Helping Your Bulldog Reach a Long Life
The average lifespan of an English Bulldog is between 8 and 10 years. To put this in perspective, smaller dogs such as Chihuahua’s and Yorkshire Terriers have a life span of 17-20 years old. Conversely, larger dogs such as Mastiffs have a lifespan as short as 5-6 years.
When it comes to lifespan, size does matter for dogs. However, it is important to understand that every dog is different, as every breed is different. For bulldogs, helping them live a fulfilling and long life means tending to their unique physical and emotional needs.
While a bulldog’s lifespan may only be 8-10 years, many have lived as long as 15 – 18 years. To help your dog reach a long life here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Stick to healthy and nutritional food for your bulldog:
English Bulldogs are notorious eaters. When considering a healthy and nutritional food you will also need to consider how much food to feed your bulldog and how often. Castlewood Bulldogs can always help you to decide on a food brand and type that is best for your bulldog. The guideline for feeding a bulldog is 20 to 70 calories per pound, per day. This of course varies depending on your dog’s lifestyle (sedentary or active). You should also feed your dog several times a day, as if you leave a big bowl of food out once a day your bulldog may very well eat it all in one sitting which can cause multiple problems.
Some research has suggested that varying your bulldog’s daily food schedule can help your dog stay healthier.
2. Be proactive with your bulldog’s health:
Due to the bulldog’s physical nature they are prone to health issues. While at one time bulldog’s may have been one of the healthier and strongest dogs on the planet, they are now domesticated into a breed that while loving, lacks some physical initiative such as running for long periods of time. Your English Bulldog is more likely inclined to cuddle up on the couch than he is to going for a long walk. In addition, his broad body may look intimidating, but in many ways can cause health issues.
Understanding the breed’s common health conditions such as obesity, cardiac and respiratory disease, are important to understanding symptoms of each. You will likely come to find your dog wheezes, slobbers, and has gas issues. Over time you will come to find how your bulldog does each of these and what is, or is not normal for your bulldog. However, it is important to be diligent and not allow something you feel is normal to be ignored. There are many underlying health concerns for bulldogs.
Take your bulldog to the vet regularly, and be quick to check up on any concerns.
3. Understand your bulldog’s genetics
As mentioned with health issues, it is important to understand your bulldog’s ancestry, if for anything to understand potential genetic health issues that may plague your dog later in life. Genetic conditions for bulldogs – as with many dog breeds – can affect nearly their entire body. In addition to hereditary respiratory and cardiac conditions, your dog’s ancestry may include skin, reproductive, and digestive conditions as well as others.
Keep in mind, that dogs, just like humans, have the same concern over genetic history. However, the importance is understanding your dog’s genetics so you know how to address the concern if it does appear in your bulldog.
4. Be there emotionally for your bulldog
Bulldogs are cuddly, friendly, and need your emotional companionship. They are, after all companion dogs, and will reciprocate your love. The emotional well-being of your dog will have a strong influence on your dog’s stress level. Most bulldogs tend to be so relaxed home owners will often forget they are around. So, it’s important your dog is given affection and positive nurturing attention.
The more playtime and cuddle time you can get in with your bulldog the better off they will be in the long run.
5. Try to go for a walk with your bulldog
Alright, so your bulldog may not be as excited to walk around the block as other dog breeds are. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t try. All dogs need exercise, and for bulldogs prone to laziness and obesity it can’t be stressed enough to try and get your dog exercise.
While you shouldn’t expect your bulldog to sprint up and down the park, you can expect a short walk. And that’s all you need to start with. For most bulldogs, they will accommodate a walk of a certain distance. It may not be long, but whatever your dog’s comfort level is, is what is important. You shouldn’t have to drag your dog. If he isn’t willing to go farther, then turn around and go home. Remember, emotional and physical well-being should go hand in hand.