If you have a bulldog, what do you think he’s probably doing right this minute? We’re willing to bet most bully owners answered with “sleeping”! Experts aren’t sure exactly why bulldogs snooze so much, but they average about 12 hours of shuteye a day.
A Lack of REM Sleep
Why do bulldogs sleep so much? Here’s one popular theory: Your average human spends about 25 percent of their sleep in the deep Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage. This is because, unlike dogs, humans don’t get the luxury of taking naps during the day and have to catch all their Zs in one long stretch at night. Bulldogs, on the other hand, only spend 10 percent of their dozing time in the restorative REM stage due to their shorter sleep stints. In a nutshell, that means our bulldogs have to log in a lot more snooze time to reap the benefits their humans get during one night of sound sleep.
The Genetic Factor
The bulldog’s wild ancestors were nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness and resting while the sun was up. After humans decided to domesticate canines, dogs had to adapt by changing their habits to fit their family’s schedule, and that meant sleeping through the night. Their wild wolf cousins still get to howl at the moon while our bulldogs are nice enough to keep it to a low snore when their owners are in bed.
How Much Sleep is Normal?
The average dog sleeps for 12 to 14 hours a day. Puppies need 18 to 20 hours a day since they wear themselves out running and playing. Older dogs and certain breeds on both ends of the size spectrum need more rest. Giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Great Danes clock in the most nap time.
A Dog’s Day
Bulldogs spend 50 percent of the day asleep, 30 percent hanging around the house, and only around 20 percent being active. Unlike their human buddies, dogs are flexible sleepers who can easily pop up when they need to (like when the mailman is at the door) and snooze when they’re bored. A hard day’s work, like that of a police dog or one who herds sheep, means less sleep since they have more to do than the average Chihuahua who lounges the day away on the couch.
When To Be Concerned
While your bulldog’s sleep schedule can vary from day to day, there’s usually no reason to be worried about all the snooze time he’s getting. A red flag would be if your usually active dog suddenly sleeps all day long, if he becomes difficult to wake up, or if he goes the other extreme and is staying awake and anxious most of the time. Then you would need to take the pooch to your veterinarian to rule out any major health problems and help get him back on track.
Competing in a dog show is a lot of fun but it can require careful preparation and hard work as well. For bulldog owners new to the world of dog shows, we’ve put together a short guide to help get you started.
Preparing Bulldogs for Show
Grooming
A bulldog is comparatively easy to prepare for a show. Brushing his short coat on a regular basis will keep it healthy, clean and shiny. Rubbing it with a soft cloth or chamois just before entering the ring will ensure a freshly groomed look. Your bulldog should be bathed occasionally and his eyes wiped every day to prevent staining. Extra care should be taken with wrinkles and ears. One last preparation for a bulldog dog show is to trim your dog’s nails.
Show Training
How to show train a bulldog
It is up to you as the handler to accentuate your dog’s good qualities and play down the bad ones. Training begins long before you arrive at the show. Puppies as young as six weeks can be trained to stand quietly on a flat table to prepare them to be judged. Your pup should wear his collar but no leash. Take plenty of time to pet your dog and tell them what a great job they are doing. A show dog who is enjoying what he is doing often places higher than one who is bored or only placating his owner. Training in this manner should be done in short increments every day.
How to Practice “Stacking”:
Step 1: Stand your dog on a flat table
Step 2: You should carefully place one hand flat on your pup’s chest and one on his rear end. Hold him gently cradled this way for only ten or fifteen seconds at a time.
Step 2: Quietly repeat the “stand” command.
Step 3: After a few weeks of training, you will be able to begin placing his legs into the “square” position. Gently move your dogs legs by moving his chin or tugging on his collar. Place his rear legs closer together than his front legs so that when you look at him from the front you can see his rear legs between his front legs. This is referred to as “stacking.” Bulldogs are unique in that they are judged from the front rather than the side as are other breeds.
Patience first
Anyone seeking to train their dog, whether or not it is a bulldog, should understand that without patience there will be no placing. All dogs learn in their own time and you should not be discouraged if your pup will not stand still or even stand up on the table during the first few training sessions. Your dog is looking to you for calm guidance during this unfamiliar activity. If you get upset your dog is going to learn that training is something to dread. Keep your training sessions short to prevent over stressing either your dog or yourself. Another good rule of thumb is to always end a training session positively even if it does not feel as if you have made much progress.
