Bulldogs are notorious for skin problems and, like all breeds, they are prone to particular health issues, mostly due to a bulldog's structure and genetics. Bulldogs have wrinkles and folds, especially in their face, and when these areas get moist and dirty, skin problems may arise. Bulldogs also have issues with the skin between their toes and are prone to congenital and non-hereditary skin problems. Keeping your bulldog clean, dry and comfortable when skin problems arise will help to speed up recovery from any sort of infection.
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Preventative Skin Care
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Bulldogs are vulnerable to bacteria growth and infection in skin folds. Discharge from their eyes often runs down the wrinkles in their face keeping them moist and warm̵2;a perfect place for bacteria to grow. Plus, if your bulldog spends much time outside playing, that increases the opportunity for dirt to get into wrinkles as well. Using a mild dog soap or shampoo to thoroughly clean the wrinkles once a week will decrease the possibility of infection. Elitebully.com recommends applying soap to a moist Q-tip or cotton ball to thoroughly clean the wrinkles. Rinse and dry between the skin folds as well. It is best to start this routine early on in the dog's life so he can adjust to the procedure and doesn't run from you every time he sees the cotton balls come out.
Brushing and bathing are two other methods recommended by elitebully.com and other resources that can prevent skin problems in your bulldog. A soft bristled brush can help to remove dirt and allergens from the coat between bathings. The right shampoo and conditioning products keep your dog's skin and coat moisturized and free from fleas, ticks and other irritants.
By taking a preventative approach to your bulldog's skin care, your dog will be kept more comfortable, and you'll make fewer trips to the vet.
Congenital Skin Problems
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Demodectic mange is typically categorized as a skin problem that can be inherited. As marvistavet.com points out, all dogs have the mites that cause demodectic mange and often carry these mites and others on their skin and in their hair shaft throughout their lives. It is transferred from mother to puppy during the first weeks of life. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to manifesting skin irritations from these mites. Symptoms include itching, licking and hair loss in affected areas, which are typically in localized places on the body, around the face or on the feet. The treatment is rigorous and requires skin scrapings and treatments every two weeks until the mites are eradicated. Occasionally, bulldogs will have slight irritations that disappear as their immune system balances and learns to accommodate the mites, but more often Ivermectin, dips and other remedies are required every two weeks.
Bulldoginformation.com also points out that acne, fold dermatitis and other skin conditions have a hereditary component.
Non-Heriditary Skin Problems
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According to bulldoginformation.com, non-hereditary skin conditions common to bulldogs include eczema or canine atopic dermatitis, hot spots, seborrhoea and allergic reactions. Eczema is caused by stress, allergies, bites or hormonal imbalances and manifests in blisters, lumps or open sores. Bulldogs with this condition should be kept clean and should have an emollient applied to any affected areas to provide a seal and moisturize skin.
Hot spots are a reaction to flea bites, foods, parasites or even grooming. Dogs typically aggravate the condition by itching and licking the areas causing red, circular, hairless lesions. The areas need to be kept clean and dry, so this may mean that your dog will need a cone around his head or other method to keep him from further irritating the infection. If you can find the cause of the hot spots (fleas, parasites) that should be taken care of. Your veterinarian can also prescribe antibiotics to speed up the healing process.
Seborrhoea causes an oily or dry skin with dandruff. Seborrhoea is treated by first resolving underlying causes such as bacteria or secondary illnesses. Once resolved, the skin condition can be restored with moisturizing shampoos and keeping your bulldog clean.
Warning
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Your bulldog's comfort is important. If you notice an irritation that won't go away with ointments and basic care, talk to your veterinarian for advice as to what steps to take next. If left untreated, conditions such as hot spots can wind up in severe infections that can result in your bulldog's death or extreme discomfort. Never give your bulldog human medicines that haven't been approved by your veterinarian. Typically, ointments such as Neosporin or an anti-inflammatory like Aspirin can be effective for bulldogs, but contact your vet first to help make that determination.
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