The Ultimate English Bulldog Guide

Breed Introduction

English Bulldog puppies have exciting personalities. These dogs are known for their joy. Once they get excited, it isn’t uncommon to see a bulky English Bulldog dance or wriggle around. English Bulldog puppies love being around people! They are family-friendly dogs and do well in a large family that has time to keep an active lifestyle for their dog.

English bulldog puppies are courageous. Don’t mistake their small stature or height for weakness; they are thick dogs who are protectors. While this is the case, they also really love being a companion and want to be around other people.

Barking is a common trait in this dog breed. English Bulldog puppies are notoriously loud! They like to bark and whine when they want attention or hear the doorbell ring. Funnily enough, they are also loud sleepers. Many English Bulldogs have trouble breathing when they sleep, causing them to snore.

The size of this dog breed is medium. English Bulldog puppies grow to about 14-15 inches in height. There is a small difference in weight between female and male English Bulldogs. Male English bulldogs weigh about 50lbs, while female English Bulldog puppies grow to around 40lbs. The life expectancy for these dogs is between 8 and 10 years, which is on the lower end for dogs. Don’t worry, though; there are many things you can do as an English Bulldog owner to extend your dog’s life.

The unique attributes everyone knows about this dog are their buff and compact bodies and their wrinkly faces. English Bulldog puppies look comical as they snort and huff with their flat faces. They are one of many dogs in the Brachycephalic dog breed group. Brachycephalic dogs are dogs born with flat faces and short snouts. While it may not seem like an issue, these dogs are born with many health problems.

Dogs born with flat faces and short snouts often have respiratory problems because their nasal passageways are narrow and short. Any obstruction or collapse can cause major issues in your English Bulldog. Like English Bulldogs, one of the main traits of Brachycephalic dogs is an everted laryngeal saccule. Essentially this means that when English Bulldog puppies breathe, extra-long tissue sucks into the trachea and windpipe, making it difficult for these dogs to breathe.

Pet owners love English Bulldogs, though, because of their physical attributes! Not only are their faces flat, but they have dozens of wrinkles on their face and short tails. The wrinkles on their face give English Bulldog puppies a comical look. Some English Bulldog puppies are also born with a jaw that protrudes out; this feature makes it look like they are constantly smiling. Not only are they always smiling, but English Bulldog puppies have an underbite that is nearly always visible.

As short as these dogs are, they are bulky and strong! English Bulldog puppies are companion dogs, but they can still build muscle easily. Surprisingly, they do not need to live an incredibly active lifestyle. However, they should receive between 20 to 40 minutes of active playtime each day, and active playtime includes walks. Since English Bulldog puppies are Brachycephalic breeds, they cannot handle the heat and may overheat and have a stroke if they run too harshly.

These funny-looking dogs also have ears in the shape of triangles that dangle low. Their ears are super soft and warm, like the rest of their coat. It is not uncommon to see an English Bulldog puppy with one ear up and one ear down. The result is adorable, mixed with the other cute features! English Bulldog puppies ears also look like petals that bend outward.

English Bulldog puppies have beautiful coats that come in various colors and patterns. Overall, English Bulldog puppies have smooth and soft coats that are short, and it is rare to see an English Bulldog with long hair. Their coats range in brown, white, yellow, black, and red colors. Not only can these dogs have multiple colors on their coats, but they also have patterns like stripes and spots. These dogs rarely ever shed their coats and are hypoallergenic dogs.

The most common pattern to see in an English Bulldog puppy’s coat are spots. The spots are not perfect circles but appear more like blotches of colors. Although your English Bulldog can indeed come in many colors, the most common colors are brown and white. It is rare for English Bulldog puppies to only have one color for their coat, and usually, they have a bi-color or tri-color coat.

A favorite amongst many English Bulldog puppy owners is their dog’s wrinkles! These hefty and wrinkly dogs have rolls on their faces and bodies, adding to their comical look. It is hard not to fall in love at first sight with these dogs!

History of the Dog Breed

English Bulldog puppies are not a recent breed at all. They have an extensive and rich history in Europe and have been at the center of controversies for the last few decades. The first mention of the English Bulldog came in the 1200s during the Middle Ages. Sadly, these adorable companions we know today were fighting dogs in Europe. Dog owners centuries ago often would use English Bulldogs as ‘bait dogs.’

‘Bait dogs’ are dogs that fought against other bulldog breeds. Pet owners at this time did not treat this dog with respect or care, often hurting the dog to increase aggression. This sad reality is how English Bulldogs first grew in popularity. Not only did pet owners in the 13th century buy English Bulldogs to fight other dogs, but to fight bulls as well. This is most likely where they got their name. English Bulldogs in the 13th century would chase bulls in a circle pen and bite them.

However, the sad history of the English Bulldog did not last much longer. In the 1800s, the purpose of English Bulldog puppies saw a massive change. Government officials placed a ban on bull-bait fighting, and suddenly, there were hundreds of English Bulldog puppies on the streets. This was a sudden change, but thankfully a group of English Bulldog lovers took them in. Over the next two to three centuries, these fans were breeding English Bulldogs to keep their adorable and buff features while also making them more docile and friendly.

