Cute or not so cute?
The bulldog is known for three things – their folds, their charming personalities and well, those round little tummies.
But when is a round tummy an obese tummy?
Bulldogs are one of the breeds that are prone to obesity. They are notorious eaters, and those big, beautiful eyes can make it so hard not to give them that extra treat. However, Obesity is especially detrimental for brachycephalic dogs, due to their restricted airways and skeletal structure that already makes breathing a hard task. Excess fat deposits in the chest and airways can further restrict their breathing. It puts a lot of pressure on the lungs, which already takes strain. This also makes them prone to respiratory disease.
How do you know your dog is Obese? This is probably one of the first things your vet will point out to you. The bulldog naturally has a compact stocky shape. An obese bulldog has a barrel shape, there is no defined waist. Their waist should always be narrower than their hips, the waist visible but ribs not visible. If your bulldog looks like a tightly packed little sausage, it may be time to talk to your vet on how to bring that weight down.
As it is, a fit bulldog can not scratch like another lean breed would. They simply can not bend and reach everywhere. However, if your bulldog struggles to scratch his own ears, or can’t use his teeth to reach certain parts of the body that should be reachable – he may need to lose a little weight.
Most bulldogs can’t exercise more than a short walk a day. The imbalance between diet and lack of sufficient exercise is the main cause of obesity in Bulldogs. High–calorie food and frequent treats also contribute to their weight gain. Sometimes the best thing to do when those big puppy eyes look your way is to give them a good cuddle, tell them you love them and leave those treats in the cupboard.
Keeping your bulldog lean and healthy may make a difference in the lifespan of your dog, the Bulldog is a breed who already has a shorter lifespan than most breeds due to the way they are bred, the flat little faces and stocky bodies we love, means they don’t live that long. Being obese can shorten your dog’s life by one third. obesity is linked to a whole raft of health problems including arthritis, chronic kidney disease, bladder/urinary tract disease, liver disease, low thyroid hormone production, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA
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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
