Four-year-old Bulldog Bonny arrived at Battersea when her previous owner could sadly no longer look after her. Bonny quickly charmed everyone with her affectionate nature.
She was treated for several breed specific health issues, before finding a loving home with new owner Freya and her partner.
They adore Bonny but knew that taking on a flat-faced breed would be a huge commitment, as Bonny requires extra care to keep her healthy.
While at Battersea, vets diagnosed Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and performed surgery to help Bonny breathe more easily, and her tightly wound screw tail was amputated to prevent infection. Bonny is also prone to ear infections and has chronic skin allergies, worsened by her facial skin folds.
Freya explained:
“We're very conscious about keeping Bonny fit, so there isn't extra strain on her breathing. In warmer weather, we do early morning and late evening walks.”
Bonny has a rigorous healthcare routine to keep her feeling her best. She is on long term medication for her skin and has weekly medicated baths.
“Bonny loves her baths, so we've happily continued them since rehoming her. We also use wipes on her paws and skin folds and clean her ears to prevent infections.”
Bonny is a much-loved part of her new family, but Freya is keen that anyone considering getting a flat-faced dog does their research and learns about the potential health and financial implications:
“It’s a lifelong commitment and unfortunately, rescues see a lot of flat-faced breeds due to them having higher medical costs than people might expect, so if you can, choose rescue.”
Thanks to Freya’s dedication, Bonny continues to thrive.