It worked! English Bulldog puppies are now companion dogs who are lovers instead of fighters. While they still have a stocky and large build, they are short and will gladly jump on your lap for some cuddles. Although the start and history of these dogs are brutal, it no longer is. Now English Bulldog puppies are companions everywhere, not just in Europe! These dogs are especially popular in the U.S as family dogs. There are still some controversies surrounding this dog breed, though.

Some English Bulldogs suffer because they are a Brachycephalic breed. Because they are a brachycephalic breed, they have a shorter lifespan. They are on average 17% likelier to die from respiratory health problems when you compare them to dogs that have longer snouts. These dogs now have severe health issues through years of extreme breeding to get the flat face and wrinkles we all love and adore.

The good thing, though, is that many health problems are preventable. There are various supplements dog owners can give to their pets to decrease the chances of respiratory and joint problems. Because of their body, though, English Bulldog puppies require a special diet to live on.

Breed Intelligence

Your English Bulldog is incredibly intelligent! These intelligent dogs enjoy training and living an active life. Since English Bulldog puppies like to live a busy life, you can train them through physical activities and positive rewards. Every time your English Bulldog responds well to a command, you can give them a dog treat or reward like extra playtime. Over time, they will associate good behaviors with treats, which speeds up the training process.

Not only are English Bulldog puppies easy to train, but they adapt well! Since these dogs are family dogs and built for companionship, you can socialize them at a young age with other pets and children. However, it is a lot easier to do this when they are puppies compared to adults. In other words, if you are looking to get another pet, you should do so when your English Bulldog puppy is still young and impressionable.

If you have trouble training your English Bulldog puppy, you can hire a professional puppy trainer to help. They can teach your English Bulldog how to release toys and not be aggressive or protective because of food.

Psychological Health

It is not uncommon for your English Bulldog puppy to develop psychological problems. Since these dogs are protective and loyal to their pet owners, they can become anxious and feel high amounts of stress. As English Bulldogs age, they may also develop further cognitive problems, like a decline in memory similar to dementia.

Cognitive Health

Your English Bulldog needs mental stimulation, just as much as physical activity. Sadly, there are a few cognitive conditions that your English Bulldog may develop with time. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and Canine Depression are common in English Bulldogs puppies. However, you can slow down and prevent both conditions in your English Bulldog puppy.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)? Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is a cognitive disorder that affects older dogs. English Bulldog puppies with this disorder may find themselves forgetting where they are. Although CCD sounds scary, there are many ways to slow it down.

If you notice that your English Bulldog is forgetful or bumping into things at night, but their eyesight is fine, they may be suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. The condition is similar to dementia, and veterinarians often refer to it as a dog or canine dementia. Your English Bulldog puppy is likelier to develop this condition because of years of overbreeding. They do not have a long life expectancy, which means that it only takes a few years for the condition to develop and worsen.

On average, your English Bulldog develops CCD at 6-8 years old. The condition, however, is something you can look out for and treat. There is no cure, though, and you cannot reverse the effects after they have started. Instead, you can slow down the rate of CCD. Since it is a part of aging, it should not scare you, but you need to prepare as a responsible and loving pet owner.

Thankfully, there are many ways to decrease the chances of CCD in English Bulldog puppies and slow down the rate it develops. For example, you can give your dog mental stimulation. Not only do English Bulldog puppies need physical activity to remain healthy, but they need to strengthen their minds as well. You can help your English Bulldog maintain their minds by providing toys stimulating their minds. Instead of a game of catch, you can create a game of hide and seek. You can also develop mazes so that your English Bulldog can find their way to the end.

There are also supplements that you can give your dog safely. However, you should always consult with a veterinarian before making this decision. There are specific vitamins that can slow down the rate at which CCD develops in your English Bulldog. You can feed your dog vitamin supplements like Vitamin C, E, and Selenium, as they all have antioxidants that strengthen your dog’s cognitive health. Overall, though, you should not worry about your furry friend too much! There are many resources out there for them.

Canine Depression

What is Canine Depression? Canine Depression is a mental disorder in dogs that makes them have depressive episodes. The condition is very similar to depression seen in humans. English Bulldog puppies are especially at high risk of getting this cognitive condition because they are companion dogs that need to be around people. If you separate yourself from your English Bulldog for too long, they can feel stress and, over time, develop depression.

The feelings that English Bulldog puppies associate with depression are sadness, anger, confusion, and exhaustion. If you notice that your English Bulldog puppy is moping around, playing less, sleeping more, and has a loss of appetite, you should take them to your local veterinarian. Although there is not much that your vet can do to provide treatment, they can diagnose your dog with depression.
English Bulldog puppies are in luck, though; depression is not a condition that causes complications that you can’t fix or alleviate! A diagnosis of canine depression does not cause a decrease in your dog’s life expectancy, but it does affect their quality of life. It is hard to have a happy, healthy, and joyful life when your dog has depression.

The causes of this condition are endless and are very specific to each dog. Some common causes include a change in ownership, a new home, or the loss of a loved one. English Bulldogs may feel sadness which can develop into depression if they don’t receive comfort or management techniques.

