As they say: a dog is man’s best friend.’ Although this statement is quite true, some breeds tend to be better companions than others. One of the best furry friends that you can acquire is the English Bulldog.
This breed is loyal, relaxed, and loves running around the house to have fun. With all the advantages of having this dog as a pet, it is vital that you know how to take proper care of it.
You have come to the right place as this guide shall provide you with simple tips and advice on how to take care of an English Bulldog.
Keep on reading this piece to find out more.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Acquiring an English Bulldog
Before you make up your mind to be an English Bulldog owner, several things should always be at your fingertips. We have discussed them below in detail.
I) They are Prone to Food Allergies
The first thing you need to know is that bulldogs tend to have a lot of food allergies, and it may take a lot of your time and money to deal with the problem effectively. This implies that finding the right food will involve a lot of trial and error, translating to a lot of money being spent.
It would be wise if you made a point of always reading the label to know which ingredients are in the food and which you should avoid. For instance, bulldogs are allergic to grains, while others do not cope well with poultry by-products and potatoes.
You should also be aware of the common symptoms of food allergies, and they are:
- Regular licking of paws
- Gas
- Ear inflammation
- Itchy skin
- Chronic diarrhea
If you notice any of the above signs, you should consider switching to a new diet. Alternatively, this should also tell you that maybe your dog needs a special diet.
II) The Dog Requires a Clean Tail Pocket
In case you don’t know, a tail pocket is a part just below the dog’s tail and above the bum. This section can either be shallow or deep and can easily collect a lot of dirt, which would expose your pet to numerous infections.
The pockets could develop when the canine is still a puppy or when it has fully developed into an adult bulldog. Whichever the case, it needs regular cleaning and should remain dry to avoid breeding yeast or bacteria.
Avoid using items like baby wipes which would leave moisture in the pocket. Instead, you should go for cleansers with drying agents to keep the area entirely dry.
You should also lookout for signs of infection such as discoloration and drainage. If the infection sets in fully, treating the condition can be complicated due to the pocket’s location.
III) Bulldogs can Develop Cherry Eye
The cherry eye is a prolapsed gland of the eyelid, and we can attribute it to a congenital weakness in the gland’s attachment to the eye. This gland is the tear-producing one in the third eyelid and can appear as a red or pink lump in the corner of the eye.
It may spook you out, but you do not have to visit the vet to put it back in place. You could use a few eye drops and a warm compress to reduce the inflammation before massaging the area downward and back into place.
IV) Wrinkle Care is Necessary
It is crucial that you clean and dry your bulldog’s wrinkles daily lest they develop yeast infections, or get inflamed, which would create an uncomfortable situation for your dog.
If the bulldog has face wrinkles and its eyes start watering for various reasons, the water would drain into the creases and create the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. This is particularly so if the wrinkles are extra deep.
You can keep wrinkles clean by either using baby wipes, soap and water, and cotton balls, and witch hazel. Lastly, anti-fungal treatments could help you deal with fungal and yeast infections.
Taking Care of Your English Bulldog
We shall now give you a few pointers on how you can provide proper care for your English Bulldog so that he offers you the loyal companionship you were hoping for.
1. Attention
If you provide this breed with love and attention, he will turn out to be very loyal and loving to you and everyone else in your household. And if you go for walks and exercises, lookout for signs of tiredness such as sprawling on the ground and refusing to move.
2. Provide Proper Air Conditioning
English Bulldogs do not cope well with extreme temperatures. So, ensure your house has proper conditioning to ensure that it does not get too hot or too cold. This would help avoid any health complications from cropping up.
3. Regular Exercise and Hydration
You should train your bulldog regularly so that he does not become obese, and give him lots of water after the session.
4. Train Him to Follow Commands
You should teach your canine to follow basic commands such as come, sit, and stay, while house training is also important. Further, you should use positive reinforcement in training, like rewarding him when he follows your instruction.
Avoid using punishments so that the dog would be excited about the upcoming session.
5. Lookout for Ear Infections
Since the English Bulldog is prone to ear infections, you should regularly clean the ears and examine them at least twice a month for anything out of the ordinary.
Use a cotton swab moistened with some warm water and oil to clean the ears, while if you notice a foul odor from the ears or change in skin color, consult your vet for directions.
6. Clip the Nails
As you clip the nails to their ideal length, always have some clotting powder nearby in case you accidentally cut into the pet’s nerves or blood vessels.
Closing Remark
You cannot go wrong by choosing the English Bulldog to be your furry companion at home due to its loving and fun nature. So, it is crucial that you take proper care of him to remain in perfect health for the longest time. We hope that the tips we have provided you in our article will be helpful for you in ensuring that your bulldog remains clean and healthy as he gives you the companionship you were looking for.
