Bulldog Health and Care
As with any breed, the bulldog has its share of health problems. It is true that they may need slightly more medical attention than other dogs, but they are not as unhealthy as many people think.
Some action can be taken to prevent ailments from birth, as is the result of good breeding from the mother. A mother can pass on defenses to her puppies to block disease, but it may only last anywhere from eight to ten weeks. However, in the event that the mother is not properly taken care of, and comes down with either with infection or not being vaccinated before she has her puppies, it is possible for her to spread the infection to them.
The first check-up by a veterinary doctor should occur within 24 to 72 hours of the owner receiving the puppy. At this point, the vet will check the health of the puppy, as well as administer vaccinations. Bulldogs have the potential to develop skin problems like eczema or acne, which can be caused by bacterial, hormonal, or parasites attacks. Bulldogs are also especially susceptible to diarrhea if there is an abrupt change in their diet or they are being overfed. At the point that an owner should notice anything unusual about their bulldog, it is important to get it checked out by a vet to prevent more serious issues from developing.
Proper exercise is important to maintaining the dog's health. In addition, proper nutrition is vital to good health. Owners should take care not to over-exercise their bulldog puppies but rather gradually build up to distances during walks. Exercise should not be done after mealtime or during the hot part of any day, since it can cause the dog to suffer from heatstroke. Bulldogs are naturally heavy and short of stature, and are not suited to long or vigorous bouts of exercise.
A bulldog puppy should be fed four times a day, and as the dog gets older, food can be cut down to twice a day. Diets rich in essential vitamins and nutrients are very important, as well as providing a constant source of fresh water. Spreading meals throughout the day is also a good way to cut down on any digestive disorders the dogs may develop.
Since they have a short coat, bulldogs are very easy to groom and maintain. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to brush the dog with a rubber pad at least once a week, while a puppy should be groomed even more often. Giving the dog a bath is good when done occasionally, because too much cleaning removes natural oils in the dog's coat and skin. Be sure to rinse the shampoo off completely, so as not to cause irritation to the skin.
While bulldogs require some extra care for genetic problems, there are not any more issues in caring for the bulldog than with other dogs. Give dogs proper checkups with a vet, maintain diet and exercise to maximize health and stamina, and keep parasites like fleas or ticks away from the dog with specially coated collars.
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ARTICLES
Bulldogs: Description of A Breed Apart
Buying a Bulldog Puppy? Tips on Finding the Perfect Dog
Finding a Responsible Bulldog Breeder
Bulldog Health and Care
Personality and Temperament: Getting to Know Your Bulldog's Character