English bulldogs are famous for their stocky appearance, drooping cheeks, wrinkled skin and "flattened" snouts. They are beautiful and funny dogs, ideal as pets. Bulldog puppies need the same attention as any other puppy; however, for some of their unique characteristics, they need some special attention. The important thing is to be able to understand the specific needs of this breed, so that your puppy can be a faithful companion for years to come.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Power
Step 1. Gradually change the brand of your food
Purchase a small amount of dog food the puppy was fed with before you take him home. That way, his digestive system won't get shocked by the change. If you want to change its feeding type, you have to do it slowly. Mix the two different foods together in equal parts for a week, then put in only ¼ of the old food and ¾ of the new one for another week, until you replace it completely.
Step 2. Feed him at regular times
You need to feed it three times a day, always respecting the same times for the first four months. By the sixth month, you can start cutting down on meals to twice a day, and at 12 months, you can get to give him only one meal a day.
Step 3. Make sure it's high quality, well balanced food
Generally, the one available on the market ready-made is perfect for the puppy. Read the first five ingredients on the label; the first or two should be meat (not mechanically separated meat which is fine anyway, but which should be among the other ingredients at the bottom of the list), followed by vegetables and then grains.
Occasionally the bulldog can experience food intolerances (diarrhea, vomiting or skin problems) to one or more ingredients. If your puppy also has these symptoms, you should see your vet to understand the cause and follow a restrictive diet to minimize the ailment
Step 4. Do not give your puppy food for humans, especially food that is dangerous for its digestive system
Keep in mind that some foods for human consumption can make him vomit or even kill him. Among the toxic foods for dogs there are (but they are not the only ones):
- Avocado;
- Alcohol;
- Chocolate;
- Grapes and raisins;
- Chives, onions and garlic;
- Nuts;
- Leavened dough;
- Any food with the xylitol sweetener, especially that found in sugar-free chewing gums.
Step 5. Check your new friend's weight
The English bulldog tends to gain weight quite easily, so you need to continuously monitor his weight so he doesn't gain too much. If you find that your puppy is starting to overweight, contact your vet to find the best and safest way to get him back to his ideal weight.
- Remember that treats are all extra calories, so be careful and offer them sparingly and in small quantities. Reserve them for training only.
- Monitor your puppy's body condition score (BCS) each month to determine if he is overweight or underweight. To be of normal weight, the dog must have the abdomen retracted (looking at it in profile) and the ribs must not be visible, but perceptible to the touch. A fat dog loses its abdominal silhouette and fat accumulates in this area and on the rib cage. When the dog is underweight, however, the abdomen is even less visible and you can see and touch the ribs very easily.
Step 6. Make sure he always has fresh water
This is a fundamental detail, especially when the climate is humid and hot; in any case, never stop your wagging friend from drinking. Also remember to wash the bowls of water and food a couple of times a week with soap and water, as the English bulldog tends to drool a lot.
Part 2 of 5: Taking Care of His Health
Step 1. When you take him home, check his teeth
Provide your puppy with plenty of chewable toys to help him through this time of change. You can go to the pet store to find different accessories and toys suitable for her age; avoid those that are too cheap or of low quality, as they could cause him severe diarrhea, bloating and even suffocate him.
Step 2. Check the puppy's health
For example, be especially careful if he has diarrhea when you change his food. If he starts having intestinal problems, fast for 12 hours. If the diarrhea does not subside within 24 hours, see your vet right away to avoid the danger of dehydration. Puppies can become dehydrated very easily, so you need to seriously address this issue if it occurs.
Step 3. Submit your furry friend to pest preventive treatments
Dogs can be infested with unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice and intestinal worms. Your puppy's body is an ideal environment for these parasites if it is not subjected to regular treatments. Your vet certainly knows the worst parasites in your area and will find the right therapy to prevent infestations.
- Heartworm disease is a very widespread disease caused by the mosquito and affects almost the entire national territory. It is important to have your dog undergo an annual blood test to ensure that it is not infected with the annoying parasite that causes this disease; in case of infection he should be given one tablet every month or one injection for at least six months to kill the organism in the blood system. There is a treatment to combat heartworm disease, but it is expensive and requires considerable physical effort for the dog, which can take months to eradicate the infestation.
