English bulldog care 6 things you should know

The English Bulldog is known by various names like bull dog, English Bull dog, and Bulldog. It’s a popular breed in England, considered their national symbol. In Vietnam, these dogs are commonly raised in urban areas due to their moderate size, making them suitable for small apartments and townhouses. Let’s find out with Petlandlove!

Learn about the ancient English Bulldog breed

In the 13th century, bull dogs made their debut in England during the popular sport of bull-baiting, where dogs would attack bulls. To excel in this sport, the British developed the Old English Bulldog breed with a sturdy build, low center of gravity, and powerful jaws that once clamped down, wouldn’t let go.

Their unique facial structure allowed them to breathe easily while holding on tight, and their wrinkled skin protected them from injuries during fights. With wide shoulders for stability, they were well-equipped for the intense matches against bulls.

As bullfighting declined and eventually got banned in the early 20th century, the aggressive nature of Bull dogs made them unsuitable as pets. To save the breed from extinction, breeders focused on creating a more compact and friendly version, suitable for noble families.

Characteristics of the English Bulldog.

Character

The English Bulldog is not a very active dog breed and doesn’t require daily jogs due to their tendency to get tired easily. Their unique body structure, with a heavy build, short snout, and flat face, makes them vulnerable to overheating, especially in high temperatures. Unlike dogs with longer noses, English Bulldogs have a harder time releasing heat, putting them at a higher risk of heat stroke.

These dogs are not big barkers and aren’t the best at keeping the house tidy, but they are incredibly friendly towards people and other animals. Despite their serious appearance, they provide a sense of comfort and security. However, their wrinkled skin can make them prone to skin issues as these folds create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms.

The tail is curled

One unique characteristic of Bulldogs is their curly tails. Sometimes, the tail can curl into the skin, leading to sores that may require medical intervention. On a more positive note, some Bulldogs simply have cute little twisted tails. However, due to this quirky tail shape, it’s common for dirt and debris to get caught in it.

To prevent any issues with the tail, it is recommended to have the Bulldog puppy’s tail removed. This can be done either shortly after birth or when the puppy is around 1 month old. It’s best to do it as early as possible to avoid complications, as the tail artery becomes larger as the puppy grows, making it harder to control bleeding.

Is the English Bulldog right for you?

Before deciding to bring an English Bulldog into your life, it’s important to consider the following questions:

1. Do you have the time and energy to engage in playtime and training with a Bulldog?
2. Are you aware of the costs involved in purchasing and selling English Bulldog puppies?
3. Do you have the financial means to invest in a purebred Bulldog without mixing breeds?
4. Can you afford the expensive specialized diet that Bulldogs require?
5. If your Bulldog falls ill, are you prepared and willing to provide the necessary care and treatment?

These questions will help you determine if owning an English Bulldog is the right choice for you.

Dangerous foods for English Bulldogs

There are several foods that can be dangerous for dogs, so it’s important to be aware of them:

• Grapes: These fruits can be harmful to not only English Bulldogs but all breeds of dogs. Both fresh grapes and raisins can cause severe irritation in dogs, with allergies being common. Raisins tend to have a quicker effect than fresh grapes.
• Aloe vera: While this plant is commonly used for its ornamental purposes, if dogs ingest or lick the resin from freshly applied aloe vera, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Their urine may also appear a different color than usual.
• Avocado: While humans enjoy the benefits of avocado, even a small amount of the fruit can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues in dogs.
• Ibuprofen: Once used as an antibiotic for dogs, Ibuprofen is now known to be a major cause of epilepsy in dogs, which can be fatal. It can also result in kidney failure, bad breath, abdominal pain, anemia, vomiting, and drowsiness. It is crucial to never give medication meant for humans to puppies.

Common diseases in English Bulldogs

This breed of dog is not considered to be very healthy. Without proper care starting at a young age, their life expectancy will be quite short. Despite not requiring much physical activity, they do thrive on social interaction. If you struggle with communication, it’s best to avoid getting this particular breed of dog.

Inflammation of wrinkles

We can all agree that the wrinkles on Bulldogs are what give them their unique and adorable look. However, these cute folds can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cared for. The culprits behind this are things like eye fluid, sweat, saliva, and leftover bath water on their face.

When these wrinkles get infected, it can make your Bulldog very uncomfortable, leading to irritability and uncooperativeness. Treating the infection can be tricky due to the difficulty in controlling fluids from the eyes and nose. That’s why it’s crucial to keep those wrinkles clean and dry to prevent any issues.

By knowing how to properly care for your Bulldog, you can take proactive steps to avoid inflammation or infections in their facial wrinkles.

Suppurative interdental inflammation of the toenail

The main issue is caused by bacteria and fungi that penetrate deep into the skin and hair follicles, leading to a range of symptoms from mild to severe.

Symptoms may include:

• Feather loss
• Redness and irritation
• Pus or blood discharge

When Bulldogs experience discomfort, they may lick or bite the affected area, worsening the wound. To treat suppurative interdigital pyoderma, follow these steps:

1. Soak the Bulldog’s feet in water for 5-10 minutes to clean dirt and pus, repeating 2-3 times a day. Then, dry thoroughly.
2. Clean the affected area with a disinfectant solution.
3. Apply topical antibiotics.
4. Use a gauze bandage, socks, or Elizabethan collar to prevent the Bulldog from touching the inflamed area.

For more severe cases, consult a veterinarian who may prescribe oral antibiotics and ointments. In extreme situations, surgery may be necessary to remove irreversibly damaged tissue.

Cherry eye

This condition involves inflammation and swelling of the third eyelid, leading to changes in its function. It can cause itching and discomfort, making it hard to sleep as the eyes cannot close properly. In Vietnam, the common treatment is to remove the third eyelid quickly.

However, in other countries, removal is only done in severe cases. The disease has a poor outlook and can result in blindness. For milder cases, surgery is performed to reposition the third eyelid and secure it in place, as the lacrimal gland responsible for tear production is located in the eyelid.

Other diseases

Vomiting and diarrhea are common issues for English Bulldogs, but most dogs can recover within a day. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if your dog shows signs of fatigue, mood changes, or bloody stools, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly.

Redness on your dog’s skin is often caused by insect bites, mites, or dermatitis. Keep the area where your dog rests clean and seek advice from a professional. Regularly cleaning your home and dog’s belongings can help prevent such issues.

If your dog’s feet appear swollen, carefully check for any foreign objects like thorns or glass. Gently remove them if needed and apply antiseptic to the affected area.

Fungal infections in dogs may present with redness, scales, and dead skin on the affected areas. Using Sulfur soap to cleanse the skin followed by appropriate treatment can help manage fungal infections effectively.

Take the time to train your English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are not big fans of exercise, so it’s important to motivate them to stay active to prevent obesity. Taking them for walks and engaging in activities like playing fetch or going for a short walk can help keep them healthy. After playtime, Bulldogs love to be pampered with massages and cuddles, which strengthens the bond between pet and owner.

The charm of this breed lies in their strong muscles. A Bulldog is considered attractive when they have well-defined muscles visible beneath their skin. Achieving a muscular physique takes effort. If you’re interested in enhancing their muscles and skeleton, consider exercises like pulling weights, dragging tires, or endurance running.

By considering these tips, you can determine the best way to care for your Bulldog. Remember to prioritize your dog’s happiness and well-being. Good luck!