How To

How to Care for an English Bulldog

Member
By Lauren Engelman
User-Submitted Article
(5 Ratings)
Learn how to care for an English Bulldog
Learn how to care for an English Bulldog

In many ways, an English Bulldog is an ideal pet: perpetually loving, humorous and loyal. However, the English Bulldog breed is prone to a bevy of health problems. Knowing how to care for an English Bulldog is important so that extraneous veterinary bills can be avoided.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Baby Wipes
  • Medicated Powder
  1. Step 1

    Keep Skin Folds Clean

    Care for an English Bulldog’s wrinkles daily. Use a baby wipe or a damp cloth to clean in-between the wrinkles; make sure to use a cotton ball to dry the area when finished. If you notice any redness among the wrinkles, apply a thin layer of medicated powder twice daily to help clear the irritation.

  2. Step 2

    Keep the Tail Dry

    Care for an English Bulldog’s tail much as you would wrinkles. Because the tail is so often tightly-wound, the skin beneath the tail is prone to wetness and irritation. Use a baby wipe to keep the area clean and dry, and apply a medicated powder if necessary.

  3. Step 3

    Keep Them Cool

    Since dogs don’t sweat, they pant to cool themselves off. Since English Bulldogs have a very short nose, they cannot cool themselves as other dogs do. Because of this, they are very prone to overheating. Make sure that your dog is not left outside or in a car anytime when the temperature reaches past 80 degrees. Provide access to air conditioning and/or shade at all times during the summer months. If taking your dog on a walk, be sure to do so in the early morning or during the evenings to avoid the strong sun.

  4. Step 4

    Prevent Bloat

    An English Bulldog has a very deep chest which makes it susceptible to Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) or, more commonly, Bloat. When this happens, the stomach fills up with air and then twists, causing blood supply to be pinched off. Do all that you can to prevent this from happening by feeding at least two small meals a day rather than one large meal. Ensure that your English Bulldog eats slowly, rather than gulping down his food. Allow ample time to rest after eating before provoking activity.

Comments  

mommyhen42 said

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on 7/1/2009 Great article, but dont forget about their propensity for respiratory problems related to that nose... snark snark... gotta love the breed, despite everything they are a joy to own and be around

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on 6/30/2009 Outstanding article. 5*

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