Showtime
Observe others
You and your pup should visit at least one dog show before you ever enter the ring. It is important that your dog is socialized around other dogs and should be accustomed to being handled by strangers. Watch the other dogs and their handlers. Quietly note what you have already learned works for you and your dog. Keep an open mind towards learning something new. Let your pup get used to the comings and goings of the other dogs and people at the show. This will relax you both.
Dress for success: What the show handler should wear
A dog show handler should always look professional whether it is their first or 50th show. The colors you wear should complement your dog’s coat. Men and women should wear neat, loose-fitting pants that allow them to get down and stack their dogs as well as move briskly in the ring. Long skirts that flap with movement and noisy jewelry are prohibited. Shoes for women and men should be low-heeled and well-maintained. Open-toed footwear and sandals are not permissible in the show ring. Shirts and jackets should not restrict the handler’s movement.
What to pack:
In your show day bag should be grooming supplies, a water dish and a bottle of water, nylon showing leads, and an emergency first aid kit. It can be handy to bring a small plastic spray bottle containing a mix of water and a little dog shampoo. Your show schedule and associated paperwork should be in an outside pocket of your bag to help keep you organized. Inside your dog’s crate should be a familiar blanket or bed.
In the Ring
A professionally turned-out dog show handler radiates calm confidence. Remember to relax and not ‘over handle’ your dog. Bulldogs are prized for their head and neck carriage and should not be ‘strung up’ like terriers. Be pleasant to the judge as he or she goes over your dog, however, it is considered rude to attempt any longer conversation.
Got any more tips? Leave a comment below and let us know! We’d love to hear from you!
About Cascade Bulldogs:
Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog dedicated to providing bulldog care and training tips. The blog is managed by Eddie and Gail and their two bulldog show dogs, Wildflower and Snow White. For more tips and fun bulldog photos, please follow Cascade Bulldogs on Facebook.
Loyal and charming, bulldogs are a favorite pet for many families. Like any dog breed, however, they can sometimes develop health problems. The following list of common bulldog health problems will help you recognize the signs and symptoms so that you can treat the problems early, before they require potentially costly visits to the vet.
Hot Spots And Fungus Spots
“Hot spots” is the term used to describe the red, oozing, itchy patches that can sometimes develop on bulldogs as a result of allergies or bug bites. In order to treat hotspots, you’ll need to first cleanse the area with a pet shampoo and then rinse and dry thoroughly. For a quick cleanse, wipe the affected area with baby wipes containing Lanolin and Aloe. Then treat with topical medications like Sulfodene or cortisone cream. If you cleanse and apply medication to the hot spots every day, you should see improvement in a couple of days.
Fungus spots are fairly similar to hot spots, though they don’t ooze as much. Cleanse the area, making sure to remove any scabby tissue. Fungus responds best when using a sulfur-based shampoo. Treat with medications like Panalog or any anti-fungal medication. As with both conditions, if there’s no noticeable improvement, make an appointment to see your vet.
Interdigital Cysts
Interdigital cysts present as red swollen skin between the bulldog’s toes. If you suspect your dog may have a cyst between his or her toes, examine the paw, including between the pads, to be sure there’s no other issue (like a thorn, for instance). There are two common methods for treating interdigital cysts:
First, soak the affected paw in a bath of warm water with added epsom salt. After soaking, dry completely and apply Panalog.
Make an appointment with the vet and have him or her give you a prescription medication
After the visible symptoms go away, continue treating the cyst for a few days to be sure it doesn’t return.
Facial Acne And Infection
Bulldogs love sticking their noses into everything, and the dirt that they collect in the folds of their skin can cause acne and skin infections. Another source of facial acne can be plastic food and water dishes. Tiny cracks in the the plastic material can hold bacteria, which can lead to facial bacterial infections. You can treat these infections by cleaning the area and applying an antibiotic cream or Benzoyl Peroxide. If the issue persists, you should see your vet.
