If you have an English Bulldog and are wondering about its average lifespan, you might be wondering about common health problems that may affect its lifespan and how you can avoid these problems so your bulldog lives a long and healthy life.
In general, the average lifespan of an English Bulldog is going to be 6 to 10 years old. There are several health aspects that affect the life expectancy of an English Bulldog and we will go over those in more detail.
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Other articles you would like: Do English Bulldogs Shed? and Do English Bulldogs Have Breathing Problems?
How Long Do English Bulldogs Live
There have been several studies that show that English Bulldogs only live about 6 to 10 years. This study suggests that the average life of an English Bulldog is 6 years old due to high inbreeding and other health issues.
Another study suggests that the average lifespan of an English Bulldog is 7.4 years old due to health issues that most don’t breeds don’t experience. This is significantly shorter than the average lifespan of a dog which is 10 to 13 years old.
Here are some things to remember when trying to keep your English Bulldog healthy.
Common Bulldog Health Problems That Affect Their Lifespan
These are some of the most common health problems that may affect a bulldog’s lifespan.
Breathing Problems
The main reason for English bulldogs’ short lifespan is difficulty breathing. They have several breathing problems because of their small faces and squished muzzles.
The pinched nostrils prevent them from breathing in enough air, while the narrow trachea causes them to wheeze.
Cherry Eye
An abnormally large gland typically found under the lower eyelid at the inside corner of the eye may “pop out” from time to time. There is no need for emergency treatment since this is not as serious as it appears.
A veterinarian recommended for Cherry Eye should be consulted as soon as possible. Getting treatment sooner increases the dog’s chances of not having to have the gland removed.
The dog will need to use the ointment for the remainder of his life if the gland is removed.
Dental Issues
The plaque and tartar that build up on dogs’ teeth can lead to mouth infections if they do not receive the right dental care.
In addition to their short and wide heads, English bulldogs have small mouths, which makes them more prone to dental problems. There are often gum problems and pain associated with their overcrowded teeth and tightly squished in.
To prevent dental health issues in bulldogs, it’s recommended to brush their teeth three times a week. In addition to causing kidney or liver damage, dental neglect can shorten their lifespan by one to three years.
Head Shakes
The condition can be frightening if you’ve seen it firsthand. Your furry friend’s head starts vibrating uncontrollably while you’re hanging out with them, sometimes violently enough to make you mistake it for a canine seizure.
Make sure your beloved pup is checked out by the vet as soon as possible if this happens.
Low blood sugar and stress are usually the underlying causes of this condition, but sometimes there can be more urgent medical problems that need to be addressed immediately. If you want to protect your bully, it’s always best to be safe than sorry.
Obesity
English bulldogs are prone to gaining extra weight, making weight management crucial to their life expectancy. In addition to back pain, digestive issues, metabolic disorders, and heart problems, being overweight puts them at risk for health problems.
In addition, the extra weight puts even more strain on the joints of this breed already prone to arthritis. For this reason, it’s important to feed your dog high-quality food and adhere to a specific meal plan to prevent overeating.
What Is The Ideal Weight For a Bulldog?
It is estimated that male English Bulldogs weigh between 50 and 55 pounds and stand between 14 and 16 inches tall at maturity. Female English Bulldogs grow to be about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately ten pounds less than males.
Inquire about the size and weight of your English Bulldog if you purchased it from a breeder. Your breeder can estimate the size of your future adult bulldog based on the bulldog’s parents and their past litters.
This gives you a good idea of the size of your dog when they are an adult since dogs rarely outgrow their parents.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Each English Bulldog has some degree of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS), which is Latin for the smooshed face. It is common in animals with a pushed-in nose because of shortened facial features.
Several health problems are associated with bulldogs because they have been bred to have relatively short muzzles and noses.
Their throats and breathing passages often are undersized or flattened because of the narrow noses and shorter bones on their faces.
- The inability to breathe and the need to pant
- A persistent feeling of discomfort
- Intolerant to physical activity
- Eating problems
Weight monitoring and a healthy diet can help ease your pup’s symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
If you have a Brachycephalic breed dog with only mild symptoms, managing BAS is as simple as avoiding stress and overheating and getting regular physical activity.
