Bulldog Health Problems

When it comes to Bulldog health, as with any other dog, there are certain common conditions owners should be aware of. But whilst they may have their own health issues, these are certainly not severe enough to prevent Bulldogs making good house pets. In fact, Bulldogs are pretty sturdy health-wise compared to some other dog breeds.
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Some Bulldog health problems relate to their respiratory system. Because of the size of their windpipes, Bulldogs can have some breathing problems. It's therefore important that you ensure they are given good ventilation, in which case it rarely becomes a major issue.
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The breed's sensitivity to temperature is the main cause of most other Bulldog health problems, which often take the form of allergies and diseases of the skin (temperate climates are best for Bulldogs). Whilst there are a few skin conditions for which veterinary attention must be sought, simple remedies will cure most of them.
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Although most Bulldog allergies can usually be treated with topical medicines, it should be noted that they can lead to other skin infections if not promptly cleared up. Consult a vet with any condition that's slow to respond to treatment or appears to be getting worse. If the skin reaction worsens it can lead to mite infestation and Demodectic Mange. Demodectic Mange often affects the dog's immune system very badly and can be quite dangerous if not caught early.
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Particularly common among Bulldogs are Tear Stains and other yeast infections. Excess moisture from tearing, or continuous wetness of the fur from drinking, can soften the skin and provide breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast. Antibacterial teardrops and other topical medications offer effective treatment.
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Severe abbesses usually found between the dog's toes called Interdigital Cysts are another common Bulldog skin condition. Ingrown hair is usually the cause and regular application of iodine solution or similar is generally an effective cure, although in severe cases surgical removal may necessary.
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Dermatitis is a bacterial infection that attacks inflamed skin caused by flea bites, or areas of skin softened due to moisture or poor ventilation. The infection develops into crusty spots usually found beneath skin folds or under the tail. Special shampoos or orally administered vitamins quickly and easily remedy the problem. Foul smelling moist patches of skin containing pus are known as Hotspots and are a common type of Dermatitis in dogs. Hotspots will require treatment with antibiotics.
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More severe diseases like epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis and cancer can also strike your pet bulldog. Bulldog owners need to monitor the health of their dog more closely than owners of other breeds, because given their great tolerance for pain, it can be quite hard to detect a sick bulldog.
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The primary health of bulldogs starts from the mother. If the mother is in excellent shape, chances are, the puppies will be in great health too. In reverse, mothers who have diseases can pass on infections and parasites to the puppies as well. Healthy Bulldog mothers can make the puppies disease resistant for a period of eight to ten weeks.
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When purchasing or adopting an adult Bulldog, it's not too difficult to spot any health problems. However, if you get a Bulldog puppy for a family pet, some health issues may only become obvious as the pup grows older.
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It is therefore highly recommended that as soon as they acquire them, owners take their new Bulldog puppies to the veterinarian for an immediate check-up. The vet can determine the overall condition of the puppies, and will make recommendations on how to take care of them.
Bulldog puppies can develop umbilical hernia after birth. This happens when the umbilical cord is broken when the mother gave birth, or if the mother nibbled on the umbilical area. This is quite common among the Bulldog breed.
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If you take note of the information in this article, particularly in terms of not overexposing your Bulldog to heat and avoiding creating breeding grounds for bacteria by ensuring your Bulldog and its living space are kept clean, as well as regularly checking for any symptoms of the common Bulldog health problems discussed above, you will go and long way towards keeping your lovable Bully happy and well. Also remember that a nutritious diet and regular exercise is essential to maintain your Bulldog's health and fitness.
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Copyright © 2007 Sara Dana. Visit her website to learn more about potential Bulldog health problems and pick up some free gifts, or see the Bulldog Videos section for some fun.
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