Coconut Oil for Bulldogs

It is widely known that coconut oil has many natural benefits for humans.  Well, it also turns out that coconut oil has several benefits for Bulldogs, too.

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts.

The oil is composed of approximately 91% of saturated fatty acids, 6% of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and 3% of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The primary benefits of coconut oil for your Bully come from the oil’s Medium Chain Triglycerides which is often extracted for medicinal purposes. These Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s) have special properties for humans, and because they are able to be rapidly absorbed by the human body, it has shown to benefit many ailments in humans connected with malabsorption.

Okay, okay, that’s a mouthful of science – but how can it help my Bully?

In dogs, MCT’s found in coconut oil can help with weight loss because MCT’s are efficiently metabolized.  They also aid in boosting the thyroid, aiding overweight dogs in weight loss and helping the lethargic Bully feel a bit more energetic.

Coconut oil gently raises the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, boosts the immune system, improves skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.

So, when you’ve tried medication after medication, it may be time to try out nature’s gift to dogs.

Application

You can apply coconut oil either internally to your pup or externally.

When feeding it to your Bully, it would be a good idea to start with 2 teaspoons a day with food, and work your way up if needed.  However, 2 teaspoons for an approximately 60 lb. dog should do the trick.  Just don’t overload your Bully in the beginning.

Applied externally, you can rub coconut oil on to your dog’s fur and skin and brush them.  This can help clear up multiple skin issues that dogs can have, and will keep their coat looking beautiful year-round.

When used regularly, coconut oil can help in the following areas:

Immune System

• Antiviral properties are contained within coconut oil
• Antibacterial properties are contained within coconut oil
• Antifungal properties are contained within coconut oil
• Use coconut oil to prevent any of these kinds of infections

Metabolism

• Helps boost the thyroid to aid in weight loss
• Helps increase energy in otherwise lethargic Bulldogs

Skin and Coat

• Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
• Deodorizes a smelly Bully, and helps keep their fur glossy
• Reduces allergic reactions
• Protects from Fleas
• Clears up skin conditions such as eczema

Digestion

• Reduces bad breath
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
• Helps other digestive upsets

What kind of Coconut Oil to use?

There are many options to use when it comes to coconut oil, but for Bullies, it is best to use and unrefined coconut oil.

I personally have used Spectrum’s unrefined coconut oil and seen great results in my Bulldogs!

So, why not use coconut oil for your Bulldog?  It has TONS of excellent benefits to make your Bully a healthier and happier dog.  At worst, your dog may not improve from the use of this supplement.  However, it is definitely worth a shot!

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Bulldog Overheating

Summer is around the corner, and being based in Dallas, TX, we here at Bullymake are very aware of what heat can do to your Bulldog.  Bulldogs and heat do not mix.  And in a state where the temperature can rise upwards of 100 degrees with no problem, it is critical to know the signs of an overheating Bulldog, and what to do about it.

But even if you don’t live in Texas, it is recommended by many veterinarians to keep Bulldogs indoors when it is 85 degrees or hotter outside. Bulldogs have a tendency to overheat easily, as do many brachycephalic breeds.  They are not efficient panters, and therefore are not able to cool as easily as other breeds.

First, let’s look over the signs of an overheating Bulldog:

• Excessive panting
• Heaving while panting
• Odd sounds coming from the throat
• Very floppy, loose, discolored tongue
• Possible foaming from the mouth
• Exhaustion from the fight for breath

If you see any of these signs, your Bulldog is likely to be overheating.

This can be a scary situation for any Bulldog owner, as death can occur if not taken care of promptly.

 Here are 5 tips to keep your Bulldog cool:

1. Never leave your dog unattended in days of hot weather or while they are in the car.  If you do so, it is very possible that they will overheat which could result in death.  Also, don’t leave your Bully unattended if you have a pool on a hot day as they could be tempted to jump in.  Simply put – keep an eye on your fur-baby when it’s hot.

