Every dog loves a good scratch, but if your Bulldog’s scratching is consistent or if it is causing skin damage, it’s time to take steps to remedy the scratching and whatever might be causing it. Excess scratching is a source for hot spots, infection and long-term skin problems, so it should be addressed without delay.
What is making your pooch itch, leading it to scratch away? Give your Bulldog a thorough exam from snout to tail to see if you can determine the roots of the problem. Look for:
Infection: Infections can be caused by bacteria or other foreign elements invading your dog’s skin through a scratch or cut. Look for missing hair, red or swollen areas, nasty looking sore or other skin abnormalities.
Allergies: Bulldogs will be exposed to many types of allergens in their environment. These can be hard to discover, and are best pursued with the help of the veterinarian. Allergies cause by flea bites are the easiest to spot. If your pooch has fleas get rid of them a.s.a.p.
Neurogenic Disorder: Bulldogs are active, intelligent and social creatures. When they don’t get enough exercise, mental stimulation or companionship they may grow bored, restless and anxious. They express these feelings with excessive licking or perhaps by chewing on their skin. Skin issues can develop quickly when this occurs.
Poor Diet: Bulldogs need enough fat or oil in their diet to keep moisture in their skin. Dry skin, sores, eczema and hair loss may result.
Parasites: It’s not just fleas that might enjoy your dog’s skin. Ticks, gnats, mites and other pests can be a source of skin problems. Examining your pet will reveal clear signs of trouble.
Environmental Causes: Swimming in the lake or pond, digging in the dirt, tearing through the brush – all things a Bulldog enjoys doing. But all kinds of causes of skin issues lurk out there.
If you are unable to determine why your dog is scratching, or if you find the cause and a good bath or flea collar won’t eliminate it, get the vet’s help.
Veterinarians deal with skin issues in all types of dogs on a daily basis. They’ll usually be able to find the cause and prescribe an antibiotic or anti-fungal cream if need be, as well as agents to get rid of parasites. Antihistamines are available for allergies, too. The vet may also suggest dietary changes that will help.
If your vet cannot find the cause, then the cause might be neurogenic. Don’t fail to discuss this issue with the animal doctor.
This disorder isn’t as easy as giving your dog some medication or a flea bath, but it can be remedied. In younger dogs, some maturity will usually help. But remember to address the causes mentioned above.
Be sure your Bulldog is getting the type and amount of exercise its breed requires. Plus, getting out for a good run will stimulate the dog, removing its boredom. It will be distracted from obsessive behaviors and enjoy itself in the process. It will be less likely to return to neurogenic activities when exercise is consistent. Make the exercise interesting when possible. Chasing a ball can be good, especially into water or a field. Go for a bike ride or jog and bring the pooch along – varied scenery is always great. Some people like to take the dog for a car ride, which many find quite enjoyable. You’ll soon find many ways to have a great time getting exercise or recreation with your Bulldog.
Another option is to get one of those nifty cones from the vet to put around your dog’s neck. It will be prevented from licking those hot spots, giving them time to heal. Apply the cone whenever licking or chewing on itself becomes a problem. This association will be a preventative, too.
If scratching persists or starts back up, go through the list of possible causes for anything new that may have cropped up. You don’t want to overlook a physical ailment when you think it’s just in your dog’s head! Most scratching problems, including neurogenic ones, can be overcome in Bulldogs by finding the cause and addressing it appropriately.
Jill B