The English Bulldog coat comes in a variety of colors There are standard and non standard colors Standard colors are colors approved by the kennel clubs
The English Bulldog, is not recognised in any colour that is not listed in the breed standard by the Kennel Clubs For example black, lilac and chocolate colors are all marked on their pedigree as unrecognised colors
So what standard and non standard colors are there?
Standard
Fawn/ Fallow Red White
A combination of the standard colors like red and white are considered a standard color
Non Standard Colors
Black Blue Lilac
Markings
Black Mask Brindle Merle Piebald Ticked White Markings
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Are non standard colors more prone to health problems?
There is a lot of debat wether Bulldogs with non standard colors are more likely to have breed specific health problems However in my research, I could find a lot of peoples opinions but I could not find any scientific research or statistics on this subject
So the next question would be: Are non standard colors more prone to health problems or are bad breeders more likely to breed non standard colors for financial reasons?
In the Netherlands, we rarely see non standard colored Bulldogs, in fact, we never had one in the rescue, so I cannot judge from my own experience But here is some helpful input from our members:
Jane Grace: I follow several bulldog rescues and they report seeing more health issues with non-standard coloured dogs than the regular coloured ones. They see more occurrences of cleft palates, spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The non standard colours are very sought after here in the US, unfortunately they come at a cost to the dogs by way of health.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is also known as bloat or stomach torsion. Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners are not aware of it. It is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. Bloat is an extremely serious medical condition and should be considered a life threatening emergency.
This is a condition that commonly affects dogs with barrel chests and small waists like Bulldogs. Gastric torsion and bloating occurs when the stomach become dilated (bloating) due to excess air filling the stomach. The stomach muscle turns on the ligaments supporting it, which results in the blood supply to the stomach getting cut off. A dog with symptoms of bloat needs to see the veterinarian right away or the dog’s health will rapidly deteriorate and the dog can die within hours.
Prevention
It is unknown what causes gastric torsion and bloating, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of your Bulldog being affected:
• Feed the dog smaller meals more often rather than one big meal
• Use special slow eating bowls or put two tennis balls in your dog’s food bowl to slow down the intake at once and to to reduce the inhalation of air into the stomach
• Wait one to two hours after a meal before engaging the dog in exercise
• Do not add water to kibble this will result in less chewing and increases the chances of bloat
• Prevent the dog from drinking large amounts of water in one go, especially before and after eating
• Sprinkle some crunchy food in with whatever you feed your dog, this encourages more chewing and again slows down the eating process
Causes
The gastric dilatation (bloat) is the first part of the condition and the volvulus or torsion is the second part. In bloat the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe, and compresses large veins in the abdomen preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off the blood supply. As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°.
Once this rotation occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach filled with air, begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal’s condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.
Not all dogs that have a gas buildup and resultant dilatation develop the more serious and life threatening volvulus. However, almost all dogs that have a volvulus develop it as a result of a dilatation. GDV is a very serious and life threatening condition, understanding the signs, prevention, and need for immediate treatment can save your dog.
The exact cause for bloating isn’t really known but the most accepted theories are that the dog has eaten an exceptionally large meal, ate too fast, drank lots of water before or after a meal or exercised shortly after a meal.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptoms are the grossly distended abdomen (it will swell up in a short period of time and the abdomen will feel hard), unsuccessful vomiting meaning either nothing comes up or possibly just foam and/or mucous comes up, extreme restlessness (may refuse to lie down or even sit down, may stand spread-legged), pacing, coughing, excessive salivation and drooling, having a hunched up appearance, whining or cries of pain.
These symptoms will occur during or right after eating their food or drinking water. Unfortunately owners often don’t recognize the problem until it is too late. For the dog to be saved, the owner must notice the symptoms of gastric torsion or bloat in an early stage to have any chance of saving their dog. If the condition is not caught early enough, the dog will usually goes into shock, become comatose and die.
