All breeds of dogs have conditions that are common to their particular breed, and the bulldog is no different. Many conditions are in direct relation to the characteristics considered desirable in the breed.
Eyes
^ Entropion = An abnormal rolling in of the eyelid see corneal ulcers. Stitch skin so lashes don't rub.
^ Cherry Eye = A condition where the third eyelid is protruding. It may be stiched in place or removed as a last resort
^ Cataract = A change in structure of the lens of the eye leading to cloudiness and usually to blindness.
^ Dry Eye = Can lead to corneal ulcers and cherry eyes if untreated
^ Persistent pupillary membrane = A developmental abnormality where the membrane forming the iris does not form properly.

Skin
^ Skin Acne = Same thing as in humans, affects the muzzle and lip areas.
^ Fold dermatitis = An inflammation of skin folds especially in dogs with loose skin. Bulldogs are especially susceptible in the face and tail areas.

Structural
^ Cleft lip = A condition where the two halves of the upper lip do not join together. Cleft palate and cleft lip are often seen together.
^ Cleft palate = A condition where the roof of the mouth is not closed and the inside of the nose opens into the mouth.
^ Hip dysplasia = A developmental malformation or subluxation of the hip joints. Causes movement to be painful in its most severe form.

Breathing problems in Bulldogs, chronic airway obstruction,
^ Chronic Airway Obstruction (brachycephalic syndrome) - The importance of this condition cannot be overemphasised. There are billions and billions of cells in the Bulldog's body and each one of these is forced to live a substandard existence, if the oxygen supply to them is impaired. There are treatments for this condition, see your vet.
 

^ Elongated soft palate = The soft palate is abnormally long and causes breathing disorders.


Overheating in Bulldogs.
The Bulldog's heat tolerance is a lot worse, than that of human's. Dogs do not have sweat glands all over their bodies. They can sweat only through their pads and they can dissipate heat effectively through panting. Bulldogs suffering from chronic airway obstruction cannot pant freely and that is why they often die of overheating (hyperthermia). Corrective surgery performed in time can prevent a lot of faintings and unexpected deaths at summer dog shows and at home alike.


A Word About Wrinkles
Bulldog's face is certainly covered with wrinkles and that is his trademark for sure. This is a trademark that requires daily care to keep him comfortable and healthy. Mild soap (hibicleans or similar soap like you would use on your own face that is gentle) will work fine for cleaning out between his wrinkles. Get a damp wash cloth and put some soap on it and clean good around and under those wrinkles making sure not to get any in his eyes.
You should dry the area good and apply either a gold bond, corn starch or similar powder to the area. If its irritated you may consider using a good cream such as Destin cream. It may even be required for you to clean 2 times a day those wrinkles depending on how dirty or irritated they are.


Cleaning the Tail Area
This should be done in a about the same way as above with wrinkles. It is very much a part of the bulldog hygiene. When cleaning the tail area or tail pocket make sure to use a soft cloth and get in there real good and clean it, you should get out lots of hairs and keep this area clean and powdered as well. A bulldogs tail may be tightly packed against his back side and can be a real problem if not taken care of and cleaned on a daily or every other day. Remember that a severly infected tail is painful and may need to be removed in some cases, so its very good to keep this area cleaned well!


Tear Stains and Dry Nose
There are a few products on the market that are made for cleaning tear stains. There are some commercial ones you can get at your pet store, or you can ask your vet what he recommends or may have for this. There are also home made remedies like peroxide and corn starch made into a paste, appied and then removed, followed by a Destin cream being applied for protection. You should also keep the area around your dogs eyes wiped off and cleaned and if its been dusty around your home you may want to apply a few eye drops to his eyes a few times a week so they do not get irritated. If his nose is real dry a light coat of vaseline will help soften it and protect it from cracking. Consult your vet for more info!
 

The best medical advice any one can give you is, "Find a veterinarian who knows and likes Bulldogs."

TIPS

By no means can  we replace a vet but here are some home remedy that I have come across. There are no dosages listed because the vary by the dogs weight so you will need to contact your vet for proper dosage.

There are several minor ailments you can treat at home. Remember that if a home remedy doesn't cure the problem in two days, it's time to take the dog to the veterinarian. Do not keep trying various methods of home medication.
Liquid Medications
The easiest way to give a liquid medication is with a syringe. You can get them from your veterinarian or most drug stores. You want at least a 2cc size. Discard the needle. Pull the proper amount of liquid into the syringe, open the dog's mouth and "shoot" the liquid onto the back of his tongue.
 

Pills and Capsules
Open the dog's mouth, push the pill or capsule as far down his throat as possible, then hold his mouth shut and stroke his throat until he swallows. This has been known to work. Or wrap the pill or capsule in a bit of ground beef or cheese and feed it to the dog. This usually works.
Vomiting
 

For Minor Upset Stomach  Pepto Bismol or a similar medicine works best. Dose is according to the dog's weight. If there is hard vomiting or if the upset lasts more than 24 hours, take the dog to your veterinarian.
Diarrhea
Kaopektate is most usually prescribed for Minor Diarrhea. Dose amount depends on the dog's weight. If the diarrhea continues longer than 24 hours or if there is blood in the stool, take the dog to the veterinarian.
 

Hot Spots
These are red, weepy, itchy spots. No one seems to really know what causes them. It could be fleas, food, allergies, etc. Clean the area thoroughly. You can wash with shampoo, rinse and dry. Or clean with Baby Wipes with lanolin and aloe. Or wash with Bigeloil. Then apply a medications such as Panalog, Bag Balm, Sulfadene, Schreiner's Healing Liniment (from a feed store) or 1% cortisone cream (you may need to get this from your own doctor). Clean and apply medication daily. You should see improvement by the second day, if not, take the dog to the veterinarian.
 

