Understanding Some Bulldog Issues

Many people who have no information about bulldogs may easily be fooled by their outward appearance. The dog may strike one as tough and fierce, characteristic of the perfect guard dog but in real sense, they are a soft and affectionate breed that requires a lot of attention. A few adjustments will be necessary especially if one is a first time dog owner.

Bulldogs normally use up their energy all at once before they take an immediate break. This is because they are highly intolerant to hot and cold temperatures. By all means this disqualifies the dog as a training partner. They are therefore preferably to be left indoors as they are not very athletic.

The bulldog is prone to a condition referred to as dysplasia especially affecting the hip and elbow. It is caused by the abnormal growth of the soft tissue around the joints therefore resulting in abnormal joints. If the condition worsens, the continuous loss of muscle tissue presents additional problems in that the dog will alter how it walks or runs. This may even cause the dog to limp or have difficulties in getting up.

 

The folded skin on a bulldog is among one of the reasons why the dog suffers from dermatitis, also known as skin inflammation. This comes about when there is rubbing and trapping of moisture in the skin folds and wrinkles. Severe cases turn into bacterial infections which may be very uncomfortable for the dog. The best way to prevent this problem is to clean the dog daily giving attention to areas where there are skin folds.

The bulldogs flat face structure is one other cause for breathing problems because the intake of air is restricted. Moreover, they also suffer from breathing complications which are as a result of elongated soft tissue palate. A solution to the soft tissue problem is surgical correction so as to prevent additional problems such as suffocation.

A keen bulldog owner will realize that the dog will pant excessively after a short exercise. This is not the case with most other breeds of dogs. The bulldog may also suffer from entropion in which the lower eyelid rolls back towards the eye causing irritation. So as to prevent infections and corneal abrasions the dog would have to undergo surgery.

The inability to swim is characteristic of the bulldog. This is because the short legs cannot support the dog's body in water. Overall, this breed requires a great deal of diligence and care so as to deal with the underlying issues.