English bulldogs are a popular breed of dog and make great pets, but they can be prone to certain health issues. As a bulldog owner, it’s important to understand these issues and take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy. In this article, we will cover the top 10 things every Bulldog owner should know.
1. English bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties
Bulldogs have a unique shape and structure that can make it difficult for them to breathe properly. This is especially true in hot and humid weather. As an English bulldog owner, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s breathing and to take frequent breaks in air conditioning as necessary.
Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties due to several reasons. One of the primary reasons is their brachycephalic or flat-faced nature. Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) is common in dog breeds with brachycephaly, and English bulldogs are the most severely affected among them. This is because the shortened upper jaws and noses of these dogs squeeze the soft tissues of the nose and throat, causing breathing difficulties.
Another reason for breathing difficulties in English bulldogs is gene mutation. Recent studies have shown that squished faces are not the only cause of bulldog breathing difficulties, and a gene mutation in these dogs can also cause breathing difficulties.
Heavy breathing is also a common symptom of overheating in English bulldogs, which can occur when they are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Overheating can quickly become deadly for a dog within minutes, making it a serious issue.
MUST READ: 4 Reasons English Bulldogs Have Breathing Issues: Causes, Treatments, And Preventions.
2. Overheating is a serious issue
Due to their short snouts, English bulldogs are prone to overheating. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. To prevent overheating, make sure your bulldog has access to plenty of fresh water and shade. It’s also important to avoid exercising your bulldog in the heat of the day.
Personally, this is my biggest fear. Why??? Because it can happen in a minute and it’s horrible to experience. In the heat of summer, I literally set a timer and they can go out to sniff around for a minute to find the right spot to do their “business” and then they’re right back in. 5 minutes is the max. I don’t care how bored they look in the house or how they need to exercise. There’s plenty of activities they can do safely inside. I make no apologies for this.
Bulldogs are known for overheating due to their brachycephalic (short-muzzled) nature, making them less efficient at breathing out hot air and breathing in cool air. This makes them more prone to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias.
It is important to take preventive measures to ensure that your English bulldog stays cool and hydrated, especially during hot and humid weather. Providing them with plenty of water that is cool and fresh is crucial.
Consider changing their water more frequently to keep it cool and adding an ice cube. Taking shorter walks or car trips with a water bottle for your bulldog can also help in preventing overheating. Adjust walk times for early morning and later in the evening so you are avoiding the mid-day heat. This is a great time to socialize your furry friend in a pet friendly retail or warehouse style store like a Home Depot or a PetSmart.
If your bulldog shows signs of overheating, such as panting, disorientation, and fast noisy breathing, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Try to bring their temperature down with cool damp cloths. Don’t use an ice bath as that can cause your dog to go into shock.
MUST READ: Why Do English Bulldogs Overheat Easily: Understanding the Reasons and Prevention Tips
3. English bulldogs are prone to skin issues
English bulldogs are prone to skin issues such as allergies, hot spots, and infections. To prevent skin issues, make sure to keep your bulldog’s skin clean and dry and to monitor for any signs of redness or irritation.
Bulldogs are prone to skin issues due to several reasons. One of the main reasons is their short coat which makes them susceptible to skin irritation. This is particularly true if they also have allergies. Another reason for their skin problems is the distinctive wrinkles on their face. These folds in their skin are a cute character but are also a problem area as they provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
This breed of dog is more predisposed to developing skin problems compared to other breeds. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for any symptoms of skin conditions such as severe itching, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to take your bulldog to a veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. To prevent skin problems, frequent grooming and the use of medicated shampoos may be necessary for these breeds.
MUST READ: Understanding English Bulldog Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
4. English bulldogs can be prone to hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common health issue in bulldogs. This can cause arthritis and other joint problems. To prevent hip dysplasia, make sure your bulldog gets plenty of exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Bulldogs can be prone to hip dysplasia for several reasons. According to, environmental factors such as rapid weight gain and excessive exercise, as well as nutrition and lifestyle, can play a significant role in developing muscle mass in bulldogs, leading to joint laxity and making them susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Another reason why bulldogs can be prone to hip dysplasia is due to genetic disposition. The family and genetic background of the bulldog can help determine whether or not he or she will be susceptible to hip dysplasia, which is why it is important to research and find a good, reputable breeder. Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic disease that occurs when there is a developmental issue in the ball and socket joint of the hip.
MUST READ: A Research study on Dysplasia in English Bulldogs – National Library of Medicine
5. English bulldogs can be prone to eye problems
English Bulldogs are prone to a variety of eye problems due to their unique anatomy and genetic predisposition. Some of the most common eye problems include entropion, ectropion, cherry eye, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia. Entropion, a genetic problem, is particularly painful and irritating, and bulldogs with droopy eyelids are more susceptible to it.
