Problems and Treatments

The very best advice is to know your Bulldog. Check your dog over thoroughly daily. Know if he isn't eating, isn't playing, or just doesn't seem quite right. Know immediately if something is wrong so you can take appropriate action.

Exact Classic bulldog sitting on a dog bed

Common problems and treatments

Liquid Medications

The easiest way to give a liquid medication is with a syringe. You can get them from your veterinarian or most drug stores. You want at least a 3cc size. Discard the needle. Pull the proper amount of liquid into the syringe, slide the syringe into their mouth by the far back corner and slowly push the plunger down. Be careful to not "shoot" the liquid out as to not allow the dog to aspirate any.

Pills and capsules

Open the dog's mouth, push the pill or capsule as far down the throat as possible, then hold his mouth shut and stroke their throat until they swallow. You can also try and hide the medication in their food, especially if feeding raw as this is a simple and effective solution.

Vomiting

For minor upset stomach, intermittent fasting your dog would allow for your dog's digestive system to rest and for your dog's to be signaled to start healing where healing and recovering needs. Add bone broth to your dog's water to encourage drinking so dehydration doesn't occur. If there is hard vomiting or if the upset lasts more than 48 hours, take the dog to your veterinarian.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the body's way or ridding itself of toxins, and or substances that don't agree with your dog. You don't want to stop the elimination process, but we do want to get a handle on the diarrhea, so dehydration doesn't occur. Olewo Carrots can be fed as a food topper to firm up your dog's stool and to help with digestion. Extra RMB (raw meaty bones) can also be fed to help bind stool. If the diarrhea continues longer than 48 hours or if there is blood in the stool, take them to the veterinarian.

Hot Spots

These are red, weepy, itchy spots. No one seems to really know what causes them. It could be fleas, food, allergies, etc. Clean the area thoroughly. You can wash with shampoo, rinse and dry. Or clean with Chlorhexidine wipes. Once clean you can apply a medication such as Panolog, Bag Balm, Schreiner's Healing Liniment or Nu-Stock. Clean and apply medication daily. You should see improvement by the second day, if not, take your dog to see the veterinarian.

Interdigital Cysts

This is another problem that no one seems to be sure what the exact cause is, but you'll know one when you see an angry red swell pop up between the dog's toes. One reason that can contribute to these can be with the change in seasons from dry to wet when the ground thaws or stays wet and their paws harbor excess moisture. Other reasons could include foreign objects (a thorn or stick) stuck in the paw, or allergies. If you start application at the first sign, soaking the paw in warm water and diluted ACV (apple cider vinegar), this solution will prevent the cyst from developing. Dry the paw thoroughly and apply coconut oil or Chubbs Topical Salve. It's best to continue the treatment for two to three days after the cyst is gone.

Fungus Spots

These are somewhat like hot spots, but they are not weepy. Be sure you clean away all the "scabby" material. Wash the area with diluted ACV and apply coconut oil or Chubbs Topical Salve.

Facial Acne or Eczema

Some bulldogs may be susceptible to topical bacterial infections which might cause pimples on the face or chin. Usually, you can clear these up by just washing the area with some diluted ACV.

Facial acne can also show up depending on what kind of food your dog is eating if he's allergic to an ingredient or if he's being fed out of a dish other than stainless steel. Plastic and ceramic dishes can be a leading cause of acne on a dog's chin.

Cherry Eye

The gland which normally resides under the lower eye lid at the inside corner of the eye will sometimes "pop" out. This is not as horrible as it appears to be and does not require emergency treatment. It does however require treatment at the earliest possible time by a veterinarian recommended for "Cherry Eyes". If you reside locally or a few hours from us and don't mind a drive, Auburn Hills Animal Hospital is entrusted in being able to handle cherry eye surgery confidently and affordably.

Tail

Some Bulldogs have their tails set in a pocket. If yours does, you will need to make a special effort to keep that pocket clean and dry. Wipe it out frequently. You may need to use cotton balls rather than a washcloth if the pocket is tight. Be sure to DRY IT THOUROUGHLY especially after bathing and apply an ointment such as Nu-Stock to absorb any trapped moisture and to relieve itching or discomfort.

Temperature

Rectally! Use a good rectal thermometer, lubricate generously with Vaseline, insert gently, hold onto the thermometer for dogs have been known to "suck" them in! Wait for the beep, pull it out and read. Normal temperature for most dogs is from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ice

Start giving your Bulldog pieces of ice to eat when he is still a small puppy so that he learns to like it. Luckily, most Bulldogs do. This is a great way to cool down a hot dog. Blocks of ice make a great summertime toy.

Insect Stings

If your Bulldog is stung by a bee or other insect, give them Benadryl (1mg per lb of body weight) and watch him closely for the next half hour. You may also apply an ice pack to the area where he was stung if you know where it was. If the area around the sting swells and hardens, if hives appear, if he seems to have difficulty breathing - rush him to the veterinarian!!! Your dog's life depends on quick treatment!!!

Bulldog Medicine Chest

Vaseline. Use this on his nose, on his eye wrinkles, any place you need to soothe and waterproof but don't need to medicate. Use it also on the thermometer when you take his temperature.
Plastic RealLemon. If he gets phlegm in his throat and chokes on it, a couple squirts of juice from the plastic lemon will help clear it out.
A good rectal thermometer.
Rubbing Alcohol. Place paws in a small amount in bowls to help bring internal body temperature down if at risk for overheating.
Benadryl. Either capsule or liquid. Use this if the dog is stung by a bee or other insect, and for minor allergies.
Bag Balm. Useful for minor skin afflictions.
Chubbs Topical Salve: For hotspots, fungus, bacteria, yeast, or any other skin issues that may be causing irritation.
Q-tips. Use for applying medication and cleaning ears.
Cotton balls. Use for applying medication, for cleaning and to keep ears dry while bathing.
Nu-Stock. For use on hot spots to stop itching immediately and to also promote fast hair growth. Can also be used to clean up tail pocket infections.