Bulldog Health Problems
And Treatment
Other Bulldog Articles
Bulldog Characteristics
Bulldog Temperament
And Personality
Caring For Your Bulldog
Bulldog Health Problems
And Treatment
Training Bulldogs As Pets
Bulldog Answers
Like any dog, Bulldogs have certain common health related conditions that owners need to look out for. If you're purchasing or adopting an adult, it's pretty easy to spot any health problems. However, if you get a Bulldog pup for a family pet, some of these health conditions may arise as the pup grows older. It is important for Bulldog owners to at least be familiar with the common health issues and be wary of them. Owners must be ready to take corrective action as soon as signs appear.
The most common health problems for Bulldogs are related to its sensitivity to temperature. These generally materialize on the skin as allergies or diseases. Fortunately, simple remedies can be used to cure most of them. However, there are a few skin conditions for which veterinary attention must be sought.
The most common of the skin conditions affecting Bulldogs include Dermatitis, Demodectic Mange, Hotspots, Interdigital Cysts, Tear Stains, General Allergies and Yeast Infections.
Dermatitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the inflamed skin that often results from flea bites, or areas of skin softened due to poor ventilation. Gradually the bacterial infection develops into crusty spots, usually beneath skin folds or under the tail. Orally administered vitamins or special shampoos can quickly and easily remedy the problem. Hotspots are a common type of Dermatitis found in dogs. These appear on the dog as foul smelling moist patches of skin containing pus. Cases like these require treatment with anti-biotics.
As with humans, General Allergies materialize on your Bulldog's skin in reaction to something ingested, or something it came in contact with in its immediate surroundings. Although most inflammations of this nature can usually be treated with topical medicines, it is important to be aware that they do have a tendency to lead to other skin infections if not promptly cleared up. As such it's best to consult a veterinarian if the condition is slow to respond to treatment or shows signs of getting worse. If these allergies escalate, they may lead to Demodectic Mange. Demodectic Mange is caused by mites and tends to affect the dog’s immune system very badly. At this stage, intravenous medications are sometimes needed.
Interdigital Cysts are another common skin condition Bulldogs can suffer from. These are severe abbesses normally found between the dog’s toes. They usually develop as the result of ingrown hair. Regular application of iodine solution is generally an effective cure for Interdigital Cysts. However, in severe cases surgical removal may necessary.
Tear Stains and Yeast Infections are also common among Bulldogs. These often develop due to excess tearing, which can provide breeding grounds for common bacteria and yeast. In some cases, the infection develops at the chin, where continuous wetness of the fur from drinking can soften the skin. Infections like these are easily treated with anti-bacterial teardrops or topical medications.
As with any condition, prevention is always better than cure. Do not wait until your dog develops any of these skin conditions. It's is important to always maintain your dog's health and fitness through nutritious diet and regular exercise. It is essential that Bulldogs are not overexposed to heat, as this is the source of their skin conditions. Ensure their living environment is kept clean at all times, so as to avoid providing breeding grounds for bacteria.
For a detailed explanation of all potential Bulldog health problems and their treatment see Bulldog Health.
To find out about home remedies for general dog skin conditions see Dog Skin Solutions.
To learn about everything that's involved in owning and caring for Bulldogs see Bulldogs And You.
