Top 5 Bulldog Health Issues Every Owner Must Know

The Top 5 Health Conditions Every Bulldog Owner Should Know About

Following a recent conversation during one of our Bulldog Owners Community Circle Calls, I realised how many new and experienced owners are keen to better understand the health concerns our breed may face. So, I thought it sensible to share this as a blog post for everyone to benefit.

Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

One of the most valuable tools you'll develop as a Bulldog owner is the ability to read your dog's body language (click to listen to podcast: Lost in Translation: Understanding Every Woof). Subtle changes in posture, movement, or even facial expression can be the first indicators that something isn't right. Recognising these early signs of discomfort can help you identify a health concern before it becomes critical.

Below, I've outlined five common Bulldog ailments that every responsible owner should know about — including symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them.

1. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – GDV)

What is it?
Bloat is a serious and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood flow and causing shock.

Symptoms to watch for:

Distended or hard abdomen
Excessive drooling
Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, but nothing comes out)
Restlessness or discomfort
Pale gums and rapid heartbeat

Treatment: Immediate emergency veterinary intervention is required. Time is critical — GDV can be fatal within hours. Treatment usually involves decompression, IV fluids, and surgery to untwist and tack the stomach.

Prevention tips:

✅ Feed smaller, more frequent meals
✅ Avoid vigorous activity before and after meals
✅ Use slow feeders to discourage gulping
✅ Raise the food bowl if recommended by your vet (though this is debated)

2. Eye Ulcers (Corneal Ulcers)

What is it?
Bloat is a serious and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood flow and causing shock.

Symptoms to watch for:

Distended or hard abdomen
Excessive drooling
Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, but nothing comes out)
Restlessness or discomfort
Pale gums and rapid heartbeat

✅ Feed smaller, more frequent meals
✅ Avoid vigorous activity before and after meals
✅ Use slow feeders to discourage gulping
✅ Raise the food bowl if recommended by your vet (though this is debated)

3. Heat Stroke

What is it?
Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, Bulldogs struggle to regulate temperature, making them prone to overheating, especially in warm weather. This risk is significantly heightened in dogs with excessive features, such as very short necks, deep skin folds around the cheeks and throat, or poor conformation that affects mobility. A Bulldog that is overweight or suffers from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is even more vulnerable. These dogs may already struggle with breathing at rest, and heat only compounds the strain.

Symptoms to watch for:

Excessive panting or noisy breathing — also known as roaring (a rasping sound similar to a lion)
Weakness or collapse
Bright red or bluish gums
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Confusion or seizures

Treatment: Act fast — heat stroke is a veterinary emergency. Cool your Bulldog with tepid water (not ice cold), use a fan, and get them to a vet as soon as possible. Never delay.

Prevention tips:

✅ Avoid walks in the heat of the day
✅ Always provide shade and freshwater
✅ Use cooling mats or vests in summer
✅ Never leave them in a car unattended — even for a few minutes
✅ Maintain a healthy weight and monitor for signs of BOAS
✅ Avoid exaggerated bloodlines that prioritise extreme type over functional health

4. Interdigital Cysts

What is it?
These are painful, swollen lumps between the toes, often caused by ingrown hairs, bacteria, or foreign bodies.

Symptoms to watch for:

Licking or chewing paws
Red, swollen lumps between toes
Lameness or reluctance to walk
Discharge from the cyst

Treatment: Early treatment at home can sometimes help avoid veterinary intervention. Daily Epsom salt soaks are soothing and reduce inflammation, while applying Anusol cream (the human one for haemorrhoids!) can help shrink swelling and draw out infection. If the cyst persists or worsens, seek vet care — treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or minor surgery.

Prevention tips:

✅ Keep paws clean and dry
✅ Trim the hair between the toes
✅ Rinse feet after walks, especially on rough or dirty ground
✅Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint pressure and friction

5. Anal Gland Issues

What is it?
Anal glands are small sacs near the rectum that can become impacted or infected if not emptied naturally during defecation.

Symptoms to watch for:

Scooting or dragging rear along the floor
Licking or biting the tail base
Foul odour
Swelling or discomfort around the anus

Treatment: Your vet (or a professional groomer trained in this) can express the glands manually. Infections may need antibiotics, and chronic issues might require surgery.

Prevention tips:

✅ Feed a diet that produces firm, consistent stools
✅ Include fibre (like plain pumpkin) if advised
✅ Maintain good hygiene around the area
✅ Regular checks during grooming sessions

As a breeder and lifelong Bulldog guardian, I can’t stress enough the importance of proactive care, early intervention, and simply knowing your dog well. Bulldogs are often too brave for their own good, and subtle signs — like a shift in weight, a single eye kept half-shut, or that 'something’s not right' look — are often your first and only clues.

If you’ve read this far and you're unsure about something your Bulldog is doing — a noise they’re making, a limp, or a change in mood — don’t wait and wonder. Come to the next Bulldog Owners Club Community Call and ask me in person.

These live calls are your chance to speak directly with someone who’s spent decades with this breed, ask the questions you've been holding back, and get honest, experienced advice — without judgement.

Your Bulldog deserves that level of care, and you deserve that kind of support.