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
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.
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
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.
The English Bulldog is known for
his unique face, a flat nose and wrinkly face.
These adorable characteristics
gives the Bulldog his unique appareance.
But unfortunately these cute wrinkles
can get moisture in them.
This causes the skin to get irritated
and when not treated it will get infected.
The area will become messy, dark and moist.
Also the infected area will stink,
which can really effect your cuddle time.
To prevent this you have to clean these wrinkles.
How often you clean them depends on the dog.
Some do very well if you clean the wrinkles only once a month.
Some need it on a daily basis.
Here are some tips
on how to clean those wrinkles
and what type of products to use.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning your English bulldog:
• Cotton balls or dry dog/baby wipes
• Sterile Eye Wash available at pet or drug stores
• Ointment for the nose
• Dry towels
Instructions Bulldog Wrinkle Cleaning
1. Clean your Bulldog’s wrinkles and skin folds with a cleansing wipe designed for dogs. Make sure the brand you use is soap and scent-free
2. Make sure the eye and nose area is completly clean
3. When you dry cleaned the wrinkles, wash it’s nose
and apply a good rub of ointment to keep it soft
4. Give your Bulldog a shower or bath using a hypoallergenic, soap-free cleanser. Pay special attention to those bulldog’s skin folds and wrinkles, rub your soapy fingers into the wrinkles, making sure to avoid the dog’s eyes.
5. Rinse your dog thoroughly to make sure that all soap and dirt are washed out from his wrinkles, then dry your dog with a towel. Make sure the skin folds are dry, trapped moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
6. There are a lot of different products available, from shampoos to creams, sprays and tissues at the petstores, if you are unsure which products to use, consult your veterinarian.
A Dog’s nose is supposed to be smooth and moist, not dry and crusty. A crusty Dog nose can quickly go from bad to worse, drying out even more and forming crusty scabs that flake off and bleed.
It is a commonly cited fact that if your dog’s nose is points to sickness or allergies. But a dry nose does not always mean your Dog is sick.
Despite a long standing myth, a Dog’s nose does not need to be wet and cold in order for the Dog to be considered healthy. The key element to take note of is that if the skin on the nose is dry without any other signs or symptoms, this is nothing to be concerned about. In a lot of cases it can occur when for example Dogs lick their own noses frequently, from weather and temperature changes or from rubbing their nose in blankets.
A dry Dog nose is uncomfortable for your Dog and it interferes with their ability to smell properly. A Dogs’ strongest sense is their sense of smell, in fact Dogs use their noses to analyze and understand the world around them. When Dogs can not smell as well this can cause them to become agitated or nervous. Even with Bulldogs who are not known for their sniffing abilities the sense of smell is still crucial.
Possible Causes for a Dry Nose
► Weather, extreme heat or cold can contribute to a dry dog nose. Exposure to the sun can cause your dog’s nose to become sunburned
► Allergies to food, plastic water dishes or toys, household cleaning products, and pretty much anything else your dog develops sensitivity to.
► Dehydration
► Excessively licking their noses
►Underlying medical issues such as allergies, infections or skin disorders
Treatment
The nose of a dog is very sensitive this means you should never use human, chemical or perfumed products as a treatment.
The following products got several high recommendations by our Baggy Bulldog community members: Coconut Oil, Vaseline, Snout Soother, Argan Oil and Dog Nose Butter.
Applying ointment to your Dog’s nose can be a real challenge. Again the Dog’s nose is very sensitive and products like Coconut Oil are just too tasty to not lick off their nose. Here is the golden tip: After dinner and a short pause/nap, clean the Dog’s face and get ready to walk your Dog, put on your shoes and coat, put on the dog collar and leash. Right before you go outside, you apply the ointment to the nose and immediately go for a walk. This will give your Dog the distraction it needs to not lick or rub the ointment of and enough time for the ointment to absorb.