Bulldog Eye Problems
Under the bulldog’s bottom eyelid, near the inner corner, is a gland which can occasionally protrude or, for lack of a better term, “pop out”. Cherry eye, as it’s called, isn’t as gruesome as it sounds, and doesn’t need urgent care, though you should take your dog to the vet when you can. Treating it quickly will ensure a high chance of not having to remove the gland. If the gland must be removed, the bulldog will likely have a dry eye and require ointment for the rest of his or her life.
Hip And Knee Disorders
Hip dysplasia is a common ailment for bulldogs. According to the British Veterinary Association and the American Kennel Club (AKC), about 70% of bulldogs are diagnosed with some degree of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain, problems walking, and may cause the bulldog’s rear legs to be deformed.
Knee problems, like patellar luxation, are also common with bulldogs. Patellar luxation is a disorder where the kneecaps dislocate. Approximately six percent of bulldogs develop this. Patellar luxation causes pain and mobility issues and may need to be surgically corrected. It is also highly likely to reoccur even following surgery.
Tail
Some bulldog’s have a flap of skin around the base of the tail, essentially forming a pocket. This pocket area must be kept clean and dry to prevent infections. Clean it often and be sure the pocket is dry. Apply an ointment or drying powder as necessary.
Bulldog Respiration Difficulties
Bulldogs are known to have narrow airways and shortened nostrils, which can cause issues with respiration. These problems cause the dog to snore while sleeping and breathe through the mouth, both of which may need to be corrected with surgery to ensure the bulldog can breathe properly.
Everything You Need to Know For Your Bulldog’s Big Day!
So your bulldog is going to be a mama! Congratulations. Now it’s time for the hard work! Since 90 percent of bulldogs require a Caesarean in order to deliver, it’s safe to say that you have a bulldog c-section in your horizon. Here’s a guide to what to expect and how to prepare your dog and your household for the arrival of the latest additions to your fur-baby family!
First step: Estimate when your litter is due
A bulldog will be due to whelp 63 days after she’s ovulated. You can tell when your dog is ovulating by having your vet check her progesterone levels (a bulldog will ovulate when her progesterone reaches 4 to 8 ng/dl). In order to ensure your bully doesn’t go into labor prior to your Caesarean surgery date, it’s a good idea to schedule your appointment for a day early (at 62 days after ovulation instead of 63 days). That way you won’t run the risk of making an emergency vet trip in the middle of the night! Because due date timing isn’t an exact science, however, you should start monitoring your dog closely for labor signs 48 hours before her surgery, just to be on the safe side.
Here is our bulldog, Snow White, 24 hours before her c-section, looking very pregnant and very ready to have those babies out of her belly!
Preparing for your Bulldog C-Section: What to do before surgery
Prepare your home
Section off a quiet, warm area of your home or kennel that you can designate for your puppy nursery. Make sure you pick an area that is out of reach of children or other dogs.
Gather all the proper whelping and neonatal care supplies
Though you should ask your veterinarian for a complete list, some of the important supplies you’ll likely need will include:
a rectal thermometer
a room thermometer
a heat source
iodine for umbilical cord care
a puppy scale
a system for recording puppy information (the puppies’ weight, temperature and urine color, for example)
a feeding tube
puppy formula
a medi-nurser baby bottle
a dewormer
The countdown begins!
1 week prior to surgery—Avoid applying any topical flea or tick products your dog’s skin 7 days before her c-section date.
3 days prior to surgery—Veterinarians recommend that three days before your dog’s scheduled surgery, you apply an Adaptil (DAP) collar. These come in two sizes, and emit a pheromone that veterinarians believe can help with maternal skills.
2 days prior to surgery—If you feel comfortable doing so, it’s a good idea to give your bulldog a bathe so that she’ll be clean for the surgery and clean for when she starts caring for her puppies. This is also a good time to shave the part of her abdomen the veterinarians will be tending to, as this will save time the day of the surgery.
The night prior to surgery—You won’t be able to feed her the morning of the surgery, so make sure she eats a a decent-sized meal the night before!
Morning of the surgery—Again, do not feed her the morning of the surgery. The exception being if she is on any medications, then you can coat her tablets in wet food (but use as a little as possible). She may drink water the morning of her surgery, but remove her water source prior to leaving for the clinic.