Treatment
If this is caught by a veterinarian in time, a large tube can be feed down the dog’s esophagus and on into the stomach. If the procedure works you can hear an audible hiss of escaping gas. If the distention is not caused by gas but by liquid and/or food, the same tube will be used to pump/empty the stomach and provide immediate relief to the dog.
The owners will usually be told to leave the animal for observation to make sure the distention doesn’t reoccur. There are times when the tube will not pass and another aspect of bloat occurs.
If you have been able to get the dog to the veterinarian early enough, and relief isn’t seen by passing the tube, surgery becomes the only option. Again, this is a condition where minutes make the difference between life and what is an agonizing death.
It must be remembered that at this point even with surgery, the chances of survival are not that great. In general the dogs that can be saved are the ones where the owner recognizes the symptoms in a very early stage so that surgery can be avoided. So please remember the symptoms mentioned above, one day this might save your dog!
For the surgery the veterinarian will shave and prep the abdominal area and make a large incision down the midline of the dog. He will then proceed to pull the intestines and stomach out and lay them on the surgery table. Once the abdomen is opened up and the necessary area is exposed, the vet will then untwist the stomach and check the stomach and intestines for necrotic areas. If any are found, he or she will usually recommend the dog be euthanized. If no dead tissue is found, he will suture or tack the stomach to the abdominal wall.
This tacking is done in the hopes of preventing the dog’s stomach from once again twisting. Once the stomach is tacked, the doctor will replace the intestines and proceed in closing the abdomen. From this point, it will be a matter of wait and see as to whether the dog survives. After the procedure the owners will receive instructions as to the special dietary and feeding needs of the dog. Usually, the doctor will recommend several small meals as opposed to one large meal during the day, placing the food at an elevated level, moistening any dry food so the dog will feel full quicker and limiting the availability of water after eating. For those dogs lucky enough to survive their ordeal, they will normally go on to live long, healthy lives giving years of companionship to their owners.
Summary
GDV or Bloat in dogs is a medical condition that needs more attention, remember this condition is the second largest killer among dogs, yet a lot of dog owners are not familiar with this condition. With this blog I hope that dog owners will share and remember, so that people are aware of the risks, symptoms and know what to do when it happens. This can save the lives of many dogs.
Unfortunately I have had experience with this, as a dog owner, with one of my Bulldogs: Miss Bean. She had a stomach bloat twice. At first the veterinarian was able to empty the stomach with a tube but a week after the treatment the bloat returned and her stomach turned and the veterinarian was not able to do anything for her anymore. In the x ray photos below you can see the difference of the size of her stomach before and after she received her first treatment. You can see that in the first photo the stomach is so swollen that you cannot even see any other intestines, you can also see that the area shows in black,which is the air. In the second x ray you can see the reduction in size and that the air is released and the area is colored white again.
So also in loving memory of my Bulldog Miss Bean, I hope this Blog can make a difference for other dogs and owners.
Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?
When is a dog technically ‘old’? It really depends on the individual dog When a dog is considered old depends on factors such as the breed and genetics of each individual dog In general, larger breeds age more rapidly ,starting from age 6 than smaller breeds, starting from age 8 to 9 With Bulldogs I consider them senior from 7 or 8 years old
What are some of the things to expect as your dog ages?
Mobility
Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause him to slow down He may not be able to walk as far or play as long or have difficulty getting into and out of the car He may tire more easily or have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in
Dental Care
Without proper care, dental disease can pose a problem, particularly for older pets … Read More
While some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs,
others are very unhealthy and downright dangerous,
so it’s critical to learn which fruits and vegetables dogs can eat.
Dogs digest differently than humans do,
and eating the wrong foods can lead to health problems
Both fruits and veggies can be a great addition
to any dog diet but there are dangerous foods you need to avoid
A dogs diet should mainly consist of meat and fish .
