Top 5 Health Concerns for English Bulldogs – From the Plantation Midtown Doctors

English Bulldogs are unmistakable with their squishy faces, sturdy bodies, and famously laid-back charm. They’re gentle, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families. At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we love seeing these wrinkly, lovable pups, and we know how important it is to stay ahead of the health issues to which they are prone. Due to their unique build and genetics, Bulldogs require proactive, customized care.

Here are the top 5 health concerns we see in English Bulldogs—and how we can help manage them early:

Breathing Problems (Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome)

English Bulldogs have short, flat faces that can make breathing more difficult. Their snorts, snuffles, and loud breathing may seem normal for the breed, but they can actually be signs of restricted airflow. Because of their airway structure, Bulldogs can also struggle to regulate their body temperature, especially in hot weather or when they become overly excited. To help keep your Bulldog safe, exercise them gently, avoid activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave them outside for extended periods in warm weather. Using a harness instead of a collar can also reduce pressure on their airway and make breathing easier. Research shows that early veterinary evaluation and treatment can help prevent emergency breathing problems and may even extend your Bulldog’s lifespan.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We listen to their breathing and check their airway and nostrils.
• X-rays – These help us see if their throat or lungs have abnormalities.
• Oxygen tests – We can check if enough oxygen is spreading through their bloodstream.
• BOAS surgery – Surgery can involve removing excess tissue that is contributing to airway obstruction. This may include widening the nostrils, shortening the soft palate and removing structures at the back of the throat

Skin Allergies and Ear Infections

English Bulldogs are known for their adorable wrinkles and soft, sensitive skin. While these features make them extra lovable, they can also make Bulldogs more prone to irritation. They often experience itching, rashes, infections, and allergies that affect their skin, ears, and paws.

Common triggers include certain foods, dust, pollen, and grass. Their skin folds can also trap moisture and debris, increasing the risk of infection. If you notice your Bulldog scratching, licking their paws, or shaking their head, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up.

How we can help:

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem.
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Bulldog uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it.
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us develop a personalized allergy treatment plan that may include immunotherapy.
• Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue.
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections.

Hip Dysplasia & Joint Issues

English Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems, where the joints develop abnormally and become unstable. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and arthritis over time. Because Bulldogs have a heavy build and unique body structure, these issues can affect their comfort and mobility as they age.

How we can help:

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Bulldog’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease.
• Genetic testing – Since hip and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Bulldog is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention.
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside.
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage pain, and improve your Bulldog’s quality of life.
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life.

Eye Problems (Cherry Eye, Entropion, Dry Eye)

English Bulldogs have large, prominent eyes that can be more vulnerable to irritation and injury. They are also prone to conditions like cherry eye, entropion (when the eyelid rolls inward), and dry eye, which can cause redness, discharge, squinting, and discomfort. Their facial wrinkles can also contribute to irritation around the eyes. If you notice your Bulldog pawing at their face, squinting, or developing eye discharge or redness, it’s important to have their eyes checked.

Routine veterinary exams help detect these problems early and prevent long-term discomfort or vision issues.

How we can help:

• Fluorescein dye test – A special eye-safe dye to identify scratches or injuries on the surface eye. This helps determine the safest medications to use for your Bulldog’s specific eye problem
• Tear test – This checks if your dog is making enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. If Dry Eye is diagnosed, long term medications can be prescribed to reduce the risk of secondary infections and injuries.
• Eye pressure test – We gently check the pressure inside the eye to look for issues like glaucoma. If Glaucoma is diagnosed, this would require long term medications to make your pet more comfortable and reduce the risk of blindness and, in severe cases, surgical eye removal

 

Obesity

English Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, and extra pounds can significantly affect their health. Obesity places added stress on their joints, worsens conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, and can increase the risk of heart disease and a shorter lifespan. Because Bulldogs already have difficulty regulating their body temperature due to their short snouts, excess weight can also make them more prone to overheating and heat exhaustion. While overfeeding and limited exercise are common causes of weight gain, underlying medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances can also play a role. Regular checkups and weight monitoring are important for keeping your Bulldog healthy and comfortable.

How we can help:

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your Bulldog’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention.
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Bulldog is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your Bulldog to an ideal weight safely.
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Bulldog receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments.

 

We’re here to care for your Bulldog like one of our own. These sweet, loyal pups may need a little extra attention—but the love they give back makes it all worth it. Mention this message when booking and receive 50% off your Bulldog’s wellness exam and consultation.

Warmly,

The Doctors and Team at Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital

Dr. Sausner, Dr. Alonso and Dr. Zimandy