HEALTH CARE AND AWARENESS
Cherry Eye: This common problem in Bulldogs is due to the extrusion of a gland that
normally stays under the lower eyelid at the inside corner of the eye. It appears as a
round, red mass. It looks terrible and should be surgically restored to its normal
position. (The gland should not be removed, however, as doing so can result in “dry
eye”, a painful and serious condition.)
Tear Stains: If your dog has white on his face around his eyes over time you may
find his face stained to red caused by the tears from the dog. This may be from the
coloring in the dog’s food he is eating or in some cases the dog itself will produce red
tears. It will happen on dark faced dogs also, but will be less noticeable. You can
use baby powder or whitening (tear removing) shampoos made for dogs to help
remove the stains.
Entropion: In this condition, which is common in Bulldogs, the lower (usually) eyelid
rolls inward and brings the lashes into direct contact with the cornea. It is very
irritating to the eye. Many dogs are born with entropion, but it can also be acquired
later in life as a result in corneal eye disease or other causes. One or both eyes can
be affected. Surgical treatment is the only cure, but it needs to be done by a
veterinarian experienced in the procedure.
Distichiasis: Stray eyelashes that are growing the wrong way inward. These may
be removed with tweezers or surgically and permanently frozen or removed.
Allergies: Like people, dogs suffer from various allergies. In most cases, allergic
reactions are annoying but not life-threatening. Several treatment options are
available, ranging from avoiding the allergen, to administering special shampoos and
oils, to dispensing medications. Check with your vet to determine the best option for
you and your Bulldog.
Elongated Soft Palate: All Bulldogs have an elongated soft palate, this is because
of the shape of their heads (i.e.: brachycephaic-short-nosed). In most cases this
causes nothing more than snoring, but in severe cases can possibly cause sever
difficulty breathing. Heat and exercise will cause loud gurgle breathing, (know as
roaring). The severity can range from loud breathing when excited, to regurgitation
of food to permanent breathing difficulties. The problem can be corrected with
surgery.
Sore Wrinkles: Bulldogs need care of the face area and the deep folds. Wipe their
faces with an unscented cloth or baby wipes. If needed apply diaper rash medicine in
between the wrinkles to help prevent and treat a rash called “facial fold dermatitis.”
Bone and Joint Disorders: Most Bulldogs, and indeed most dogs, will develop
some kind of joint disease during their lives that will usually appear as they grow
older. The Bulldog grows very fast and it is very important that you keep play
properly managed in the first 9 months. Hip displaysia can be encouraged by outside
factors such as slippery floors, jumping, and rough play. The majority of bulldogs do
not have hips and legs that fit together properly or what is called “loose joints.” Just
use common sense with your puppy on what he should or shouldn’t do.
Demodectic Mange: There are two forms of demodectic mange localized and
generalized. This is a fairly common skin disease that most generally affects
puppies. Bulldogs can have an outbreak due to puberty, stress or possibly something
they are allergic to in the environment where they live or the food in which they eat. A
skin scraping can be made to confirm the diagnosis. It can be treated relatively
easily.
Giardia: It is a microscopic organism that lives in water therefore also food. It is
the most common internal parasite of dogs. It attacks the intestinal tract, causing
diarrhea, pain, and vomiting. Sometimes the symptoms are so subtle the owner may
not be aware their dog is infected. This can be diagnosed with a special fecal test
and can be treated with a three day dose of panacur or in some cases the antibiotic
metramidazole may have to be used.
Coccidiosis: This is a diarrhea caused by a species of coccidian commonly found in
the feces of puppies and, occasionally, adult dogs. It is an opportunist and usually is
caused by the stress of shipping or overcrowding. It can be treated with antibiotics
such as Albon.
Diet: I feed Nutro Natural Choice “Lamb Meal and Rice” food. I have done a lot of
research on the best food for Bulldogs and have found this to be at the top of the list.
It is low in sodium, has no corn or wheat (lessens chances for allergies), has no by-
products, it has rice for its grain which is easy to digest (for the sensitive stomach of
the Bulldog), has glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain joint cartilage, highly
digestibility for smaller stool volume, high levels of linoleic acid and zinc for healthy
coats (they guarantee your dog will have a shinier coat). They have great breeder
and frequent buyer programs. Your puppy will come with a starter kit from Nutro.
For more information go to their website at www.nutroproducts.com
Supplements: I feed NuVet Plus supplements to my dogs and puppies. Giving your
puppy this supplement is a good insurance policy for their future health. This
supplement will decrease or eliminate the devastating effects of free radicals. Free
radicals have been implicated in over 50 diseases including allergies, skin disease,
arthritis, bursitis, cancer, heart problems, arteriosclerosis and cataracts in animals.
Water and Bulldogs: Most Bulldogs love water and will appreciate a small kiddie’s
pool for them to lay and cool off. However, most of them can’t swim at least 75% of
their total weight is concentrated in their heads, shoulders, and torso. So be cautious
around ponds or swimming pools with them.
Loud Noises: Most Bulldogs don’t like loud noises such as lawnmowers, four-
wheelers, vacuum cleaners, etc. and will want to run away. Be careful around them
until they become accustomed to them.
Overheated: One of the most important pieces of information to learn about
Bulldogs is that they can become overheated easily. The breed is very intolerant of
the heat. Keep them in a cool environment with plenty of water during the warm
months of the year. Don’t ever let them exert themselves when it is warm or humid.
Many Bulldogs are lost each year to heat exhaustion.
Thieves: Bulldogs are very lucrative prey for thieves; never allow your dog outside
unless he is on a leash or under your watchful eye. When outside make sure they
have a collar with identification on it. Having them micro chipped is another good
idea. Also beware of unreputable people calling themselves Bulldog breeders that will
try and scam you on the internet with fake pictures and a low selling price on a
puppy. They will try and have you send a money order and will not even have a
puppy to sale you.
IF YOU USE SOME COMMON SENSE AND BECOME EDUCATED ON BULLIES
YOU AND YOUR BULLDOTG WILL HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
FOR YEARS TO COME.
THE SAYING IS TRUE “ONCE YOU HAVE OWNED A BULLDOG NO OTHER DOG
WILL DO!!”
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