Just one glance at English bulldogs’ smushed faces and it’s easy to fall for their charm. People who adore these dogs can’t resist their stout bodies, flat noses, and extra skin folds. But here’s the flip side – those cute features come with serious health issues. So, before you vouch for finding a Pet Shop in Mesquite NV, be ready to face the following health problems.

5 Common Health Challenges in Bulldogs

1. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)

Brachycephalic means having a smooshed face, and all English Bulldogs somehow deal with Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. BAS is common in animals with short faces and pushed-in noses. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) explains that bulldogs were purposely bred with short muzzles and noses, making their throat and breathing passages often too small or flat. Their noses are narrow, and their face bones are shorter, leading to various health issues:

Breathing problems and pantingChronic discomfortExercise intoleranceDifficulty eating

BAS symptoms can get worse with obesity, so keeping your pup on a healthy diet and watching their weight can give them some relief. If your bulldog has mild BAS symptoms, it can be managed by avoiding stress and overheating and ensuring they get regular exercise.

2. Temperature Regulation

Brachycephalic dogs, like English Bulldogs, struggle to pant effectively, and panting is how they cool down. Make sure your home has air conditioning, and avoid taking them out in hot weather. Also, be sure to adopt it from a reputed Dog Breeding in Nevada.

Watch out for signs of overheating, such as:

Excessive pantingHeaving while pantingDiscolored, flappy tongueExhaustion while trying to breatheOdd throat noisesFoaming at the mouth

To prevent overheating:

Provide a well-ventilated place for your pup to sleep.Keep a close eye on them in temperatures over 80 degrees.

However, if you note anything otherwise, here is what you can do:

Cool down: Give your bulldog a cold-water bath and pour water over their head. If there is no tub, use a hose to soak them, focusing on their paws. Some owners use cooling vests for extra help.Hydrate: Offer plenty of cold water.Get out of the heat: Bring them inside and place them in front of a fan after using water to cool down.Increase airflow: Use your fingers to move their fur around and open up their coat. Bulldogs’ wrinkled coats insulate them, so spreading them out helps reduce insulation.

If your English Bulldog wants to be outside, let them experience the heat briefly. They’ll likely want to come back in soon. Just keep a close eye on them to ensure they stay safe.

3. Skin Problems

Unfortunately, the cute folds that English Bulldog owners adore can lead to some health issues. Some of these skin problems include:

Eczema, also known as “canine atopic dermatitis,” is the most common skin trouble for Bulldogs. It makes their skin itchy and dry and can turn into a scaly rash.Bacterial infections like staph, pyoderma, and dermatitis can happen. These infections can be on the surface or go deeper under the skin.Hot spots, or “acute moist dermatitis,” are allergic reactions to irritants like bug bites. They show up as round sores on the skin. Bulldogs can also get acne from dirty pores.Interdigital cysts are common too. These cysts form between the toes, swelling into big bumps.

4. Allergies

Bulldogs deal with more allergies than other breeds. These include:

Food Allergies: Bulldogs are touchy about their food. Cheaper brands with not-so-great ingredients can trigger allergies, causing itchy skin, tummy troubles, too much shedding, and ear infections. Skip wheat, corn, soy, and fake stuff in their food. Ask your vet about good brands.Skin Allergies: Bulldogs can also get skin issues from allergies. They might react to flea bites or stuff in the air like pollen and mold.

5. Cancer

Bulldogs have an increased susceptibility to developing cancers; however, this also depends on Safe and Healthy Breeding.

Lymphoma: This is a blood malignancy that specifically affects lymphocytes, which are a form of white blood cell. Being informed of your dog’s susceptibility to lymphoma enables you to take preventative measures. Pet your bulldog frequently in the vicinity of the lymph nodes to detect any enlargement. Lymphoma is extremely prevalent in canines, but early detection is crucial and treatable.Mast Cell Tumors (MCT): Bulldogs, being sensitive to allergens, can get MCT. These tumors look different – they might show up as raised bumps, redness, or swelling. Keeping an eye out for these signs helps catch any problems early.

Do You Own a Bulldog?

Welcome to English Paws, your go-to destination for Dog Breeders St George Utah. The breeding methods at English Paws are held to the highest standards of quality and honesty, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Our hardworking, bulldog-loving team takes pride in every step of the breeding process. To give our beloved bulldogs a safe, clean, and comfortable place to live, we put cleaning higher on our list of priorities. Explore our online store to find the perfect baby from our many breeds. Hurry up and make your choice with English Paws before it’s too late!