You can treat your English Bulldog puppy’s depression by giving them a comfortable space to go when they feel anxious or sad. The only things you can do are provide relief and encourage English Bulldog puppies to play. When English Bulldog puppies exercise, they release chemicals that bring them joy.

Stress

If you notice that your English Bulldog puppy is suffering from feelings of stress, don’t be afraid! Stress is a normal feeling that typically does not worsen. The two likelier types of stress are age and fear. Thankfully though, you can treat and manage stress at home.

Age-Related Stress

Stress should not affect the quality of life of your English bulldog. Although stress is a normal feeling and does help dogs biologically function and make decisions, it should not harm their life. If your dog is going through stress, it may be because of its age. As dogs age, they begin to deteriorate. The things that deteriorate include their eyesight, hearing, joints, and memory.
It is very likely that your English Bulldog may wake up one morning and feel confused in their home.

This stress is wholly related to age. Although English Bulldog puppies can feel pressure because of their age, this is more common in older dogs between 6 to 10 years old. There are ways, however, to manage this condition. If your dog feels stressed because they are aging and becoming forgetful, you can make a few lifestyle changes.

For example, you can keep them on a schedule. Schedules are difficult to forget, even after the development of stress due to their age. Schedules do not only include time but also where things are. For instance, you should not move your dog’s food or water if they are feeling stressed because of their age. If this becomes overwhelming, you can contact your local veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and more tips. However, you can manage stress at home with a few changes.

Fear-Related Stress

The most common form of stress in dogs is fear. If your English bulldog has any phobia, it can affect their quality of life. It is easy to detect stress in English Bulldog puppies because it is obvious. For example, if your English Bulldog feels fear because of a stressor, they may bark, whine, urinate, destroy furniture and entry points, or bite and scratch themselves. However, the methods they use to alleviate the intense feelings of stress can hurt them! If your English Bulldog strikes themselves too hard and draws blood, the bacteria from their nails and paws can infect the open wound.

Fear and stress can make it very difficult for your dog to live a healthy life. For instance, if your dog is afraid of water, this can make it a lot harder for you to bathe them. Although it may not seem like a big deal, English Bulldog puppies have sensitive skin and need to be groomed. If you don’t correctly groom your English Bulldog, they can develop diseases, bumps, and allergic reactions.

There are other common phobias in this dog breed. English Bulldog puppies are likely to be afraid of loud noises. A phobia of loud noises is especially difficult during the holidays when people are playing loud music and shooting off fireworks. Although we enjoy it now, our furry animals do not know what is going on. There are a few ways to treat stress from fear in your English Bulldog, though.

One of the more common ways is to assimilate them to the fear. For instance, if they are afraid of loud noises, you can expose them to loud noises and provide them comfort and reassurance that there is nothing to be scared of. If this is not possible, you can also provide them with supplements and essential oils. To calm your dog suffering from stress, you can place a few drops of lavender essential oil on a safe space. Lavender has calming effects that can relieve stress in dogs and humans.

If your dog has a phobia that makes it challenging to take care of them properly, you should consult your local veterinarian. Sometimes, English Bulldogs need professional trainers or veterinarians to help them through their stressors and phobias.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are uncomfortable even in English Bulldog puppies. These companion dogs are relatively happy, but they need care and attention. If they don’t get proper care or attention, they can develop a combination of Separation Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder? Separation Anxiety Disorder is a disorder when your dog feels anxiety and reacts to their feelings because they are away from you or other family members. English Bulldog puppies do not like to be alone! If you leave them alone, they are at a higher risk of developing separation anxiety and doing destructive behavior.

While it may be frustrating to see your English Bulldog destroying things like shoes, the carpet, furniture, and doors, remember that is a natural response to their anxiety! These dogs are companions and have been since their popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Since they were bred to be companions, they are not independent dogs that can stay alone for long periods. English Bulldog puppies require attention, and households can remain with these dogs during the day.

Although this is the case, not all of us can stay home and take care of our English Bulldog puppy every day. Sadly, if you have to work, you need to keep your dog home in the meantime. Each time you leave them, though, you should not come home to a mess! There are many ways to treat separation anxiety at home.

You can always bring your English Bulldog to the vet if you have any concerns, but it is not necessary with this type of anxiety disorder. Instead, you can manage it at home by training your English Bulldog to understand that there is nothing wrong with being alone! Before you get your dog used to being alone, though, experts recommend storing any valuables away from your dog. In other words, don’t leave anything out that you would want broken or destroyed.

Each day you come home from work or running an errand, you need to ignore your English Bulldog. While this is a hard thing to do, it is necessary to change! If you make a big deal every time you come home and provide comfort right away, your English Bulldog will associate you with leaving with something terrible to worry about. However, if you do not pay any attention to your dog, they will understand that you always come back.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder is where your dog feels anxiety because of a trigger or stressor. Dogs are not all that different from humans! Sadly, your furry friend can develop an anxiety disorder if they react to a stressor over long periods. For example, if your English Bulldog puppy has a stressor of people or loud noises, they may react negatively to strangers in your home.

