5 Things You Need to Know About English Bulldog Tongue

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English Bulldogs are famous for their look, with their wrinkles, pushed in nose and of course, their tongues that seem to have a life of their own. But just like the rest of their body, the tongue can be a window into their overall health. In this post we’ll go over 5 things you need to know about the English Bulldog tongue, what a healthy tongue looks like, symptoms of potential health issues and how to care for your bulldog’s tongue.

1. What does a healthy English Bulldog tongue look like?

A healthy English Bulldog tongue should be pink, moist and free of sores or discoloration. Just like humans, a dog’s tongue is an important organ for tasting, swallowing and regulating body temperature. For English Bulldogs, their tongue also helps to cool them down since their short snouts make them more prone to overheating.

Key features of a healthy English Bulldog tongue:

Color: A solid pink color with no dark spots or patches.
Texture: Smooth and moist, indicating proper hydration.
Odor: No foul smell. While bad breath is common in dogs, a smelly tongue might mean dental issues or infection.

Check your bulldogs tongue regularly. Any deviation from these healthy characteristics can be an early sign of underlying health issues.

2. English Bulldog tongue out: is it normal?

One of the most adorable and iconic behaviors of the English Bulldog is their tongue hanging out. This can be totally normal and is often due to their short snouts and jaw structure which may not have enough room to keep their tongues fully inside their mouths. This is sometimes called “tongue hanging syndrome” and is more a breed characteristic than a cause for concern.

However if your bulldog suddenly starts hanging their tongue out more than usual it’s worth investigating. Causes for this behavior are:

Heat Regulation: Bulldogs use their tongues to cool down. If your dog’s tongue is out more than usual it could be because they are overheating. Make sure they have access to water and a cool environment.
Dental Issues: Tooth pain or discomfort can cause a dog to stick their tongue out. Check for signs of gum disease, broken teeth or other oral health problems.
Neurological Conditions: Rarely a tongue that is constantly hanging out could mean nerve damage or neurological issues especially if accompanied by other symptoms like drooling or facial paralysis.

3. Why is my English Bulldog’s tongue turning black?

A healthy English Bulldog tongue should be pink but sometimes it can develop black or dark spots. In many cases these spots are just harmless pigmentation like freckles in humans and are often found in older dogs. But it’s important to distinguish between normal pigmentation and health issues.

Normal Pigmentation: Some Bulldogs may have black or dark blue spots on their tongues due to pigmentation. If these have been there since puppyhood and haven’t changed, they are fine.
Signs of Health Issues: If you see sudden changes in tongue color, like new black spots, get to the vet. Discoloration can mean:
- Oral Melanoma: A type of cancer that looks like dark spots or patches.
- Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause tongue color changes.
- Trauma: Tongue injury can cause bruising and black spots.

If you see new or changing dark spots, get to the vet to rule out serious issues.

4. English Bulldog Dry Tongue

An English Bulldog dry tongue is a problem, especially if it persists. A dry tongue is a sign of dehydration or other underlying health issues. Here are the common causes and solutions:

Dehydration: Bulldogs overheat due to their short snouts, which makes them less efficient at regulating body temperature. Make sure your bulldog has access to fresh water, especially in hot weather.
Mouth Breathing: English Bulldogs breathe through their mouths because of their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure. Occasional dryness is normal, but persistent dryness needs to be addressed.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can cause chronic dry mouth and tongue. If you see your bulldog’s tongue is dry and they’re drinking more or urinating more, get to the vet.
Saliva Production Issues: If your dog isn’t producing enough saliva, that can cause a dry tongue. Dental issues, meds or certain illnesses can reduce saliva production.

To keep your bulldog’s tongue healthy, encourage water intake and use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate. Moisturizing gels for dogs can also help with dryness.

5. English Bulldog Smelly Tongue: Causes and Solutions

A smelly tongue in English Bulldogs means dental problems, oral infections or gastrointestinal issues. A dog’s breath won’t always smell fresh, but a strong, persistent smell from the tongue means something’s amiss.

