The Top 5 Health Conditions
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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.
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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.
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:
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.
Prevention tips:
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.
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)
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:
Prevention tips:
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
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
3. Eye Ulcers (Corneal Ulcers)
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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. Symptoms to watch for:
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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:
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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When I first discovered the convenience of a local private dog field, it felt like the perfect solution. In theory, it seemed like a win-win for my dogs and me. No worries about off-leash encounters, no car fumes, and a chance for the dogs to burn off energy without interruptions.
Yet, after some time, I realised this setup wasn’t quite as idyllic as I initially thought.
Yet, after some time, I realised this setup wasn’t quite as idyllic as I initially thought.
The Positives of Private Dog Field
Private dog fields certainly have their benefits:
📌 A Safe Space for Reactive Dogs: For owners managing reactive dogs or those still learning recall, an enclosed field offers invaluable peace of mind.
📌 Freedom from Pollution: Roadside pollution isn’t just harmful to humans—it can impact dogs too. Avoiding heavy traffic areas helps protect their respiratory health and overall well-being.
📌 Room to Run: These fields allow dogs to stretch their legs and run freely in a secure environment, ideal for high-energy breeds or younger dogs.
But, as with anything, there’s a flip side.
📌 A Safe Space for Reactive Dogs: For owners managing reactive dogs or those still learning recall, an enclosed field offers invaluable peace of mind.
📌 Freedom from Pollution: Roadside pollution isn’t just harmful to humans—it can impact dogs too. Avoiding heavy traffic areas helps protect their respiratory health and overall well-being.
📌 Room to Run: These fields allow dogs to stretch their legs and run freely in a secure environment, ideal for high-energy breeds or younger dogs.
But, as with anything, there’s a flip side.
Why I’m Moving Away from the Field
Over time, I began noticing some recurring issues that outweighed the positives:
1. Lame Dogs and Overexertion
Uncontrolled exercise can be a double-edged sword, especially for breeds with specific joint considerations or puppies with developing bones. My Bulldogs love to run, but the field’s permanent agility equipment encouraged activities unsuitable for every dog. After a few limping puppies and several vet visits, I realised that controlled exercise was far better for their long-term health.
1. Lame Dogs and Overexertion
Uncontrolled exercise can be a double-edged sword, especially for breeds with specific joint considerations or puppies with developing bones. My Bulldogs love to run, but the field’s permanent agility equipment encouraged activities unsuitable for every dog. After a few limping puppies and several vet visits, I realised that controlled exercise was far better for their long-term health.
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2. Flea Infestations
An unexpected downside was a flea infestation that cropped up after repeated visits to the field. While fields are often treated and maintained, the high turnover of dogs can make them hotspots for pests like fleas. Managing these infestations became a regular headache, and I questioned whether the convenience was worth the cost. |
"Controlled steps lead to lasting health." |
3. My Own Fitness
Surprisingly, standing still while my dogs zoomed around wasn’t helping me stay active. Unlike road walks, where I move alongside them, I wasn’t meeting my daily fitness goals. Walking my dogs on the road ensures I stay active too, giving both the dogs and myself structured, beneficial exercise.
Surprisingly, standing still while my dogs zoomed around wasn’t helping me stay active. Unlike road walks, where I move alongside them, I wasn’t meeting my daily fitness goals. Walking my dogs on the road ensures I stay active too, giving both the dogs and myself structured, beneficial exercise.
The Benefits of Returning to Road Walks
Switching back to road walks has brought several improvements for both me and my Bulldogs:
✅ Controlled Exercise: While the dogs don’t get to sprint wildly, they still release energy through structured movement. A Flexi lead allows them short bursts of freedom on wide verges, but the exercise remains measured and safer.
✅ Healthier Joints: No more limping puppies! Flat, predictable surfaces are far better for developing joints, particularly for Bulldogs, where joint health is always a priority.
✅ Natural Nail Maintenance: Pavement walking naturally wears down their nails, saving me from frequent trimming sessions—a win for both me and the dogs!
✅ Mental Stimulation: Road walks provide varied sights, sounds, and smells, keeping the dogs engaged and curious. This level of stimulation isn’t possible in the repetitive environment of a field.
✅ Human-Dog Bonding: Walking together strengthens our bond, as I’m more actively involved in their exercise.
✅ Maintaining My Fitness: I’m back to hitting my step count and feeling better overall. The dogs get their exercise, and so do I—a win-win!
✅ Controlled Exercise: While the dogs don’t get to sprint wildly, they still release energy through structured movement. A Flexi lead allows them short bursts of freedom on wide verges, but the exercise remains measured and safer.
✅ Healthier Joints: No more limping puppies! Flat, predictable surfaces are far better for developing joints, particularly for Bulldogs, where joint health is always a priority.
✅ Natural Nail Maintenance: Pavement walking naturally wears down their nails, saving me from frequent trimming sessions—a win for both me and the dogs!
✅ Mental Stimulation: Road walks provide varied sights, sounds, and smells, keeping the dogs engaged and curious. This level of stimulation isn’t possible in the repetitive environment of a field.
✅ Human-Dog Bonding: Walking together strengthens our bond, as I’m more actively involved in their exercise.
✅ Maintaining My Fitness: I’m back to hitting my step count and feeling better overall. The dogs get their exercise, and so do I—a win-win!
A Lesson in Reviewing Lifestyle Choices
This experience has been a valuable reminder that just because something is popular isn’t the best choice for everyone. While private fields have their place, they didn’t align with my goals or my dogs’ long-term needs.
It’s essential to review routines every few months. If new problems arise—like limping puppies or increased pests—take a step back and assess what might have changed. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as returning to what worked in the past.
Switching back to road walking has restored balance for me and my dogs. They’re healthier, exercise is more appropriate, and I’m staying active too. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions really are the best.
It’s essential to review routines every few months. If new problems arise—like limping puppies or increased pests—take a step back and assess what might have changed. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as returning to what worked in the past.
Switching back to road walking has restored balance for me and my dogs. They’re healthier, exercise is more appropriate, and I’m staying active too. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions really are the best.
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Written exclusively by Sara, a proud founder of the LaRoyal name and a seasoned bulldog enthusiast, our blogs are overflowing with an abundance of show wins, captivating ideas, and a plethora of thoughts and feelings. We are thrilled to embark on this journey, sharing our "real-life" dog ownership experiences with you, our valued readers.
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