2. Bulldogs need a cool place to stay and sleep in your home during the summer.  Make sure they are always in an air-conditioned and well ventilated room of your house.  Tile can help them cool down when it is hot outside.

3. If you see that your Bully is overheating, it is time to cool him off. Remove him from the hot area immediately.  Place your bully in some cool water, and pour cool water over his head.  If you cannot place him in a tub-like area, hose him down with a low pressure spray.  Ensure water reaches and soaks his paws. Make sure he has plenty of cold water to drink.

4. If your Bully is overheated, place your dog by a fan.  Use your fingers to spread his fur to open up his coat to help air flow through to his body.  Do this after you have put him in the tub/poured cool water on him.  Fur acts as an insulator to cold weather so by spreading his/her fur open you are helping to reduce this insulation!

5. Let your Bully see for him/herself how hot it is outside.  If your pup is anxious to go on a walk or wants to go outside badly, sometimes it is best for him/her to feel for themselves how hot it is!  It’s safe to say your Bully won’t want to be outside for too long when it is scorching outside.

If your Bulldog is overheating on a regular basis, we fully recommend going to see a veterinarian to see if there are any underlying issues.

Comment below now and tell us about any experiences you may have had with Bulldogs in the heat!

Bulldog Cherry Eye

What it is, what the effects are, and how to fix it.

Cherry Eye Description

Unlike humans, dogs have three eyelids.  This third eyelid is known as the “nictitating membrane,” and it plays a vital role in the dog’s ability to see by supplying nutrients and oxygen to the eye via tear production.

Cherry eye is simply the non medical term for the prolapsed nictitating membrane – or the third eyelid.  Essentially the eyelid, or gland, comes out of place and mispositioned, resulting in a heavily red/pink swollen mass.

Unfortunately for us Bully lovers, this is a common condition found in Bulldogs.  Current studies indicate that cherry eye is a genetic problem mostly, but identifying a dog pre-exposed to this issue would be nearly impossible – especially if your breeder was not upfront with you whether or not the mom or dad of your Bully had these similar issues.

Keep in mind that cherry eye is usually seen in younger dogs between the age of 4 months to two years.  Typically, owners will experience most of their issues during this time period.

Brachycephalic breeds are most likely to experience issues with their nictitating membrane, hence the common cases of cherry eyes in Bulldogs.

Causes

The third eyelid gland is usually anchored to the lower inner rim of the eyelid by a fibrous attachment.  Genetics could be the cause for this particular attachment to be weak, which would increase the chances of cherry eye.

Because it is a congenital issue in Bulldogs, if it happens in one particular eye, it is likely to happen in the other.  So be sure to keep a lookout for both eyes if you know your Bully has an issue with one eye.

Once the fibrous attachment becomes weak and breaks, the tear gland moves more freely and causes irritation in the gland even more.  This irritation leads to swelling and will eventually form the red/pink swollen mass.

What to Do when Found

It’s best not to wait if you spot cherry eye.  Sometimes, cherry eye can correct itself but if it does not, this can lead to worse problems in your Bully. The more swollen and irritated the cherry eye becomes, the more difficult it is to correct.  Therefore, seeking the medical expertise of a veterinarian may be your best option.

Treatment

There are several options for treatment which include surgical and non-surgical procedures.  Largely this will vary dependent upon the severity of the issues.  Let’s take a closer look at what you can do.

Non-Surgical

Non surgical treatment is possible if you detect cherry eye in your Bully early enough in his/her symptoms.

According to the Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, Massage treatment can be applied to his/her eye with a downward-diagonal massage of the affected eye towards the Bulldog’s snout.  This can effectively return the third eyelid into place and reduce irritation.

There are some medications available to help cure your Bully of their cherry eye symptoms in addition to the eye massaging.  See a vet for medication if the situation persists after eye massages.

Occasionally cherry eye can correct itself, but as stated before, this is a gamble not worth taking.

Here is a youtube video of an owner correcting his Bully’s cherry eye.  We recommend consulting your Veterinarian before attempting if you are not comfortable doing the procedure.