When the Dog’s nose is really dry try to apply it 3 to 4 times in a day with one application in the morning and the other at night. Once your dog is healed, you can make it a habit and apply ointment at least once a day to prevent nose dryness.
Scaling and crusts may be tempting to pick but this may not be a good idea. Dry crusts that are still stuck on may detach and cause bleeding and discomfort to your dog. It is however good practice to try and clean off your dog’s nose before applying ointment. This will help to remove any food debris that may be stuck on the crusts. Here is how to clean a crusty dog nose with warm water.
► Wet a soft wash cloth with clean warm (not hot) water
► Carefully wipe the nose without dislodging pieces of crust that are not ready to shed
► Apply ointment after every wash
Note that it is best to allow the crust to fall off by itself. Rubbing too hard will leave the skin raw and exposed risking the development of secondary infections.
Hope this blog helped you and your Dog. If you have any questions or know other good dry nose remedies, please leave a comment.
The knee is a joint consists of three bones: The Femur bone (the long bone extending down from the hip), the Tibia bone (the bone between the knee and ankle) and the Patella (the kneecap). These bones are joined together by a number of ligaments. Two ligaments crisscross in the joint from the femur to the tibia and are called cruciate ligaments. The one towards the front of the leg is called the anterior cruciate ligament and the one crossing behind it is the posterior cruciate ligament. These ligaments prevent the ends of the femur and tibia from moving back and forth across each other.
ACL Rupture
When the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, the joint becomes unstable and the femur and tibia can move back and forth across each other. The anterior cruciate ligament is commonly torn when the dog twists on his hind leg. The twisting motion puts too much tension on the ligament and it tears. This often occurs if the dog slips on a slippery surface or makes a sudden turn while running. Obesity puts too much weight on the knee and overweight dogs tend to have more occurrences of ruptured cruciate ligaments. It appears that in most dogs with the problem, the ACL slowly degenerates and becomes weaker until it ruptures, without any sudden injury. Certain breeds appear to be at increased risk of ACL degeneration and include the Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, Sint Bernard, Rottweiler and also the English Bulldog. Many dogs with a degenerating ACL will have the condition in both knees.
Symptoms
Dogs who have ruptured their cruciate ligament will appear suddenly lame, and usually hold the foot of the affected leg off the ground or only tip toe with the injured leg (the 2nd video in this blog shows a good example at 2 minutes and 39 seconds). In time, the dog may start to use the leg again, but often lameness returns. Dogs with a degenerating ACL may also show some pain and can have swelling on the inside aspect of the knee.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a ruptured cruciate ligament is made by a veterinarian through observing movement of the joint. The vet will place one hand around the femur and one around the tibia in a precise manner. By applying pressure on the knee, the veterinarian will feel the bones move abnormally in what is called a ‘drawer sign.’ If an animal is in a lot of pain, or very nervous, the muscles near the knee may be so tense that they prevent the drawer movement from occurring. If a veterinarian suspects a ruptured cruciate ligament in a dog but cannot elicit the drawer sign, the dog may be sedated to relax the muscles and then re-examined for the drawer sign.
Treatment
If the ligament is completely torn, your dog will need surgery. There are several different methods used to repair the knee joint when an anterior ligament is torn.
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. Basically the TPLO surgery changes the bones of the knee joint to make them work in a different, more “level” manner. A portion of the tibia is cut, moved, and reattached to a different portion of the tibia using plates and screws. By changing the conformation of the tibia, the joint is stabilized. This is a technically difficult surgery but it has shown to produce excellent results, often with less arthritis. The recovery period is similar to that with the other surgical procedures.
TTA stands for Tibial Tuberosity Advancement, a procedure where the dog’s knee joint is manipulated to provide stability without the use of a functional Cranial Cruciate Ligament (or CCL). This is another surgery in which a different portion of the tibia is cut, and allowed to heal at a different angle to change the mechanical stresses on the joint. As with the TPLO, this surgery is more complex.
TTO stands for Triple Tibial Osteotomy, combines different aspects of the TPLO and TTA. Similar to the TPLO and TTA, the TTO involves cutting the tibial bone to change the angle of the knee joint.
