Olde English Bulldogge Health Issues and Care

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Olde English Bulldogges are prone to skin issues due to their skin folds and wrinkles.

They can also experience respiratory problems, particularly brachycephalic syndrome, which is caused by their short, flat face.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin infections and keep their skin folds clean.

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain their overall health and reduce the risk of obesity, which can exacerbate existing health issues.

It's crucial to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly.

Bulldogge Health Issues

Olde English Bulldogges are prone to certain health issues due to their breed. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, so it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can prevent periodontal disease, a common issue in Olde English Bulldogges. Regular brushing is a simple and effective way to keep your dog's teeth healthy.

Genetic predispositions can increase the likelihood of certain health problems. Olde English Bulldogges are at risk for a range of conditions, so it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to develop a preventive health plan.

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Regular check-ups and vaccinations are vital to maintaining your Olde English Bulldogge's health. Adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian to stay on top of your dog's health.

Pet health insurance can help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your dog may need throughout her life. Signing up for pet health insurance is an important step in caring for your Olde English Bulldogge's health.

Common Health Risks

Olde English Bulldogges are prone to several common health risks that can affect their quality of life and longevity.

Dental disease is a significant concern, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two, and Olde English Bulldogges are more likely to have problems with their teeth. This can lead to tartar build-up, infection of the gums and roots of the teeth, and even damage to their kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Obesity is another serious health problem in Olde English Bulldogges, which can cause joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. It's essential to monitor their weight and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to a range of health issues.

Hip dysplasia is also common in Olde English Bulldogges, causing the hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis. This can cause lameness in the hind legs and difficulty getting up from lying down.

Dental Issues

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Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Your Olde English Bulldogge is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth.

Tartar build-up on the teeth is the first sign of dental disease, which can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. This can lead to serious health issues, including damaging your dog's kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Regular dental care is crucial to prevent or treat dental disease. You can help keep your dog's teeth clean by brushing them at least twice a week.

Here's a simple dental care routine to follow:

  • Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week
  • Clean your dog's ears weekly
  • Visit your veterinarian regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups

If you don't prevent or treat dental disease, your dog may lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. In fact, your Olde English Bulldogge's life span may be cut short by one to three years!

Infections

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Olde English Bulldogges are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, just like any other dog, including parvo, rabies, and distemper. These infections can be prevented with regular vaccination.

In fact, many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which will be recommended based on the diseases we see in our area, your dog's age, and other factors.

Parasites

Parasites are a serious concern for your OEB's health. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death.

Regular testing for parasites is crucial to prevent serious health issues. We'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.

Allergies

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Allergies are a common health risk for Olde English Bulldogges, and it's essential to be aware of the symptoms. Allergies cause skin itching in dogs, which we call "atopy", and Bulldogges often have it.

The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are commonly affected by allergies. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.

Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies in Bulldogges. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

Ear infections are painful and annoying, and can be caused by allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, or an accumulation of earwax. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, you can reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness.

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Here are some common signs of ear infections in Bulldogges:

  • Scratching or shaking the head
  • A foul odor from the ears
  • Ears seem painful to the touch

Early diagnosis and treatment of allergies and ear infections can make a significant difference in your dog's quality of life. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to seek veterinary help promptly.

Obesity

Olde English Bulldogges are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious health problems.

Obesity can cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

It's tempting to give your dog leftover people food and doggie treats, but this can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Instead, give your dog a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or take her for a walk.

These activities will help your dog feel better and strengthen your bond with her.

A high-quality diet appropriate for your dog's age is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.

Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first, especially in warm temperatures.

Here are some signs of heat stress to watch out for:

  • Excessive panting
  • Dark red or purple gums
  • Increased thirst
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.

Hip Dysplasia

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Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in Olde English Bulldogges that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis.

You may notice lameness in your dog's hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down, which can be signs of hip dysplasia.

The sooner you treat the arthritis, the better, to avoid discomfort and pain for your dog.

We can take X-rays of your dog's joints to identify the disease as early as possible, which will help us determine the best course of action.

