Bulldogs For Dummies
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A good veterinarian discusses standard issues with you when you take your Bulldog for his first checkup, but knowing what to discuss beforehandhelps you cover everything you need to know about your Bulldog and also makes you look like a responsible pet owner. Bring along this list of items to discuss with your veterinarian:

  • Ask how familiar they are with Bulldogs. Veterinarians are supposed to be comfortable with all dog breeds, but be sure that your vet is particularly knowledgeable about the special needs of Bulldogs.

  • Ask about what vaccinations you need. Your vet should know how certain vaccinations affect Bulldogs.

  • Ask about your state’s regulations regarding a rabies shot. Different states have different rules about rabies shots and how often shots are given. Veterinarians send out reminders about shots, but you should know whether your dog will need a rabies shot yearly or every three years. It’s your responsibility to keep your dog up-to-date with vaccinations.

  • Ask about after hours and emergency care. If your Bulldog has a veterinary emergency after your vet’s office hours, you need to know where to take him for help!

  • Ask your veterinarian if he is aware that many Bulldogs have small tracheas. The restricted airway is a big deal with Bulldogs because it tends to cause breathing problems.

  • Ask about surgery for elongated palate and stenotic nares. Again, your vet should be knowledgeable about these issues due to potential breathing problems with Bulldogs.

  • Ask about getting your Bulldog spayed or neutered. Your vet should volunteer this information, but make sure to bring it up just in case. Bulldog breeding is not for the faint of heart, as they have special needs that other breeds don’t.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Susan Ewing has been “in dogs” since 1977 and enjoys showing and trying various performance events, with the emphasis on “trying.”
She holds a Master’s degree in Television/Radio from Syracuse University and has attended canine seminars at Cornell University. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and of the Cat Writers’ Association and is listed in the 2005 edition of Who’s Who in America.
Ewing has been writing professionally since she was 16 and is the author of several books: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Family Friend and Farmhand; The New Owner’s Guide to Pembroke Welsh Corgis; The Pug; and The Dachshund. Her column, “The Pet Pen,” is in The Post-Journal (Jamestown, NY) every Saturday. One of her essays is a part of the book, Cats Do It Better Than People.
Her articles have appeared in AKC Gazette, Family Dog, Bloodlines, German Shepherd Dog Review, Good Dog!, Pet Odyssey, Dog Fancy, Dog World, Puppies USA, the national Schipperke Club newsletter, ASPCA’s Animal Watch, and Bird Talk.
She has been a radio copywriter, owned and operated a boarding kennel, and served as the director of the Lucy-Desi Museum in Jamestown, NY.

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