomies). Overexertion, particularly in hot weather, can be hazardous to this breed. Fortunately, their low energy level means they don't require hours of daily activity. Three 15-minute walks each day, interspersed with a couple dog-park play sessions or doggie playdates during the week, is plenty.Make careful to plan these during the cooler hours of the day to avoid the heat. Bulldogs, on the other hand, are satisfied to stay indoors, making them ideal apartment dogs. Oh, and Bulldogs adore tug-of-war games! So stock up on tug toys and play a fast game anytime you have a minute or two to spare—it counts as exercise!
Safety Instructions
The instructions "Leave it" and "Drop it" are vital for English bulldogs because they may be possessive with their food, making it difficult to remove a stolen table crumb or something possibly deadly from the dog's mouth. The "Leave it" command can also be used to prevent hostility against another dog before it escalates into a fight.
Begin by offering your English bulldog a favourite toy to train him to drop an item. When your dog has taken the toy and is holding it, say "Drop it," or something similar, and offer a treat to the pooch. Give your dog a reward and praise him when he drops the toy.
Put your English bulldog on a leash and instruct him to "Sit" to teach him the "Leave it" command. In front of the dog, place a favorite toy. "Leave it," you say, and use the leash to keep the dog away from the toy. Give your dog a treat after he sits without attempting to reach the toy.
Crate Instructions
Give your English bulldog a safe "den" in the form of a crate. Make the crate as comfy as possible by lining it with a soft blanket and filling it with toys. You may feed your English bulldog inside the crate to give him a sense of security when he eats. English bulldogs are known for being food-obsessed. Feeding your dog in the crate makes it an attractive place to be, provides protection for the dog while eating, and keeps youngsters and other family members from upsetting the possessive dog during the meal.
The container should be spacious enough for your English bulldog to comfortably sit, lie down, and stand in. The dog should be able to stretch out comfortably, but not so much that he or she may be tempted to soil the crate. Dogs have a natural desire to avoid soiling their immediate environment. As a result, a dog crate can help you housebreak your English bulldog puppy.
Use a vocal command like "Crate" to train your English bulldog to go into the crate on command. Treats should be used to entice the dog into the crate, and the dog should be rewarded for doing so. Because English bulldogs are known snorers, you may wish to keep them in the crate rather than in your bed.
Potty Instructions
The key to housebreaking your English bulldog is consistency. Take your puppy outside every two to three hours for a pee break, especially after he wakes up from a nap or after a meal. To make bathroom breaks more comfortable for your dog, choose a location that is covered from the weather. Select a command like "Potty." Rewarding your dog with verbal praise and bringing him back inside as soon as he's finished pottying can assist your dog understand why he has to go outdoors. Monitor or confine the dog between potty breaks to avoid accidents. When you notice indicators of need, immediately take the puppy outdoors.
As your puppy matures and acquires control over elimination, you'll be able to extend the duration between potty breaks. By the age of six months, English bulldogs will be able to go for four or five hours without having to go outside. English bulldogs may be trained to use a big doggy litter box indoors since they are placid dogs that love to stay inside.
Cautionary Training
English bulldogs, like many dog breeds with abbreviated faces, do not endure heat and humidity well, and if they are overexerted outside in such circumstances, they can quickly suffer from respiratory issues and heatstroke. They may face issues such as panting and snorting as a result of their obstructed breathing passages, making them uncomfortable of activity in hot or cold conditions. Your English bulldog should be trained in a climate-controlled indoor setting.
During training, give your dog lots of fresh water to avoid phlegm accumulation from prolonged panting. English bulldogs are more sedentary than other breeds and cannot be taught agility or other rigorous exercises. Considerably at an early age, they frequently suffer from hip dysplasia and arthritis, making such training even more difficult for them. Consult a veterinarian if your English bulldog is having major respiratory problems to see whether surgery might help.
A choke collar should never be used on an English bulldog. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, these dogs have a tiny trachea that can be harmed by such equipment. For this breed, a harness is a preferable alternative.
