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Health and Advice



There are many good books and articles on the internet regarding the health and advice for Bulldogs and we would advise any new owner or potential owner to gain as much knowledge as possible. For instance Bulldogs Today by Chris Thomas (no relation) is an excellent book among many with great advice, also the DVD Introducing the Bulldog produced by the Ocobo/Mystyle kennels has great and easily accessible advice .

            

Many breeders will give freely of their knowledge and experience. We offer lifetime support to all puppy purchasers and stud dog users as standard and are equally happy to provide advice and guidance to anyone interested in the bulldog.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Andrew Brain (Celticpride Bulldogs) and his family for all the help and education he has given us. Andrew is a big man and this is reflected in his generosity in sharing his knowledge and his hospitality.( I’m sure I have used up a stud fee in coffee and biccies) Nothing is too much for this man whether available on the phone or in person, he has always been there to help or advise. His wife Mandy is always there with a coffee and a welcoming smile. What a great family,

Thanks ray


Here are a few areas we consider to be of high importance and whilst we aim to provide a short note on the subjects it is in no way considered to be extensive.



Breeding

Careful consideration must be given to breeding your bitch.

Your bitch will need 24 hours a day attention from at least 7 days before she is due to whelp. Most bitches require a caesarian section to whelp effectively and this is no guarantee to safety as many bitches have been lost on the vets table. You must be vigilant and alert as to the signs of imminent whelping. You must have a Bulldog sensitive vet available who will know your bitch is due and you must know the on call arrangements as bulldogs have no knowledge of the normal working day! We personally sleep in the same room as the bitch in whelp from 7 days from the expected date.

When the pups arrive forget sleep as they will need 24 hour attention for at least the first three weeks. My wife and I sleep in shifts in order to provide the necessary care and attention. Attention to detail and forward planning are totally necessary – has your car got enough petrol to get to the vets?

We do operate a whelping service in certain situations.

In addition to this you need to ensure that the stud dog is right for your bitch and that you breed with the aim of healthy and active bulldogs.

To ensure that you get the best possible chance of a successful mating we do advise Vaginal swabs and Pre Oestrogen blood tests to arrive at the best mating dates for your bitch. Most breeders will allow you to watch the process of mating



You must have the time and space to cater for a litter of healthy active bulldog pups as play and socialisation are equally important as good food and conditions. Consideration must be given to the hygienic conditions cleaning regularly and thoroughly. Whilst having a litter is a full time job it is also a source of immense fun and joy watching them grow and develop and our family all get involved enormously.



Heatstroke

All short nosed breeds must be carefully managed in hot weather and not forced to exercise in the heat of the day. Bulldogs love sunbathing but must have access to cool shady areas and fresh water. Do Not leave your dogs unattended in cars, conservatories or anywhere the temperature can rise quickly. Provide fans or air conditioning where possible. Fans can be obtained for very reasonable money from the DIY stores at low cost.

Heatstroke can come on with extreme rapidity with heavy panting, tongues may go blue, if the dog starts roaring it is in distress – he may vomit a white froth which must be cleared from the dog’s airways. Do not allow him too much to drink until he cools down as this could make him vomit or cause him to choke on the froth,

You need to cool him down and quick. Use a hosepipe to spray him all over or plunge him into an iced bath. Whenever there is hot humid weather about I always have bottles of water (ice ) in the freezer which I may place in the dogs bed. We also use the ice packs commonly found in cool bags to place in the dog’s bed if necessary when travelling. There are now products such as ice collars and ice coats which have a form of crystals inside which you can freeze and it remains cool for hours. A frozen towel is something I do not leave home without during hot weather.

  

Cool Colllars available in different patterns and colours from spalfords bulldogs

Care of the Pensioner

Dogs age at differing rates and energy levels differ between dogs. Mind you I have found that the older they get the more stubborn they become and they do seem to rely on routine. Drummond would bark and bark until you put all the shopping away and his home was tidy again. He would even bark if there was something different in the garden!

A bulldog seems to accept his lot in life and rarely moans or complains of aches and pains so you must be aware for them, regular grooming can be a good way of accessing aches and pains with your dog. When they have been at your side for years you will start to pick up the signs- cannot eat dinner in one visit, may need two meals, prefers the biscuit to be soaked. Do not let him get overweight (I wish I could be as strict with my diet). One of the paradoxes of life is that our best friend does not live as long as we do and sometimes we have to find the courage to help our friends move on with dignity and without weeks and weeks of pain. You will not see him again and no more will that bold skull fill your palm………and yet in that time between sleep and wake I swear he is still there.
 

 

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