“Dr. Kraemer I am worried about Bulldozer. His sleep has been anything but peaceful lately. His sleep is a symphony of loud snoring, occasional gasps for breath, and moments where he seems to pause, only to wake up with a start. It’s heartbreaking to witness, and it leaves me feeling helpless. Bulldozer restless sleep and the visible signs of struggling for breath have become all too common. I’m reaching out for advice because I want to ensure that he gets the quality rest he deserves. 🐾💤 #BulldogSleepApnea #FurryFriends #BulldozerTheBulldog”
Introduction to Sleep Apnea in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
Sleep apnea is rare in most canine breeds except for the flat-faced ones, such as
- English bulldog puppies
- French bulldog puppies
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
Like us, your bulldog (or French bulldog) needs plenty of quality sleep to be at their best. While most dogs sleep about 12–14 hours a day (including those midday naps! ), bulldogs often require even more with their unique build and needs.
Sleep isn’t just about catching some zzz’s—it’s a crucial time for mental and physical restoration
Bulldog Sleep Apnea 5 X MUST KNOW
- Sleep apnea is rare in most canine breeds but common in bulldogs
- It is mostly associated with the breed brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Loud snoring, poor blood oxygenation, chocking, and sudden awaking are common
- Care includes weight management and the timely repair of BOAS.
- Prevention and Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Sleep Apnea Bundles
Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX
Bulldog Sleep Apnea Health Concerns
Sleep isn’t just downtime for your pup—it’s their body’s way of recharging and staying healthy. Think of it as your bulldog’s repair shop. During those blissful snoozes, their body goes to work:
➡️ ENERGY: refueling energy reserves
➡️ IMMUNE SYSTEM: strengthening their defenses to fight off bacteria, viruses, and even precancerous or cancerous cells.
➡️ HORMONES: regulating hormonal balance, which impacts mood, appetite, stress, and digestion.
Without enough restful sleep, your bulldog could face short-term grumpiness and long-term health problems. Prioritize their snooze time—it’s the cornerstone of their well-being!
Sleep deprivation and poor-quality sleep can have immediate and long-term consequences for your bulldog.
APNEA SLEEP DEPRIVATION HEALTH IMPACT:
➡️ IMMUNE WEAKNESS: With less time for repairs and reinforcements, your bulldog becomes more susceptible to:
- infections
- illnesses.
➡️ BEHAVIORAL: Sleep deprivation can manifest in:
- irritability
- anxiety
- aggression
- grumpiness
➡️ PHYSICAL: Sleep deprivation can manifest in physical problems such as:
- weight gain
- diabetes
- heart disease.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION IN BULLDOGS:
Chronic sleep apnea significantly impacts your bulldog’s quality of life and life expectancy, so it’s important to address it promptly.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Bulldogs
For bulldogs and other “smooshed-face” breeds, their unique airway structure—referred to as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS),—often results in a specific form of sleep apnea called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes their airways to narrow or collapse during sleep, making it hard for them to breathe easily.
Bulldog Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Impct on REM Sleep
One of the most concerning aspects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in bulldogs is its tendency to worsen during REM sleep—the stage where dreaming occurs.
During REM sleep (rapid eye movement), the muscles that support the airways naturally relax, making them even more prone to collapse. This can lead to episodes of oxygen deprivation, even if your bulldog seems to be sleeping soundly.
Bulldog Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Blood Oxygenation
Research shows that bulldog sleep apnea significantly lowers oxygen levels in their blood.
Drops in oxygen can lead to health issues, affecting everything from their energy and mood to organ function and overall health.
Oxygen blood saturation appears to be lower in bulldogs suffering from sleep apnea
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?
- Snoring: load
- Breathing: Frequent gasps with breathing pause
- Choking: during sleep
- Restless: restless sleeping
- Waking up: sudden waking
- Behavioral: irritable, depressed, tired, stressed
- Day Sleep: decreased alertness and longer and more frequent sleeping during the day
- Sickness and Illness: respiratory and heart disease, as well as high blood pressure (hypertension)
What Causes Sleep Apnea in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?
- Obesity
- BOAS
- Elongated Soft Palate
- Pinched Stenotic Nose
- Hypoplastic Trachea
- Everted Laryngeal Saccules
- Prolapsed, Swollen Tonsil
- End Stage: Atrophied Laryngeal Collapse
- Swollen Nasal Turbinate
- Obstructing Aberrant Nasal Turbininate’s (CAT)
- Laryngeal Obstruction
- Oropharyngeal Narrowing
- Parapharyngeal Tumors
- Sinusitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
- Allergies
The flat-face brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the biggest contributor to sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Diagnosis
Home-made Video: Real-time video taken by owner
Visual Exam
- Oral Exam:
- Visual Laryngeal Exam
- Visual Pharyngeal Exam
⚠️WARNING: proper exam can only be done under anesthesia and sufficent illumination
Imaging:
- Radiographs
- Dental Radiographs
- Rhinoscopy
- MRI
- CT
Bulldog Sleep Apnea Prevention and Care
- Weight Loss: for overweight pets
- BOAS surgical Repair
- Allergy Control: antihistamines
- Anti-inflammatory: short-term steroid to reduce laryngeal swelling
- Anti-Anxiety: reduce stress
- AC: air conditioning in a hot area
- EPA air purifier
- Neck position: prep the head to help stretch the neck.
- Sleep Schedule: a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends.
- Cozy Sleeping Conditions: provide a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleeping space
- Stimuleus and Activities: avoid excessive exercise and stimulus close to bedtime.
🩺SLEEP APNEA POSITIONING TIP #1
You can try placing an inflated donut-shaped cone to keep the neck stretched while asleep. You can also tape on it a pulse electromagnetic loop (tPEMT) to help with inflammation.
🩺 SLEEP APNEA NECK STRECH TIP #2
You can place a pillow under the chin. It will help extend the bully’s short neck and airways and reduce obstructive soft tissue.
Bulldog Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Supplements
You should always consider non-prescription bully therapeutics; examples are:
1. Immune Boosting for Sleep Apnea
Help support the immune system in fighting infections, immune-mediated conditions, chronic disease, and cancer
- Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Immune Support
- VB4 Bully Multivitamin
- V4B Bully Fish Oil EFA immune-joint-skin
2. Improved Digestion for Bulldog Sleep Apnea
Help improve your bulldog’s digestion and elimination, increase fiber, improve motility, and prevent dysbiosis and leaky bowl
3. Calm and Relaxation for Bulldog Sleep Apnea
It can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm, naturally supporting restful sleep and relaxation.
Sleep Apnea in Bulldogs Prescription RX: ONDANSETRON
Ondansetron (Zofran), widely used for its anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties, has shown promise in helping bulldogs with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily.
As a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, Ondansetron helps regulate serotonin levels, which play a crucial role in maintaining normal airway function, particularly during sleep. By stabilizing serotonin levels, it can reduce airway narrowing and the frequency of apneas, improving airflow and making it easier for bulldogs to breathe.
🚨While this is an emerging area of research, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to discuss potential side effects and determine if Ondansetron is suitable for your dog. With proper use, it may help enhance sleep quality and overall respiratory health in bulldogs.
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
