When you bring a new tiny puppy into your house, the very first thing that crosses your mind is probably their health and how happy they are. Because of their unique physical body structure & genetic makeup, English bulldogs are one of the breeds that are most prone to developing health problems or catching infections. This makes them one of the most vulnerable canine breeds. So, let us discuss English Bulldog longevity – How long do they live?
It is estimated that an English Bulldog will live between 8 and 10 years on average. The lifespan of a bulldog is relatively short than other breeds; however, it may increase a little with a good diet, management, and care.
When English Bulldogs are five or six years old, they start to show signs of having aged with severe body changes graying hair and wrinkles.
Fact: Unfortunately, the average lifespan of any other dog is substantially longer than that of an English Bulldog. It is due to its genetics and poor health conditions.
How To Cope With That Issue?
Don't let the fact that bulldogs only live a fraction of the time other dogs do deter you. When buying a puppy, it is important to conduct your research, choose a breeder with a good reputation, and verify that neither the female nor the male parent suffered from any hereditary illnesses. Find a veterinarian who has experience treating dogs of this breed. Although a bulldog's typical lifetime is not very long compared to that of a medium-sized dog, there are bulldogs that survive for 11 years or more, and yours may be one of those bulldogs. Even if he doesn't have a very long life, you should ensure it is full of love.
Suggestions To Help Your English Bulldog Live A Longer Life
1. Get Familiar With The Genetics Of Your Dog
When it comes to treating any health issues, having a solid understanding of your dog's genetic makeup is essential. If feasible, getting a glimpse into their family tree can help you better understand the potential health problems that might arise for your pet at some point in their life in the future. Problems with the reproductive system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, the skin, and the heart and lungs are examples of frequent hereditary issues. Because of this, it is essential to inquire about your dog's family tree from the breeder so that you may best prepare yourself for any potential health concerns that may arise in the future.
2. Prevent Respiratory Issues
English Bulldogs cannot tolerate warm temperatures and are highly sensitive to heat. During the warm summer months, you should make it a point to keep your pet indoors so that it can enjoy the air conditioning. Their short, squashed muzzles cause breathing issues, leading to the development of respiratory disorders that can ultimately be deadly.
3. Keep A Healthy Body Weight
To stop your English Bulldog from becoming overweight, you need to ensure they get the right quantity of food every day. If you see that your pet has put on additional weight, talk to your veterinarian about developing a diet and exercise regimen that will get your Bulldog back to the ideal weight. We are aware that this can be challenging at times with English bulldogs because they can be like little pups when it comes to gorging themselves on food, but you will need to learn how to be severe with them. You are responsible for ensuring that they consume no more food than what is required of them, and despite how adorable those puppy dog eyes may be, you have to learn to say "no."
4. Pay Your Pet Veterinarian A Regular Visit
It is important that animals have checkups on an annual basis to enable veterinarians to detect and treat any health problems in their early stages. In addition to checking for hip/elbow dysplasia & brachycephalic syndrome, veterinarians will also screen for parasites such as ticks and mites when doing these examinations. In addition to this, it is essential to ensure that bulldogs have all of the necessary vaccinations, including those that protect against HCV, rabies, parvo, and distemper.
5. Ensure Good Oral And Dental Health
Because maintaining their oral hygiene and overall health may add up to three to four years to their lifespan, you should make it a point to give your English bulldog the utmost care at all times. Dogs who are three years old or older have an increased risk of developing dental problems & plaque, both of which can contribute to gingivitis. When they enter the body, germs like these can have a negative impact not just on your dog's jaws but also on its kidneys, heart, and brain.
6. Provide Emotional Support
Due to the fact that bulldogs are extremely sociable and affectionate, they have a strong desire to form an intimate attachment with their owners. Your dog will definitely have lower levels of stress and will survive for a longer period of time if they have the emotional state of being happy and satisfied. The majority of English bulldogs have a laid-back demeanor, which can occasionally cause the owner of the house to provide them somewhat less attention than they otherwise would. Ensure that this does not occur and also that your dog receives the appropriate amount of attention & love. It will be advantageous for both you and your dog in the long term if you spend as much time as possible engaging in meaningful activities with them.
7. Exercise Regularly
Despite their propensity for laziness, English bulldogs look forward to their daily walks just as much as any other breed of dog. It is important to give your English bulldog plenty of exercise on a daily basis, and the good news is that it does not take very long to give them a decent workout. Your dog will benefit greatly from a cardiovascular workout consisting of around five to fifteen minutes of vigorous walking. You should keep in mind that an English bulldog is prone to feeling out of breath after strenuous activities or while under stress. Because of this, you should avoid making these exercises and walks too hard for them so that you don't inadvertently cause your dog to have breathing troubles.
How Long Of Life Do English Bulldogs Have Compared To Other Dog Breeds?
The lifetime of an English bulldog is significantly less than that of the vast majority of other breeds of dog. To be more accurate, it is around thirty percent less than the average lifetime of other dog breeds due to a number of factors, including their anatomy and the conditions of their health.
Conclusion
In general, the English Bulldog is quite an excellent canine companion despite their short lifespan (max 10 years). But remember one thing that typical young English bulldogs, because of their sheer weight and eagerness, may not be acceptable for toddlers since they would easily knock them over. So, it is best to never leave an English Bulldog alone with children (under the age of 15) under any circumstances. However, the English Bulldog can be highly protective of its parents and very loving. Many photographs of bulldogs with children in advertisements and art collections worldwide can prove English Bulldog's affection for toddlers.
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As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama.
