by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: January 04, 2010

Bull Terriers are fiercely loyal and devoted dogs that make wonderful pets for many people. They have unique looks with their egg-shaped heads, making them easily recognizable. Looks alone, however, shouldn't be the primary factor in a person's choice of dog breed to acquire. A person that is going to get a new dog should always educate themselves about the breed beforehand. Having a pet is a serious commitment and one that should be made for the life of the pet, whenever possible. Some things that are very important to know are the health problems that the breed you are considering is prone to. The following are some of the most common health problems that Bull Terriers, and their owners, have to deal with.

*Allergies-This breed can suffer numerous allergies, both airborne and food, as well as being particularly sensitive to fleas. Allergic reactions come out primarily in the skin, causing hot spots, rashes, and infection. Be sure to keep your Bull Terrier treated for flea and tick prevention at all times.

*Deafness-The same gene that makes these dogs primarily white in color often leads to hearing problems, from mild to severe. Some are completely deaf. Care should be taken with a deaf dog as they tend to be easily startled and may react unexpectedly at times.

*Epilepsy-This disease typically is seen by the time the dog is three years of age. It is very frightening for owners to witness their beloved animal in the seizures that epilepsy brings on, but there are treatments available that may help to control them in some cases. In other cases, however, the animal will not live for long. There are not currently any tests that can screen for this condition.

*Patellar Luxation-In a dog with patellar luxation, the kneecap will slip in and out of socket, causing discomfort or pain. This may be present at birth or develop over time.

*Acrodermatitis-This occurs when your dog is deficient in zinc. This will become obvious at the time of weaning, if not earlier. The signs include lesions between the toes, fits of temper, difficulty eating, abnormal gait, inability to wag tail, and slow rate of growth. Many dogs will not make it with this disorder and those that do should absolutely not be used in breeding as this is a genetic abnormality.

*Kidney Disease-This breed is susceptible to having underdeveloped kidneys or malfunctioning of the filters in the kidneys. This is very dangerous. It is recommended that the breed has simple urine protein testing done at least yearly so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

One of the jobs of a responsible pet owner of any breed or species is to ensure that the animal is kept in the best health possible. This includes regular vet checks and vaccinations, as well as watching for and attending to any signs of illness as soon as possible. The Bull Terrier deserves to have the most comfortable and happy life possible. He or she should be kept healthy and given plenty of love and attention. This will make for a very satisfied dog that you can enjoy a loving and loyal relationship with.

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