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English Bulldogs are adored for their short, stoutly bodies, pressed noses, and adorable excessive wrinkles. They are great companions for families, especially children, and their physique makes them the best for cuddles if you don’t mind snoring and snorting!
Unfortunately, the English Bulldog’s distinct physical characteristics predispose it to various medical issues. Some are easily treatable and preventable, while others require extra care and more extreme treatment methods, so it’s essential to be aware of the common health problems in English Bulldogs if you consider getting one.
The 14 Common Health Problems in English Bulldogs
1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)¹ is a condition that occurs in animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose, which makes BAS a common condition in English Bulldogs. The combination of anatomical abnormalities, including an elongated soft palate, narrowed nose openings, swelling in the larynx, and compressed nasal passages, may cause a variety of health risks. BAS will cause breathing difficulties, difficulty eating, exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, and excessive snoring.
Treatment: Obesity worsens the symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, so feeding your dog a healthy diet and keeping an eye on their weight can help. If your dog is in pain or your veterinarian believes the problems will worsen and become life-threatening, they will recommend a staphylectomy or soft palate resection.
2. Skin Fold Pyoderma
As adorable as they are, the excessive skin wrinkles on the face and neck of English Bulldogs can cause skin problems¹. The skin folds allow the surface of the skin to be in close contact, creating a warm, humid environment. If they get wet and aren’t properly dried, their wrinkles can trap excess moisture, which provides the perfect setting for bacteria to thrive. You will know if your dog has developed an infection if the area is red with discharge and an unpleasant odor.
Treatment: The best defense is to clean and dry the skin folds to help prevent skin fold pyoderma. If the case of infection is mild, medical treatment will usually do the trick. It is critical to monitor the area for signs of recurrence.
Eye Conditions
One of the distinctive and adorable features of an English Bulldog is its droopy eyes, but because of these features, they have shallow eye sockets, which can lead to various eye problems.
3. Entropion
Entropion¹ is a condition in which the lower eyelids rotate inwards, causing the eyelid hairs to rub against the eyeball. If your English Bulldog develops Entropion, it can irritate the eyeball and surrounding soft tissues, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, discharge, and corneal ulcers.
Treatment: While eye drops and pain relievers can help with these symptoms, surgical intervention to correct the entropion may be required for long-term relief. A section of the eyelid will be removed by a surgeon to reverse the inward rolling, followed by minor corrective surgery.
4. Distichiasis
A distichia¹ is an extra eyelash that grows from the eyelid through the duct of the meibomian gland or alongside it. This extra eyelash can cause serious eye discomfort and potential ulceration. Inflammation and discharge are common symptoms, and your dog may paw at their eyes.
Treatment: Several options are available to help your dog feel more comfortable, but depending on the severity of the condition, your veterinarian may advise surgery.
5. Cherry Eye
Many dogs have an extra eyelid located in the lower eyelid, which provides an extra layer of protection, particularly while hunting or fighting. Cherry eye¹ results from eyelid gland prolapse; it swells, turns red, and may cover a portion of your dog’s eye.
Treatment: Although the gland may heal on its own with the help of medication, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to restore the affected gland to its proper position.
6. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Also known as dry eye, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)¹ is caused by the third eyelid gland’s insufficient production of aqueous fluid, which is a crucial component of tears. If your dog’s eyes don’t produce enough tears, they will become dry and struggle to remove irritants from the eyeballs. This will result in painful and irritated eyes.
Treatment: Dry eye is treated by stimulating tear production, replacing tear film with eye drops, and topical therapy. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s tear glands for moisture and the presence of corneal ulcers.
7. Obesity
Obesity¹ is a risk factor for the English Bulldog and can intensify other health issues. Obesity in Bulldogs is primarily caused by an imbalance in diet and a lack of adequate exercise. High-calorie foods and frequent treats also compound their weight gain.
Excess fat deposits in the chest and airways can make breathing even more difficult. As a result, they are more susceptible to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis.
Treatment: Owners of English Bulldogs must be careful about the type and amount of food given daily to help prevent unnecessary weight gain. Look for high-quality but low-calorie dog food, and instead of two full meals per day, feed your Bulldog small meals throughout the day.
Allergies
Bulldogs have the highest number of allergies¹ of any breed due to genetic abnormalities.
8. Food Allergies
Generic food brands containing low-quality ingredients commonly cause allergies in English Bulldogs. Avoid wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients when possible, and consult your veterinarian about which food brands are best for preventing bulldog allergies.
Some dog foods on the market are breed-specific and include a unique dry kibble shape for easier eating and ingredients that promote gastrointestinal, joint, and skin health.
9. Skin Allergies
Allergic dermatitis is one cause of skin infection in English Bulldogs. Your dog may be allergic to fleas or environmental allergens such as pollen and mold.