The anatomy of English bulldogs, particularly their wrinkly faces, makes them more susceptible to eye problems caused by abnormalities of the eyelids and eyelashes. In entropion, the eyelids roll inwards, causing the eyelashes to rub the surface of the eye, while in ectropian, the eyelids roll outwards. These conditions can cause discomfort, irritation, and other complications if left untreated. To maintain the health of their eyes, it is important to keep them clean and free of debris and to regularly visit a veterinarian to monitor their eye health.
MUST READ: The Surprising Truth About English Bulldog’s Eye Health: Common Eye Problems
6. English bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues
English bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. To prevent digestive issues, make sure to feed your bulldog a balanced diet and to monitor for any signs of discomfort or changes in bowel movements.
Bulldogs are prone to digestive issues due to several factors. Gastrointestinal issues are disorders of the stomach and intestines or other digestive problems and can be indicated by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, increased gas or flatulence, a lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, and dehydration.
One of the major causes of digestive issues in bulldogs is the food they consume. As stated in another article, most causes of bulldog diarrhea arise from the things they eat, and overeating can be a common problem for bulldogs as they tend to have very sensitive digestive systems.
Another factor that contributes to digestive issues in bulldogs is their tendency to become obese. The excess weight can cause problems with eating and result in the bulldog swallowing a lot of air, leading to excess flatulence.
MUST READ: Digestive Issues in English Bulldogs: What You Need to Know
7. English bulldogs can be prone to ear infections
English bulldogs can be prone to ear infections due to a variety of factors. One reason is their skin folds, which can become filled with bacteria and lead to skin conditions such as bacterial infections and dermatitis.
This can create an environment within the ear canal that often leads to a secondary bacterial or yeast infection, which can cause ear infections. Additionally, adult bulldogs may contract ear mites from infected puppies or cats, which can also lead to an infection.
Chronic ear infections can be very painful for the dog and may result in vertigo and deafness. Dogs may indicate they have an ear infection by scratching at their ears and you may also notice a yeasty smell or redness. There are several types of bacteria and at least one type of fungus that can commonly cause ear infections, so it’s important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your bulldog has an ear infection
8. English bulldogs are prone to snoring
Bulldogs are known to snore due to their physical characteristics, sleep posture, and potential allergies or colds.
Bulldogs have a brachycephalic head shape, which is short and broad, and this combined with their big heads results in breathing problems including snoring. The shape of the bulldog’s neck and the length of its nose can also influence its breathing and contribute to snoring.
In addition to the physical characteristics, the position of the bulldog when sleeping can also contribute to snoring. The bulldog’s sleep posture can play a role in its breathing and thus affect the amount of noise it makes while snoring. While some bulldogs may snore more than others, it is considered normal for this breed and is not typically a cause for concern.
MUST READ: Uncover the Surprising Truth: 7 Ways to Tackle English Bulldogs’ Snoring Problem
9. Shortened life expectancy
Bulldogs have a short lifespan, with an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. One of the main reasons for this short lifespan is their difficulty breathing, which is a result of the anatomy of their face including the small face and squished muzzle that leads to several breathing problems such as pinched nostrils and a narrow trachea.
According to, 20% of English bulldogs die due to cardiac events, 18.3% die due to cancer, 8.9% die due to old age, and 4.4% of dogs die due to respiratory issues or cerebral vascular.
In total, 57.6% of English Bulldogs died due to other reasons. Therefore, it is clear that there are multiple reasons why English bulldogs have a short life expectancy and it is essential for owners to take proper care of their dogs to ensure they live long and happy lives.
MUST READ: Why English Bulldogs Have Short-Life Spans?
10. Why English Bulldogs are Prone to Arthritis
Arthritis is a common joint issue that affects Bulldogs. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints becomes worn down or injured, resulting in the exposed bones rubbing against each other and causing severe discomfort for the dog.
Canine arthritis is similar to arthritis in humans, and the discomfort it causes can significantly impact a Bulldog’s quality of life.
In order to prevent joint and bone issues, it is important to keep them at a healthy weight, as overweight dogs are more prone to developing arthritis.
This can be achieved by regularly exercising and controlling their diet, as well as taking care of their bones and joints through appropriate care and attention.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help to diagnose and manage the symptoms of arthritis early on, helping to ensure that your Bulldog is comfortable and healthy throughout their life.
MUST READ: Does My English Bulldog Have Hip Dysplasia? What you need to know!
Final Thoughts:
English bulldogs are a breed that requires special care to maintain their health. Some common health issues that can arise in bulldogs include difficulty breathing, overheating, skin problems, bone and joint diseases, and eye problems. To ensure that your dog stays healthy, there are some best practices that you can follow.
Breathing and joint problems are two areas that require special attention in bulldogs. Exercise is crucial in maintaining their overall health and well-being. Overheating can be a significant problem in bulldogs, so it’s essential to take precautions against it.
During hot weather, it is best to avoid walks and keep them short. You can tell if a bulldog is overheated by observing if they are breathing too hard, if their tongue is hanging out, or if they have a bluish cast to their tongue.
Keeping them hydrated can also help prevent overheating. To avoid skin problems, it’s important to clean the skin folds regularly and to keep the skin dry. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent joint and bone problems.