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My English bulldog has labored breathing & crusty nose. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Bulldog | Male | neutered | 45 lbs

My approximately 2 year old English bulldog constantly seems to be straining for breath. He doesn't seem able to breathe out of his nose and his waist moves due to the labored breathing and him trying to get air. His nose is constantly hard and crusty even though I have tried every remedy to help with this. It just seems like he is never able to catch his breathe and constantly pants. Please let me know what I should do, I will be taking him to the vet in 2 days once they are open.. suggestions?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Sarah Derksen, DVM

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2018

Hi. I am sorry to hear that biggie Paws is having trouble breathing. Unfortunately breathing issues can become an emergency very quickly. Bulldogs do tend to have trouble breathing due to their synotic nares an elongated soft palate. In addition, if they are overweight that contributes even further to breathing problems. If he is actually struggling to breathe, I would recommend you take him to the ER rather than waiting until Monday. He may have an upper respiratory infection, a heart condition, or the respiratory issues that this breed has have become extreme for him. The ER veterinarian will do an examination, and probably some chest x-rays to see if there is any heart condition or primary lung issue. That will help lead us to the correct diagnosis and treatment. There are surgical interventions for the stenitic nares an elongated soft palate that this breed has. That may be in his future if that is what the cause is for his breathing at this time. Good luck and I hope he feels better soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 9th, 2020

    I would be concerned if this behavior continues for more than a few moments. Check his gum and tongue color. Make sure he's pink. If not, it's 100% an emergency. Bulldogs can be extremely prone to respiratory disease. If this behavior continues I would get him to an emergency veterinarian right away.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why is my bulldog snorting, gagging, and struggling to breathe?
English bulldogs can suffer from an large array of upper respiratory issues affecting both its inner and outer portions. In this case, you may be referring to an issue known as stenotic nares. This is a term to describe the narrowing of the nasal openings. In some cases, surgical intervention is required to avoid respiratory distress episodes in these fellas. I would recommend having Alfie's nasal structure assessed to see if this could potentially be necessary. Hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My 4-year-old English bulldog is wheezing constantly. What should I do?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Abnormal breathing sounds can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. Given his breed, this can also be brachycehalic syndrome though that typically presents in a different way. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good night!
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Vet Q & A
Why is my new English bulldog puppy gagging with nose drainage?
Hello. It sounds like Bayern has a pretty good upper respiratory infection. The breeder should never have sent him home with you being sick. I would make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible to have the puppy examined. This is very important, especially for a breed that can normally have issues with breathing. I hope all is well soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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Vet Q & A
My English Bulldog has a snotty nose post-surgery. Is it an emergency?
Poor Henry! While this may be caused by an upper respiratory infection from having an endotracheal tube placed for surgery to keep his airways open to breathe, it may be unrelated. Henry may have kennel cough, or even something more serious like pneumonia. Unfortunately, these conditions require treatment with antibiotics, which are likely different from the ones he may have been given post surgery. If Henry is eating and playing normally, and just overall being his normal self, it is likely okay to wait until tomorrow morning to have him seen. Because of Henry’s breed, and him having a shortened airway, I do recommend that he is seen by an emergency vet if you are concerned that he is unable to breathe properly. This is an emergency in all dogs, but in breeds like pugs, bulldogs, etc it is important to have them stabilized as soon as possible. I’m happy to answer any addition questions you may have!
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Vet Q & A
My dog has a crusty, dry nose and noisy breathing. What's the cause?
Poor Thunder. He likely has an upper respiratory infection going on. Infectious disease (i.e. Distemper) are also possible if he is also acting unwell. I would highly recommend taking Thunder to your local vet by morning for a good thorough exam and auscultation of his lungs to ensure his lower airway isn't affected as well. Best case scenario, he will need a short of antibiotics to get him back to normal. Best wishes with Thunder and his care moving forward. Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my bulldog panting hard, not moving, and ears pulled back?
Bulldogs can get overheated very easily and this can lead to painting. Other more serious causes of continuous panting are internal problems (i.e. embolism, primary lung disease, heart failure, etc). I would recommend taking him to your nearest veterinarian if he continues panting for more than 30 minutes or so or if the panting is seriously debilitating and putting him in distress. Also if his tongue turns blue this is considered a very serious emergency and he should be taken in right away. You can offer his some water, but if he refuses don't force him. Also make sure he is in a nice cool place that is free from stress or commotion to help him calm down. Bulldogs have a hard time breathing under normal circumstances, so the less stimulation the better.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My senior bulldog with pneumonia is restless & panting. Is it serious?
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would monitor the color of his gums and if they are not pink and are dark in color I would get him seen sooner rather than later. If you think he is in respiratory distress it would be best to have him examined to ensure his lungs are clear. If you think his gum color looks ok and he is otherwise doing ok, I would consider placing a humidifier next to him to see if this helps. If this does not help and he continues to have an increased respiratory rate I would rather you get him examined by a veterinarian and not wait any longer.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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