ENGLISH BULLDOG HEALTH
RAISING A HEALTHY ENGLISH BULLDOG
A HEALTHY bulldog ... is a happy bulldog!
ENGLISH BULLDOG HEALTH
The English Bulldog does have several Health concerns that owners should be aware of. As with most breeds, buying from a reputable breeder will eliminate most of the worries associated with any possible health conditions of the breed.
The major health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, stenotic nares, internalized tail and eye problems such as Cherry Eye, Entropion and ectropion and KCS or dry eye. In addition, the breed may have respiratory problems and an elongated soft palate , which will result in obstruction of the airways and leading to breathing difficulties. The skin is prone to infections, but this can easily be managed with proper Grooming and regular cleaning of the skin folds.
The English Bulldog will usually require assistance with whelping, and frequently puppies are delivered by cesarean section because of their broad heads. It is very important to closely monitor a Bulldog whenever anesthesia is being used, as they can easily have significant and serious respiratory complications.
Nothing is more important than your English Bulldog's health. As his owner and guardian you are largely responsible for maintaining it. The keys to health, which include proper diet and excercise, preventive care, and clean surroundings, are in your hands.
VISITING THE VETERINARIAN
The English Bulldog's happiness depends largely on his health. To that end, a good relationship with a waise and compassionate veterinarian is essential. Next to you, your vet is your bulldog's best friend. It's a good idea to secure a veterinarian before you bring your english bulldog home. Look for one you can trust who understands the special nature of English Bulldogs. If you live in the Baltimore area, then Bulldogs of Baltimore suggest Dr. Timothy Cujdick of Old Court Animal Hospital in Reisterstown.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE VET
If this is the first trip to the vet for you and your English Bulldog, - Check the place out ... don't be afraid to ask for a tour. Also consider the following questions when making this very important choice for you and your English Bulldog:
- Do staff members seemed relaxed, friendly, and compassionate, or do they have "this is just a business" aura?
- What services do they provide? Boarding? Grooming? Home Visits? Round The Clock Medical Supervision?
- Are any the staff specialists in orthopedics, holistic treatments, behavior, or cardiology?
- What hours are the clinic open? Evenings? Weekends? Who answers the calls when the clinic is closed? (if you work day's than you should find a clinic with evening hours.)
- How close is the vet to your home? A difference of five minutes can mean life or death for your English Bulldog.
- Does the clinic accept insurance?
- Is the clinic a member of the spay/neuter program?
- How many English Bulldog's does the clinic handle, and how familiar is the staff with the English Bulldog's special health concerns?
One of the most important things to remember when researching veterinarioans is that you need the help of a vet versed in English Bulldog-dom. English Bulldogs are a peculiar breed with special health concerns (especially respiratory), particularly when it comes to anesthesia. Many otherwise excellent vets are stymied when it comes to this breed. However, once you find a good vet ... never let him/her go!!!
THE FIRST VISIT
The first visit should be a fun one! Lots of treats, pets and scratches. If all goes well, the first trip will be for a check-up only, so your English Bulldog won't have any painful associations with the visit. If you are calm and happy yourself, your mood will definitely rub off on your English Bulldog. On the other hand ... if you are tense and nervous you'll convey these feelings to your English Bulldog.
Make sure the first check-up takes place within 48 hours of getting your English Bulldog, if possible, and bring a stool sample so the veterinarian can check for worms, most of which are invisible to the naked eye. If your English Bulldog is not a show dog, you should also make a spay/neuter appointment. He'll liva a longer, healthier, happier life and you'll be doing your bit to help prevent pet overpopulation. Of course, you should take your English Bulldog to the vet for regular chek-ups as well.
The initial check-up will include a good look at your English Bulldog puppy's teeth, eyes, and ears. Your vet will listen to your Bullldogs heart and lungs to detect heart murmurs, an irregular heartbeat, or harsh lung sounds. There will be a general inspection for lumps and/or bumps, dry skin, fleas and ticks. Your English Bulldog will also be weighed and you'll probably recieve a lecture on feeding and nutrition. The vet may test each limb and joint for range of motion. and she may poke your English Bulldog's stomach to check for pain or enlarged organs. The belly button will be examined for an umbilical hernia.
OWNER REPONSIBILITIES
Of course, you have a reponsibility for your English Bulldog's health too! Good English Bulldogs owners know their part of the equation includes:
- Supplying a good consistent diet
- Providing adequate excercise
- Keeping the dog up-to-date on vaccinations and regular health check-ups.
- Brushing the dog's teeth daily.
- Grooming regularly and using that opportunity to check ears, eyes, teeth and nails.
- Observing the Bulldog's habits and noticing any changes.
- Loving, Cuddling, and interacting with the Bulldog.
Don't allow your young English Bulldog Puppy to jump on or off furniture, because it is bad for his/her growing bones. Your English Bulldog could develop carpal injuries or a severe sprain. The English Bulldog's body is not made for jumping and therefore doe not withstand it well. Besides ... jumping on and off furniture is just poor 'dog etiquette'.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations Save Lives! Before the days of effective veterinary vaccines, dogs were victims of canine distemper, hepatitis and rabies. Now these diseases are rare. When parvo first arrived on the scene in the late 1970's, many dog's died before a vaccine was developed. While there is an on going discussion about how often and against what diseases your dog needs to be vaccinated, you owe it to your English Bulldog and your community to do your research and make an informed choice. Consult with your vet to ask about his vaccine protocol and don't be afraid to ask questions.
BULLDOG PUPPIES 4 - 20 WEEKS OLD
The vaccination series begins six and eight weeks of age. Typically, the last vaccination is given between 14 and 16 weeks of age. These early vaccines should protect against canine distemper, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza and canine parvovirus. In cases where your English Bulldog is exposed to other dogs within a closed area, a vaccine against bordetella is recommended.the rabies vaccine should be given in accordance with individual state laws, usually between 16 and 26 weeks of age. Newer vaccines that are effective against specific forms of leptospirosis are given in certian affected areas. Check with your vet.
BULLDOG'S 20 WEEKS - 2 YEARS
Young adukts need booster shots to ensure lifelong immunity against the same disease they were vaccinated against as puppies.
BULLDOG'S OVER 2 YEARS
If your English Bulldog has had his/her puppy shots and boosters, you and your vet may wish to forgo further vaccination for 3 to 4 years. It is increasingly recognized that annual vaccinations are not necessary ... although ANNUAL CHECK-UPS CERTAINLY ARE!!!!!
