Did you know that our English and French Bulldogs are especially prone to certain household and outdoor emergencies?
Here are 3 common emergencies I see all the time at my hospital, and some easy tips to help keep your fur baby safe and healthy!
Hey Bulldog Moms!
We know our squishy-faced sweethearts are not just dogs—they’re family.
#1 Bulldog Emergency: Heat-Stroke, Overheating, BOAS, and Burns
Too Hot to Handle – Heat & Bulldogs Don’t Mix!
Our flat-faced (brachycephalic) buddies have a hard time breathing and it gets worse in hot weather.
It can go from mild overheating to life-threatening heat stroke.
HEAT & BOAS
Especially at risk? Bulldogs with BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome). These bulldogs already struggle with breathing, so hot days can be dangerous.
HOW TO KEEP YOU BULLDOG COOL?
Keep your bulldog cool by:
- Walking early morning or late evening
- Always keeping water available
- Using fans or AC
- Getting BOAS surgery early if needed
Bonus tip: Hot asphalt can burn their paw pads. If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs!
Bulldogs + Heat = Trouble.
#2 Bulldog Emergency: “Pot” Problem – THC Poisoning
Edibles might be tasty to humans, but to bulldogs, they’re a real danger.
We’re seeing more and more bulldogs accidentally eating marijuana products, especially baked edibles that are easy to snatch from a counter.
Here’s the deal: While CBD is generally safe, THC is NOT
Is Hemp Toxic to Pets?
Don’t confuse Marijuana with hemp. In contrast to pot, Hemp has low level of THC and in general is not considered toxic to pets.
MARIJUANA TOXICITY IN BULLDOGS & FRENCH BULLDOG:
Because bulldogs have a high number of cannabinoid receptors in their brains, they’re extra sensitive.
Marijuana Pot Toxicity in Pets
Symptoms usually show up within 1–2 hours and can include wobbling, confusion, lethargy, as well as vomiting that in bulldogs may result in aspiration pneumonia.
What To Do If You Suspect THC Toxicity?
If you suspect your pup got into pot, get to your vet ASAP.
Treatment may include IV fluids, monitoring, and supportive care. Don’t wait—better safe than sorry.
Pot it’s toxic to dogs, even in small amounts
#3 Bulldog Emergency: Foxtail Abscess
Foxtail Frenzy – A Tiny Grass with a Big Bite
Foxtails are sneaky little troublemakers that love to hide in grassy yards, parks, and trails.
These barbed seed heads can burrow into your bulldog’s skin, especially between the toes. What looks like a simple bump or cyst might be a foxtail infection.
What Are Foxtails The Most Common Location?
Foxtails can also invade:
- Noses – leading to bloody sneezing and nose pawing
- Eyelids – causing corneal ulcers and pain
- Skin – forming abscesses
- Even lungs and spine – yes, seriously!
How To Treat Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Foxtail?
Unlike bulldog interdigital cysts, foxtails are a foreign body that usually need to be surgically removed, and the area flushed and treated.
Final Bulldog Emergencies Woof
Emergencies happen—but with a little awareness, you can avoid the most common ones.
- Keep your bulldog cool
- Keep their curious noses out of the cookie jar
- and keep their paws foxtail-free.
Stay safe and give your squishy-face a hug from me! 💕
Trusted by Vets ~ Recommended by Owners ~ Loved by Bulldogs
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