Allergies

Leave a comment December 13, 2019 Baggy Bulldogs

Allergies are very common among dogs and they are very hard to treat. Some breeds have a genetic tendency to develop allergies, unfortunately the Bulldog is one of those breeds.

So, how do you know if your Dog is allergic and what is the best treatment?

The best way to treat a skinallergy, is to first find out what kind of allergy it is, before starting any treatment. Ask your veterinarian for an allergy test. This diagnostic test is an intradermal skin test, similar to the one performed on humans. There are several kinds of allergy test, none of the allergytest (blood or skin testing) is a 100% accurate but in most cases it will help target and treat the allergies better. In general the skintest is proven to be more accurate than the bloodtests but it is also more expensive.

A lot of dogs don’t get tested for allergies but do get treatment from the vet with antibiotics, steroids or medicated skinwashes. This will only treat the symptoms and not the cause! The best thing to do is get a full allergytest from the vet, this can be quite expensive but it’s worth it, it will eventually save you money and more important it will save your dog from any misdiagnosis or mistreatment.

Types of Allergies

Environmental and Seasonal Allergies

The most common of all the types of allergies. This can be anything in the environment in- and outside the house, from grasses, pollens, molds and dust mites to cottons, wool, cleaning materials and so on. But it can also be an allergy to flea or tick medication or an allergy to the flea itself called flea bit dermatitis. Environmental allergies can be caused by inhaling a substance or through skin absorption. If we know what type of environmental allergy it is, we can either remove the object or irritant that causes the allergy, or if that’s not possible, treat the specific allergy and it’s symptoms.

In the case of some airborne allergens, your dog may benefit from allergy injections. These will help your dog develop resistance.

If your dog suddenly has an allergic reaction, be sure to check your dog’s environment:

Did you use a new type of laundry detergent, softener or cleaning materials?
Do you have a new rug or made any other changes in the home?
Did you wash your dog recently or gave him flea or tick treatment?

Food Allergies

The most common Food allergies in Dogs are: grains, soy, corn, potatoes, wheat or a specific kind of meat or fish. Dogs with a food allergy will commonly have itchy skin, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or vomiting or even breathing difficulties. In most cases a well balanced high quality diet will cure all of the symptoms. However this might mean you will have to change your dog’s diet to fresh meat, home cooked meals or an all natural hypo-allergenic food which can be quite expensive.

Most common Allergy Symptoms

Itching and biting
Hives and Skinbumps
Chronic Earinfections
Stinking coat, paws or ears
Swollen or Running Eyes
Butt twirling
Interdigital Cysts (itchy red spots between the toes)
Hot Spots (wet and red spots on the skin)
Constant licking or Sneezing
Hair loss or crusts on the skin
Bacterial or yeast skin infections

Treatments

Antibiotics
The kind of antibiotic medication used to treat your dog will be prescribed by your veterinarian after diagnosing and determining which type of organism is to blameAntihistamines
Such as Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritincan can be used, but may only benefit a small percentage of dogs with allergies. Always contact your vet first.
Steroids
A short term boost which gives the dog temporary relief. Long term usage of steroids may do your dog more harm than good.
Allergy Shots
In the case of some airborne allergens, your dog may benefit from allergy injections
Diet
In the case of food allergies a well balanced and high quality diet is a must

Prevention

Bathing
Bathing may help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your dog’s skin. Discuss with your vet what prescription shampoos are best. Beware bathing can also work counterproductive when fighting of certain infections so be sure to consult your vet before bathing a dog with skinproblems/allergies.

Cloting
If your dog has allergies like grass put clothing and/or boots on them when going outside. If your dog won’t walk with boots make sure to clean their paws and bellies after a walk.

Housekeeping
Avoid using any cleaners or parfumes as possible, try natural cleaners on the floor and places they lay or visit often. Only use all natural, hypo allergenic detergents and softers to wash your dog’s bed

Diet
As mentioned before a good diet is essential for a dog with allergies, not only for the ones with a food allergy. A highly nutritious, well balanced meal will support their immune system

Vitamines and Supplements
There are many kinds of dog supplements and vitamines available on the market; in pills, powders, drops, some especially for the skin or coat.

Pro Biotics
Pro Biotics are micro-organisms that can provide health benefits by adding beneficial bacteria to your dog’s digestive system. You can buy probiotics in pills, supplements, or you can give greek yogurt to your bulldog on a daily basis

Important: Always consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment. A lot of Bulldogs with skinproblems are treated for allergies and the otherway around, so make sure to get a diagnosis and when in doubt don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. The internet, forums, fellow bulldog buddies can all be of great help, but I can not emphasize this enough, never rely solely on this, always ask for a medical opinion from a veterinarian before starting any treatment.

May the 4th be With You

4 Comments May 4, 2016 Baggy Bulldogs

May the 4th be with You

Star Wars, the film series began on May 25, 1977 with the release of the film Star Wars. The movie became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon and after the 1st movie many other followed.

Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens

I think we can all agree that Star Wars is a movie with a major impact and a huge worldwide fanbase. I think there is just one thing that can make Star Wars even better …
How? Well ..duh… with Bulldogs of course. The Star Wars movies are known for all the different characters and there is no creature on this earth with more character than the Bulldog.

Below a couple of auditions for the next Star Wars movie 😀

Swing Away!

3 Comments May 5, 2014 Baggy Bulldogs

Bulldogs…We have Swag and we Swing!

