Treat Your Aging Bulldog Like Royalty: Essential Tips for Their Golden Years

I'm sure you know "The Princess and the Pea" fairy tale?

If you don’t, it's about a young woman whose sensitivity tests her royal identity. One stormy night, a bedraggled girl arrives at a castle, claiming to be a princess seeking shelter. To test her authenticity, the queen places a pea under twenty mattresses and twenty featherbeds where the girl is to sleep. Despite the plush bedding, the girl spends a restless night, feeling the discomfort of the pea. Her sensitivity confirms her royal status, as only an actual princess could be so delicate, leading to her acceptance and marriage to the prince.

​But as our Bulldogs age, they become the Princess in the fairy tale. It becomes crucial to monitor their health closely and make necessary adjustments to ensure they remain comfortable and happy. Like all senior dogs, ageing Bulldogs can experience various age-related issues that may require changes in their care routine. These small changes can significantly impact their well-being, from softer bedding to dietary adjustments. So, given the fairy tale, let's look at bedding first!

Comfort and Bedding

One of the first things to consider is their sleeping arrangement. As dogs age, they can develop bald spots on pressure points, joint pain, and arthritis, making it crucial to provide a comfortable place to rest.
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• Softer Bedding: Investing in a high-quality orthopaedic bed can help alleviate pressure on their joints and prevent calluses. Look for beds with memory foam or other supportive materials that can cushion their body and offer extra comfort. I like Meg Beds as they are wipeable and have a raised edge.
• Elevated Beds: For Bulldogs with severe joint pain, an elevated bed can make it easier to get in and out without straining their legs.
• Raised Edged Beds: Bulldogs can develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) with age. A rimmed bed allows the dog to rest and sleep with their head elevated, helping to avoid sleep apnea.

Diet & Nutrition

As Bulldogs age, their dietary needs change. Ensuring they get the right nutrition is vital for maintaining their health and preventing common issues like obesity and digestive problems.
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• Softer Food: Senior Bulldogs may have difficulty chewing hard foods and kibble, which then become a choking hazard. Transitioning to softer food, whether wet food or moistened dry food (my top tip is moistening with bone broth), can make eating easier and safer for them. This also helps alleviate constipation, a common issue in older dogs.
• Senior Dog Food: Consider switching to a specially formulated senior dog food that provides the right balance of nutrients for aging dogs. These foods often contain added joint support supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Joint Care & Mobility

Joint issues are common in senior Bulldogs, so it's important to take steps to support their mobility and ease any discomfort they may experience.

• Regular Exercise: While your Bulldog may not be as spry as they once were, regular gentle exercise is still important. Short, frequent walks can help keep their joints flexible and maintain a healthy weight.

• Joint Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health and reduce inflammation. 

Grooming & Hygiene

Maintaining proper grooming and hygiene becomes crucial for the health of your senior Bulldog. As they age, their skin and coat may require additional care.
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• Regular Baths: Older Bulldogs may benefit from more frequent baths to keep their skin clean and free from irritants. Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo to prevent dry skin.
• Nail Trimming: Senior Bulldogs may be less active, leading to overgrown nails that can cause discomfort or mobility issues. Regular nail trimming is essential to keep their paws healthy.

Regular Vet Check-Up

One of the most important aspects of caring for a senior dog is ensuring they receive regular veterinary care. Frequent check-ups can help catch potential health issues early and allow for timely intervention.

• Routine Screenings: Regular blood tests, dental exams, and other screenings can help monitor your Bulldog's health and detect any changes that may require attention.
  
• Monitoring and Preventatives: Ensure your Bulldog is up-to-date on vaccinations (or better still, titre immunity blood testing and worm counted and preventative treatments for parasites like fleas and ticks (consider natural preventatives like raw garlic) .

Environmental Adjustment

Making minor changes to your home environment can significantly improve your Bulldog's quality of life.

• Non-Slip Surfaces: As mobility decreases, slippery floors can become hazardous. Adding rugs or non-slip mats can help prevent falls and make moving around easier for your Bulldog.
• Washable Puppy Mats: If reliability in toileting has become a challenge, washable puppy mats can help reduce anxiety for you and your dog by managing accidents more efficiently.
• Accessible Spaces: Ensure your Bulldog can easily access their favourite spots. Use ramps or steps to help them get onto furniture or into the car without straining their joints.

By making these thoughtful adjustments and providing attentive care, you can help your ageing Bulldog enjoy their golden years with comfort and happiness. Check out my other blog posts for more detailed tips on senior Bulldog care.