The Top 5 Health Conditions

The Top 5 Health Conditions
​Every Bulldog Owner Should Know About

Following a recent conversation during one of our Bulldog Owners Community Circle Calls, I realised how many new and experienced owners are keen to better understand the health concerns our breed may face. So, I thought it sensible to share this as a blog post for everyone to benefit.

Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

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Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

One of the most valuable tools you'll develop as a Bulldog owner is the ability to read your dog's body language (click to listen to podcast: Lost in Translation: Understanding Every Woof). Subtle changes in posture, movement, or even facial expression can be the first indicators that something isn't right. Recognising these early signs of discomfort can help you identify a health concern before it becomes critical.

​Below, I've outlined five common Bulldog ailments that every responsible owner should know about — including symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them.

1. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – GDV)

What is it?
Bloat is a serious and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood flow and causing shock.

Symptoms to watch for:

• 📌 Distended or hard abdomen
• 📌 Excessive drooling
• 📌 Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, but nothing comes out)
• 📌 Restlessness or discomfort
• 📌 Pale gums and rapid heartbeat

 
Treatment: Immediate emergency veterinary intervention is required. Time is critical — GDV can be fatal within hours. Treatment usually involves decompression, IV fluids, and surgery to untwist and tack the stomach.
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Prevention tips:

• ✅ Feed smaller, more frequent meals
• ✅ Avoid vigorous activity before and after meals
• ✅ Use slow feeders to discourage gulping
• ✅ Raise the food bowl if recommended by your vet (though this is debated)

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2. Heat Stroke

What is it?
Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, Bulldogs struggle to regulate temperature, making them prone to overheating, especially in warm weather. This risk is significantly heightened in dogs with excessive features, such as very short necks, deep skin folds around the cheeks and throat, or poor conformation that affects mobility. A Bulldog that is overweight or suffers from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is even more vulnerable. These dogs may already struggle with breathing at rest, and heat only compounds the strain.

Symptoms to watch for:

• 📌 Excessive panting or noisy breathing — also known as roaring (a rasping sound similar to a lion)
• 📌 Weakness or collapse
• 📌 Bright red or bluish gums
• 📌 Vomiting or diarrhoea
• 📌 Confusion or seizures
  
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Treatment: Act fast — heat stroke is a veterinary emergency. Cool your Bulldog with tepid water (not ice cold), use a fan, and get them to a vet as soon as possible. Never delay.

​Prevention tips:

• ✅ Avoid walks in the heat of the day
• ✅ Always provide shade and freshwater
• ✅ Use cooling mats or vests in summer
• ✅ Never leave them in a car unattended — even for a few minutes
• ✅ Maintain a healthy weight and monitor for signs of BOAS
• ✅ Avoid exaggerated bloodlines that prioritise extreme type over functional health

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3. Eye Ulcers (Corneal Ulcers)

What is it?
Bulldogs can have prominent eyes, making them susceptible to scratches and ulcers on the cornea — often caused by playfighting with a companion, catching an eye on a toy, or even rubbing against rough surfaces. These injuries may seem minor initially but can become serious quickly if left untreated.
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Symptoms to watch for:

• 📌 Squinting or holding the eye shut
• 📌 Excessive tearing or discharge
• 📌 Pawing at the eye
• 📌 Cloudy or bluish-appearance
• 📌 Sensitivity to light

Treatment: Prompt veterinary attention is essential, as ulcers can burst (melt) — a process where the cornea rapidly deteriorates, often within hours. This is not only extremely painful but can result in permanent vision loss or complete eye removal if not caught early.

Treatment can be intensive, often involving frequent application of antibiotic drops or ointments, pain relief, and sometimes surgical procedures. In more severe or non-healing cases, serum eye drops (made from your dog's blood) may be used alongside debriding to remove dead tissue and encourage healing or even considering stitching the eye closed.

Prevention tips:

• ✅ Keep wrinkles clean and trimmed around the eyes
• ✅ Avoid letting puppies play roughly with sharp objects or claws
• ✅ Wipe away any debris after walks
• ✅ Monitor for entropion (inward-turning eyelids), which may need surgical correction

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