1/2 year old bulldog, weezes constantly and his breathing is noisy? Is this normal? New to this breed?

Question

Is this breed always noisy and loud when they breath, this is constant with this dog, please help, we just got him for our son and I know nothing about this breed.

Answer 1

I'm assuming your dog is an English Bulldog, in which case this answer might be a little longer than you've bargained for. :)

English Bulldogs are brachycephalic - meaning they have those "smooshy faces". The squished nose often has compacted nasal passages and the nostril holes themselves can be quite narrow and restrictive when it comes to inhaling. Sometimes this is severe enough to warrant widening the holes to create more room for air to enter.

Most of the reason those sweet little bullies are so loud when they breathe is attributed to their soft palate. Often times, it's too long, hanging down into the breathing passage and causing sounds similar to snores. They can suffer some neurological paralysis to the palate or the flaps further down in the throat that can obstruct the airways and make some serious noise.

It can be problematic for the dog, especially in a young puppy who wants to do nothing but run and play (exercise = breathing hard = needs more air = dang those airway obstructions). Some dogs need a surgical intervention to either tie back those paralyzed flaps or shorten the soft palate and open the throat, but it's less than half who require this extra help. Usually, the biggest issues associated with the breed are chronic skin infections (especially around those wrinkles in the face and neck - they have to be kept clean and dry!) and arthritis associated with that funky little build they have.

I hope this helps you out a little - feel free to drop me an email if you have any other questions (I'm trying not to take up more room than I already have). I dig the little bulldogs and their sweet personalities. I hope your little guy is doing well and doesn't have too difficult a time.

Answer 2

This is, to some extent, normal. However, Bulldogs also, often, have airway problems which need correction. You need to see a vet who is experienced with the breed, as soon as possible. They may very well advise that you, as a team, should simply keep an eye on the condition for awhile to see if subsides somewhat as the dog matures and becomes more comfortable and relaxed in your home. Or they may recommend additional intervention. The accompanying links may shed some light on the breed for you, and there are also others. This is not a dog who will be going for long walks, playing hard, or going out in the sun with you. They're just not built for exercise or heat.
If you did not research the breed before acquiring the dog; and you find that this is not what you signed on for, please contact a reputable Bulldog rescue organization, rather than trying to rehome the dog yourself, or bringing him to a shelter. Hopefully, however, you and your dog are a match made in heaven, and none of the above will be necessary!

Answer 3

As an experienced bulldog breeder, the answer is YES. Most bulldogs have short breathing canals and tend to have noisy breathing. But take him to your vet who is familiar with bulldogs. He may need to have soft palate surgery. Buying a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder is the best way to start. I will check out 20-30 litters before buying a new bulldog. If you have more questions, you can call me anytime at: 775-233-2200. Frank

Answer 4

Since bulldogs have been bred to have a very short snout, all of their sinuses and nasal passages have been truncated. Most bulldogs snore and snort. Some will have major breathing problems because of the inbreeding to get that snout so pushed in. Loud breathing is normal. And you're going to have to wipe between all those folds of skin to keep him healthy (they can get skin problems from chafing and stuff collecting in their skin folds). They are a LOT of work. If you haven't already, take him to the vet to make sure his heavy breathing is only due to his anatomy and not something else. You might want to do a web search for a bulldog forum too--get to talk to people who keep bulldogs to find out the inside scoop on the best care for your new dog.

Answer 5

Please go to the site I have listed. These breeds are prone to breathing problems. To be sure what is causing this, you will need to see a vet. Some just have a nontreatable problem that causes them to breath as your dog is, which may not be serious.
The site I listed will explain a lot about your bulldog and it's characteristics and the nature of it's breathing difficulties.

http://bulldogdomain.com/health/breathing.php

Best to you with your new pet.

Answer 6

Yes, I believe it is. That's because their nose is flat against against their face. I've never had a bull dog, but I think their breathing can become a life-threatening situation for them if they are outside in the heat and they get overheated. Do a little research using the American Kennel Club web site. It gives characteristics of the breed, etc. Good luck.

Answer 7

Weezes

Answer 8

Most short snouted, snub nosed breeds of dogs do have the wheezing and snort problems. I wouldnt worry about it too much. Just learn to recognize your pet's breathing noises and patterns as to what is normal for him or her so you can detect any possible problems later on whereby he or she would need to see a vet.

Answer 9

he could have kennel cough or he may have swallowed something large (my dog swallowed a work glove once and we didn't know what was wrong when he was weezing untill he barfed it up) (i know, gross, but i'm just trying to help!) you should take him to the vet though if this lasts too long. I know bulldogs do breath kinda noisily but I don't know how bad your dog is.

Answer 10

It's very common for Bulldogs to have breathing problems, some have small windpipes as well.