Bulldogs are one of the most-liked breeds because of their distinctive faces and outgoing personalities. Most are well-natured and easy to get along with, so it's no wonder why so many people adore bulldogs. While these cute pooches have so many likable qualities, dry skin is one condition that owners and dogs alike can agree is a problem. However, there are many home remedies that can help to clear up and prevent this condition and get your fun-loving bulldog back to its old self.
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Proper Diet
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Begin with what you are putting into your bulldog. What it eats plays a crucial role in the health of its skin. It is essential to feed your bulldog an all-natural diet that is free of any artificial colors or preservatives. Many believe that raw and fresh diets are the most beneficial, as their ingredients are more potent in their uncooked states. There are many home-prepared diets from which bulldog owners can choose, or if that is not feasible, you can add fresh vegetables and other ingredients to your dog's kibble.
Like many bulldogs, your pooch could have a food allergy that is causing the dry skin. If you believe this is so, try feeding an elimination diet to identify to what your dog may be allergic. Avoiding this ingredient could help to alleviate your bulldog's dry skin.
Fatty Acid Supplements
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Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are very helpful in fighting dry skin. They not only add oil to the skin and coat, but they also prevent inflammation. These supplements are available in capsule form, or you can give your bulldog fish or flaxseed oils or pumpkin seeds. In addition, diets that contain fish can be beneficial in helping to eliminate your bulldog's dry skin. If your bulldog has allergies, fatty-acid supplements, along with the use of antihistamines, can be extremely useful.
Vitamins
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Dry skin can be a sign of poor nutrition. If your bulldog is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals that it needs, dry skin can occur. Make sure that the diet your are feeding your pup contains adequate amounts of vitamins E, A and B3. Furthermore, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help your bulldog achieve a healthy coat. You can give five to 10 milligrams per pound of vitamin E per day.
Grooming
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Bathing your bulldog too much can cause dry skin. When you wash your pet's coat, you remove the oils that naturally occur in the skin. If you wash your bulldog excessively, you never give the skin a chance to build up the essential oils that it needs. It is recommended to bathe your dog only once a month, unless there are circumstances in which it becomes really dirty. A good homemade shampoo that is formulated for dry skin can be made by combining one-third cup of glycerin with one cup each of Lemon Joy and white vinegar, with one quart of water. Using a conditioner that is made for dogs can also help eliminate dry skin.
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