Most dog breeds have skin problems and English bulldogs have several. Some of these problems are merely annoying, while others can cause severe discomfort and even pain. In this article, we'll highlight a few of the most common skin conditions that your bulldog is likely to experience. We'll also provide a few useful tips that will help you resolve them.
Congenital Skin Disorders
Skin disorders that are genetically transmitted through generations of bulldogs are difficult to trace. They may manifest in one generation while entirely skipping the next. Many of these disorders are genetic based upon how the dog has been bred throughout the past 300 years. Others are intrinsic to its nature. Even today, some skin problems are thought to be hereditary in bulldogs simply because of how often they emerge. These can include acne (we'll address this in greater detail below), folliculitis, and dermatitis within the folds of the tail.
Eczema
Eczema is especially common in bulldogs and manifests as dry skin that has become inflamed. You may notice lumps or even open sores on the surface of the skin. There are a number of possible factors that can cause this disorder, including allergies, bites from small insects, and even hormonal imbalances. Most bulldogs experience the symptoms of eczema in the hot summer months. They can often be relieved by cleaning the affected skin and applying a moisturizer that can help seal in water.
Hot Spots
Even though hot spots primarily affect dogs with longer hair, bulldogs are extremely susceptible to them. They can be caused - or stimulated - by diet, fleas, or allergies. You can identify them as small patches of red skin, notable by the accompanying loss of hair in the affected area. Hot spots can quickly expand and become extremely itchy. Unfortunately, the most common way that bulldogs cope with this issue is to bite and scratch the area, inflaming it further. Mild symptoms can be relieved with Domeboro powder. Aggressive symptoms are often treated with oral antibiotics.
Allergies
Bulldogs suffer allergic reactions from 4 primary sources: fleas, food, allergens that are airborne and those delivered by contact. It can be difficult to identify allergies because dogs' reactions are similar to those from flea bites and other issues. Often, you'll see your bulldog biting, licking, or scratching a particular area. If you are unable to identify the problem, you should consult a veterinarian who can prescribe an appropriate solution.
Acne
Similar to humans, when dirt and oil become trapped in the pores of your bulldog's skin, the glands can become inflamed and acne can result. It's most prevalent in the facial area (muzzle, chin, etc.). As long as the area is not infected, the acne is unlikely to cause irritation. However, if an infection occurs, the itching may cause your dog to begin scratching the infected area, leading to persistent infection. There are several acne cleaning products available. That said, the rule of thumb is that if you don't notice your bulldog scratching the area, there's probably no need to treat the condition.
Caring For Your English Bulldog
Remember, all dogs cope with skin disorders that are inherent to their particular breeds. Most of these issues can be resolved by either cleaning the affected region or applying a topical treatment. Keep in mind that you should always check with your veterinarian before applying any treatment that you're unfamiliar with. In the end, providing your bulldog with relief from its skin disorders is largely a matter of identifying the signs of irritation, preventing him from doing more damage, and keeping the area clean.
Learn more about English Bulldog skin care, view fun videos of bulldogs, print free pet friendly recipes, and browse through lots of fun pictures at Bulldog Abbie's personal website http://www.bulldogabbie.com |
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