For those who seek to own a Bull Terrier, it would be prudent to know the common health issues associated with this breed. The owner of a Bull Terrier may have to deal with these health issues on a day-to-day basis and also make preparations in case they occur in the future. A Bull Terrier's lifespan may range from 10-12 years, but it may live longer if the owner is conscious of the serious health issues that may put his Bull Terrier at risk. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetics, or degenerative conditions. The following are health issues that are commonly related to a Bull Terrier.

Deafness

First, Bull Terrier puppies should be checked for deafness, as it is a common health issue for pure white or albino dogs. However, this is very difficult to notice, especially in relatively young puppies.

Skin problems

Most Bull Terriers also have a tendency to develop skin allergies. Insect bites from fleas, mosquitoes. or mites can produce generalized allergic responses such as hives, rashes, and itching. This may be prevented by keeping your Bull Terrier away from places where it comes into contact with such insects. Bull Terriers are also prone to Acne.

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

Examples of obsessive compulsive behavior in Bull Terriers are tail chasing, self-mutilation, and obsessive licking. This condition is more psychological than medical, and your vet can give you advice on how to prevent or cure this condition.

Bull Terrier Kidney Disease

It is widely believed that kidney disease is brought about or hastened by feeding processed foods, especially dried foods. Try to keep processed foods to a minimum.

Other issues

Other common health problems may occur with regard to bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ears, eyes, teeth and mouth. More serious issues can relate to the digestive system, heart and respiratory systems, immune and blood system, reproductive and urinary systems. Serious issues should be made known to a vet as early as possible. Bull Terriers are especially prone to heart problems, hereditary zinc deficiency, and patellar luxation.

How to take better care of your Bull Terrier's health

Prevention is definitely better than cure. It is better to detect and treat any early signs of potential dog health problems to ensure the well-being of your pet. Observe your dog closely, as this will alert you about changes in normal behavior and warn you that something is amiss. Suspicions of ill health can be confirmed with a straightforward checkup for the dog.

A sure way of prevention is, of course, vaccination. Vaccinations may be for puppies or for older dogs. For puppies, common vaccinations include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies, and bordetella. Keep in mind, however, that vaccination is only for healthy dogs, and not for those that are already ill. For serious health conditions, it is always best to consult a vet.

In conclusion, health care of your Bull Terrier is definitely an issue that cannot be avoided. Resolving these problems can prove costly, and in some instances, owners have considered obtaining dog health insurance.

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