 

Surgical Treatment for Cherry Eye

There are surgical options for your Bully’s cherry eye when needed.  In fact, this is the most common method to correction.

Check out our article where we talk a little about the cost to this procedure.

In one method, a surgical procedure is completed to effectively replace the third eyelid gland.  Replacement of the gland will greatly reduce your dog’s risk to “dry eye” later in life, and tear production should remain similar – if not the same – to previous levels.

In another method, known as the “pocketing method,” requires suturing of tissue around the prolapse and encasing it in a layer of conjunctiva.  This is another common method that surgeons will frequently use.

Another procedure is removal of the gland which used to be the old standard.  However, today this is not recommended because it has been shown that complete removal of the gland will reduce tear production in the eye.  This reduced tear production leads to other issues later in the dog’s life, including “dry eye.”

Consult your vet/surgeon for the best options for your pup.

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We hope this article helped you become a little more informed about cherry eye!  If so, please use the social icons below to share our page.  Feel free to drop a comment as well if you have any experiences with this known eye issue in Bulldogs.

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What’s the best collar for my bulldog?

A common item we see discussion about in Bulldog communities is about your Bully’s collar. There is a ton of misinformation on the web, as well as conflicting opinions on collars in general. Well, hopefully we can clear up some of the confusion for you by addressing the most common questions we see regarding collars head on.

Choosing a bulldog collar can be a difficult task. But after raising several Bulldogs it is quite evident what type of collar is best for their health.

Soft leather collars easily give your dog the most comfort when they are around the house and for everyday use. Unlike nylon collars, leather collars do not cut into their skin and fur, and seem to be much more comfortable in general. Because nylon fabric is much more prickly than leather, this can cause your Bully to itch around their neck and increase shedding in that area.

Additionally, leather is a longer lasting material and most leather collars do not use a buckle. Nylon collars with buckles tend to break down much more easily than a standard leather collar. The Bulldog’s shear strength can cause a nylon buckle collar to come undone, which in turn you will have to replace.

Here at Bullymake, we produce 100% genuine nappa leather collars that are handmade. These collars are guaranteed to last you for years and years to come, and provide your that extra comfort that he or she will love. Check out our shop here!.

Should I walk my Bulldog using a collar?

We do not recommend walking your Bulldog on a collar unless it is for a quick outing or if your Bulldog is not a puller (which is doubtful). However, if you know that your Bully is not much of a puller, or if you are going on a very quick walk (to use the bathroom or something similar) then using a collar can be a good idea and it is certainly more convenient.

Bulldogs are brachycephalic, so using a collar is not a good idea to walk your Bully on extended walks with. Brachycephalic dogs are breeds with a short muzzle and a flat face. Sound familiar? These breeds (Bulldogs in particular) have problems tracheal collapse, temperature intolerance and eye injuries. These are not the kind of things we want to spur on by walking on a collar.

Should I use a collar at all?

Yes! You should most certainly use a collar. In fact, it would be foolish for you not to use a collar. The main purpose of your collar is so your fur-baby can wear an ID tag with their rabies vaccination. We know you would never let your Bully out of your site. But sometimes, accidents happen, and when they do you’ll be glad that your Bully was wearing a Bullymake collar with an ID tag. A responsible Bully owner would ensure that their pup wears a collar.

In fact, collars serve a purpose that’s more than just for show and identification. The humane society proclaims that collars are great for protection, and to ward off fleas and ticks. It would behoove you to purchase a collar for your Bully.

So what should I use for extended walks?

It is best to use a harness for your Bulldog. Check our shop for our beautiful leather harnesses that will fit your Bulldog amazingly well and give him/her comfort when walking. Not to forget to mention, it’s going to give you all the support you need!

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Do Bulldogs Shed?

Well, the simple answer to this question is yes.  Bulldogs do shed.  But they don’t shed as much as other breeds and when they do shed their hair is less noticeable on the ground, on furniture, and other areas.  From my own personal experience, I think bulldog shedding is most noticeable on your dark clothing.  Having him or her in your lap while you’re wearing a dark jacket or dark pants will almost positively result in visible Bulldog hair on your clothing.  Of course, if your bully has any kind of white coating, the hair is more likely to show.  All-in-all, bulldogs can be considered “average” shedders.