IInterdigital Cysts
This is another problem that no one seems to be sure what the cause is But you'll know one when you see an angry red swelling pop up between the dog's toes. First examine the paw carefully, especially the underside between the pads to be sure there is no foreign matter (a thorn or such). If there is, take it out. Clean the area. Remedies include: (I) Soaking the paw in warm water and Epsom Salts or Massengale Douche solution, dry and rub in Panalog. (2) Desenex foot powder. (3) ,Preparation H. (4) Division 5 Bulletin formula. Have your veterinarian make this up for you One part 60% DMSO, one part Gentavet solution 50 mg. per ml. Apply one drop per day; rub in with a Q Tip. Do NOT use more than one drop, do NOT apply more frequently than once a day. If you start application at the first sign, this solution will prevent the cyst from developing. With all these treatments, it's best to continue the treatment for two to three days after the cyst is gone.
 

Fungus Spots
These are somewhat like hot spots, but they are not weepy. Be sure you clean away all the "scabby" material. Wash the area and treat with Panalog, Keflex, or any good anti-fungal ointment. You can use Demorex shampoo or a sulfur based soap for the washing.
 

Facial Acne or Eczema
Bulldogs are forever putting their faces into all kinds of strange places. Some are susceptible to topical bacterial infections. The dog gets pimples on his face and chin. Usually you can clear these up just by washing and rubbing in an anti-biotic ointment. Or you can try OXYIO (benzoil peroxide) which you can purchase at a drug store. If they persist, you will need to get an oral anti-biotic medication from your veterinarian.
 

Eyes
Dust, wind, pollen, the things that make your eyes burn and water have the same effect on your Bulldog. You can rinse the eyes out with a solution such as Clear Eyes. If the eyes are badly irritated, use a contact lens ointment such as Bausch & Lomb Duolube. For any other eye ailment, take the dog to your veterinarian.
Cherry Eye
The gland which normally resides under the lower eye lid at the inside corner of the eye will sometimes "pop" out. This is not as horrible as it appears to be and does not require emergency treatment. It does require treatment at the earliest possible time by a veterinarian recommended for "Cherry Eye. The quicker the dog gets treatment the better the chance for successful treatment without removing the gland. Removal of the gland often results in a "dry" eye.
 

Tail
Some Bulldog's have their tail set in a pocket. If yours does1 you will need to make a special effort to keep that pocket clean and dry. Wipe it out frequently. You may need to use cotton balls rather than a wash cloth if the pocket is tight. Be sure to dry it thoroughly and apply an ointment such as Panalog, or a drying powder.
 

Temperature
You take his temperature just as you take a small baby's - rectally. Use a good rectal thermometer, lubricate generously with Vaseline, insert gently, hold onto the thermometer dogs have been known to "suck" them in!, wait about five minutes, pull out and read. Normal temperature for most dogs is from 100.5 to 101.
 

Ice
Start giving your Bulldog pieces of ice to eat when he is still a small puppy so that he learns to like it. Luckily, most Bulldogs do. This is a great way to cool down a hot dog. Blocks of ice make a great summer time toy. A pan of ice in or on top of his crate helps keep him cool.
Insect Stings
If your Bulldog is stung by a bee or other insect, give him Benadryl (either capsule or liquid) and watch him closely for the next half hour. You may also apply an ice pack to the area where he was stung if you know where it is. If the area around the sting swells and hardens, if hives appear, if he seems to have difficulty breathing - rush him to the veterinarian. This is no time to dally, your dog's life depends on quick treatment.
Heat Stroke: Bulldogs are prone to heat stroke because they cannot pant well enough to disperse heat. Provide your dog with plenty of water and shade. Ice cubes are a good treat during the summer months. Your dog might also enjoy a child's wading pool - - but do not leave water very deep because bulldogs are not good swimmers and could drown.
 

Facial Fold Dermatitis: Some bulldogs have heavy folds of skin above the nose; these need to be checked often and kept clean. They are easily cleaned with non scented baby wipes. These also work good to clean the skin around the tight curl of the tail.
Cherry Eye: The tear gland of the third eyelid becomes herniated and becomes visible as a small red bulge in the corner of the eye. This can be corrected with treatment and if need be - surgery. Check with your veterinarian.
 

Hip Dysphasia: The ball and socket of the hips do not fit each other well. This can be kept in check with a good diet to keep the weight down on your dog. Exercise is another good way to keep the problem in check.
 

Phlegm build up from panting : Phlegm will build up in the throat of the Bulldog when he pants excessively. If the panting is severe enough - the phlegm build up can eventually choke the bulldog. Keep non cola soda like 7-up on hand and or some lemon juice. These are very good aids to help break the phlegm up. Lemon juice can be added to the drinking water daily to help keep the phlegm problem reduced.
 

Dermatitis: This can be a hereditary problem - but in some cases it can be controlled with diet, flea control, use of non perfume items and so on.

Toenails

Trim toenails right a after a bath. The water makes them soft and easier to cut.

Water

Put a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to a gallon of their drinking water.  This helps for bad breath and to diminish the bacteria in the folds their jowls.

Ears

Keep them clean. You can dip a q-tip in alcohol to clean the inside of their ears.  If their ears stink get them checked by a vet.
 

Bathing

Over bathing your Bullie can cause skin problems. Don't bathe your Bullie more than once a week if necessary.  You can wipe your Bullie down with a baby wipe for in -between cleaning.  Don't use shampoos with lots of perfume.