Deafness is more common in English bulldogs than in other breeds. If your dog doesn't listen to vocal directions, get his or her hearing checked by a veterinarian. Treats can be used to encourage correct replies in deaf English bulldogs who are trained through hand gestures rather than vocal directions.
The English Bulldog is a real character!
Certain characteristics can be predicted in an English Bulldog:
- Affectionate, laid-back, and endearing
- I'm not much of a barker, so I'm quiet.
- Good with children and other animals
- Courageous and trustworthy, this dog makes a great security dog.
- Adaptable to a wide range of living circumstances
- Friendly and outgoing personality
You could notice the following traits in your bully buddy:
- It's possible that you'll be gassy and drool a lot.
- She snore and makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises.
- If you don't exercise on a regular basis, you might quickly become overweight.
- Especially as a puppy, they may be exuberant and rowdy.
- Sensitive and slow to mature
- Possessive with toys and food, with a tendency to assert authority.
She is a trustworthy and clever friend who builds strong human ties. She is a friendly and pleasant addition to any household with early socialization and constant leadership.
After bull baiting was outlawed in England in 1835, the modern Bulldog emerged with a big, thickset, low body and enormous head. To make a more docile and lovable family companion, the Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug. The Bulldog's protective and courageous attitude was preserved, but aggressive and fierce qualities were eliminated. Bulldogs are prominent mascots for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US universities, showing strength in the face of hardship.Bulldogs are known for their kind demeanor, love of children, and clownish behavior. The Bulldog is a typically healthy breed that lives for 10 to 12 years on average.
Tips
1. ENSURE THAT YOUR BULLDOG IS ALWAYS COOL.
Your Bulldog will perish rapidly if he is exposed to extreme heat. It's time to be alarmed when the temperature rises above 82 degrees. Even for healthy Bulldogs, this is a dangerous temperature, so never take your Bulldog out for a walk when it gets that hot. Allowing children to run and play too hard is not a good idea. Also, keep your Bulldog's water bowl full with cool water at all times.
You must also be aware of the warning signals that your Bulldog is overheating, as well as how to prevent it and what to do if it does.
2. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BULLDOG ALONE IN OR AROUND THE POOL.
Bulldogs have short legs and a large, round stomach. They also have only a stub for a tail, making them poor swimmers. If your Bulldog falls into the pool, he or she will almost certainly drown in a matter of seconds.
Some Bulldogs, though, are unable to resist the allure of the water. If you want to let your Bulldog swim in a pool or any other body of water, make sure he or she is wearing a swimming vest. Remember to keep an eye on your Bulldog at all times.
3. DON'T PERMIT YOUR BULLDOG TO EAT TOO QUICKLY.
Some Bulldogs like devouring food as quickly as possible. They are more likely to choke as a result of this. Getting a slow-feeder for your Bulldog is a fantastic option if he eats so quickly.
Also, avoid offering your Bulldog rawhide, tiny toys, or anything else that might cause him to choke.
4. DON'T ALLOW YOUR BULLDOG TO RUN OFF THE LEASH OUTSIDE.
Bulldogs may be lethargic, but they may quickly flee if they notice anything that piques their interest. They could flee, hunt it down, and get into an accident.
Bulldogs are also susceptible to theft, particularly in yards without fences. So, while your Bulldog is outside, keep an eye on him or her.
5. SEEK OUT A VETERINARY WITH BULLDOGS EXPERIENCE.
Bulldogs are a unique breed, and their health issues are frequently managed differently than those of other dogs.
6.HAVE PLENTY OF CHEW TOYS.
It is in the nature of all dogs to chew. Chewing serves numerous purposes: chew toys and bones assist your bulldog get through his teething period when he is a puppy. They, like human newborns, require the ability to chew in order to cope with pain and discomfort, as well as to aid in the removal of loose baby teeth. Having chew toys and bones on hand for your bulldog will assist them from chewing on things they shouldn't, such as your personal belongings. If a dog is frightened, agitated, or bored, he or she is more likely to pick up a shoe or chew on a piece of furniture if they don't have enough toys to chew on.
