Common Bulldog Health Problems
Bulldogs in general are very health animals, but there are some common bulldog health problems you should be aware of. Almost all dog breeds have health issues that show up at a higher incidence than other breeds, and here are some that show up in bulldogs at a higher frequency.In 2009 The Kennel Club changed its breeds standards for the British bulldog, along with all other 209 dog breeds. The main aim of this was to address health issues. It is speculated that these changes in breeds standard should lead to a dog with a smaller head, less skin folds, a taller thinner posture, a longer muzzle, in effect relieving some of the health problems that this breed has.
Bulldog health problems mainly center around respiratory problems, and problems with breeding due to their head size.
Dystocia
Dystocia means trouble giving birth. Bulldogs sometimes need to deliver puppies by cesarean section because the puppies heads are too big to go through the birth canal.
Skin Fold Problems
Bulldogs also are prone to skin infection because moisture can accumulate between skin folds leading to a good place for yeast and bacteria to grow.
Teeth Problems
Like all animals, bulldogs are also prone to tooth problems, like fractures, tartar buildup and gingivitis. One way to combat these problems is to brush their teeth on a regular basis, and have regular cleanings at the vet clinic.
Breathing Problems
Like all short muzzled dog breeds, the bulldogs has respiratory issues because of this. Dogs that are bred to have a short muzzle have a number of respiratory abnormalities, like a long soft palate, a softer trachea, narrower airway passages. this is one reason why the bulldog snores so much.
Inter-digital cysts
These are cysts that appear between the toes of the bulldog leading to pain when they walk. The reason why cysts appear here is not known, but could be a combination of genetic and environment.
Obesity
Like all dog breeds, bulldogs are also prone to obesity which can lead to a large number of other health issues.
Summary
In general bulldogs are healthy dogs when properly cared for. With regular visits to the vet clinic your bulldog should live a long life.