Dental Disease: Periodontal disease is common in English Bulldogs due to their crowded teeth and gum structure. Plaque, gingivitis or cavities can cause bad breath and a smelly tongue.
Oral Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections in the mouth can cause bad odors. Look for swelling, redness or pus around the gums and teeth.
Digestive Problems: Sometimes digestive issues show up as bad breath. If your dog’s tongue smells bad and they’re vomiting or having diarrhea, get to the vet.
Foreign Objects: Check if any foreign objects, like food particles or small sticks, are stuck in the mouth or between teeth, that can cause bad breath.

To maintain oral hygiene, regular brushing of your bulldog’s teeth is recommended. Dental chews, professional cleanings, and vet-approved mouthwashes can also help keep bad odors at bay.

What to Do if Your English Bulldog Has a Swollen Tongue

A swollen tongue in an English Bulldog is a red flag that can mean many things. You need to act fast to figure out what’s causing the swelling and get your pet the right care. Here’s what to do if you notice your English Bulldog has a swollen tongue:

1. Check the Tongue and Mouth

First, check your bulldog’s tongue and inside their mouth. Look for:

Color of the Tongue: Is the tongue still pink or has it turned darker, blue or purple? This could mean lack of oxygen or circulation problems.
Sores or Ulcers: Are there any cuts, sores, ulcers or growths that could be causing irritation and swelling.
Foreign Objects: Are there any small objects like splinters, food particles or toy pieces stuck in the tongue or throat area.

2. Look for Other Symptoms

Note any other symptoms your English Bulldog is showing. These could be clues to what’s causing the swollen tongue:

Difficulty Breathing: If your bulldog is panting, wheezing or having trouble breathing this could be a more serious issue like an allergic reaction or airway obstruction.
Excessive Saliva: Excessive drooling or saliva could be a response to pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat.
Changes in Eating or Drinking: If your dog won’t eat or drink or is having trouble swallowing this could be due to pain from the swollen tongue.

3. Check for Allergies or Insect Bites

A common cause of tongue swelling is an allergic reaction, often from insect bites, stings or exposure to certain plants or foods. If you think it’s an allergy:

Recent Activities: Has your dog been outside recently where they could have been bitten by bees, wasps or other insects?
Check for Stings or Bites: Look for signs of insect bites or stings around the mouth, face and tongue. Swelling might be accompanied by redness or a visible sting mark.
Diet: Think about any new foods, treats or medications your dog has had recently. Food allergies can cause tongue and mouth swelling.

Call a Vet Now

If you see a swollen tongue in your English Bulldog you need to call a vet ASAP. Swelling can get out of control fast and if it blocks breathing it can be serious. A vet will be able to:

Examine Your Dog: A full examination will help figure out what’s causing the swelling.
Treat Your Dog: Depending on what’s causing the swelling it may be antihistamines for an allergic reaction, anti-inflammatory meds, antibiotics if there’s an infection or other as needed.
Watch Your Dog: In severe cases, your dog may need to be monitored in a vet hospital to make sure the swelling doesn’t get worse and their breathing stays stable.

5. First Aid and Comfort Measures

While you wait to see the vet, here are a few things you can do to make your dog more comfortable:

Keep Your Dog Calm: Stress and anxiety can make breathing harder. Keep your dog in a quiet space.
Offer Cool Water: If your dog can drink, offer cool water which will help with mild swelling and keep them hydrated.
Don’t Apply Ice Directly: While cool water is good, applying ice directly to the tongue is not recommended as it could cause further irritation or injury.

6. Prevention and Ongoing Care

Once your dog has been treated for a swollen tongue, follow the vet’s advice on prevention and ongoing care:

Check-Ups: Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor your bulldog’s health and catch anything early.
Avoid Allergens: If an allergic reaction was the cause, avoid exposure to allergens. This may mean keeping your dog away from certain plants, insects or foods.
Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth and gums will help prevent infections that can cause swelling. Use dog toothpaste and brushes.

Conclusion: English Bulldog Tongue Care

The tongue of an English Bulldog is not just cute but a barometer of their overall health. Check your dog’s tongue regularly for changes in color, texture or smell and it’s a simple and effective way to monitor their well-being. Remember any significant changes like dryness, black spots or a foul smell and you need to get to the vet to rule out serious health issues.

By keeping your English Bulldog hydrated, good oral hygiene and monitoring their tongue for any abnormalities you can keep your furry friend happy, healthy and comfortable. So next time your bulldog’s tongue is out don’t just smile at the cuteness – take a closer look and make sure it’s as healthy as can be!