7.HEALTH CHECKS
Laryngeal paralysis, hip dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism, and other medical disorders are common in bulldogs. Vaccination checkups at the vet are simply one element of caring for your bulldog's health. Regular, annual physical examinations by your veterinarian will assist maintain your bulldog's health while also monitoring any changes that may occur as he ages. Regular vet visits are one approach to help prevent health problems from developing or worsening.
The Health of Your Bulldog
We understand that you want to take good care of your dog since you love her so much. That's why we've compiled a list of the health issues we'll be discussing with you during your Bulldog's life. We can build a preventive health strategy to look for and possibly prevent certain foreseeable hazards if we know about health issues particular to Bulldogs.
Many illnesses and health concerns in pets are inherited, which means they are linked to their breed. The diseases we've mentioned above have a considerable rate of prevalence and/or influence in this breed, according to canine genetic experts and veterinary practitioners. This does not mean your dog will develop these issues; it only implies she is at a higher risk than other dogs. We'll go over the most prevalent Bulldog problems to give you an idea of what she could face in the future. Of course, we can't cover every scenario here, so if you see any strange indications or symptoms, please contact us.
This book includes general health information for all dogs as well as the most common hereditary predispositions in Bulldogs. This information will assist you and us in preparing for your pet's specific medical requirements. We've also included a summary of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best at the conclusion of the post. You'll know what to look out for, and we'll all feel better knowing we're doing our best to look after your buddy.
Information about your Bulldog's Health in General
Dental Illness
By the age of two, dental disease is the most frequent chronic condition in dogs, impacting 80 percent of all dogs. Your Bulldog, sadly, is more prone than other dogs to suffer dental issues. It begins with tartar build-up on the teeth and proceeds to gum infection and tooth root infection. If we don't take steps to prevent or cure dental disease, your friend will lose her teeth and put her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints at risk. Your Bulldog's life expectancy might be reduced by one to three years! We'll brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis and advise you on how to maintain those sparkling whites clean at home.
Infections
Bulldogs are susceptible to the same bacterial and viral illnesses as other dogs, including parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections may be avoided by being vaccinated, which we would advise depending on the diseases we find in our area, her age, and other considerations.
Obesity
Obesity may be a serious health issue for Bulldogs. It's a dangerous condition that can lead to or exacerbate joint pain, metabolic and digestive difficulties, back discomfort, and heart disease. When she looks at you with those soulful eyes, it's tempting to offer her food, but you may "love her to death" with leftover human food and doggy goodies. Instead, embrace her, clean her hair or teeth, play a game with her, or go on a stroll with her. She'll feel better, and you'll feel better, too!
Parasites
Worms and pests of many types can infest your English Bulldog's body, both inside and out. Fleas and ticks, as well as ear mites, can infest her skin and ears. Drinking polluted water, treading on contaminated dirt, or being bitten by an infected mosquito are all ways for hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms to enter her system. Some of these parasites may be passed from one person to another, posing a major threat to everyone. These parasites may cause pain, suffering, and even death in your dog, so it's critical that we test for them on a regular basis. In order to keep her healthy, we'll also suggest preventative medicine.
Neuter vs. Spay
Spaying your Bulldog is one of the finest things you can do for her (neutered for males). In females, this entails surgical removal of the ovaries and, in most cases, the uterus, whereas in men, it entails surgical removal of the testicles. Spaying or neutering your pet reduces the risk of some malignancies and prevents your pet from becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted babies. Performing this procedure also allows us to diagnose and treat some of the ailments that your dog is prone to acquire while he is under anaesthesia. This might be an excellent time to get your pet's hip X-rays or a puppy tooth pulled, for example.This is practical for you and simple for your pal. Routine blood testing before to surgery also aids us in detecting and avoiding common issues that enhance anaesthesia or surgical risk. Don't worry; when the time comes, we'll talk about the precise problems we'll be searching for.