Fruits, veggies and any other supplements
should be no more than 5 to 10% of it’s diet
Important Note When giving fruit to a dog
make sure to always remove the pit or seeds
and skip canned fruits and vegetables,
as canned fruits usually contain
high amounts of sugary syrups
and canned vegetables contain salts/sodium
Here are some
Fruits and vegetables that you can give your dog
Apples
Apples are an excellent source
of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog.
They are low in protein and fat, making them
the perfect snack for overweight and senior dogs.
Just be sure to remove the core and seeds
before feeding an apple to your pet.
Bananas
Banana’s are rich in potassium,
vitamins, fiber and copper,
bananas are exceptionally sweet,
and they’re also safe for your furbaby to eat.
They are low in cholesterol and sodium,
but because of their high sugar content,
bananas should be given as a treat,
not part of your dog’s main diet.
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants and fibers.
Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants,
which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike.
They are packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well.
And it is a fun treat to give as you can throw them in the air 😀 Read More
This blog is to give some extra tips on dog food and answer some of the frequently asked questions like:
How can I stop my dog from eating too fast?
Can I give fruits or veggies to my Dog?
What foods and treats are dangerous for Dogs?
Should I use a plastic or metal foodbowl?
How do I reduce Dog farts?
Eating too Fast
Some bulldogs love their food so much they will eat too quickly, which can be bad for their digestion and can lead to stomach aches and vomitting.
The faster they eat, the less they chew, which can cause them to choke. When they race through their food they are also swallowing large amounts of air. This can result in burping or passing gas, not enjoyable for those around but relatively harmless.
Some dogs, typically large chested breeds, eating to fast can cause a bloat also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) from the large amount of air and how much they eat.
So to prevent, stomach aches, burping, reduce the farting and decrease the chances of bloat here are some simple tips to prevent your bulldog from eating to quickly
One simple way is putting a ball into their foodbowl. This way they have to shove the ball from side to side to get the food and this will slow them down. Another toy will do aswell, be certain the object you place in the bowl it is too large for the dog to eat!
If your dog eats too fast always use a flat pan in stead of a deep bowl. That way, they won’t be able to take big mouthfuls of food and have to work more to get all the bits of kibble.
Most dogs are not smart enough to get the ball out and start munching again but when you have a bulldog that does, the following product shown in the video might be helpfull.
Another way is to use a slow feeder bowl You can buy these at any petshop and they are very effective. Make sure to get the right size and depth. A slow feeder is especially useful when you feed raw meat in stead of kibble
So to help your dog slow down it’s eating use a tennisball in his bowl or buy a slow feeder It is also recommended to spread their meals over the day and to reduce activity 20 to 30 minutes after their meals to digest their food
Can I give Fruit of Veggies?
Yes you can! You just need to know what fruit you can and cannot give Dogs digest differently than humans do, and eating the wrong foods can lead to health problems
Here is a list of Fruits and Vegetables that are good for dogs
Both fruits and veggies can be a great addition to any dog diet but there are dangerous foods
Should I use a plastic, ceramic or metal foodbowl?
Plastic dog food bowls
Plastic dog food bowls are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are usually inexpensive and unlikely to break if dropped
Most of them are dishwasher-safe. However, plastic bowls are generally not recommended for many dogs.
Bowls made of plastic can be easily chewed or scratched by your dog, leaving places for bacteria to build up. Additionally, some dogs may develop an allergy to the plastic, resulting in a mild skin reaction on the chin or face.
Ceramic dog bowls
Ceramic dog bowls are often decorated with fun designs and some are even handmade by artists. Their protective glaze makes them easy to keep clean, especially if dishwasher-safe. However, ceramic dog bowls will easily break if dropped.
If you have a dog that moves it’s bowl everywhere a ceremic dog bowl is a good solution, because of the weight this bowl will stay in it’s place
Stainless steel dog bowls
Stainless steel dog bowls are by far the most durable and are also dishwasher-safe. These bowls are sometimes made with a non-skid rim on the bottom to prevent spilling.