What to bring to the surgery:
Here is a list of items veterinarians recommend you bring with you to the clinic the day of your bulldog c-section:
1. A tarp or tablecloth (preferably vinyl) to cover the seats or floor of the car
2. A large crate for your bulldog
3. Blankets and towels
4. Heating pad and inverter to run the heating pad
5. Plastic laundry basket to carry the puppies home in. Drape a towel across the inside.
What procedures are performed during the c-section?
Many veterinarian practices recommend you arrive to the clinic one to two hours early. Though the standard procedures may differs slightly between vet practices, here is what you can generally expect will happen during the operation:
Before the surgery:
1. First, an evaluation will be conducted to see if your bulldog is in active labor. This may involve a vaginal examination.
2. An x-ray or ultrasound may be performed
3. An IV catheter will be placed, which will require her front leg to be shaved.
4. She will be shaved for surgery
5. Blood may be drawn to test progesterone levels
6. Her tail will be wrapped so that it is kept clean.
During the surgery:
When all of the pre-op prep work is done, your bulldog will be taken to the surgery suite, where anesthesia will be administered and the c-section will take place. After the veterinary staff provide neonatal resuscitation and post-op care on the puppies, the placenta is removed, the umbilical cord is cared for and then the puppies are brought into an incubator or warming area. Ask your vet if you can assist the pups as they nurse for the first time, as this is usually done in the clinic.
After the surgery:
You’ll be given a number of medications to take home with you, including pain medications (usually MetacamR (meloxicam) or RimadylR (carprofen) for post op pain management), Reglan/metacam (to aid in improved lactation by increasing milk production) and Oxytocin (to help with lactation).
Bringing your new puppies and happy mama home
After you bring your new doggy mommy and her puppies home, you’ll need to monitor your bulldog carefully to make sure the puppies remain safe under her care. Do not leave her and the puppies unsupervised until you are sure they are safe.
Keep on the lookout for the following:
Make sure your bulldog mommy does not lay on her puppies
Check your puppies weight, temperatures and urine color twice each day (and record your findings) to make sure they are nursing enough and gaining weight.
If any of your pups aren’t gaining enough weight or aren’t staying well hydrated, you may need to bottle or tube feed them.
Check your bulldog incision, mammary glands and temperature once per day and monitor her appetite.
When to call the vet
If any of the puppies are fussy, refusing to nurse or are not gaining an adequate amount of weight, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. Also call the vet if any of your pups have dark colored urine.
If your bulldog has a fever higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit or if she isn’t eating or drinking much, you shouldn’t hesitate to call your vet. Also double check with the vet if her mammary glands are swollen or if her incision looks infected.
While it is normal for your dog to experience bloody vaginal discharge the first days, if there appears to be a lot of blood or if the discharge seems to have an odd color or odor, it’s best to play it safe and give your vet clinic a call.
What to expect at your first post-operation vet visit
When you come in for your post-op checkup, some of the procedures you can expect will include:
2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-op—Deworming (for both the puppies and the mom)
10 to 14 days post-op—Removal of C-section sutures
8 weeks—Health exams, health certificates for travel, microchips and first vaccinations
About Cascade Bulldogs: Cascade Bulldogs is a blog dedicated to everything you ever needed to know about raising and showing bulldogs. The site is managed by Eddie and Gail Harris, who raise and show English bulldogs in Seattle, Washington. Please follow us on Facebook for more helpful bulldog-related advice and info. You’ll also receive daily updates on our nine adorable puppies and our show dogs, Wildflower and Snow White.
Snow White and Wildflower are fortunate to live in Washington State, where the summers are relatively mild in comparison to other areas of the country. Where elsewhere temperatures in June and July may reach the triple digits, in the Seattle area, the average high is in the low to mid 70s. Just because the temperatures aren’t scorching, however, doesn’t mean that bulldog moms and dads shouldn’t remain vigilant. Bulldogs are extra sensitive to heat and if they aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures, they succumb to heat stroke, which can be deadly.
In addition to the obvious ‘no’s no’s’ like “don’t leave your bulldog alone in the car” and “don’t tie your bulldog up outside in the sun”, here are some safety precautions to take this summer to ensure your bully remains happy, healthy and safe:
Cascade Bulldogs is a bulldog blog managed by Gail and Eddie, the owners of two bulldog show dogs, Snow White and Wildflower. This blog is dedicated to providing information about raising, training and showing bulldogs.
