One of the most easily recognizable dog breeds is the English bulldog, thanks to its large, round head and stocky frame. English bulldog is considered to be extremely ugly or extremely beautiful depending on the eyes of the beholder. The English bulldogs, however, is not spared from having health problems especially its skin. Get to know the common skin problems that your pet may be or possibly suffer in the future.
Eczema
Eczema or canine atopic dermatitis is the most common skin problem in the English bulldog. Eczema is a non-parasitic infection that produces dry, itchy skin often manifesting in scaly bumps or open sores. The causes of the said skin disease are allergies, stress, and insect bites. It tends to be worse in the warm, summer months.
What to do
The need to regularly ensure the proper care of the bulldog’s skin is needed to avoid eczema. You can make sure that your dog’s skin is moisturized with the use of emolients that greatly reduce outbreaks of this condition. Incorporate lamb meat in your bulldog’s diet since it can help treat cases of eczema.
Dermatitis, pyoderma and staph
The three common bacterial skin infections affecting English bulldogs are dermatitis, pyoderma and staph. These infections affect the skin surface and cal also penetrates the skin deeply. Allergies, insect bites or moisture in the skin of bulldogs can be a predisposing factor.
What to do
You should go see your vet as soon as possible. Your vet may prescribe oral antibiotic and medicated shampoos to treat your dog.
Seborrhea
Another common skin problem with English bulldog is seborrhea. It causes the skin to become either excessively oily or excessively dry. Infections, either bacterial or fungal also cause this skin condition. The infection appears as inflamed patches of skin that gives off a bad odor.
What to do
Your vet can treat this infection with an antibiotic. Seborrhea manifests in the bulldog without nay signs of infections. In this case, you can treat seborrhea with shampoos and food supplements.
Hot spots
Hot spots are also known as acute moist dermatitis that appears as round, hairless, itchy sores on the superficial layer of the skin. It can be an allergic reaction to insect bites, parasites, food and even anal gland problems. The bulldog often attempts to relive the pain or itchiness of these sores by chewing or licking them. These actions lead to further inflammation.
What to do
Trimming the hair around them can treat hot spots, cleaning the area with Nolvasan solution and applying a medication such as Domeboro powder.
Acne
The English bulldog breed can be prone to acne. It is caused by dirt entering the pores of the skin as well as allergic reactions. Acne afflicts younger bulldogs that appear as pimples or blackheads on the lips, chin, and muzzle. Acne does not usually bother the bulldog not unless the areas become severely infected.
What to do
Your vet can prescribe acne-cleaning shampoo in more severe cases.
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