- Another vaccine that you can consider, especially if you live in an area particularly prone to this infestation, is the one against Lyme disease. This is a more suitable treatment for hunting dogs, those who spend a lot of time outdoors or who live on farms, as they are more likely to contract this tick-borne disease. In addition to joint pain, swelling and fever, the animal may also suffer from kidney disease, which is usually fatal, as a result of Lyme disease.
Step 4. Take your puppy to the vet for regular checkups
Typically the person who owns the mother of the puppies should bring them to their first visit when they are six weeks old. Doctors will observe individual specimens to make sure they have no hernias, heart, lung, eye, or ear problems. On this occasion, they are usually dewormed and subjected to the first vaccine (the one against distemper). When they are 9 weeks old and then again at 12 weeks of age, they are again dewormed and revaccinated against distemper. Subsequently, these treatments are performed once a year or according to certain schedules that will be established by you or by the veterinarian.
- By the time they are 12 weeks old, puppies must also be vaccinated against rabies, although this can vary a lot according to local laws. This is a mandatory treatment in many cities and there may be heavy penalties for not vaccinating their puppy, especially if the puppy bites a person or another animal.
- As the dog grows, more frequent medical checks are needed. Two annual visits to the veterinary office can prevent illnesses before they become more serious problems. Older dogs often suffer from arthritis and heart disease, just like older people. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog experience a pleasant and reasonably pain-free old age.
Step 5. Castra or neuter the puppy when it reaches the appropriate age
It is important to spay (if it is female) or neuter (if it is male) your puppy. In addition to the resulting health benefits (less likely to contract certain cancers or infections) there are also social benefits in reducing the number of abandoned dogs. Another procedure to be evaluated is the implantation of a microchip, so as to be able to easily find the puppy in case it gets lost.
Step 6. Inspect his ears once a week
The inside of the ears are typically white or darker, depending on the color of the animal's fur, so it's important to check for any changes. The puppy's ears also shouldn't smell bad and shouldn't leak secretions from inside or from the pavilion. Check for residues, dirt, or parasites, such as ticks or mites. If the pet exhibits any of the symptoms listed below, it means there is some problem:
- He scratches or touches his ear with his paw;
- Excessively shakes his head;
- Ear wax or liquid or brownish material comes out of the ears.
Step 7. Clean his ears regularly
You can clean them using a product specially designed for this purpose, with hydrogen peroxide or with a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with the cleaning solution of your choice and gently scrub your four-legged friend's ears. If you are unsure or worried there may be an infection, go to the vet so they can check your ears with an otoscope and check the eardrum.
Never insert a cotton swab or similar object into the ear canal. The dog's ears make a sudden curve when approaching the head; you are not able to see the inside completely and you do not have to insert anything at that depth
Step 8. Brush his teeth every day
This daily operation (or at least 2 or 3 times a week) eliminates the bacteria and plaque that are fixed on the teeth daily. Also, it is an excellent opportunity for you to observe the puppy's mouth and check if any teeth are loose or damaged, if there are any diseases, abnormal growths or anything unusual; if you notice any abnormal details, see your vet promptly before the problem can escalate.
- Never use toothpaste for humans to brush your wagging friend's teeth; use only products for veterinary use. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems.
- Put a small amount of toothpaste on the tip of a finger and let the puppy lick it. The next day, insert your finger into his mouth and rub his teeth and gums on the outside. Afterward, try putting some toothpaste on a dog-specific toothbrush and let the puppy lick it, then rub the toothbrush along the outer edges of the gums and teeth. Only the outer part of the teeth (the one facing the cheeks) should be brushed; it's a job that takes no more than 30 seconds.
- Even if you manage to brush his teeth regularly, a professional dental cleaning is still necessary from time to time. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line and cause problems in that area or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with humans, it is important to take your dog to the dentist for regular checkups once a year.
Part 3 of 5: Grooming
Step 1. Wash it regularly
Since the English bulldog has folds on the skin, especially on the muzzle and around the lips, you need to examine it carefully every day to check for any signs of infection. The normal yeasts present on the body prefer these dark, warm and humid folds; therefore it is a good idea to gently wash and dry these areas thoroughly at least every two days, but also more often, if the puppy is particularly prone to infections.
Step 2. Brush his fur regularly
The short-haired English bulldog tends to shed it, so it's important to brush it once a week with a soft brush. During this procedure, pay particular attention to the presence of fleas, ticks or mites and check if your dog has any pimples, bumps or skin cysts. If you notice these signs, along with scabs, redness, or itchy skin, you should take your puppy to the vet.
