Things You'll Need:
- Fish Oil (should come in squirt bottle)
- Synovi G3 Chews
- Medicated Wipes for Tear Ducts (consult local Vet)
- Baby Wipes
- Claritin or Benadryl
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Step 1
Choosing a food.
This will vary from dog to dog. There is no universal dog food for every bulldog. They each have their own quirks and allergies to specific components of the food.
My first year with Pedro i fed him on the raw diet with no problems. He ate primarily raw chicken or turkey. I started out cutting up the chicken breasts with a meat clever and adding veggies and wheat grass and such. At 5am this became taxing and i gradually resorted to just giving him the whole piece and he would break up the bones rip it to pieces.
With the increase in meat prices I've switched him over to premium dog kibble. I've had him on California Natural and Evo. I tried Royal Canin when he was a puppy but he didn't react well to it. Do your research into the ingredients. They play factors into how bad the teer ducts get and skin issues. -
Step 2
Supplements
Fish oil is widely regarded as a great supplement for not only dogs but for humans as well as it is high in Omega 3.
Pedro gets about 2 tablespoons of fish oil over his food each meal. This has greatly reduced his shedding and body odor as well as improved digestion (he farts less). Its good to vary your types of fish oil as the body will not ingest the oil and nutrients as well. I shift between Cod Liver, Sardine and Anchovy and Salmon oils. Cod Liver oil is a good source of Vitamin D, which your body commonly receives from the sun. If you believe your bulldog might be depressed (yes they get depressed) i recommend this oil.
I order my fish oil from www.icelandpure.com and they have provided an excellent product. Their oils also come in brushed aluminum bottles with squirt pumps for easier use. -
Step 3
Bulldogs are very prone to developing problems with their joints, especially they hips. A good glucosamine supplement will help prevent and treat discomfort from joint problems. Bulldog puppies will often begin to limp as they grow. It is important that they get plenty of glucosamine to ensure proper development.
I use several dietary supplements. Synovi G3 and Joint Max both make a variety of powders, granules, capsules and chews. I recommend the chews as i have convinced Pedro they are a treat.
Turkey and Chicken necks can be purchased from your local butcher and sometimes grocery store. I've fed these raw to Pedro since he was a baby with no problems. -
Step 4
A bulldogs tear ducts need to be maintained daily. I use a wash cloth wet with warm water initially then i use some medicated wipes i purchased from my local vet to really get the rest of the goo and dry the area out. Some people recommend putting small amount of corn starch in the skin flaps to absorb the tears but i have yet to try it for myself.
I heard it said that tear ducts are not a health concern. This i WRONG. Wet tear ducts will eventually attract bacteria and infection will set it. Take care of those tear ducts! -
Step 5
Your dogs ears need to have the wax buildup cleaned out regularly to prevent ear infections. I use a product designed to be squirted into the ear to dissolve the wax, once you allow a minute or so for it to set in you can wipe out the ear.
My dog sure isn't a fan of this at all but i look at it as an opportunity to practice my Jiu Jitsu submission locks. -
Step 6
Its also important to regularly trim your dogs nails. I use a set of nail clippers made for dogs. Before you consider doing this your self, take your dog into a groomer and ask them to show you how to do it so that you don't cut into the cuticle.
Until recently this was yet another great opportunity to practice my Jiu Jitsu. I found that by sitting down, going slowly and giving him frequent breaks and constant verbal reassurance; that i was able accomplish the job much faster than simply putting him in a full nelson while a partner clipped the nails.
Its amazing how talking to your dog can change things. Give it a shot.
