Living with a bulldog can be a rewarding experience filled with companionship. Before you choose to welcome a bulldog into your home and your life, you will want to learn about the common health issues bulldog’s experience. As a dog owner you will want to feel confident that you will be able to provide the proper care for your bulldog if any of the following health issues were to arise during your dog’s lifetime.

·        Hot Spots: They are caused by allergies and insect bites. Symptoms of Hot Spots include itchy areas located on various parts of a bulldog’s body that appear itchy, irritated and red. Veterinarians frequently treat this ailment with topic medication and medicated shampoo.

·        Cherry Eye: This condition looks worse than the severity of the issue. While it appears like it could be painful it isn’t. It simply is the gland located under the lower eye lid towards the inside corner of the eye that pops out. Seeking veterinarian help immediately is essential for successful treatment. Veterinarians will prescribe medicated drops or suggest surgery to solve the issue.

·        Interdigital Cysts: This condition is located between the dog’s toes. It appears swollen and red between the pads and the underside of the paws. Commonly there can be a foreign object wedged between the toes. Other times it can be an Interdigital Cyst that requires medical assistance from a licensed veterinarian.

·        Facial Acne: This condition is also known as Eczema. Since bulldogs are curious and tend to explore their world by putting their faces in a variety of places, it is possible that they will develop pimples on the chin or face. This condition can also occur due to a negative reaction to plastic food dishes that easily collect bacteria that are imbedded within the scratches of the plastic. Veterinarians commonly treat this condition topically.

·        Tail Infection: Most bulldogs have their tail set in a pocket that can easily trap dirt, debris and moisture. If your bulldog has a pocket you will want to keep this area clean and dry. If infection develops seek veterinarian assistance immediately for proper treatment.

·        Prone to Heatstroke: Bulldogs are highly intolerant to extreme temperatures. It is best to house a bulldog indoors in an air-conditioned area. Exposure to outdoor temperatures reaching more than 80 degrees and high humidity can cause heatstroke in a bulldog. Veterinarians usually treat bulldogs that are experiencing heat exhaustion with a variety of methods. In severe cases heatstroke can lead to death.

·        iHHHip Dysplasia: This skeletal health problem arises when the hip joints are not able to develop normally. They gradually deteriorate and eventually experience loss of function of the joints. Symptoms include favoring one leg and difficulty sitting or standing up. Bulldogs may whimper or cry due to the discomfort. Seek veterinarian assistance immediately at the first sign of symptoms.

These common health issues can affect your bulldog at any time throughout his or her lifetime. Knowing symptoms, signs and taking quick action will help treat the condition and lessen the risk of the health problem worsening. Dog owners are encouraged to build a strong relationship with the veterinarian and discuss lifestyle and health needs for their dog at various stages throughout their lifetime. At the first sign of symptoms contact a veterinarian to give your bulldog the best possible chance for a quick and successful recovery.

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