Bulldogs have a short, fine, smooth coat.  The good news about this is that when they do shed, it can make cleanup a relatively simple job.  The coat also matures with age, and a bulldog puppy will typically shed more than the adult version later in their life.  As their coat matures, Bulldog shedding should slow down given proper grooming (more on that later)!

What Would Cause my Bulldog to Excessively Shed?

Excessive Bulldog shedding can be due to many reasons.  Your veterinarian will be your best option when determining the exact reason that your Bully may be excessively shedding.  After all, shedding is normal, and the Vet will be able to determine if the shedding is natural or part of an underlying disorder.  According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), excessive shedding can be caused by:

• Parasites (fleas, lice or mites)
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Inhalant or food-related allergies
• Kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal disease (including Cushing’s)
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Certain medications
• Self-induced trauma due to licking
• Cancer
• Immune disease
• Sunburn
• Contact with irritating or caustic substances
• Improper Nutrition

Often, bulldog shedding can simply be caused by a reaction to food or a result of improper nutrition.  The remedy to this issue may be to experiment with different food brands and types, and seeing how your Bulldog reacts.  However, sometimes the excessive shedding may warrant a trip to the Vet, especially if you spot signs of skin irritation or redness, open sores, balding, dull and dry hair, persistent scratching and/or licking, and other abnormalities in your Bulldog.

Tips for Decreasing Shedding

There are many tricks and tips that you can do to manage your Bulldog’s shedding. Here are the most vital ones:

Proper Grooming: We recommend brushing your dog every single day.  Bulldogs typically love being groomed, especially if it ends with a reward!  Teach your dog at a young age to be stable on a grooming table.  We recommend using a fine tooth brush with very compact bristles to really remove the loose hair in your Bulldog. Read about the costs involved with grooming.

Bathe your Dog as Needed: Nobody like a smelly Bully!  If you see that your dog is getting dirty, or he’s been rolling around outside a bit too much, it’s a good idea (and a necessity) for you to bathe your dog.  Be sure to reward him/her after their bath.

Feed a nutritious Dog food:  Make sure you watch for signs in your Bully when using a new food or feeding him something for the first time.  If the dog has any sort of negative reactions, it may be time to switch up what he eats.

Invest in a proper collar: A poor collar can cause allergic reactions or make your Bully scratch his neck area more than usual. Check out our shop for more on that!

Invest in a Decent Vacuum:  Vacuuming your house will keep allergens from dog hair off the ground and furniture, and overall improve the health of your home.

Use A Fatty Acid Supplement: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids have been proven to help the coat of Bulldogs and lessen shedding.  You can buy this in the form of Salmon oil or in other dietary supplements.

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English Bulldogs are one of the most, if not the most, popular and loved dog breeds in the world today.  Some of us fantasize about owning an English Bulldog one day, while others who already own them aren’t entirely sure about the ongoing costs of ownership.  This article will:

• Tell you how much English Bulldogs cost.
• Explain ongoing costs of ownership.
• Estimate costs of any health issues.
• Give you an idea whether or not owning a Bulldog is right for you financially.

The Initial Cost of Purchasing an English Bulldog

It’s tough to put an exact number on the cost of a well-bred bully (tips on finding a good breeder here).  But typically you can expect the cost to average around $1500-$4000.  “Holy cow” you might be saying to yourself, “why is this breed so insanely expensive?

Well, the answer to that is relatively simple.   The primary cost to breeders is from the fact that English Bulldogs must be C-Sectioned from the mother which can cost upwards of $1500.  In conjunction with regular visits to the vet during the mother’s pregnancy, the cost of breeding bulldogs can escalate extremely quickly which in turn results in a higher purchase price for the end-buyer.