Stainless steel bowls do not often come in colors or designs. However, they are practical, inexpensive supplies for your dog that stand the test of time.
It’s still important to take proper care of these bowls, however. They can develop stains or rust, especially if left outdoors.
I myself use a stainless steel water bowl a plastic slow feeder bowl for food and a heavy ceremic water bowl in the garden
How do I reduce Dog farts?
The best way to reduce farts is to use a slow feeder bowl You also need to know that certain types and brands of food will make your Bulldog extra gassy
Fish are excellent protein sources for dogs
while being relatively low in saturated fats and calories.
This fact alone makes fish a fantastic source of nutrition for dogs.
However, there is more.
An even bigger benefit for fish in your Dog’s diet
is the fact that fish is one nature’s most natural sources
of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Fatty fish such as salmon have high levels of Omega 3,
which is good for aiding your dog’s joints and all round mobility.
Fish is also known to have beneficial properties
for your dog’s skin and coat.
Omega 3 fatty acids don’t occur
in the average canine diet (meat or kibble),
so adding them to your dog’s daily diet can reap big rewards
Types of Fish to feed
Some of the fish that are good for dogs include
ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, pollock,
cod, mackerel, walleye, flounder, arctic char and salmon pike.
You can also steam, bake or grill these types of fish at home
for your dog (do not use seasoning or butter).
When feeding your dog a piece of fish, keep it plain and simple,
remember to buy boneless fillets and
inspect the fish before and after cooking
to be sure no bones were missed.
You can also buy salmon oil or fish oil capsules or pills for dogs.
But why choose pills over the natural option?
For certain types of fish it is recommended
to first freeze them for 24 hours or cook them
to remove any kind of bacteria.
Canned fish can make a healthy treat for your dog.
When choosing canned/tinned fish,
look for fish packed in water without added salt.
Salmon is very good for Dogs
due to the high level of the antioxidant selenium,
making for a healthier skin and a shinier healthier coat
and decreasing the risk of joint inflammation.
A rich source of vitamins and minerals
including Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids,
it’s often recommended by vets
as it is easily digestible and ideal for dogs with allergies
as it is naturally hypoallergenic.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids contained in oily fish
have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids can greatly aid skin itching
and other minor dermatological complaints in many dogs.
If you purchase Omega 3 supplements
you’ll often find that cod liver oil is the main ingredient
(fish oil/salmon oil is better than cod oil).
By feeding a dog on a diet that includes fish,
you can ensure your pet is receiving these
supplemental benefits as nature intended.
Herring are very high in the long-chain
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
They are also a good source of vitamin D.
Like other fish, Herring can help with a dog’s skin and coat,
decrease inflammation, and aid the immune system.
Herring is a low calorie source of both protein and fat.
Fun fact the Herring is also known as the Bulldog fish
cause of its characteristic protruding lower jaw,
that looks like the jaw of a bull dog.
Are there any negative effects
of adding fish to a Dog’s diet?
Naturally, too much of anything is a bad thing.
Imbalance of vitamins or too many calories
is something dog owners should try to avoid.
Heavy metals accumulate in long-lived fish
like tuna and swordfish and can raise some health concerns,
particularly when it comes to mercury.
Because of the high levels of mercury found in these fish,
it might be wise to avoid giving your dog tuna and similar fish to eat.
Make sure to buy high quality fish
or try fish capsules or fish oils.
Benefits
of adding fish to a Dog’s diet
Adding fish to your dog’s diet
can make a very big difference.
I would highly recommend adding fish
to your dog’s diet especially for Bulldogs
and dogs with skin/coat problems or allergies.
But in general, for all dogs,
adding fish to a Dog’s diet has the following benefits:
a shiny coat, improve digestion, reduce join paints, less shedding,
reducing or even completely healing: cysts or skin inflammation,
itching and dry skin.
