Special Concerns With English Bulldog Puppies

English bulldogs were originally bred as bullfighters during the 1400's. This courageous breed is famous for its strength, loyalty, and endurance for pain. Although the bulldog has a sturdy body, it does have disabilities that all English bulldog owners should be aware of. Before bringing your English bulldog puppy home, be aware of these five health considerations.

  1. Skin Problems

    • The folds of skin on an English bulldog need to be cleaned daily.

      English bulldogs are prone to dermatitis, which causes inflammation between the folds of skin. Bulldog puppies have many wrinkles, creases, and folds where moisture becomes trapped, causing dermatitis. Excessive skin irritation often develops into infections in the folds of the lips, face, and tail. Cleaning the puppy's folds should be done every day to prevent dermatitis, hair loss, and foul odor.

    Overheating

    • English bulldog puppies and adults do not tolerate heat. They cannot be left outside during hot weather and should be kept in an air-conditioned house. Keeping puppies calm during hot weather is a must. Exercise in hot weather causes excessive panting, increases phlegm production, and swells the dog's throat, which can lead to death. Covering the bulldog puppy with a wet cloth helps prevent overheating.

    Skeletal Disorder

    • In a case study, Kari L. Anderson of the University of Minnesota says that most screw-tail dog breeds like the English bulldog run a high risk of skeletal disorders. These most common skeletal problems are spina bifida, which can cause the puppy to become incontinent, vertebral displacement, and dysplasia of the elbows and hips, which results in limping and joint stiffness.

    Respiratory Problems

    • The short snout and flat head cause respiratory problems in English bulldogs.

      Both adult bulldogs and puppies exhibit trouble breathing. Their short, pushed in snouts and flat skulls prevent them from taking deep breaths. Because of this, many bulldogs snore while sleeping and pant all the time. The long soft palate of English bulldogs also causes restricted breathing and in some cases may result in suffocation. Some bulldog owners opt for surgically fixing the soft palate.

    Drowning Risks

    • Drowning is a danger for all English bulldogs. They are unable to swim because of their short legs and heavy body weight. A bulldog puppy can drown within minutes of falling into water, so cautionary measures are necessary when taking the puppy near pools, beaches, or docks. When near any type of water, fit the bulldog with a life jacket.