Generalized anxiety disorder is not impossible to treat but can be difficult. What are the signs that an English Bulldog may have generalized anxiety disorder? If you notice your dog pacing, destroying new things, biting themselves harshly, or throwing up, it may be a form of an anxiety attack. Since English Bulldog puppies cannot tell you when something is wrong, you need to watch for the signs.

It is usual for your dog to feel anxiety, and however, if it is constant, it becomes a disorder. If you see that your dog is constantly anxious and making itself sick, you should contact your veterinarian. This is not a medically severe problem, but it can be if you do not treat it immediately. English Bulldog puppies may overheat from throwing up constantly, a clear sign of generalized anxiety disorder.

Thankfully, generalized anxiety disorder does not last forever; some treatments can make the feelings of anxiety go away! You can treat this condition at home. The first thing you need to do is locate the stressor. Once you know precisely what your dog is reacting to, you can keep them separate. However, this is not always possible. If you cannot keep your English Bulldog away from what is triggering their anxiety, you need to train them with coping mechanisms.

Physical Health

English Bulldogs have medium bodies with short legs that are susceptible to physical health problems. Because of overbreeding, they often have a lot of health conditions due to their flat faces, short esophagus, and uneven hind legs.

Allergies

Your English Bulldog may be more likely to develop allergies and allergic reactions to allergens because of their short stomachs. Food allergies and skin allergies can worsen and expand into other conditions, like quickly spreading infections.

Food Allergies

English Bulldog puppies have sensitive stomachs. Although you would think that their sensitive stomachs would be a gut health issue, they are more prone to food allergies. Some English Bulldog puppies are born with food allergies, while others develop them as they age. English Bulldog puppies’ most common food allergies are proteins like chicken, lamb, and pork. It is still unknown why English Bulldog puppies are at a higher risk of gaining food allergies when you compare them to other dogs.

Allergic reactions to food are common and uncomfortable for English Bulldog puppies. They may develop stomach pains, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and a foul odor when they burp. Food allergies can also cause skin reactions, although this is rare. It is important to note that food allergies are not preventable! There is no way to accurately predict if your English Bulldog will have food allergies and to what.

If you notice your dog with the symptoms above, you should call your local veterinarian to schedule a visit. During this visit, your local veterinarian can take blood samples from your dog and run tests to determine exactly what they are allergic to. These tests are not always accurate, though. Experts recommend pet owners take notes and write down in detail what they feed their pets and how they react to new foods. You can show these notes to your veterinarian and determine which food is giving the reaction through a process of elimination.

Food allergies do not change your English Bulldog puppy’s life expectancy, and your dog can still live an active, healthy, and happy life with food allergies. However, to manage this condition, you need to make some changes. For example, once you identify the exact food allergen, you need to be careful when feeding your dog new treats or brands of food. Over time, it is possible for your dog to naturally outgrow food allergies. However, not all dogs outgrow their allergens.

Skin Allergies

With how sensitive English Bulldog puppies are, it is not surprising that they can have skin allergies. Not all dogs have skin allergies, but the symptoms are nearly always the same when they do. English Bulldog puppies with skin allergies may react to environmental or contact allergens like pollen, trees, mold, dust, and human dander.

Their reactions are not life-threatening, though! However, they can make your English Bulldog uncomfortable. If your dog has an allergen that causes a reaction to their skin, their skin may blister, flake, and turn red. The flaky skin is itchy, and your dog may scratch themselves more frequently when suffering from skin allergies.

There is no way to prevent this condition. Skin allergies are completely genetic, and there is no telling which English Bulldog puppies from a litter will develop skin reactions to allergens. If you do not treat or prevent the reactions, they can worsen and lead to infections and worse conditions. Skin infections ooze and have a foul odor. They can also spread quickly and cause discomfort in your dog.

You can treat skin allergies with an over-the-counter lotion that soothes the pain. You may also give your dog supplements that can combat seasonal allergies, like coconut oil, which leaves your dog’s coat shiny and strong.

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Gut Health

Many English Bulldog puppies can develop gut health problems, and this is because they are such small dogs! Although it is a medium dog breed, many English Bulldog puppies are closer to 20-30lbs. Your English Bulldog puppy may have a hard time digesting food. The most common gut health alignments are Acid Reflux and obesity.

Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux is a gut condition where a dog’s stomach does not digest food properly, and it comes up in the form of acid. It works in English Bulldog puppies because the opening between the stomach and esophagus stops working. Instead of closing, it stays open, so bile and other fluids rise. Acid Reflux is uncomfortable, and English Bulldog puppies are at risk for it.

English Bulldog puppies are a Brachycephalic breed and already have trouble breathing and with their stomachs. They have a short esophagus, making fluids and bile easier to rise. Some symptoms and signs that your English Bulldog may have Acid Reflux are throwing up, gagging, weight loss, inability to eat, and throat burns.

Thankfully, Acid Reflux is not an extremely serious disease. Although this is true, if you do not treat your dog’s Acid Reflux, it can worsen over time and harm their digestive lining. It is crucial to give your English Bulldog puppy probiotic supplements. Since they throw up frequently, they lose a lot of good bacteria that their bodies need. To replenish the good bacteria that aids in digestion, you can give them healthy probiotics in tablets, powder, or dog food.