Prognosis
If the dog’s exercise is restricted as instructed, and overweight dogs return to normal body weight, the prognosis is good.
Depending on the amount of injury to the knee and length of time between the injury and correction of the problem, degenerative joint disease may occur as the pet ages.
Most surgical techniques require two to four months of rehabilitation. A second surgery may be required in 10 to 15 percent of cases, because of subsequent damage to the meniscus (a crescent-shaped cartilage located between the femur and tibia in the stifle). Regardless of surgical technique, the success rate generally is over 85 percent.
Reverse sneezing (also called pharyngeal gag reflex, inspiratory paroxysmal respiration or mechanosensitive aspiration reflex) is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those with brachycephalic skulls. It is a fairly common in dogs. Its exact cause is unknown but may be due to nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus irritation (such as an allergy). With this condition, the dog rapidly pulls air into the nose, whereas in a ‘regular’ sneeze, the air is rapidly pushed out through the nose. The dog makes a snorting sound and seems to be trying to inhale while sneezing.
Is it dangerous?
Although it can be alarming to witness a dog having a reverse sneezing episode, it is not a harmful condition. The dog is completely normal before and after the episode.
How to recognize Reverse Sneezing In a regular sneeze, air is pushed out through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose. For some dogs, it’s a more or less normal event. Just as sneezing is a part of life, reverse sneezing is also a part of many dogs’ lives. The sound that accompanies reverse sneezing is kind of a sudden, startling sound that makes many dog owners think their pet is either choking or having an asthma attack.
A dog who is reverse sneezing typically stands still with his elbows spread apart, head extended or back, eyes bulging as he makes this loud snorting sound. The strange stance on top of the strange snorting sound is why many dogs end up getting rushed to the veterinarian or the emergency clinic by their panicked parents. Episodes of reverse sneezing can last from a few seconds to a minute or two. As soon as it passes, the dog breathes perfectly normally once again and behaves as if nothing happened.
Cause
Reverse sneezing is caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate. The spasm is triggered by an irritation to the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area. The most common triggers are excitement, exercise intolerance, a collar that’s too tight, pulling on the leash, an environmental irritant like pollen, perfume, or even a household chemical or cleaner, room sprays, or even a sudden change in temperature. Rarely, there can be a respiratory infection or chronic post-nasal drip that causes the condition. Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs and Bulldogs, with elongated soft palates, occasionally suck the palate into the throat, which can also cause an episode of reverse sneezing.
Diagnose Even though reverse sneezing is not dangerous to your dog it is important to rule at any other problems that might be causing this. The diagnosis is based on medical history and clinical signs. Try to make a video of the symptoms when going to your veterinarian and pay attention to when the reverse sneezing occurs. If you can figure out what’s triggering your pet’s reverse sneezing episodes, you can work to reduce or resolve the problem. Your veterinarian will rule out other causes of abnormal breathing and snorting, such as an upper respiratory tract infection, collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, foreign bodies in the nasal passages or mouth, and so forth. Occasionally your veterinarian will perform blood tests, allergy tests or radiographs to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Most cases of reverse sneezing require no medical treatment. If your dog experiences a reverse sneezing episode, you may gently stroke the neck and try to calm the pet. Once the dog exhales through the nose, the attack is usually over. In certain cases, your veterinarian may choose to prescribe anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine or decongestant medications to help with your dog’s condition.
When and why to the veterinarian?
If the reverse sneeze isn’t harmful why or when do I need to see the veterinarian? If your pet’s reverse sneezing becomes a chronic problem or episodes are becoming more frequent or longer in duration, I recommend to make an appointment with your vet to rule out things like a potential foreign body in the respiratory tract, nasal cancers, polyps or tumors, nasal mites, a collapsing trachea, kennel cough, or a respiratory infection.
