Health Problems Associated With Miniature English Bulldogs And How To Handle Them
Posted on: 16 July 2015
Unlike a miniature bulldog, which is a crossbreed of a pug with a bulldog, a true miniature English bulldog is a purebred animal bred down to its miniature size. That said, the purebreds have some different health problems associated with their breed, but it is not anything so serious that it should prevent you from considering a miniature English bulldog as a good pet. Here are some of the common health problems and what you can do to prevent and treat them should you decide to buy or adopt your mini English bulldog.
Breathing Problems
Not unlike the regular-sized English bulldog, the minis also have breathing problems. This comes as a result of having a compact head with sinus cavities smooshed up and back inside the dog's head. If your puppy or dog ever gets a cold, you will need to take him to a vet to help him clear his sinuses and breathe easier. Sinus infections are also a possibility, so watch for signs of sneezing and/or labored breathing. If your dog begins breathing through his mouth a lot, it may also be a sign that he or she should see a vet and have his/her nostrils and sinuses checked.
Another breathing problem that these dogs experience is a narrowed windpipe. It is a congenital disorder and not one you can prevent or fix. However, you can prevent asphyxiation and suffocation by not giving your dog large treats or large kibble, especially if your dog gobbles his or her food down like a starved pig. You can also feed your dog several smaller meals during the day to prevent food from being sucked into the air way and into the lungs, where it could potentially cause pneumonia. A complete physical by your vet when you first get your dog will tell you if your dog has a narrowed windpipe.
Eyesight Problems
Bulldogs of any kind frequently have poor eyesight. If your dog frequently seems to run into walls and other hard objects, do not panic. His or her poor eyesight is the cause, and while you cannot buy eyeglasses to help your dog, you can make sure there is not some other eye issue. Dogs, like people, can go blind, get cataracts and contract glaucoma, and since bulldogs already have bad vision, it may be hard for you to tell the difference, but a veterinarian can. The occasional bumping or running into things is normal for both full-sized English bulldogs and mini English bulldogs, but constant accidents, especially those combined with falls, falling over, passing out or having accidents in the house when the dog was housebroken, definitely requires a trip to the vet.
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