Thyroid & Heart Disease
As a result of selective breeding, internal organ problems have also been reported. When the thyroid slows down, less thyroxine is produced, responsible for regulating metabolism, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Heart defects in English Bulldogs most commonly include pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary stenosis restricts blood flow and can lead to cardiac failure or death.
It is a congenital narrowing, according to UFAW. Early detection of this condition can be achieved through regular heart exams at checkups.
A drug that regulates hormone levels is effective in treating hyperthyroidism. A balloon can be inserted into the constricted area to enhance blood flow in the heart to treat pulmonary stenosis.
The best way to deal with your bully will be decided by your veterinarian.
Temperature Regulation
Panting regulates the body’s temperature, and brachycephalic dogs have trouble doing so. A comfortable temperature is essential for your English Bulldog.
Avoid taking your dog out in hot weather, and keep your home air-conditioned. Overheating is characterized by the following signs:
- Panting excessively
- Panting and heaving
- Tongue discolored and flaky
- Breathing exhaustion
- Noises in the throat
- Mouth foaming
Overheating Prevention And Treatment
Whenever the weather exceeds 80 degrees, make sure your pup sleeps in a ventilated area and pay close attention to their behavior. Don’t neglect your bulldog’s dental hygiene and health, as doing so can add up to 3-4 years to their lives.
Gingivitis is more likely to develop in dogs over three years of age due to gum diseases and plaque. This type of bacteria can be harmful to your pooch’s kidney, heart, and brain when it enters the body.
Prevent Respiratory Problems
Heat is a big problem for bulldogs because they cannot handle hot weather. The summer is a good time to keep your pet indoors and in a cool environment.
Due to their short squished muzzles, breathing problems can arise and may even result in fatal respiratory diseases.
Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
Prevent your bulldog from becoming overweight by feeding them the right amount of food. With your vet’s help, you can create a workout plan that will help your bulldog achieve the right body weight if he or she gains weight.
While English bulldogs can sometimes be pigs when it comes to eating, you have to learn to teach them to be strict with their eating habits.
Even though those puppy eyes might be adorable, you must learn to say no to them when they are eating more than they need to.
Regular Vet Visits
Veterinary checkups are extremely important to prevent any health problems from developing. In addition to checking for worms and ticks, a vet will also check for brachycephalic syndrome and hip dysplasia, among other specific bulldog health issues.
Vaccinations, such as those against hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus, and distemper, must also be given to bulldogs to ensure their health.
Provide Regular Exercise
English bulldogs are also very fond of going out every day, no matter how lazy they may be. Getting your bulldog regular exercise is good for him, and you can easily give him a good workout in a short amount of time.
A great cardiovascular workout for your dog is to walk at a brisk pace for 5-15 minutes. To avoid unintentionally causing your dog breathing difficulties, keep in mind that bulldogs feel breathless after rigorous workouts or when under stress.
Understand The Genetics
When addressing possible health concerns, it is important to understand your dog’s genetics.
You can gain a better understanding of potential health risks if you have a quick glimpse into the pets’ ancestry and you may find issues that may affect them later in life.
It’s important to ask your breeder about your dog’s family tree so that you can best prepare yourself for any future health issues.
Genetic problems can include cardiac rhythm problems, respiratory problems, skin conditions, digestive problems, or reproductive problems.
You should ask your breeder about the family tree of your dog so that you can be prepared for any health issues in the future.
Provide Emotional Support
Bulldogs crave emotional connection with their owners because they are friendly and cuddly. Your dog will have reduced stress levels and live longer if they feel happy and content emotionally.
It is not uncommon for English bulldogs to behave relaxedly, which leads to homeowners being less attentive to the animals. Do your best to prevent this from happening and give your dog the attention and affection he or she deserves.
You and your dog will both benefit from spending as much time with each other as possible.
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- How To Tell If Your English Bulldog Is Pregnant
For more information about the English Bulldog Breed, check out the video below:
