Lewis Hamilton’s Dog Health: A Comprehensive Look at Roscoe’s Journey and Advocacy

📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026

Lewis Hamilton’s dog health, particularly that of his beloved English Bulldog, Roscoe, has frequently been a topic of interest for fans and animal welfare advocates alike. As a prominent figure who often shares glimpses into his personal life, Hamilton has been open about the health challenges his canine companion has faced and the proactive measures he has taken to ensure Roscoe’s well-being. This article delves into Roscoe’s health journey, the specific issues associated with English Bulldogs, the tragic loss of Hamilton’s other dog, Coco, and the broader context of Hamilton’s passionate animal advocacy.

Roscoe’s Health Journey: From Ailments to a Vegan Lifestyle

Roscoe, an English Bulldog adopted by Lewis Hamilton in 2013, has been a constant and much-loved presence in the Formula 1 paddock and on Hamilton’s social media channels, amassing over 1.3 million followers on his own Instagram account. However, Roscoe’s life has not been without significant health hurdles, a common reality for the Bulldog breed. Early in his life, Roscoe reportedly suffered from various health issues, including skin allergies, swollen paws, arthritis, and breathing difficulties. These conditions are often linked to the breed’s distinctive physical characteristics.

A notable turning point in Roscoe’s health management came when Hamilton transitioned him to a fully vegan diet around 2020, following his own adoption of a plant-based lifestyle in 2017. Hamilton observed significant improvements in Roscoe’s health after this dietary change. He reported that Roscoe’s coat became much softer, his swollen paws healed, his arthritis pain reduced, and his breathing improved. Hamilton has expressed that Roscoe is now “like a different dog,” exhibiting more energy and no longer struggling as much with previous health issues. This positive transformation led Hamilton to invest in Bramble, a plant-based dog food brand, with Roscoe even taking on the role of ‘chief taste officer’.

Despite these improvements, Roscoe has recently faced severe health crises. In September 2025, Lewis Hamilton withdrew from a Pirelli tyre test to be by Roscoe’s side after the 12-year-old bulldog was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and struggled to breathe. During treatment, while under sedation for checks, Roscoe’s heart stopped. Veterinarians managed to restart his heart, but he was placed in a coma, with his condition initially uncertain. Hamilton shared emotional updates with his fans, asking for their thoughts and prayers as he stayed by his beloved dog’s side. Reports indicated that Roscoe’s trainer, Kirstin McMillan, also shared updates, confirming that Roscoe was receiving intensive veterinary care, including both conventional antibiotics and holistic methods like Chinese medicine and acupuncture, along with high-dose Vitamin C IV drops. Sadly, later reports indicated Roscoe passed away after losing his battle with pneumonia.

The Challenge of Bulldog Health: Understanding Breed-Specific Issues

The health struggles experienced by Roscoe are unfortunately not uncommon for English Bulldogs. This breed is predisposed to a range of genetic and conformational health problems due to their distinctive flat faces, stocky builds, and wrinkled skin. Key health concerns for English Bulldogs include:

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Their flattened snouts and narrowed nostrils can lead to significant breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Roscoe’s repeated bouts of pneumonia and struggle to breathe are directly related to this predisposition.
• Orthopaedic Problems: Bulldogs are prone to inherited conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, where joints do not develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and arthritis. Roscoe’s previous limping due to arthritis is a common manifestation of these issues.
• Skin Fold Dermatitis: The breed’s characteristic skin folds can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to skin infections and irritations if not properly cleaned. Roscoe’s history of skin allergies could be linked to this.
• Eye Conditions: Bulldogs often suffer from various eye problems such as cherry eye, entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), corneal ulcers, and dry eye, due to the structure of their head and protruding eyes.
• Cardiac Issues: Heart conditions can also affect Bulldogs, as evidenced by the tragic passing of Hamilton’s other bulldog, Coco.

These inherent vulnerabilities highlight the importance of diligent veterinary care, appropriate environmental management, and careful dietary considerations for Bulldog owners.

Coco Hamilton’s Legacy and Heartbreak

Lewis Hamilton’s life with dogs also included Coco, a six-year-old rescue bulldog who sadly passed away in June 2020. Hamilton shared his heartbreak on social media, revealing that Coco died at home in his arms after suffering a suspected heart attack. He tried to revive her, but it was to no avail.

