The British bulldog is descended from the mastiff, but we now know it as a much more placid breed. Many dog-lovers choose the bulldog for its affectionate and faithful nature. The bulldog is mainly an indoor dog and is not fond of excessive amounts of exercise. One of its main requirements is regular grooming. Its characteristic skin hanging in deep folds predisposes the bulldog to skin problems.
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Causes of Hair Loss
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Veterinarians associate loss of hair in the bulldog with skin problems. Your veterinarian should check the general health of the bulldog to eliminate any underlying health problems. However, either parasitic or nonparasitic irritation is usually the cause of hair loss. If the dog's general health is satisfactory, check your pet for fleas. Comb the dog's hair onto a piece of damp white paper. You can detect the presence of fleas by brown debris (flea feces) falling onto the paper.
Mites
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The cheyletiella mite causes intense itching; the bulldog's scratching causes hair loss and scaling. This mite affects the dog's back in particular. The otodectes mite attacks the ear, but also causes irritation to the ear flap. The harvest mite, or neotrombicula autumnalis, also causes irritation and hair loss. The bulldog may also develop demodectic mange, which is caused by a mite.
Nonparasitic Causes of Irritation
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Bulldogs can develop eczema, which is the most common nonparasitic skin condition they contract. The dog will scratch if not treated, leading to hair loss. Bulldogs do not like very hot conditions, and heat will exacerbate eczema. Moreover, bulldogs like company. You should not leave your dog outdoors on its own for long periods or it will become stressed; stress contributes to eczema. Allergies can also cause this condition, and the veterinarian may test the dog for allergies.
Hot Spot
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Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, is a distressing skin condition. It is characterized by the development of circular, hairless red and itchy spots, which can increase dramatically in size. Allergies cause hot spots, and the veterinarian will try to determine the cause of the allergy. Hot spots usually occur on the head, hips and chest. The dog will scratch, leading to trauma and maybe a bacterial infection. The veterinarian will clip the surrounding hair and treat with a topical ointment.
Treatment and Prevention
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As an underlying skin condition leads to hair loss, the cause must be determined and treated. The veterinarian may need to sedate the bulldog to prevent distress. Treatment may be both topical and oral, especially if the infection has become bacterial.
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