How to Keep Your Squishy-Face Pneumonia-Proof
Pneumonia in bulldogs and French bulldogs is way more common than in most other breeds.
Why? Because our adorable flat-faced babies come with someā¦ special edition features. The good news? […]
Many cases are preventableāespecially when caught early.
Letās break down the Top 3 Causes of pneumonia in bulldogs
#1: Pneumonia Due To BOAS
ā The Big huff & puff Trouble Maker
BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is the Queen Bee of bulldog respiratory issues.
BOAS makes it harder for bulldogs to breathe and more likely for them to
- retch
- reflux
- regurgitate
- and vomit
And all that ācoming back upā can get aspirated (inhaled) into the lungs, leading to pneumonia
Pneumonia due to BOAS is likely to worsens with age and is associated with increased chest and abdominal pressure, as well as an increase of your bulldog vasovagal tone.
If your bulldog sounds like Darth Vader doing CrossFit, BOAS is waving hello.
š Learn more about Bulldog BOAS, symptoms, prevention, and treatment ā click HERE
#2 Pneumonia Due to MegaesophagusĀ
The āFood Pocketā Regurgitation Problem
Megaesophagus means part of your dogās esophagus becomes stretched out like a little pouch. Food collects there instead of sliding smoothly into the stomach.
And what happens next? It comes right back up.
Regurgitated food = major risk for aspiration pneumonia.
What Causes Bulldog Megaesophagus?
Most often megaesophagus is due to chronic esophagitis, usually caused by:
- Long-term reflux (often tied to BOAS)
- Hiatal hernia
- Bulldog GERD (yesā¦ they get it too!)
So when your bulldog āspits upā without warning, thatās not being naughty ā it may be megaesophagus warning.
š Learn more about Bulldog Megaesophagus, symptoms, prevention, and treatment ā click HERE
#3: Pneumonia due to Post-Anesthesia Complications
ā A Big One for Bulldogs
Hereās something many bulldog moms donāt know, Not all veterinary anesthesia protocols are bulldog-friendly.
Bulldogs have unique anatomy, and if pre-op, anesthesia, and recovery protocols arenāt tailored to the breed, things can go downhill FAST.
What Cause Anesthetic Pneumonia?
- Laryngeal edema
- Airway collapse
- Regurgitation
Pneumonia Warning: Some vets recommend elective surgeries (like spay/neuter) before addressing BOAS, which can be risky and sometimes catastrophic.
If the bulldog airway isnāt optimized first, anesthesia can become a dangerous event rather than a routine one.
š Learn more about Bulldog Anesthesia Safetyā click HERE
Summary ā Bulldog Pneumonia Must Know
- Life Threatening: Pneumonia in bulldogs, is common, serious, and expensive
- BOAS Related: It often starts with BOAS-related reflux and aspiration
- Preventable: Is largely preventable
How Best To Prevent Bulldog Pneumonia?
- Address BOAS early in life
- Avoid unnecessary anesthesia
- When anesthesia is needed, choose a veterinarian who follows bulldog-specific anesthetic protocols
- Monitor for reflux, regurgitation, or sudden breathing changes
š Learn more about Bulldog Pneumonia, symptoms, prevention, and treatment ā click HERE
Trusted by Vets ~ Recommended by Owners ~ Approved by Bulldogs
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