The treatment is determined by the type of skin condition your dog has and the underlying causes of the skin reaction. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and antifungal treatments if the reaction is yeast-based. Regular cleaning and drying of the areas of folded skin are essential, and specialized prescription shampoos and topical treatments can help to alleviate symptoms.
Joint and Bone Disease
10. Hip Dysplasia
The English Bulldog is predisposed to hip dysplasia¹ Bulldogs are usually born with normal hips, but their genetic makeup causes abnormal development of the soft tissue around their joints. The hip joint doesn’t function properly, resulting in pain and joint deterioration, arthritis, and possible bone fractures over time.
Treatment: Medication, joint supplements, and surgical intervention are treatment and long-term management options. As a dog owner, managing your bulldog’s weight is also important.
11. Arthritis
Canine arthritis¹ occurs when the cartilage in the joints wears down or is injured, causing the bone to lose its protection. The exposed bones begin to rub against each other, causing severe pain.
Treatment: The sooner arthritis is treated, the better. Your vet will take X-rays of your dog’s bones to detect problems as soon as possible. Surgery is sometimes a viable option in life-threatening situations. Obesity can cause arthritis earlier than dogs of a normal weight, so managing your dogs’ weight is imperative.
Thyroid and Heart Disease
12. Heart disease
Pulmonic Stenosis¹ is a common and hereditary disease in English Bulldogs. It is an inherited narrowing or constriction of the outflow from the right side of the heart, which obstructs blood flow and can result in heart failure or death. Regular checkups can help detect this disease early. Fetal anasarca¹ is also common in Bulldogs and may indicate congestive heart failure, but the cause is unknown.
13. Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism¹ is a condition in which a dog’s thyroid gland becomes inactive. It can be caused by obesity, a lack of proper care, and the frequent use of steroid medications. It can cause various physical and psychological issues in dogs if left untreated for an extended period. An English Bulldog could be suffering from hypothyroidism for years without knowing it. However, as he ages, the quality of his life may deteriorate.
Primary hypothyroidism is easily treated with medications such as levothyroxine or L-thyroxine, which help keep hormone levels normal. Regular testing is also required to ensure that the drug is effective.
14. Cancer
Cancer¹ is the leading cause of death in older dogs, and bulldogs are particularly vulnerable to lymphoma and mast cell tumors.
Lymphoma¹ is a broad term that doctors use to describe a group of cancers that originate in the lymphocytes. There are over 30 types of canine lymphomas, each with its own levels of aggression, life expectancy, and clinical signs. The cause is still unknown, but genetic studies continue to help identify any inherited genetic and chromosomal causes.
Treatment: Chemotherapy is the most successful therapy for canine lymphoma. Chemotherapy will vary depending on the type of cancer; in some cases, radiation therapy or surgery will be recommended.
Caring for an English Bulldog
Because these dogs are so prone to health issues, giving them the best care possible is important. Here are some ways to look after an English Bulldog so it can live a long and healthy life.
Maintain a healthy weight
An English Bulldog can be food motivated, so it’s easy for them to overeat. Weight management is vital for their short and stocky build. Generally, the amount of food you feed your English Bulldog should be based on the adult English Bulldog’s ideal weight, typically between 40 and 50 pounds¹. A quality and well-balanced dog food that is AAFCO¹ approved is recommended, or a breed-specific diet formulated for bulldogs.
They should be fed twice daily, in the morning and evening, but some may require special feeding if they eat too fast.
Supplements
Multiple supplements¹ can help the English Bulldog’s overall health. Probiotic supplements help to promote healthy gastrointestinal bacteria, which can help with gas and digestion. Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, and glucosamine can improve and maintain healthy skin and joints. It is always best to consult with your vet to determine which supplements will be best for your dog.
Exercise
Daily moderate exercise is enjoyable and beneficial to English Bulldogs. Exercising can be incorporated into their daily lives through enjoyable activities such as tug-of-war, short walks or hikes, and swimming.
Grooming
Because of their wrinkly skin, their grooming requirements will be more frequent and time-consuming than those of other dogs. All of their wrinkles and skin folds should be checked daily. It’s critical to completely dry wrinkles after cleaning to prevent bacteria from thriving in the moisture left behind. A soft, dry cloth can be used to gently remove debris and dry skin wrinkles.
Because the English Bulldog is prone to eye problems or allergies that cause eye discharge, you should clean around their eyes regularly, and their ears should be cleaned with a dog-specific ear cleaner after every bath.
Conclusion
It can be overwhelming to learn about all the health risks associated with the English Bulldog, but being aware of their possible health problems allows you to take action. Preventative care, early diagnosis, and veterinary knowledge can help manage and treat these common health concerns. Adding an English Bulldog to your family should be carefully considered, and pet insurance is a must to help with the breed’s potential ongoing medical costs.
Featured Image Credit: Branislav Nenin, Shutterstock
