Bulldogs World

Definitely genetics are the biggest percentage of a long, healthy life for our pets (and us too) but I think the quality and appropriateness of the food we give them plays a big part too. The dogs are fed out of stainless steel, ceramic or glass bowls, never plastic. Our well water if run thru a series of filters and the water we and the dogs drink is further purified by a Reverse Osmosis system. Enough exercise to keep their bodies and minds active and alert helps, as does a loving, secure home.

Good Vet care goes a long way, but be cautious of over medicating, over vaccinating, etc. I don't think dogs don't need yearly vaccinations, too many compromise their immune system and have a degenerative effect. Natural flea/tick protection works well so you don't need to use monthly topicals or other poisons that can cause adverse reactions.

Another thing is the environment the dogs are in - how healthy and chemical free it is. Something I avoid is any lawn treatments, no pesticides, no fertilizer, no herbicides. My lawn might not be the greenest or most weed free on my street, but I'm not poisoning my dogs with nasty chemistry either. I especially avoid these types of chemicals since I breed my dogs and worry of the culmative effect on successive generations. My floors are tile, my rugs are either cotton or wool, no polyester or other unpronouncable things. Cleaning products are a balance of what works and what is safest for the dogs, I like to use natural cleaners whenever possible.

Here are photos of my senior girl Ruby, she will be 9 years old in early January, she was 7-1/2 in the photos.

You know my Bully, Sissy is only 5 but my German Shepherd, Thor turned 10 earlier this month so he's definitely a senior. Thor came from a backyard breeder, an accidental breeding of two dogs under a year old at that. No certifications, no showing, no working, just two random GSD's. I only started feeding him quality dog food a few years ago, before that he ate the store brands (Pedigree). I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and in that time the only serious problem he's ever had was a period of about a year where he kept developing urinary tract crystals and after spending thousands at the vet, I found out on the internet that giving him apple cider vinegar daily would regulate his system and prevent them. It's been three years since then and no problems. He tires a bit quicker than he used to and has a gray muzzle, but other than that he's still full of "piss and vinegar". So I don't know if it's been luck, genetics, or what but I've been fortunate that he's doing well at his age.

I dont' mean to sound flip, but I think that genetics and luck have a lot to do with a bulldog living a long life. Maybull will be 12 in January and we have fed her expensive food, given her exercise and taken her to the vet whenever anything (anything!) seemed wrong. That said, when I was growing up, we had two bulldogs, one who lived until she was 12 (despite an early bout with cancer) and the other until he was 13-years old.

Back there, there weren't any fancy dog foods, just the cheap canned stuff and the not so cheap canned stuff. No one knew about special diets. We did, however, take them to the vets whenever anything went wrong and spent the money on whatever treatment was necessary. Other than that, I think luck and genetics were the most important factors.

Stella has been a big, fat mess health wise, pretty much her whole life.  And yet here she is at 11 1/2 and still kicking.

I think genetics has a lot to do with it - and being an obsessed bully mom who reacts to every little thing.  Her conditions rarely get critical before I bring her in...