Obesity

English Bulldog puppies need to have a healthy diet. If you do not feed your English bulldog puppy the food and nutrients it needs, it can gain weight, leading to obesity. Obesity is a preventable health condition and is challenging to treat, and it is a lot easier to help your dog gain weight than to help them lose weight. Obesity can be part of an underlying condition or develop because of overeating.

It is more common for English Bulldog puppies to develop the condition because they overeat. Not all dogs have an understanding of when to stop eating. While using an automatic gravity feeder is tempting, you may need to train your dog first to eat their meals slowly. If your English bulldog gains weight and develops obesity, you should take them to a veterinarian for more information. Obesity can develop because of an underlying condition. Your dog’s veterinarian needs to take necessary tests and exams to ensure nothing wrong with your dog’s thyroid or other organs. If your veterinarian does not find any underlying conditions, you need to change your dog’s lifestyle and diet.

Obesity is very dangerous and English Bulldogs because this breed is already tiny. Your English Bulldog is likely to only way between 40 to 50 lbs., so any extra weight, even if it is two to three extra pounds, is dangerous. Obesity can cause further issues in dogs like joint health problems, heart problems, and respiratory problems. English Bulldog puppies already have a hard time breathing because of their flat faces, adding extra pressure and weight only worsens. The excess weight can decrease the life expectancy of your English Bulldog.

To manage obesity in English Bulldog puppies, pet owners can provide their dogs with scheduled meals. Pet owners can also help their English Bulldog puppies lose weight by encouraging an active lifestyle. You can do this by providing your English bulldog with plenty of toys and taking them on a minimum of two to three walks a day.

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Eye Health

English Bulldogs have large eyes! Their large eyes are a trait that many pet owners adore and find cute. While the quality is adorable, their large eyes have a lot of health issues. Some English Bulldog puppies develop eye conditions like cherry eye, while others are born with conditions like entropion.

Entropion

What is Entropion? Entropion is an eye condition that causes English Bulldog puppies to lose their eyesight over time as their eyes roll to the side. The disease is painful and only worsens if pet owners don’t treat their dog’s Entropion. Although Entropion does not immediately affect your English Bulldog puppy’s vision, the eyes roll to the sides near long pieces of hair. The hair of your dog that protects their eyes actually can scratch the cornea leading to damage!

There is no way to treat Entropion at home. If you notice that your English Bulldog is blinking rapidly, shaking their head, or has redness around their eyes, they may be in the first few stages of Entropion. Since the symptoms are vague, it is often challenging to diagnose Entropion in English Bulldog puppies. Usually, as the symptoms worsen, pet owners take their English Bulldog puppies to the vet for further examination. The worsening symptoms of dogs with Entropion are swelling of one or both eyes, cataracts, bleeding from the eyes, and redness in the eye.

Entropion is also a disease that is hard to understand. Experts know that English Bulldog puppies are at risk for this condition because they have a predisposition for it. However, Entropion can be a symptom of other eye problems like cataracts and trauma to the eye. Typically if English Bulldog puppies develop Entropion because of trauma, it is temporary.

The only solution is surgery. If your dog’s eyes are not taken care of, they can lose their sight or both of their eyes. There are ways to manage the pain, though. After discussing it with your dog’s veterinarian, you can give your English Bulldog CBD essential oil. Some studies show that CBD oil can alleviate pain and stress in English Bulldog puppies. After surgery, you can also help your dog around the home until they grow used to their lack of eyesight. English Bulldog puppies that suddenly lose their vision become anxious. Adding a few drops of lavender to an essential oil diffuser can calm your dog’s nerves.

Cherry Eye

What is Cherry Eye? Cherry eye is an eye condition where the nictitan gland prolapses, causing discomfort and inflammation. The nictitan gland is a part of your English Bulldogs’ third eyelid, and the third eyelid serves as additional protection. Cherry eye looks terrifying but is one of the most common health problems in English Bulldog puppies. English Bulldog puppies with cherry eyes have a red, bulging gland on their eyelid. As it swells, cherry eye can lead to blindness and infection.

Cherry eye develops because of a genetic predisposition. English Bulldog puppies are dog breeds with a higher risk for developing Cherry eyes. Usually, Cherry Eye is not painful, and instead, it causes discomfort and itchiness. While this condition is not life-threatening, you do need to treat it right away. If pet owners don’t treat Cherry Eye in their English Bulldog puppies, the eye condition may develop into conjunctivitis.

The biggest fear amongst pet owners and veterinarians is that dogs like to scratch and rub at the gland. Itchiness is a problem since one large scratch can cause infections. Your English Bulldog’s paws are one of the dirtiest places on their bodies. English Bulldog puppies like to run and pick up dirt, dust, and bacteria with their claws. If they scratch at their eyes and cut the gland or cornea, bacteria may easily slip in.