Step 3. Check his paws on a regular basis
The time you brush it is ideal for inspecting nails and paws as well. The nails need to be trimmed every now and then; if you've never done this before, ask your vet to show you how. The procedure must be performed correctly, so as not to risk cutting the living dermis, that is the part of the nail where there are blood vessels and nerves.
If this "living part" has been cut by mistake, it will become difficult to cut his nails later, as he will be afraid he will still feel pain and bleed
Part 4 of 5: Training the Puppy
Step 1. Give it direct commands
Puppies, by natural instinct, follow a pack leader and you have to make him understand that it's you. As a leader, you need to teach him how to behave and adapt to his new environment. Keep in mind that he is not a "little genius" and cannot read people's minds; you have to be patient and repeat things to him, reinforcing them positively. If you are unable to handle a problem you have encountered, you should seek advice from a professional who specializes in canine behavior.
Step 2. Train your puppy to obey your commands
You can teach him to sit, stop and come close to you when you call him. In addition, it is important to start teaching him how to do his business outside the home from a very young age. All of these exercises can be effective if you use positive reinforcement. You don't have to punish him when he's wrong, but you have to appreciate and reward him when he does the right things. Give him a reward (which can be a snack or even praise and show affection) when he obeys your commands and when he follows your instructions.
It is also important to teach him to walk next to you when you take him for a walk on a leash. Walks are not only useful for helping him find his way around the neighborhood, but they are also opportunities to exercise and become familiar with the outside world. But make sure you don't walk too much. If it is still small, the animal gets tired very easily, so you shouldn't wear it out
Step 3. Start socializing early
This is a very important process to make sure your puppy gets comfortable with other dogs, other animals, and people. Younger puppies, under 14-16 weeks, are more likely to socialize, while beyond this age they become more cautious in dealing with new situations, people or other animals.
- Get the puppy to adapt to driving and walking around the neighborhood. You also need to get him used to relating to humans of all ages, sizes, colors, and genders (in a safe and friendly way). Also, be sure to safely introduce him to other friendly dogs or cats.
- A great way to get him to become familiar with people and other animals is to take him to socialization and obedience classes that are sometimes given in large pet shops, veterinary clinics, or some dog clubs.
Step 4. Give your puppy lots of attention and love
It is essential to create a strong bond of love and trust. While it is important for your dog to obey your commands, it is equally important that he feels loved and understands that you are taking care of him. Spend quality moments every day with your new partner, making sure that most of the time it's about playing and cuddling and not just training.
Part 5 of 5: Pay Attention to Your Specific Needs
Step 1. Give it a mild temperature
English bulldog puppies are temperature sensitive, they can suffer from heat stroke very easily, but they are also sensitive to cold.
- Make sure it stays cool enough during the summer months. Anything above 32 ° C can be very dangerous for the puppy. If he stays outside on hot days, make sure he always has water to drink.
- When the heat is really bad, leave the puppy out of the house as little as possible.
- Bulldog puppies can get cold very easily. Keep your friend in a warm environment during the colder months to prevent them from catching a cold. During the winter it may also be necessary to keep him warm by using a sweater or sweatshirt and dog shoes when you are outdoors. Avoid leaving it in environments with less than 15 ° C for too long.
Step 2. Check their fur for signs of allergies
As with other common breeds, Bulldogs are also genetically predisposed to atopic dermatitis, a skin disease that causes irritation. Studies have found that 30% of dogs suffer from some allergy and that 85% of these are sensitive to pollen, mites and mold spores. Contact your vet to find remedies if your dog's skin becomes red and irritated.
Step 3. Check the animal's breathing
Due to its short snout (nose), the English bulldog tends to suffer from respiratory problems. Hot, humid weather, excessive exercise, and some illness affecting the nose, throat, or lungs can make it difficult for him to get enough air into his body. Keep your puppy in an air-conditioned room when the weather is particularly hot or humid and only have him exercise indoors when the weather is extreme.
When your dog starts panting, you need to stop whatever physical activity he is doing and let him catch his breath
Advice
Use neutral, unscented wipes to clean your dog. Wash his belly and the creases on his nose every day. Also clean the inside of the folds of his mouth after each meal
Warnings
- Avoid excessive heat and cold, soft or shattering latex toys; they could choke him.
- The bulldog is unable to swim and may even drown in shallow water if it does not touch. Keep it away from water or put on a life jacket and never lose sight of it.