Outside of veterinary bills and the cost of the delivery itself, it’s also a matter of basic economics.  I’m talking about supply and demand.  Because English Bulldogs are so extremely popular today (for so many reasons), the price of them naturally rises.  In fact, bulldogs were the most searched breed in Google in 2013.  Additionally, bulldogs have jumped from the 16th to the 5th most registered breed at the American Kennel Club since 2003, further showing their increase in popularity.

Ongoing Costs of Bulldog Ownership

The initial purchase price isn’t the only thing that’s going to take a slight toll on your wallet.  You will also need a multitude of products to keep your bully healthy and happy.  A small list of these products would include:

1. Food ($20-$50/Month)
2. Food/Water Bowls ($10-30)
3. Crate (approx. $120)
4. Toys ($5-30/Month)
5. Puppy Shots (approx. $100)
6. Treats ($10-30/Month)
7. Grooming Supplies (approx. $40)
8. Collars (approx. $40/each)
9. Leashes (approx. $40/each)
10. Harness (approx. $50/each)
11. Dental Products (approx. $10/Month)

Remember, this list is an APPROXIMATION of many of the costs and are not set in stone.  It all depends on the quality of the products you buy.  Clearly, higher quality products will cost you a bit more.  Consider these costs an average, or somewhere in the middle of what you can expect to pay for each item.

So, let’s total this all up.  In monthly costs we would have food, toys, treats, and dental products which would add up to a ballpark estimate of $70/month.

The bowls, crate, puppy shots, grooming supplies, collars, and leashes would cost you ABOUT $400 total. Again, it depends on product quality. Many of these items will have to be replaced for bigger/better versions as your puppy grows (hence the “each” marking next to some of the items). These cost estimates also do not account for any ‘specialty’ items you may want to provide for your pup.

Just let this serve as a reminder that the purchase of a pup isn’t going to be your only cost, and your fiduciary duties will span throughout the pup’s life.

Common Health Issues and Costs to Fix Them

Nobody wants their baby fur ball to get sick or have bodily issues, but when they do, they have associated costs that one must factor into the costs of ownership.

• Hip Dysplasia (HD): According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Bulldogs born between 2006 and 2010 were evaluated 98 times, with 61.2 percent of them showing some form of Dysplasia.  That’s a relatively good chance that your Bulldog will at some point have Hip Dysplasia.  In its worst form, HD will require surgery, which will cost about $5000 depending on the individual surgeon.

• Cherry Eye: Cherry Eye is another health problem often found in puppy bulldogs, and is a genetic disorder that occurs in some Bulldog family lines. The cost to correct this issue varies widely, from $500-$1500 depending on the Vet used, and the procedure they implement.

• Allergies:  Similar to humans, bullies can also be affected by allergies.  Allergy testing for your dog can range anywhere from $100-$500 depending on your vet.  Costs for allergy treatments vary WIDELY depending on the type of allergy your pet is suffering from.  Sometimes changing your dog’s food will do the trick; sometimes the bulldog will need medication.  Talk to your vet for the closest estimate regarding allergy treatment for more accurate, case-by-case information.

• Interdigital cysts: These cysts are commonly found in bulldogs and form in their paws.  Usually, veterinarians will suggest that surgery is the best method for removal which can range anywhere from $250-500.  There are cheaper options, however, these options are recommended to first be discussed with your Vet.

The basic premise of this paragraph is to inform any current or potential bulldog owners that there are health problems that periodically occur in bullies, and when they arise, they have associated costs which one must consider during ownership.  Unfortunately, some of these costs can really put a ding in your wallet, especially if your bully suffers from a severe case of Hip Dysplasia.

Make sure you consider the costs of correcting these issues during ownership prior to purchasing and English Bully.

Is Owning a Bulldog Right For You?

Hopefully this article gave you insight as to whether or not you can financially handle owning a bulldog.  During my ownership, I can say that the breed is worth every penny of your hard earned money.  The joy and happiness they bring cannot be measured in dollars.  But, one must be realistic and responsible before purchasing a bulldog to ensure they have the financial means necessary to properly care for these bundles of joy.

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