Bulldog Genetic Predispositions
Problems with the Bones and Joints
Bulldogs have been known to suffer from a variety of musculoskeletal issues. While it may appear daunting, each ailment may be identified and treated to alleviate pain and suffering. You will be able to provide excellent care for your buddy throughout his life if you keep a close eye on him at home and are knowledgeable about disorders that may damage his bones, joints, or muscles.
- Dysplasia, a genetic disorder that causes the joints to grow wrongly and culminates in arthritis, can affect both the hips and elbows. Stiffness in your Bulldog's elbows or hips might become a concern as he gets older. You may notice that he develops lameness in his legs or has trouble rising from a seated position. We can treat arthritis, and the sooner the better, the less difficulty and suffering there will be. We'll take X-rays of your dog's bones to see if there are any problems early on. In severe and life-threatening instances, surgery may be a viable choice. Remember that overweight dogs can acquire arthritis years before their normal-weight counterparts, causing unnecessary pain and suffering!
- The cartilage of Bulldog puppies' joints may not properly adhere to the bone if they are let to develop too rapidly. Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, is the name for this condition. If this happens, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition. It's advisable to keep your weight gain to no more than four pounds every week, as suggested by us. Don't overfeed him, and don't give him calcium supplements. Instead of an adult or a conventional puppy diet, feed a large-breed puppy food. Every three to four weeks, weigh your dog.
- One of the four thick bands of tissue that keep each knee together is the cranial cruciate ligament. In active dogs, such as your English Bulldog, a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury. Surgical correction is often performed to stabilise the knee and avoid debilitating arthritis. To achieve the optimum results, physical therapy and multimodal pain management are required. Maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a high-quality food, and avoiding excessive knee twisting (such as while playing Frisbee) are all important factors in avoiding this painful condition.
Deformities of the spine
Bulldogs are more prone than other dogs to be born with spine abnormalities (hemivertebrae), which can cause injury to the spinal cord, instability, and impairment. We'll take X-rays while he's young to be sure we catch any abnormalities early. Symptoms can increase with age, weight, and activity. If he develops signs of back difficulties later in life, we'll rule out other possibilities like a slipped disc or arthritis, and may recommend medication, acupuncture, or rehabilitation.
Problems with the eyes
Few things have such a significant influence on your dog's quality of life as adequate eye function. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a variety of eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if not treated promptly, and the majority of which can be excruciatingly painful! At each checkup, we will search for any indicators of worry in his eyes.
- Distichiasis is a disorder caused by additional hairs growing inside the eyelid and rubbing against the eye's surface. This is one of the most prevalent genetic illnesses in dogs, and your Bulldog has a higher risk of developing it than other dogs. These aberrant hairs can cause corneal ulcers and severe eye discomfort if left unchecked. There are several treatment techniques available, and once the hairs have been completely removed, the prognosis is favourable.
- Entropion occurs when the upper eyelid slides inward, rubbing the eyelashes on the cornea (surface of the eyeball). This is a very annoying and painful illness that might eventually result in blindness. It may affect any dog breed, but your Bulldog is especially vulnerable to this heritable condition. If surgery is done early enough, it is typically successful.
- Bulldogs are prone to dry eye, commonly known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. Tear glands generate insufficient tears to keep the eye moist, resulting in painful, itchy eyes and infections. Ouch! A heavy discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry look of the eye are all symptoms. This is a painful ailment; if you observe any of these symptoms, please contact us right once. When we evaluate him, we'll do a tear test. If your dog gets this ailment, we'll give you an ointment that you'll have to use for the remainder of his life.
- A gland in the third eyelid of dogs produces around one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. It appears as a red blob in the corner of the eye if the gland is irritated or enlarged. This illness is known as cherry eye, and it can strike one or both eyes at any time. Puppies and young Bulldogs are particularly prone to it. If this happens to him, we'll probably start with ointment, but surgery is usually the best choice.