Tell us your experience with adding fish to your Dog’s diet
What types of fish do you feed or what kind of oils/pill do you give? Share your knowledge and experience in the comments.
Summertime is sunshine, play and happiness …
and what better way to enjoy the summer than with your dog?
The dangers of Summer
Besides all the fun summer can be, the heat can also be a danger for dogs,
there are risks of heatstrokes, sunburns, dehydration and burned paws.
For Bulldog owners and owners of other shortnosed breeds,
there are extra precautions you need to take, to prevent over heating.
Here are some tips, by taking some simple precautions,
you and your dog can enjoy the summer months together.
Do not underestimate the Heat
Unfortunately a lot of dog owners underestimate the dangers of overheating.
A lot of times they think:
• My dog is in good condition and can run for hours
therefor it will not overheat → Your dog can have the best condition in the world but all dogs are susceptible to overheating
• We live in a warm climate so my dog is used to the heat → Eventhough your dog lives in a warm climate it will still be at risk of overheating
• My dog never had any problems with the heat before
so I don’t need to take precautions → What never happened before can still happen in the future just because your dog didn’t have any problem with the heath before will not exclude him or her from heatstroke
• My dog has enough water and will come inhouse when
he or she gets hot → A dog cannot regulate their temperature as well as humans can and often the dog will not come inside when getting too hot. So keep an eye on your dog when outside in the heat even when in the garden and make sure to get him or her inside before overheating
• I keep my dog inside during the heat so it cannot overheat → Inside temperatures can still be too high and can also cause overheating
A Dog’s temperature
A dogs body is less efficient at cooling themselves than people,
so they are more susceptible to overheating.
A dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102 degrees.
They have sweat glands on their nose and pads of their paws
which they use to pant and drink water to cool down.
A cherry eye is not life threatening
but can cause irritation
and other medical problems
such as inflamed nose wrinkles
due to excessive teary eyes.
This way it becomes infected
and causes injury to the eye.
The cause of cherry eyes
is not yet determined with certainty.
Some think due to the hereditary predisposition
and the degree of folding in the face is a possible cause
Appearance
If a dog has a cherry eye,
you can see a pink lump
in the corner of the dog’s eye.
The size of the lump differs
between 0,5 and 1,5 centimetres.
Interdigital Cysts, (growths between the toes). Interdigital cysts are common in some breeds of dog. Interdigital cysts are large bumps, or nodules, between a dog’s toes. They can also be called interdigital furuncles, follicular pododermatitis, or podofurunculosis.
Interdigital cysts usually appear as pink to red fluid-filled swellings that form in the web of skin between the toes. They are most commonly found on the front paws. They sometimes rupture and discharge fluid or pus. Dogs may limp from the pain or lick or chew at their paws.
They usually clear up on their own and I am of the opinion they should not be punctured because that can lead to infection. If possible try to avoid the antibiotic route unless there is an infection.
Nobody really knows what causes them, some people think it is a fungus and some think it is an ingrown hair or that it may form as a result of the penetration of the skin by a foreign body – frequently grass awns.
Breed Occurrence
The following breeds of dog are said to develop interdigital cysts commonly :
English Bulldogs
German Shepherd Dogs
German Short-haired Pointers
Great Danes
Pekingese
Scottish Terriers
West Highland White Terriers
Signs
Pigmentation of the skin and hair between the toes (red-brown-black)
Soft to firm swelling(s) in the web of skin between the toes
Discharge fluid or pus
Increased licking or biting of the feet between the toes
Lameness
Complications
Bacterial infection is a secondary complication
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based upon the typical location and appearance of the swellings in the interdigital skin. XRays may be taken to detect foreign material eg metal, or underlying involvement of bone, and a biopsy may be taken.
Treatment
Medical treatment involves the use of corticosteroids (like prednisolone) which are effective in some cases. Surgical exploration under general anesthesia will help to identify and remove any foreign material eg grass awns. Surgical removal (excision) off the swellings is the usual outcome if a patient does not respond to medical treatment. Unfortunately recurrence at the same site or in another interdigital web is common.