Surgery may be considered in severe and life-limiting cases of hip dysplasia.

Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in your dog's quality of life.

Knee Problems

Knee problems are a common issue in Olde English Bulldogges. They can be caused by patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place.

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You might notice your Bulldogge running along and suddenly picking up a back leg, skipping or hopping for a few strides, before kicking his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. This can happen multiple times a day.

If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. Surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place when symptoms are severe.

A tear in the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee joint can also cause knee problems in Olde English Bulldogges. This can lead to arthritis and other complications.

Arthritis medication can help manage the symptoms of knee problems, but surgery is often the best option for severe cases.

Thyroid Issues

Bulldogges are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.

This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

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We’ll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for hypothyroidism.

Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

Annual blood screenings can help identify hypothyroidism early on, making treatment more effective.

Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in the quality of life for Bulldogges.

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Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal Paralysis is a serious health issue that can affect older Bulldogges.

Older Bulldogges may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather.

In severe cases, a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing.

Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication.

Bring your pet in right away if you notice signs because you don’t want this problem to become a surgical emergency!

What to Watch For

As an Olde English Bulldogge owner, it's essential to be aware of potential health risks that may affect your furry friend. Dental disease, for instance, is a common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Your Olde English Bulldogge is more likely to have problems with her teeth, which can lead to tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth.

A fresh viewpoint: English Bulldog Teeth

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Keep an eye out for these warning signs: change in appetite or water consumption, tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to seek veterinary help.

Itchy skin is another common issue in Olde English Bulldogges, often caused by allergies. You might see your dog scratching, chewing, or licking her skin, or notice hair loss. Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping can also be signs of a more serious problem.

Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:

  • Change in appetite or water consumption
  • Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
  • Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss
  • Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
  • Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes

Remember, any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently.

Heart Health

Olde English Bulldogges are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial in detecting heart disease early on, and they'll listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when they examine your pet.

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An annual heart health check may include X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram, depending on your dog's risk factors.

Early detection of heart disease often allows veterinarians to treat with medication that usually prolongs your pet's life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease in Olde English Bulldogges.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your Olde English Bulldogge requires attention to her diet, exercise, and grooming needs. She has low grooming needs, so brushing her coat as needed, at least weekly, should suffice.

Regular ear cleaning is also essential, especially as a puppy, to prevent infections. You can clean her ears weekly, even as a young pup, and don't worry, you'll learn how to do it properly.

To keep her teeth perfect, brush them at least twice a week, as Olde English Bulldogges generally have good teeth. This will help prevent dental issues and keep her overall health on track.

Caring for Your Pet

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Caring for Your Pet is a big responsibility, but with the right routine, you can keep your Olde English Bulldogge happy and healthy. Make sure to supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to prevent her from getting into trouble.

A consistent diet is crucial for your dog's health. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food. It's also essential to keep her diet consistent, so try to stick to the same feeding schedule every day.

Regular exercise is vital for your dog's physical and mental well-being. However, don't overdo it at first, as Olde English Bulldogges can be sensitive to warm temperatures and may get heat stress. Start with short, gentle exercise sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity.

Here are some specific care tips to keep in mind:

  • Brush your dog's coat at least weekly, as she has low grooming needs.
  • Brush her teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect.
  • Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.
  • Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.

By following these care tips and routine, you can help your Olde English Bulldogge live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Spay or Neuter

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Spaying or neutering your Bulldogge is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being. It decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

This surgery also gives us a chance to identify and address some diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Spaying or neutering is a convenient and easy process for both you and your pet, and it's a great opportunity to catch any potential health issues early on. Don't worry, we'll discuss the specific problems we'll be looking for when the time arrives.

Veterinary Care

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial for your Olde English Bulldogge's health. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people.

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Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual. Adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her.

Your Bulldogge counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life.

Emergencies

In an emergency, every minute counts. If you notice any of the following signs in your Olde English Bulldogge, seek medical care immediately.

Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge are all red flags. These could be symptoms of an ear infection.

Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine are also serious issues. They may indicate a urinary tract infection or other underlying problem.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can be a sign of a serious eye infection.

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Vomiting, refusing food, tender abdomen are all symptoms that require immediate attention. These could be signs of gastrointestinal issues or other health problems.

Coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest are all warning signs. They could indicate respiratory issues or other underlying conditions.

Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or “bunny hopping” are all symptoms of potential musculoskeletal issues.

Loud panting, especially when hot or after exercise, can be a sign of heatstroke or other respiratory problems.

Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain are all signs of potential health issues. They could indicate skin problems, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying conditions.

Here's a list of emergency signs to watch out for:

  • Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge
  • Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine
  • Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes
  • Vomiting, refusing food, tender abdomen
  • Coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest
  • Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or “bunny hopping”
  • Loud panting, especially when hot or after exercise
  • Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain

Partners in

Your Bulldogge counts on you to take good care of her, and it's a big responsibility. You'll need to watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial, and you should adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations they recommend. This is when they'll give your Bulldogge the necessary "check-ups" and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Bulldogges.

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You'll also need to brush her teeth and coat regularly, and call your veterinarian or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's health.

Signing up for pet health insurance is another important step in caring for your Bulldogge. This will help you cover the costs of medical tests and procedures she'll need throughout her life.

General Information

The Olde English Bulldogge is a unique breed with a rich history. They were created in the 1970s by David Leavitt, who aimed to produce a dog with the appearance, health, and strength of the original bull-baiting breed.

Their ancestry includes the English Bulldog, Bullmastiff, American Pitbull Terrier, and American Bulldog, making them a powerful and courageous breed. They have fewer breathing problems and less trouble with birthing than their parent breeds.

Here are some key characteristics of the Olde English Bulldogge:

A Unique Breed

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The Olde English Bulldogge is a unique breed that's full of personality and love. She's a strong and powerful dog that requires ample exercise and a confident leader.

This breed was created in the United States during the 1970's by David Leavitt, who aimed to produce a dog with the appearance, health, and strength of the original bull-baiting breed.

The Olde English Bulldogge is a courageous and alert guardian that will defend family and home. She's generally outgoing and friendly with a desire to please, making her easy to train.

Here are some key characteristics of the Olde English Bulldogge:

  • Lively, with a friendly personality
  • Good with children
  • Protective of family; good watch dog
  • Always on the go, with a keen eye for adventure
  • Confident, steady, and fearless
  • Docile and devoted

While the Olde English Bulldogge is a wonderful breed, she does have some challenges. She can be territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex, and may be gassy and drool a lot.

What a Breed!

The Olde English Bulldogge is a unique breed that's full of personality. She's lively, friendly, and always on the go, with a keen eye for adventure.

Two Bernese Mountain Dogs Lying on Floor
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One of the things that makes OEBs so lovable is their good nature. They're great with children and make excellent family pets, as long as you're willing to provide the attention and exercise they need.

OEBs are also natural protectors, with a strong instinct to defend their family and home. They're good watchdogs, but can be territorial with larger dogs, especially those of the same sex.

Here are some key characteristics of the Olde English Bulldogge breed:

  • Lively, friendly, and always on the go
  • Good with children
  • Protective of family; good watchdog
  • Confident, steady, and fearless
  • Docile and devoted

Keep in mind that OEBs can be a bit stubborn at times, especially if you're using negative-reinforcement training methods. They're highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, but they do require consistent training and socialization.

Overall, the Olde English Bulldogge is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for active families. With the right care and attention, they thrive and become loyal and loving friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do old English Bulldogs live?

Olde English Bulldogges typically live between 9-14 years, outliving many other flat-face breeds. Their longer lifespan is a notable advantage for this breed.

Are old English Bulldogs healthier than English Bulldogs?

Compared to some modern bulldog breeds, Olde English Bulldogges may have a lower risk of certain health issues. However, they can still be prone to some breed-specific disorders

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.

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