There are no preventative measures that pet owners can take, and the only thing you can do is watch for the symptoms early. English Bulldog puppies rarely develop Cherry Eye after age 2, which means you need to look for the symptoms during puppyhood. Once you catch any of the symptoms, you should bring your dog to the vet for testing and treatment.

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Ear Health

While English Bulldog puppies have short petal ears that bend and fold, this does not mean that they can escape ear health conditions! Their ears are floppy and low for the first four months of your English Bulldog’s life. Over time, they rise and fold naturally. Your dog is likelier to develop ear infections and deafness than a puppy.

Deafness

If you don’t properly take care of your dog’s ears, they can lose their hearing. Although this is the case, not all deaf dogs lose their hearing because of a lack of cleaning. Some dogs are born deaf as they inherit their deafness from one or both parents. English Bulldog puppies may also develop deafness as they age, simply a typical sign of aging.

English Bulldog puppies are more susceptible to hearing loss over time because they have short lifespans. By the age of 6, some English Bulldogs begin to lose their hearing. Since it is a gradual change, you may not even notice it is happening! Most of the time, English Bulldogs grow accustomed to living life without fully hearing.

It is less common for English Bulldog puppies to lose their hearing because of ear infections, but it is still possible! Ear infections are nasty and can produce painful symptoms for your English Bulldog. While this is the case, they are entirely preventable and treatable! If you do not treat an ear infection, though- especially an inner ear infection- the bacteria can spread to the eardrum causing trauma and irreversible damage.

Don’t be afraid if your dog suddenly doesn’t respond to their name or sleeps through the opening of a dog food can; deafness is also a normal part of aging! Hearing loss in English Bulldog puppies also doesn’t mean a worse condition. Typically, English Bulldog puppies with hearing loss live long, healthy, and happy lives. There are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your dog’s life quality.

For instance, create a schedule! English Bulldog puppies may sleep through you calling their names but typically respond well with set schedules. If your English Bulldog puppy knows when you serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they can meet you at their bowls instead of waiting for your call. Also, English Bulldog puppies need an active lifestyle! Instead of buying toys with shakers that rely on sound, you should buy your dog toys with lights and textures. This way, you can stimulate your English Bulldog and all of their senses.

Ear Infections

English Bulldog puppies have unique ears that bend, fold, and wrinkle. Although English Bulldog puppies have excellent hearing overall, they may develop ear infections. Their short and floppy ears are longer than their face. A dark and moist area is underneath the ears, which is the perfect place for bacteria to breed and develop. Most ear infections result from yeast or other bacteria duplicating because of moist conditions. The main symptoms of ear infections in English Bulldog puppies are shaking heads, confusion, foul odor, yellow or red discharge, and scratching their ears.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your English bulldog, you should take them to a veterinarian. While it is true that some ear infections can go away on their own, the majority of them need medical attention. There are no ways to treat your infections at home, and you need a veterinarian to run tests to find out exactly which bacteria is causing the disease as they all react to treatment differently. Luckily there are many ways to manage ear infections and prevent them at home.

Since ear infections typically develop in English Bulldog puppies because of a buildup of moisture, a great way to prevent ear infections is to dry your dog’s ears properly. Water can get trapped in the outer and inner ears if you don’t dry their ears properly, and both areas are prone to infections that are uncomfortable and painful for your puppy. Although ear infections are not life-threatening, they can still cause many health issues, including chronic ear infections, which may result in deafness.

Sometimes ear infections also develop because of debris left behind in a dog’s ears. If you clean your dog’s ears at home, don’t use cotton that can stay back. Any material that can break apart has the potential to cause an ear infection in your English bulldog puppy. If you follow these few management techniques, your English bulldog puppy is unlikely to develop an ear infection.

 Ear Cleaning Solutions We Love

Immune Health

Dogs need a tough immune system to fight off bacterial and viral infections. Thankfully, these infections are treatable and manageable. However, it becomes more difficult if your English Bulldog has Hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease. There are ways to strengthen your dog’s immune system, though, including lifestyle changes and supplements!

Hypothyroidism

What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease that affects a dog’s thyroid gland’s ability to create hormones. The thyroid gland is in charge of a hormone that helps and manages metabolism. There is no exact cause or understanding of why English Bulldog puppies are at a higher risk for this immune system disease. All that is known is that they have a predisposition to Hypothyroidism. If one or both parents of the English bulldog puppy have Hypothyroidism, they have an increased chance of developing it.

Since Hypothyroidism impacts your English Bulldog’s ability to metabolize their food, the condition causes worse problems. English Bulldog puppies that can’t metabolize food appropriately have a higher risk of gaining weight, which leads to obesity. Obesity, however, is not the only condition that can develop because of Hypothyroidism. Your English Bulldog puppy may also experience symptoms like fatigue, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a large belly.

Autoimmune diseases are difficult to treat at home, but you can manage them. The only way to treat or cure Hypothyroidism is to undergo surgery to remove the gland that doesn’t work. Not all dogs qualify for this procedure, though. It is essential to know that Hypothyroidism does not decrease your dog’s life expectancy, and instead, their quality of life changes. The only way to manage this condition at home is to strengthen your dog’s immune system.

