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Breeds > Bulldog
Bulldogs
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The Bulldog is rapidly acquiring an avid following amongst breed owners with consistent popularity in the AKC (American Kennel Club). Known for its friendly, gentle, outgoing disposition and even temper, the Bulldog is an ideal family companion, if not an ideal watchdog (appearances aside).
Another plus that makes Bulldogs popular with both home and apartment owners is that the breed tends to be rather sedentary especially as the temperature climbs. They are not tolerant of heat and the temperature of their living environment must be carefully monitored. Luckily for owners in hot climates, Bulldogs do not require the level of high activity that other comparably sized breeds need.
Bulldogs do have their share of health issues, mostly due to their short noses, wide torsos and narrow wastes.
One common obstacle to pet health in bulldogs is breathing problems, the most frequent of which is the elongated soft pallet. With this disorder comes the risk of difficulty breathing, vomiting, and excitability. Laser surgery is often the most viable option for correcting this common disturbance.
Another equally serious concern amongst Bulldog owners is gastric torsion. Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to this dangerous condition because of their wide torsos and narrow waists. When the stomach twists, it cuts off circulation to the stomach and spleen and death soon follows if a professional does not intervene.
Bloating, a similar common concern, arises when the canine swallows too much air during food consumption and the stomach fills with air. The attention of a vet is needed to alleviate symptoms.
Pet health is also often impacted by a variety of common eye ailments including cherry eye, ectropion and entropion. The latter are caused by the excess skin on the face of a bulldog, and the former by protrusion of the lachrymal gland out through the eye. All three common conditions require surgery to correct.
Eczema and acne are also common conditions that require continual maintenance once it has developed.
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