In many cases, interdigital cysts can be eleviated, if only temporarily, by home treatment
Prognosis
Good if a foreign body can be identified and removed.
Guarded if no primary cause can be found because recurrence is common.
When the area is not infected applying the bath instructions below in an early stage this will help to dissolve it in a few days in 90% of the cases. Soak your dogs paws (preferably two or three times a day) with Epsom salts. The easiest way to do this is to do in the tub or fill the laundry tub up with 2 to 3 inches of warm water and 1 cup of Epsom Salts.
Put your Bulldog in the tub and just pet him for about 10 minutes or so. After ten minutes or so have elapsed, put your bulldog on a thick towel and gently pat his affected foot dry.
Some people use the method below when this does not work. My last Bulldog had this problem a few times but the method named above always worked for her so I never used the method described below.
After the first bath with Epsom Salts and drying its paws, fill up a cup with about an inch of hydrogen peroxide and hold his paws in this for a few moments. The area and in particular the cyst itself will respond to the hydrogen peroxide with bubbling, where as the rest of his foot does not. This shows that there is catalase enzyme present in these areas, which is one of the components released when blood or damaged cells are present.
Remember always consult with your veterinarian before starting any kind of treatment.
Walking the dogs is fun
but weatherconditions like
ice and snow in the winter or
heat in the summer,
can cause damage to your dog’s paws.
Winter
Snow and ice can get stuck
in between the pads on your dog’s paws,
causing cuts and uncomfortably cold toes.
Even a small amount of build-up
under your dog’s feet can
pull the sensitive hairs underneath
and cause a noticable loss of traction.
In addition, rock salt, anti-freeze
and other sidewalk treatments
can leave your dog with painful, sore feet.
During the winter, you’ll need to take extra steps
to prevent problems like cuts, infections, sores and painful paws.
When you’re just coming in from a snowy walk
and wonder how to free your dog’s feet
from caked snow, the best way is to simply
dry of your dog with a towel
and clean your dog’s paws with a clean rag or dry wipe,
give special attention to the areas between the toes.
If salt is stuck in the fur
or ice between the pads
don not try to pull it of
this will be hurtful for the dog,
try to soak the paws in some water
and try again with some tissue or wipes.
To prevent these painful paws
you could also consider dogboots,
especially when you live in a climate
with regular snowfall this is adviced.
Dogs will have to get used to wearing dogboots
but it can be a prevention and solution
for problems with snow or in summer with hot pavements.
Instructions on how to Care for your Dog’s Paws:
Wash the paws with slightly warm water after going for a walk. You want to wash off harmful irritants like salt and prevent your dog from ingesting any of the chemical de-icers by licking their feet. This also eliminates any ice or snow that has built up between your dog’s toes that could make walking painful.
Inspect your dog’s paws after every walk, particularly when you’ve walked in areas treated with salts or other sidewalk treatments. Be sure to check between the toes and look at the pad for any cracks or sore spots.
Cut your dog’s nails and trim the hair on his feet regularly. Hair that is too long attracts snow and slush which can cause problems. Keep from cutting the fur too short, however, as it offers protection for your dog’s feet.
Apply some oil to your dog’s paws to help sooth irritated feet. Be careful not to apply too much or too often as pads that are too soft can also lead to irritation. You can also apply just before going outside as it can help protect your dog’s feet but take it off when you get back inside. Pet stores also sell special wax or other products that work the same way.
Purchase dog boots for your pet if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and cold or if your dog is susceptible to problem paws. The boots fit over your dog’s paws and offer warmth and comfort. You may want to look for some that have added traction on the bottom so that you’re dog has an easier time walking on the snow and ice.
Treat any cuts, sores or infections that develop according to your vet’s instructions. If you notice that your dog seems to have painful feet even without sores, take a day or two off from walking in the snow.
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