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Raising a Bulldog Puppy

7 Comments December 7, 2013 Baggy Bulldogs

Raising a Bulldog

Many people think that the English Bulldog can hardly be trained. This is a misunderstanding. The English Bulldog is eager to learn, but is also stubborn and requires some knowledge from the bulldog owners. The strict approach works counterproductive with a bulldog. The bulldog was bred to persevere and have a high pain threshold. Therefore a tough approach would be ineffective. In the education of a bulldog it is important to know that despite its tough appearance a bulldog is very sensitive to moods and voices. The correct and most effective way of educating is to reward good or desired behavior. In this way the bulldog is positively motivated to learn.

There are some important precepts in the education of the bulldog:

Be consistent in correcting undesirable behavior. When you let the dog get on the couch some of the time you are giving the wrong message
Make sure that not only the wrong behavior is consistently corrected but also ensure that good behavior is rewarded
Try different rewards. A nice hug, sometimes a snack or a toy prevents your bulldog will only listen when it sees that you have a reward
Start training from the beginning
Correcting wrong behaviour may only occure at the moment of misbehaviour, subsequent punishment is useless. You will only confuse the dog and break their
trust. A dog has a short memory and will not understand what he did wrong. Every dog has the natural urge to please their owner; it is your job to show him what you
want. Set rules with your family to ensure that they all follow the same training rules.
Take the pace of the bulldog into account. Do not expect too much too quickly or for him to react straight away to your command.
The education of a dog is similar to educating a child. You are never done; do not stop after the puppy training or after reaching a certain age. The bulldog with its
stubborn nature will test his boundaries.
I advise both novice and experienced dog owners to go to puppy and/or dog training. Not only to learn basic commands but also to socialise with other dogs and
build a learn-, work-, follow-relationship between dog and owner

The Bulldog and children

Bulldogs are ideal as a family dog and get along with children of all ages. It is important that parents take responsibility from the start by teaching their children bulldogs are living beings and not toys. Bulldogs are naturally good natured, loyal and are very tolerant with their calm and compliant character.
Of course every parent always has to keep an eye on children and animals. Bulldogs can be a bit clumsy in their behaviour which could overturn a small child. Try to engage your children as much as possible in the upbringing and care of the dog. This not only ensures that children learn responsibility but also creates a close bond between children and dogs. Teach your children clearly what is and is not allowed. For example, teach them to leave the dog alone when it is sleeping or eating. And explain what a dog likes and dislikes in terms of touch. If you have a bulldog and you are expecting a child try to include your dog in this happy time. Especially in the daily activities after the arrival of the new baby. Let the dog sniff the baby’s scent so he gets accustomed to their smell. And of course, do not forget to give the dog some quality time in this period. Never leave your children, especially infants and toddlers, alone with a dog. A dog may scare due to their unexpected or uncontrollable movements, for instance a pull on the dog’s tail or ears. The English Bulldog is a perfect family dog and a perfect pet for children. For more cute pictures of Bulldogs and Babies check out the Photocollection:
Bulldogs & Babies

The Bulldog and other dogs

Bulldogs are social dogs by nature towards both humans and animals. Their behaviour towards other dogs is the same as towards people. Bulldogs are known for their quiet and calm demeanor.
It should be noted that sometimes it is the other dog that responds different towards the bulldog. This is because of the bulldog’s general posture that can be interpreted by other dogs as dominant.
The same applies to the grunting sounds of a bulldog. Bulldog will rarely start a fight, as previously mentioned. If they are forced to fight, they will not want to lose face and defend themselves. Bulldogs play with a lot of enthusiasm and therefore they can be a little rough in their behavior. They are great playmates for other dogs, have a great sense of humor and are very tolerant. Overall the bulldog is very social with other dogs and is a welcome guest on the dog playing fields.

The Bulldog and other pets

Bulldogs are also social towards other pets like cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. However, the owner has to learn both dog and pet to get accustomed to each other. Especially in the case of small animals like guinea pigs, a dog may inadvertently do damage. Most dogs go well with other pets. The easiest way is to let them grow up together but they can also be introduced to new pets. Ive had a Bulldog who was so in love with guinea pigs, she thought they were puppies and kept licking them and moaning in front of the cage her way of asking she could be with them. Ive seen Bulldogs who were friends with parrots, goats, pigs, iguanas, donkeys and the list goed on.

I am Your Dog

2 Comments September 3, 2013 Baggy Bulldogs

I am your dog, and I have a little something I’d like to whisper in your ear.
I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise.
It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours?
They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.
You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit?
A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world?
A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?
That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me.

So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of another of my kind, passing.
Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.
Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end,
when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.
Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week.
Someday you will shed the water from your eyes that humans have when deep grief fills their souls
and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just “One more day” with me.
Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together.

So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see?
If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart.
Come to me not as “alpha” or as “trainer” or even “Mom or Dad,” come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another’s eyes, and talk.
I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself or even life in general.
You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am.

I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls.
I do not think of you as a “Dog on two feet” — I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.
Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes.
Look deep into my eyes, and whisper to my ears.
Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.
We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

author unknown

A little Boy and his Bull

1 Comment August 28, 2013 Baggy Bulldogs

Dave introduces Bella the Bulldog. A cute video of a loving boy talking about his dog…I think he uses the word cute, kind and nice about seven times and in the mean time he is giving his dog kisses and hugs..Now how cute is that?
I say we all give a comment and thumbs on youtube for David and Bella!