The Senior Bulldog
The same trend as seen in humans and improved health care is also becoming noticed with Bulldogs and improved veterinary care. Still, old bullies, just like old people, experience many changes as they age and many bodily functions begin to slow down. Starting when a Bulldog is about 6 years old, an annual physical exam and lab work is recommened to help detect problems early, before they become serious. Since kidney problems are a leading cause of illness in senior bulldogs, early detection and treatment is particularly important. Also, the bullie's metabolism may begin to slow down or change the digestive's tract ability to absorb different kinds of food, resulting in the need to adjust food intake to maintain healthy weight or feed a special diet. Older Bulldogs often develop arthritis, due to their special bone and joint structure, earlier than other breeds. Although diminished vision and hearing are also common, owners need to understand that the Bulldog adapts well to gradual sensory losses, so the changes may be difficult to detect at first.
In one survey conducted in 2004, the oldest bulldog was 17 years old! This is quite an unusually long life for a bulldog. An average lifespan for a healthy Bulldog is about 10-12 years, so owners who are lucky enough to have their Bullies live a long healthy life are usually more than willing to provide the extra attention and care an elderly Bulldog deserves.
In one survey conducted in 2004, the oldest bulldog was 17 years old! This is quite an unusually long life for a bulldog. An average lifespan for a healthy Bulldog is about 10-12 years, so owners who are lucky enough to have their Bullies live a long healthy life are usually more than willing to provide the extra attention and care an elderly Bulldog deserves.
