Bulldog Skin Irritations

Bulldogs are heavy, short-furred dogs that are known for their calm temperament and their impressive strength. Though bulldogs tend to be fairly healthy, they are prone to skin irritation. If you learn about the skin issues that commonly affect bulldogs, you will be able to make more informed decisions about bulldog care.

  1. Types

    • A bulldog's skin can be irritated by parasites or by nonparasitic afflictions. Parasitic skin issues commonly stem from fleas or roundworms, while nonparasitic afflictions can result from a variety of different causes, including eczema, acne, seborrhoea and demodectic or sarcoptic mange.

    Identification

    • Because bulldogs have short fur, identifying a skin irritation issue is fairly straightforward. Look for areas where the skin is red or where the hair has fallen out. Though skin irritations often cause itching, itching is not always present. The skin might also have a flaky, crusted appearance, or there might be an unpleasant or sweet smell coming from it.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Bulldog skin issues can be reduced through regular grooming. Brush your bulldog a few times a week using a rubber pad or a bristle brush. A bulldog only needs to be bathed once or twice a year unless it has gotten extremely dirty. Dirt and debris can accumulate in the bulldog's facial wrinkles, so clean the wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth.

    Diet

    • Allergies related to the food that the bulldog eats can also contribute to skin irritations in bulldogs. According to The Bulldog Information Library, a bulldog with eczema, which manifests as dry, scaly skin, will improve when fed on a diet of lamb meat and boiled rice. Feeding a bulldog a high quality diet that is low in filler can also reduce diet-related skin problems.

    Effects

    • If left untreated, skin irritations can turn into serious health problems for the bulldog. Parasites can spread disease, and persistent scratching can open up the skin and lead to infections. If your bulldog is experiencing constant skin irritation, take it to veterinarian to figure out what the problem might be and how to fix it.