Stones in the Bladder or Kidney
There are several types of stones that can form in the kidneys or bladder, and Bulldogs are more susceptible than other breeds to develop them. We'll check his urine on a regular basis for telltale indicators of kidney and bladder stones; they're unpleasant! It's a medical emergency if your friend has blood in his pee, can't urinate, or is straining to urinate. Please contact us right away!
Syndrome of Respiratory Distress
Dogs with a short snout, like your Bulldog, are susceptible to this condition, also known as brachycephalic syndrome. He has the same amount of tissue in his nose and throat as the dogs with longer noses, but it has nowhere to go. As a result, the soft palate (the soft portion of the roof of the mouth at the rear) is overly long and protrudes into the airway. The nostrils are frequently too tiny, and the trachea, or windpipe, is occasionally excessively thin and undersized. All of these factors contribute to a constricted and blocked airway. Many of these dogs are gasping for air! Exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, coughing, blue gums, or fainting are all signs to look out for.With his short nose, he's also more prone to other issues including flatulence from inhaling too much air, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. Surgical correction may be necessary in extreme circumstances.
Disorders of Bleeding
Inherited bleeding problems can affect dogs in a variety of ways. Their intensity ranges from very light to quite severe. Many times, a pet appears fine until he or she sustains a catastrophic injury or undergoes surgery, at which point substantial bleeding might develop. Bulldogs are prone to Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting illness. Before doing surgery, we'll run diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specialised DNA blood test for Von Willebrand's disease or other related illnesses to rule out this concern.
Obstacles to Reproduction
Breeds with a big head and a small pelvis are more likely to have difficulty giving birth. Her pelvis is just too narrow to pass puppies, necessitating a C-section for her and her puppies' wellbeing. If you're thinking about breeding your English Bulldog, contact us first. We can assist you in making an informed selection based on the sire and dam's body conformation.
Heart Problems
Bulldogs are susceptible to a variety of cardiac diseases, which can develop at any age. When we check your pet, we'll listen for heart murmurs and irregular cardiac rhythms. Depending on your dog's risk factors, we may do an annual heart health check, which may involve X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiography. Early identification of heart disease allows us to treat your pet with medicine, which can extend his or her life for many years. Preventing heart disease begins with veterinary dental care and weight management.
Several Skin Issues
Different types of skin illnesses and ailments might affect your English Bulldog. Yeast is to blame for one of them (Malassezia dermatitis). It produces itching, redness, and a deposit of dark waxy discharge when it infects the ears. It causes oily, hairless regions on the skin, especially around the neck and throat, as well as a distinct odour. Seborrhea is another frequent skin ailment that can produce dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Your pet will get itchy and unpleasant as a result of these ailments. Bathing with particular shampoos and rinses may be beneficial, and any underlying issues, such as allergies, will be addressed.The sooner you call to have his skin problems evaluated, the less likely you are to wind up caring for an itchy, hairless, and stinky dog.
Mange
Demodex is a small mite that dwells in a dog's hair follicles. They are present in all dogs. The immune system of a dog normally keeps mites in control, but certain breeds, such as your Bulldog, acquire an overpopulation of them. Pet owners may notice a few dry, itchy, hairless sores in mild instances. These are most commonly found on the face or foot, and they might be irritating or not. It's possible that secondary skin infections will develop. It's critical to get veterinarian help as soon as possible to prevent the sickness from spreading. Many pets appear to outgrow the issue, while others require ongoing care.
Paralysis of the larynx
This condition affects older Bulldogs, causing the voice chords to become paralysed and dangle down into the airway. Keep an eye out for squeaky breathing, especially if you're exercising or it's hot and humid outside. A pet may collapse and have difficulties breathing in extreme circumstances. Mild instances can be controlled with lifestyle modifications and, in certain situations, medication. If you detect any indicators, call him straight away! You don't want this to turn into a surgical emergency!
Cancer
In senior dogs, cancer is a prominent cause of mortality. Because the English Bulldog lives longer than many other breeds, he is more likely to develop cancer in his latter years. Many cancers can be healed by removing them surgically, and certain types can be treated with chemotherapy. It's crucial to catch cancer early! When we evaluate your pet, we'll do periodic diagnostic tests and search for lumps and bumps.