If your pet is experiencing prolonged episodes of reverse sneezing, bloody or yellow discharge from the nose, or any other accompanying respiratory problems, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Just as dogs sneeze intermittently throughout their lives, most dogs have at least a few reverse sneezing episodes during their lives as well. In the vast majority of cases, the episodes are temporary and intermittent, resolving on their own, and leave the dog with no aftereffects to be concerned about.
Some more video information about reverse sneezing
Neutering means surgically preventing pets from reproducing. In males, the operation is called castration and in females it’s called spaying.
With castration both testicles are removed which takes away the main source of the male hormone testosterone.
With spaying, both the ovaries and the uterus are removed which means the female is unable to become pregnant.
It is a medical fact that in some cases spaying and castration can prolong the life of our pets and may reduce the number of certain health problems in later life.
Medical benefits:
A female pet will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs.
Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Neutering greatly reduces the risk of them getting breast cancer, particularly if carried out before the first season, and infection of the womb (called pyometra). Both of these are seen quite often in older, unneutered dogs and they can be fatal.
Many unneutered female dogs have a false pregnancy after a season and, although this is natural, it can cause behavioural and even medical problems. Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and several prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits:
Your spayed female pet will not go into heat. Your male dog will be less likely to roam away from home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways escape from the house. Once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other male animals. Your neutered male may be better behaved.
Unneutered dogs are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong smelling urine all over the house. Your dog might be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he is neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering or can be reduced.
Disadvantages
As with any surgical procedure, immediate complications of neutering include the usual anesthetic and surgical complications. These risks are relatively low in routine neutering; however, they may be increased for some animals due to other pre-existing health factors. Spaying and castrating dogs may increase the risk of obesity if nutritional intake is not reduced to reflect the lower metabolic requirements of neutered animals.
Studies of cardiac tumors in dogs showed that there was a 5 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma (cancer of blood vessel lining), one of the three most common cancers in dogs, in spayed females than intact females and a 2.4 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma in castrated dogs as compared to intact males. Spaying and castrating is associated with an increase in urinary tract cancers in dogs, however the risk is still less than 1%. Neutered dogs of both sexes have a 27% to 38% increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations. However, the incidence of adverse reactions for neutered and intact dogs combined is only 0.32%. Neutered dogs have also been known to develop hormone-responsive alopecia (hair loss).
Specific to males
About 2% of castrated male dogs eventually develop prostate cancer, compared to less than 0.6% of intact males.
Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethral sphincter incontinence in male dogs.
Specific to females
There is some weak evidence that spaying can increase the risk of urinary incontinence in dogs, especially when done before the age of three months.
Up till 12 months of age, the risk decreases as the age at spaying increases. Spayed female dogs are at an increased risk of hypothyroidism.
The operation
Castration
The surgeon makes a small incision just in front (towards the pet’s head) of the scrotum (sac that contains the testicles).
Each testicle is removed separately, and the blood supply and vas deferens (spermatic cord) are ligated (tied off). The subcutaneous layers are sutured together with an absorbable thread, then the skin is closed with either skin staples, absorbable (hidden) sutures, or sutures that will be visible and need to be removed 10-14 days after surgery.
Spaying
Spaying a female dog is the surgical removal of a female dog’s internal reproductive structures including her ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterine horns (the two long tubes of uterus where the fetal puppies develop and grow) and a section of her uterine body.
Basically, the parts of the female reproductive tract that get removed are those which are responsible for egg production, embryo and fetus development and the secretion of the major female reproductive hormones (oestrogen and progesterone being the main female reproductive hormones).
After Surgery Care
We strongly recommend to keep your pet confined in a crate or small room the night after surgery. This will give your dog the time to recover in a safe and quiet environment.
