Most English bulldogs suffer from many genetic diseases and die an early death, and this may get even worse if not given early intervention, a new study suggests. Â
According to the research, the bulldog’s genome has been severely altered it caused “significant loss of genetic diversity in the region of the genome that contains many of the genes that regulate normal immune responses”.  With a limited genetic diversity, breeders are finding it difficult to recreate healthy phenotypes from the existing gene pool.
What Caused English Bulldogs Health Problems?
The English bulldogs looks nothing like it was 50 years ago. Due to human’s selective breeding to exaggerate certain physical traits, these once healthy breeds are now deformed dogs laden with different kinds of diseases. Today the English bulldog is known as one of the unhealthiest dog breed, and is so sick and misshapen they are “generally regarded as useless for anything except being a pet”.
These medium-size dogs who are best known for their thick and low slung bodies with short muzzles and massive heads, have been bred for extreme brachcephaly to create exaggerated pushed-in faces which caused the breed to have problems in breathing and cooling. Because of their stocky and unproportionate bodies, most English bulldogs have problems running. They easily become too heavy if they don’t get enough exercise.
Some of them have also developed small windpipes and poor eyesight. They are also prone to heat strokes even by just staying in hot rooms, cars, or weather. English bulldogs are susceptible to flatulence, particularly when fed with any other type of food other than their regular dog food. Â Other English bulldog health problems include bloating, pyloric stenosis, blood-clotting disease, laryngeal paralysis, hydrocephalus, and inherited deafness in Bulldog puppies with a portion of white on their heads.
Why So Many People Love To Adopt Bulldogs?
- They are sweet with children
The English Bulldogs are known as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form solid bonds with children. They can become so close to home and family to the point that they will not venture out of the yard without a human acquaintance.
- Â They require little exercise
Bulldogs are indoors pets that don’t need a great deal of exercise. It’s common to find them gasping for air after just a little bit of running. They are also more probable to sleep on someone’s lap than to chase balls around the yard. Characteristically, they are low-endurance dogs who are bred to be indoor dogs.  This modest energy level makes the Bulldog suited for any type of home.
- Â They are good guards
The English Bulldogs display guarding behaviors to inanimate objects, other pets and people. They like to toys, food, other small pets, and even people. However, these behaviors can also be modified when the owners start conditioning pets. Â
Also Read Here a Comprehensive Guide on “10 Ways to Help Your Dog Get Over Resource Guarding Issues” by Your Dog Advisor
How to Care for Your English Bulldogs
Because of English bulldogs fragile health, they also require more specialized pet care.
- Deworming
A puppy Bulldog should be immunized and dewormed before you take him home. Responsible breeders use only bodily sound, mature (at least 2 years or older) dogs, and examine their breeding stock for genetic diseases pertinent to the breed.
- Temperature Checks
The English Bulldogs don’t do well in very hot (or cold) weather. They will have trouble breathing when they’re hot and they also don’t tend to dispel heat well. They’re principally susceptible to heatstroke, as slight as 30 minute out-doors in 85-degree temperatures or more can kill them. Provide him with a ventilated environment and adequately fresh water.
- Watch out for Pools
Bulldogs are also not swimmers; their gigantic heads drag them straight down. If you have a pond or pool, shield your Bulldog from falling in.
- Keep the Dog’s Weight in Check
It’s easy and normal to overfeed a Bulldog, but fatness can stress his joints, so he shouldn’t be permitted to get fat. Preserve your adult Bulldog in good shape by gauging his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.
Overall, The English Bulldogs can have a lot of health complications. They are great dogs, but be sure you’re keen to observe their health closely and can provide any medical treatment they may require.
Leave a Reply