Bull Dogs (English) are loved all over the world. They appear as speaking dogs for commercials. They adorn Big Mac trucks. They are the mascots of many high school, college, and professional sports teams. Their friendly and outgoing nature and character make them wonderful companion animals. However, Bull Dogs, like many other thoroughbreds, have various health problems. You should get to know them before you decide to bring home one of these adorable creatures.
General Health Information
English bulldogs are brachycephalic. They share this in common with French Bulldogs, Pugs, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier. Being brachycephalic is having all the parts of a normal dog’s muzzle squeezed into a much smaller package. The result is a pushed face. The nose becomes plump and the nostrils are often narrowed. This affects and causes various respiratory problems.
As a result, no matter how hard a good breeder works to improve the situation, your dog will have trouble breathing. These become particularly noticeable on hot, humid days. Also, no matter how hard you try, your bulldog will always serenade you with his deep snoring when he sleeps.
However, while snoring can be both charming and annoying, it causes few ill effects. What can put your bulldog at serious risk for other health problems and even shorten his life are more serious problems related to the way he breathes. These include an elongated soft palate and narrow nostrils.
elongated soft palate
An elongated soft palate occurs when the upper roof of the dog’s mouth extends beyond and falls into the opening of the larynx and airways. This extension blocks the easy flow of air, preventing the dog from breathing properly. When this happens, the canine gasps for breath. He or she breathes with increased difficulty.
A dog with an elongated palate suffers greatly in the heat. Exercising will also lead to heavy panting. He or she can often lie down on a short walk. This is due to the stress placed on the heart and lungs.
Fortunately, there is a remedy for this health problem. The surgery will reduce the size of the palate and then sew it in place. This unblocks the air waves making it easier for the dog to breathe.
Stenotic nares or narrow nostrils
This is obvious when looking at the canine. The openings of the nostrils are narrow. Some seem almost closed. This affects the breathing process, making it difficult for the dog to function properly. Combined with an elongated soft palate, the condition makes it difficult for the dog to enjoy a high quality of life.
As with the elongated palate, surgery provides permanent relief. The vet will cut and shape the nostrils. This allows for more air by reducing pressure on the dog’s lungs and heart. This surgical procedure allows the dog to resume its life at a more normal pace.
In many dogs, stenotic nostrils and an elongated soft palate are part of what is called brachycephalic syndrome. Other health problems that make up this problem include:
everted laryngeal saccules
hypoplastic trachea
collapsed larynx
The prognosis may be surgery or management through lifestyle changes. It depends on the severity of the conditions.
conclusion
English Bulldogs are wonderful companions. They are expressive, comical and affectionate. They have a charming appeal to people of all ages, genders, and from all walks of life. However, they can suffer from serious health problems. You should consider this and other aspects of this adorable canine before deciding to buy one.