Dental Deficiencies
Teeth anomalies are prevalent in dogs, especially purebreds like your Bulldog, and are typically genetically driven. A malocclusion, or poor bite, is an overbite or underbite. Oligodontia is a condition in which there are just a few teeth. Misaligned teeth can also create a slew of issues, although they're typically fixable with braces or extractions. (Yes, braces are available for dogs!) We'll be keeping a careful eye on your buddy's teeth development since we want to maintain his teeth healthy.
What to Look Out For
Any unusual symptom might indicate a dangerous illness or simply be a small or transient issue. The main issue is to know when and how quickly to seek veterinarian assistance. Many ailments lead dogs to exhibit a distinct set of symptoms, which when combined might indicate that your Bulldog requires medical attention.
Calls to the Office
If you observe any of the following indicators, give us a call to schedule an appointment:
- Appetite shifts or increased water intake
- Tartar build-up, foul breath, inflamed gums, or fractured teeth are all symptoms of tartar build-up.
- Hair loss, itchy skin (scratching, gnawing, or licking),
- Excessive sleeping, lethargy, or mental dullness
- Fear, hostility, or other changes in conduct
- Hairless spots on the face or paws that are dry, scaly, and occasionally irritating.
Emergencies
If you experience any of the following symptoms, get medical attention right away:
- Scratching or shaking the head, sore ears, or ear discharge are all signs of ear infection.
- Urinary incontinence or straining; coloured urine
- Any anomaly concerning the eyes, such as cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality
- Loud breathing, easily exhausted during activity
- Coughing, exercise intolerance, and restless breathing
- When it's hot or after exertion, panting is louder than usual.
- Leg stiffness, aversion to rising, sitting, using the stairs, running, jumping, or "rabbit hopping"
FAQ
What not to feed your bulldog ?
It is critical for you to realise as an English bulldog owner that your puppy's system does not tolerate all of the foods you eat. Despite the fact that he will cheerfully eat whatever tasty item you give him, it might be harmful to his health. Always keep your dog away from the foods listed below, since they might be harmful to his health.
- Chocolate has the potential to harm his heart and nervous system.
- Avocados might make you throw up or induce diarrhoea.
- Intoxication can be caused by Alcohol.
- Walnuts are known to harm English bulldog puppies' neurological systems and potentially cause muscular damage.
- Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
Are Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
Bulldogs, on the other hand, are not hypoallergenic. Bulldogs drool a lot, which contributes to the allergy-inducing equation, even if they aren't heavy shedders.
Are Bulldogs dangerous?
Bulldogs, on the other hand, are not hazardous. Bulldogs were originally intended to battle large bulls, but they are today regarded as one of the gentlest and most laid-back breeds. Bulldogs get along with everyone in your life, from your newborn niece to your old uncle and everyone in between.
Can Bulldogs swim?
Bulldogs are technically capable of swimming. Is it a good idea? No. The Bulldog's unique combination of short legs, small snout, and huge head makes keeping its airways above water difficult. If you insist on swimming with your Bulldog, make sure they have a well-fitting life jacket like this one and that you never leave their side.
What are the most popular Bulldog names?
Tank, Max, Winston, Rocky, Dozer, Buster, Diesel, Brutus, Bubba, and Duke are some of the most popular Bulldog names for male dogs. Bella, Daisy, Lola, Lucy, Maggie, Roxy, Molly, Sadie, Chloe, and Sophie are some of the most popular female Bulldog names.
What are the most common Bulldog mixes?
The following are the most prevalent Bulldog/English Bulldog mixes:
- Bulldog-Pit Bull mix (Bullypit)
- Bulldog-Boxer mix (Valley Bulldog or Bull-Boxer)
- Bulldog-Husky mix (Buskdoggy)
- Bulldog-Poodle mix (English Boodle)
- Bulldog-Labrador Retriever mix (Bullador)
- Bulldog-Beagle mix (Beabull)