• Your pet may be groggy when you get home, experiencing a hang over from the anesthesia. Your pet will typically require 18-24 hours to recover from the general anesthesia. Most animals will be back to normal when the anesthesia leaves their system entirely
• Your pet may sleep much more than normal for 18-24 hours following surgery
• Your pet may be a little agitated or aggressive due to the after-effects of anesthesia. Avoid handling the animal too much as he/she might be uncomfortable and needs rest
• Isolate the animal from children and other pets. He or she maybe more prone to snapping or nipping at other pets or even children due to the after effects of anesthesia and if he or she is happy the dog might get to excited or playful in the company of other dogs which can cause problems for the stitches and the overall recovery.
• Your pet may have poor balance. This will make climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car more difficult than usual, so be ready to assist. Help your dog in and out of the car as sudden movements can damage his stitches. Lift the dog by wrapping your arms around the dog’s chest and back legs.
• Make sure your dog has a comfortable spot to sleep in a confined, secure, quiet place. Once they are settled, they are more likely to sleep it off and will be fine upon awakening.
Incision site
• There should be no drainage. A very small amount of redness/swelling at incision may occur.
• If animal allows, check incision site once daily for one week. Check for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, blood or if incision site is open.
• Do not clean or apply any topical ointment to the incision site.
My opinion and experiences
The topic of neutering dogs is one that is always filled with a lot of heated discussions; should all male and female dogs be neutered? What is the right age to neuter a dog? Will there be changes to the dogs character or energy levels after the surgery?
A lot of questions come up. This is what I can tell from my own experiences. First of all I am an advocate to neuter all dogs, not only because of the overpopulation of dogs and the amount of dogs looking for a loving owner in shelters but even more so because of the medical benefits. Especially for the female dogs it can prevent a lot of fatal diseases and it will also have the practical effect that your dog will no longer be in heat (so no more troubles at the dog park with male dogs trying to mount her) and no more blood loss around the house or having to wear doggy diapers.
I do think it is best to wait till puberty and with females to do the procedure before her first heat cycle. With male dogs it can prevent unwanted behaviour like mounting or humping other dogs, marking outside or even inside the house and the loss of moisture.
Some people worry that their dog’s personality will change. In my experience this does not happen, you might see a fall in certain behaviour, but those are mostly the unwanted behaviours like roaming, mounting, fighting or spraying urine. People also worry that their pet will get fat. Neutered animals might have slightly lower food requirements so you just need to feed them a little less. Neutering your dog will have an effect on the production of hormones but it will not effect the dogs character or energy levels.
Make sure to find a vet that specializes in the Bulldog breed. Cause of their short noses the Bulldog requires specialized vet care when it comes to anesthetics. Talk to your vet and let him or her inform you about the surgery, the risks and benefits and make sure to prepare a safe and quiet recovery place at home.
Seasonal flank alopecia is when a dog loses hair in the flank area. It is a skin condition not a disease. Dog breeds that are most affected are Boxers, Airedales, Schnauzers and Bulldogs although numerous other breeds have been affected too.
The hair loss is generally confined to the flanks but can sometimes show on different places on their body. The skin typically is darkly pigmented in the areas of hair loss and can become dry and crusty. Usually the dogs will grow their hair back in two or three months. Sometimes the hair re-grows in a different color than the original hair and some dogs never re-grow their hair.
At this time nobody knows with a 100% certainty why this occurs. Two of the most heard theories are that the cause is:
– a hormonal problem disrupting hair follicles
– related to vitamin D deficiency, lack of sunlight exposure
In 95% of the cases this skin condition will not bother your dog, it does not hurt or become irritated or itchy. Sometimes the hair will fall out and can leave bald spots. The most common treatment is Melatonin, this can be helpful to induce hair growth and is given daily for two or three months until complete hair growth occurs. Restarting melatonin prior to anticipated onset of hair loss may prevent recurrence.
The prognosis for hair growth is unpredictable. Hair growth can be incomplete and new hairs may be different in color and texture.
There are a lot of home remedies like different kind of oils (fish, coconut), a special diet or sunbathing, but what works for one may not for another and the question will be if the treatments worked or that the condition healed over time.
The important thing to know that this is a cosmetic disorder which does not affect the dog’s quality of life.
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