Coco had been adopted by Hamilton in 2013, a few months after Roscoe, and despite being “born with so many problems,” she blossomed into a “bouncy, lazy loving dog”. Hamilton recounted that her breeder had initially considered putting her down due to the extensive health issues she faced. Her passing was particularly poignant as Hamilton noted she had enjoyed one of her happiest days just before her death. The loss of Coco underscored the emotional bond Hamilton shares with his dogs and highlighted the fragility of life, especially for breeds predisposed to health complications.

The Vegan Diet for Canine Companions: A Controversial Choice

Lewis Hamilton’s decision to feed Roscoe a vegan diet has generated considerable discussion. As a vegan himself since 2017, Hamilton is a vocal advocate for plant-based living, citing environmental, animal welfare, and health concerns. He believes adopting a vegan diet is crucial for the planet’s well-being and has frequently encouraged his followers to consider the benefits.

For Roscoe, Hamilton credits the vegan diet with remarkable health improvements, including better coat quality, healed paws, reduced arthritis pain, and improved breathing. He stated that Roscoe’s energy levels significantly increased. While some animal nutritionists have expressed caution, warning that meat-free diets for dogs can lead to deficiencies in vital vitamins if not properly formulated, recent studies and veterinary perspectives are evolving. An increasing number of studies suggest that well-planned plant-based diets can be safe and even beneficial for dogs, potentially leading to lower medication use and fewer health disorders. The British Veterinary Association, for instance, has updated its guidance to acknowledge that it is “possible” to feed dogs a meat-free diet, provided all nutritional needs are met. Hamilton’s investment in Bramble, a brand with vet-formulated plant-based products, aligns with this evolving understanding.

Lewis Hamilton’s Broader Animal Welfare Advocacy

Beyond his personal choices for Roscoe, Lewis Hamilton is a passionate and outspoken advocate for animal rights and welfare on a global scale. His commitment extends to various causes, often leveraging his significant social media platform to raise awareness and encourage action.

• Anti-Exploitation: Hamilton has actively spoken out against animal exploitation, including factory farming, shark finning, and the illegal wildlife trade. He has urged his followers not to support attractions that use animals for entertainment, such as dolphin shows.
• Environmental Impact of Diet: He frequently highlights the environmental consequences of meat consumption, pointing to the role of the meat and dairy industries in deforestation, animal cruelty, and climate degradation.
• Donations and Support: In 2020, he donated $500,000 to support wildlife rescue efforts during the Australian bushfires. He has also been praised by organizations like PETA for his activism and was named PETA’s Person of the Year in 2018 for his advocacy.
• Direct Challenges: Hamilton is not afraid to directly challenge practices he views as cruel. He famously blocked UFC fighter Jon Jones on social media and called him a “coward” for posting a video of shooting a pig from a helicopter, asserting that animals should have a chance to fight back. He has also called on Mercedes to eliminate leather from their products. For more information on his extensive animal welfare work, one can refer to Lewis Hamilton’s Wikipedia page, which details his veganism and activism.

Hamilton’s advocacy reflects a deep personal connection to animals, exemplified by his bond with Roscoe and his efforts to ensure his dog lives the healthiest life possible.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Care for Roscoe

Roscoe’s recent health complications and eventual passing highlight the ongoing challenges of caring for a Bulldog, especially as they age. At 12 years old, Roscoe was considered an “old boy”, and older dogs, particularly those with breed-specific predispositions, often require enhanced veterinary care and management. The multi-faceted approach taken by Hamilton’s team, combining conventional medicine with holistic therapies like acupuncture, underscores the dedication required to support a pet with complex health needs.

Even with the reported benefits of his vegan diet, the inherent anatomical limitations of English Bulldogs mean that conditions like respiratory issues remain a significant concern. Lewis Hamilton’s openness about Roscoe’s health serves as a reminder to all pet owners about the responsibilities of pet ownership, the importance of proactive health management, and the emotional impact that our animal companions have on our lives. His continued advocacy also inspires a broader conversation about animal welfare and ethical considerations in diet and lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

Lewis Hamilton’s dog health journey, particularly through the life and loss of Coco and the ongoing care for Roscoe, offers a poignant insight into the deep bond between humans and their pets. While Roscoe thrived for many years on a vegan diet, which Hamilton credits with significantly improving several chronic conditions, his battle with pneumonia in his senior years underscores the inherent health vulnerabilities of the English Bulldog breed. Hamilton’s unwavering dedication to Roscoe’s well-being, evidenced by his personal commitment during health crises and his broader advocacy for animal rights, reinforces his status not just as a sporting icon, but also as a passionate voice for the voiceless. The story of Roscoe and Coco serves as a powerful testament to the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership and the profound impact animals have on our lives.