5 Common English Bulldog Health Concerns
Looking for a friendly furry best friend? You’re sure to fall in love with the calm, courageous, and at times, the comedic spirit of the English Bulldog. These dignified dogs make excellent companions to any individual or family and are sure to win over your heart.
However, just like any other breed, English Bulldogs come with their own set of health concerns that should be acknowledged by any potential pet parent. Below, we’ll delve into five of the most common health concerns of English Bulldogs for anyone hoping to welcome one of these distinguished dogs into their life.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a relatively common condition in dogs which is caused by the bone not fitting properly into its joints. This can cause lameness, pain, and even immobility in some cases. This condition is worsened by obesity, so make sure your English Bulldog stays within a healthy weight range.
This ailment can be eased with the help of veterinarian-prescribed supplements, stem cell treatments, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
Cherry Eye
This condition gets its name from the red bulge that appears in the corner of the affected dog’s eye. English Bulldogs are susceptible to this minor condition along with dry eye. While this condition can be treated without surgical intervention in early cases, it can be pretty painful for your dog so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as you start noticing signs of discomfort.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Unfortunately, the English Bulldog’s signature smushed-in face comes at a price. The short face of the English Bulldog classifies them under the category of Brachycephalic. This can cause Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome or BAS.
This condition can make it difficult for English Bulldogs to breathe especially when exercising or faced with extreme weather conditions. Obesity can worsen this condition which is why it’s so important that your English Bulldog maintains a healthy weight.
Other causes of breathing issues may include an elongated soft palate and stenotic nares. Make sure you keep your English Bulldog up to date on wellness visits as a form of preventative care.
Skin Allergies
English Bulldogs may be more prone to skin allergies or allergic dermatitis. You may notice your dog excessively itching, losing hair, or biting a certain area of skin. This irritation can lead to further infection, so it’s best to speak with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive care plan.
This may include adjusting your dog’s diet or adding certain supplements, stem cell therapies or medications to your dog’s routine. You can also ask your breeder if there are any known allergies within the family for more context.
Learn how you can save your pups stem cells during the spay/neuter procedure to help treat them as they age. Here
Patellar Luxation
Due to their unique build, English Bulldogs and other small dogs may develop patellar luxation. This condition is usually present at birth, the associated symptoms may not show up until later in life. With this condition, the kneecap is somehow misaligned with the rest of the leg which can be extremely painful for your pooch.
This condition may require surgical intervention under the direction of your veterinarian. As always, make sure you’re purchasing your English Bulldog from a reputable breeder with a clear understanding of your puppy’s family history to minimize the risk of your dog developing the condition.
English Bulldogs certainly make a name for themselves with their unique combination of comedic antics and unwavering companionship. These adorable dogs want nothing more than to spend time with their families and are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone in their path.
Managing the health concerns of any dog can undoubtedly be a challenge, but these beautiful buddies are so worth the extra effort. Enjoying creating unforgettable memories with your English Bulldog!
