English Bulldogs are lovable, wrinkly companions with unique needs. Their adorable rolls and low-energy lifestyle make them wonderful pets, but proper upkeep is essential to keep them healthy, fresh, and comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know to care for your Bulldog, from diet to grooming and daily maintenance.
Best Diet for Bulldogs
A balanced diet is the key to preventing health issues such as allergies, skin infections, and obesity. Bulldogs thrive on high-quality kibble or raw diets that include animal protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
Recommended diet:
- High-quality kibble with real meat (chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or duck) as the first ingredient
- Cooked lean meats (avoid excessive fat)
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans)
- Probiotics for gut health
- Omega-3s (salmon oil or sardines) to support skin health
Why to Avoid Grain-Free Diets
Many pet owners assume grain-free diets are better for their dogs, but this is not the case for English Bulldogs. Grain-free dog food often replaces grains with peas, lentils, and potatoes, which have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe heart condition. Bulldogs need a well-balanced diet with wholesome grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley to maintain heart health and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Foods to avoid:
- Grain-free kibble (due to the risk of heart disease)
- Corn, wheat, and soy (common allergens)
- Excessive dairy (can cause digestive upset)
- Rawhide chews (can cause choking or intestinal blockages)
- Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and avocado (toxic to dogs)
- Cooked bones (can splinter and cause serious internal injuries)
- Fatty meats (can lead to pancreatitis)
Bulldogs have wrinkles, short noses, and sensitive skin, which makes hygiene extra important. Proper upkeep prevents infections, odors, and discomfort.
Daily and Weekly Hygiene Routine
Face and Wrinkle Cleaning
Bulldogs’ wrinkles trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause irritation, infections, and yeasty odors.
How to clean wrinkles:
- Daily: Wipe wrinkles with a soft cotton pad or baby wipe.
- Twice a week: Disinfect with Chlorhexidine solution (a gentle antiseptic).
- If wrinkles get red or yeasty: Clean with Chlorhexidine and apply a small amount of Penaten cream (helps treat yeast infections in folds)
- Never let wrinkles stay damp. Always dry them completely to prevent infections.
Paw and Toe Cyst Care
Bulldogs are prone to interdigital cysts between their toes, especially in wet conditions. These can be painful and lead to limping.
Preventing toe cysts:
- Dry their paws after every walk, especially in rainy weather
- Use Chlorhexidine wipes to disinfect between toes
- If a cyst develops, apply a warm compress and monitor for swelling
- For severe cases, consult your vet
Daily Tooth Brushing is Necessary
Bulldogs are prone to severe dental issues, so brushing their teeth daily is essential.
How to brush your Bulldog’s teeth:
- Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it contains toxic xylitol)
- Brush gently in circular motions
- Reward them with praise after brushing
Coat Brushing and Grooming
Even though Bulldogs have short hair, they shed year-round and need regular brushing.
Best brushing routine:
- Use a soft-bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt
- Brush two to three times per week to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils
- Bulldogs usually enjoy being brushed—it’s a great bonding time
Nail Trimming
- Trim nails every two to three weeks to prevent painful overgrowth
- If you hear clicking on the floor, their nails are too long
No Jumping Off High Furniture
Bulldogs have stocky builds and short legs, making them prone to joint injuries. Jumping off high furniture can seriously harm their joints, backs, and shoulders.
- Use dog ramps or pet stairs
- Lift them off furniture instead of letting them jump
Bulldogs Love to Nap
Bulldogs are natural couch potatoes and need twelve to fourteen hours of sleep per day.
- Provide a soft, orthopedic bed to support their joints
- Keep their sleeping area cool and well-ventilated (Bulldogs overheat easily)
Avoid Overheating
Bulldogs are brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, making them prone to heat exhaustion.
Signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy
- Red gums or drooling
How to keep them cool:
- Always have fresh water available
- Avoid long walks in hot weather
- Use a cooling mat or damp towel to help regulate their temperature
English Bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions due to their breed characteristics.
Vet check-ups:
- Annual health exams (or twice a year for older Bulldogs)
- Regular ear checks (Bulldogs can get ear infections easily)
Common health problems to watch for:
- Breathing issues (due to their short snouts)
- Skin allergies (wrinkles and paws are common trouble spots)
- Hip and joint problems (due to their stocky build)
- Obesity (Bulldogs love food, so portion control is key)
English Bulldogs are affectionate, lazy, and wonderful companions, but they require regular upkeep to stay healthy and fresh. Daily hygiene, proper diet, and safety precautions will keep your Bulldog happy and thriving for years to come.
Bulldog Essentials Checklist:
- High-quality, grain-inclusive dog food
- Chlorhexidine wipes for wrinkles and paws
- Penaten cream for yeast infections
- Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- Soft-bristle brush for their coat
- Pet stairs or ramps to prevent jumping injuries
- Cooling mat for hot weather
By following these tips, your Bulldog will be clean, comfortable, and well-cared-for, ensuring a long and happy life.
