The type of dog you own can say a lot about your sense of style. For some people owning a dog is very much a status symbol. There will always be breeds that you love and breeds that you don’t.

The bulldog breed is a very trendy breed to have at the moment. Whether you love them, or would rather own a different kind of dog, there is nothing wrong with this as long as you are aware how to take care of them. That this is for the lifetime of the animal and that they can have specific health problems.

If you decide to take home a bulldog puppy, or rehome one a little older, you need to take great care in regards to their health, well-being and their weight. These are stocky dogs, and there is a fine line between a dog being healthy and being overweight.

Having a bulldog that is overweight can cause many issues including most commonly respiratory and heart problems. So it’s vital that they get the right level of exercise, and you feed them the right amount of food for their weight and size.

The food they need to eat

It’s important to ensure that you feed your bulldog the right sort of food, and this is when it may be worth considering a well know brand to give you total peace of mind. It’s also worth investing in the bowls you provide the food in, opting for a stainless steel heavy-duty option. This helps to reduce any rash or redness in your bulldog when they are eating. They will always need a constant supply of water, so ensure that the water bowl never runs dry.

When it comes to the amount of food they need, this varies from a puppy. You should only be taking your puppy away from its breeder at around 8 weeks old, for the first three months ensure your puppy is fed four times a day, and then reduce to 3 feeds, and then by the time they hit one year old, they should be happy with one or two feeds a day.

Always make sure you don't overfeed them, to avoid them adding additional weight. It’s also worth switching the food from a puppy variety to an adult one when they turn one year old, as puppy food tends to be fattier.

The exercise they need to take

It’s important for your bulldog to get regular exercise to ensure they keep their heart healthy. You may not realise it, and they may not need to be out for long walks each day, but regular exercise is good for their cardiovascular health and can even increase their lifespan. It is also encouraged to promote exercise by throwing a ball, playing fetch and also socialising with other dogs.

Make sure your veterinarian is right the one for you and your dog

Finally, make sure that you find a veterinarian that is not only good but also likes Bulldogs. It can be hard to find the right vet for you and your dog, so it is advisable to become a member of associations like the bulldog club, where other bulldog owners can recommend vets in your area.

Top Tips

In our experience, Bulldogs are unique little dogs and make wonderful companions, but they also have specific needs due to their breed characteristics.

Despite their squat little bodies, Bulldogs still need regular walks to maintain their weight and health. Don't overexert them and pay attention in hot weather as they do overheat due to their flat faces.

As mentioned above they tend to have a bigger body size and need exercise to keep their weight down. To help with this be sure to feed them a balanced diet and monitor how many treats they are getting.

This breed are more susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia, skin infections, and respiratory problems. They also are sensitive souls and their skin can get infections. Keep them clean and dry, especially in the folds of their wrinkles.

The main concern with Bulldogs is with their flat faces they can have difficulty breathing - poor things. Especially in hot weather. Keep an eye out for excessive panting, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you see signs of this do take them to the vet.

We hope these health pointers help you care for your bulldog and keep your pet a happy and bouncy dog.