Strengthening the Immune System Naturally

English Bulldog puppies with a robust immune system can still develop autoimmune diseases like Hypothyroidism. However, they are less likelier to fall sick with bacterial or viral infections, which is positive. Strengthening your English Bulldog’s immune system does not decrease the chances of developing Hypothyroidism, since the condition is genetic.

One common way to naturally strengthen your dog’s immune system is to increase their activity levels. English Bulldog puppies that exercise regularly and play have stronger immune systems that can digest food quickly and fight off illnesses with ease. Exercise burns fat, which is necessary, especially in English Bulldog puppies with an autoimmune disease. Fat is a type of inflammation that can cause pain. If your English Bulldog is burning fat, they release anti-inflammatory properties that aid in pain relief in the immune system.

Not only does exercise provide pain relief, but supplements such as probiotics and Omega 3 Fatty acids can strengthen your dog’s immune system. Probiotics are a gut supplement, but it is essential to understand that the gut and immune systems share many organs and functions. They work together to digest food and fight off illnesses. Introducing probiotics in your English Bulldog’s diet can increase ‘good’ bacteria in your stomach to help it work faster and more effectively.

Omega 3 Fatty acids are a superfood and supplement for English Bulldog puppies! Omega 3 Fatty acids fight inflammation, and it is not an easy nutrient to find in dog food unless the dog food has fish oil. The best way to give your English Bulldog enough fatty acids is to provide them with a fish oil supplement they can quickly eat.

 Immune Health Options We Love

Joint Health

English Bulldog puppies have strange legs and a thick build. There is already a lot of pressure on your dog’s joints because their hind legs are shorter than their front legs. While these dogs build muscle efficiently, it is unnecessary, and any extra weight can add pressure to the joints. This pressure may develop joint conditions like Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation.

Hip Dysplasia

What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip Dysplasia is a joint condition where the ball or socket of the thigh or hip bone develops in different sizes. When an English Bulldog puppy develops, the ball or socket may not grow to the same extent and will not fit, causing friction to wear down the bones and joints. The condition develops in older English Bulldog puppies but can happen to dogs at any age! English Bulldog puppies are more likely to develop Hip Dysplasia because of their short legs. English Bulldogs already have excess weight on their legs; adding any more can cause further problems.

English Bulldog puppies with Hip Dysplasia can live long lives. Unlike other health conditions, the life expectancy of English Bulldog puppies with this condition does not change. However, the quality of their life can decrease if you do not manage their pain and symptoms well. You cannot cure this condition on your own! Pet owners need the guidance of a veterinarian, as the effects are not reversible.

If your local veterinarian does catch the condition quickly and early, your dog may qualify for surgery. The surgery fixes the sizing of the ball or joint, which prevents further damage. However, veterinarians cannot do much if the damage is already too severe. Instead, you can manage your dog’s pain and symptoms at home.

To manage the symptoms of Hip Dysplasia, you can provide your furry friend with an orthopedic mattress to sleep in. It is hard for dogs to walk and maneuver with Hip Dysplasia as they experience pain and loud cracking as they move. Giving your English Bulldog an orthopedic bed can provide them with comfort, relaxing their muscles.

Another management method you can do at home is giving your English Bulldog massages with a hot water bottle. English Bulldog puppies suffering from Hip Dysplasia often feel the tension in their legs and joints because of the grinding. Hot water can relax their legs, providing temporary relief. Do this a minimum of two times a day for maximum effectiveness. You should make sure, though, that the water bottle is not too hot.

There are also supplements you can give your English Bulldog, which can manage and slow down the progression of Hip Dysplasia. The leading effective supplement is Chondroitin sulfate, which can reduce inflammation and pain and improve joint function and mobility.

Patellar Luxation

What is Patellar Luxation? Patellar Luxation is a condition in which English Bulldog puppies’ kneecaps frequently move out of place, causing a lot of pain. English Bulldog puppies are likely to develop this joint condition because of their genetics and the way their bodies are built. Their short legs cannot handle any trauma or common conditions as they can worsen quickly. Some damage is not repairable; this condition is one of them. Once the kneecap is out of place, any movement that your English Bulldog does can cause pain and deterioration of the joints and bones. The kneecap rubs and grinds, which is painful and can lead to the loss of feeling and movement in English Bulldog puppy’s legs.

There are two common ways that English Bulldog puppies can develop Patellar Luxation. One of the most common ways is through trauma. For example, if your English Bulldog jumps from a high area and lands on their kneecaps, one of their kneecaps can dislocate. Since English Bulldog puppies are hefty dogs with little legs, one wrong slip can cause them much pain and trauma. The risk for Patellar Luxation increases with underlying conditions like obesity, as the extra weight on your English Bulldog puppy’s legs already harms them.

The second cause of Patellar Luxation is genetic, and English Bulldog puppies are at risk for this condition because it is inheritable. Because of years of overbreeding, English Bulldog puppies now have short stumpy legs with even smaller kneecaps. It does not take much for English Bulldog puppies to hurt themselves.

If you notice any common symptoms of Patellar Luxation like limping, whining, fear of jumping, and a lack of energy, you need to take your English Bulldog puppy to a vet. If you are not afraid, try and touch their legs gently to see if they react. English Bulldog puppies may jump, bark, or move away from the touch. The veterinarian will take X-rays and other scans to look at the bones before diagnosing. Don’t worry though, as uncomfortable as Patellar Luxation is, there are solutions! You can’t treat this condition at home; your English Bulldog will need surgery and veterinarian care.

If you do not take your English Bulldog to the vet in time, you can cause Arthritis which has no treatment and is not reversible. Thankfully, there are some ways to prevent this condition in English Bulldog puppies. You can provide them with stepstools and doggy ladders to ensure that English Bulldog puppies won’t jump down from high surfaces. You can adjust these steps to your English Bulldog’s height. Since English Bulldog puppies are energetic, they like to jump and run! You can’t always prevent injuries from running or jumping, but providing your English Bulldog with rugs on wooden floors can keep them from sliding and hurting their kneecaps.

 Joint Health Options We Love

Skin and Coat

Your English Bulldog puppy has a beautiful coat with lots of wrinkles! While the wrinkles add a lot of cuteness to your English Bulldog puppy, a lot can develop because of the folds. If you do not clean your dog’s coat and skin properly, including under the wrinkles and rolls, your English Bulldog can develop Eczema and Dermatitis. Both of these conditions are treatable and manageable at home.

Canine Folliculitis

What is Canine Folliculitis? Canine Folliculitis is a skin condition where your dog’s hair follicles suffer from inflammation. In simpler words, Canine Folliculitis is ingrown hairs common in English Bulldogs puppies. These medium and stocky dogs have large skin rolls throughout their bodies, but more commonly in their face.

The rolls provide warmth and protection and rarely cause trouble. However, if you do not groom English Bulldog puppies properly, they can develop inflammation in their hair follicles that the skin rolls trap. Canine Folliculitis is not just an inflammatory condition; it is an infection. The most common way that English Bulldog puppies develop Canine Folliculitis is if the skin rolls trap bacteria from dirt, dust, or debris in a moist environment.

The common signs that your dog may have Canine Folliculitis are red and swollen bumps, itching, hair loss, and dark spots on the skin. Pet owners often miss Canine Folliculitis in their English Bulldog puppies because the wrinkles fold and hide the infections, and the signs contain themselves to your dog’s wrinkles.

Although it is a common skin condition, there are ways to prevent and treat it. Sometimes, the disease goes away on its own. However, if the bacteria is too strong and your English Bulldog puppy’s condition worsens, you should take them to the vet for further testing. Your local veterinarian can diagnose your puppy with Canine Folliculitis after they take a skin biopsy to the lab.

English Bulldog puppies like to run and play outside! They live active lifestyles and are joyful dogs that pet owners love and adore. There is nothing wrong with this, but pet owners need to bathe their dogs at least once a week because they like to play outside and get dirty. It is essential to bathe your dog. However, you need to take special care and time with your dog’s wrinkles. The prominent wrinkles on your dog’s body hide bacteria, trauma, cuts, and painful signs.

The way to prevent bacteria from spreading and developing in your English Bulldog puppy’s skin is to wash the areas with soap and water and a washcloth. This way, the right amount of water is used. You also need to dry the area properly. Since bacteria grow and thrive in dark and moist places, they cannot live if you get rid of the moisture.

 Skin and Coat Health Options We Love

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is a skin condition triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen, trees, dust, dander, and dirt. It is an uncomfortable skin condition that develops in English Bulldog puppies with short hair. Since their short hair does not offer much protection, skin allergies can cause Atopic Dermatitis quickly. It is a chronic condition as well without a cure. Instead, your English Bulldog will likely have flare-ups where the disease gets better and worsens over time.

Atopic Dermatitis in English Bulldog puppies looks like red, flaky, and sometimes bumpy skin. English Bulldogs that itch and scratch at their Atopic Dermatitis may also suffer from hair loss. It is not uncommon to see English Bulldog puppies with spots of missing fur. It is essential to know that Atopic Dermatitis is not life-threatening. While your English Bulldog may feel discomfort because of the condition, they can still live long and healthy lives.

There are plenty of at-home treatments and preventative strategies to reduce the likeliness of dandruff and Atopic Dermatitis in English Bulldog puppies. Since you can trigger Eczema with skin allergies like dust, pollen, and dirt, you should separate the allergen from your dog. Keeping your dog away from allergens is not always possible, though. You can try to limit your time outside when seasonal allergies increase, but your English Bulldog puppy still needs exercise!

Supplements are another excellent management technique. There are various vitamins and minerals which strengthen the health of your dog’s coat. The leading supplement is fish oil supplements with healthy Omega 3 Fatty Acids. The Omega 3 Fatty Acids in fish oil increases the natural oils on your dog’s skin and coat which acts as a protective layer. If your dog is not consuming enough fatty acids or fish oils, your dog may have dry and flaky, itchy skin.

English Bulldog puppies are beautiful dogs with a comical look. Their flat faces, stocky and buff bodies, and bent triangle ears are just a few reasons pet owners love this dog breed!