Bulldogs For Dummies

As a Bulldog person, you want to get your pet from a reputable breeder, and knowing the right questions to ask gets you on your way. Once you have a Bulldog, you want to start a good relationship with your vet. Then, to keep your pet the picture of health, you need to know which plants, foods, and household items can cause problems, and how to tell when a trip to the vet or emergency clinic is warranted.

You and your veterinarian work together to keep your pet healthy, and you want to have a good working relationship. Choosing a reputable veterinarian requires your time and attention.Depending on the area where you live, however, your pool of veterinarians may be limited. Assuming that you have choices, consider the following list when choosing a veterinarian: Who do you know who owns a pet or breed like yours?

Bulldogs possess behavioral quirks specific to their breed that you should seriously consider before you invest in one of the breed. If any of the traits mentioned in this article doesn't fit your lifestyle or with what you expect from your dog, consider getting a different breed. A Bulldog may be perfect for you if the following list represents your behaviors and the kind of dog you want: Couch Potato is your middle name.

You want to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy, so you have to pay attention to her health issues. A fast trip to your veterinarian or local pet hospital is necessary if any of the following situations occur: Your Bulldog has been injured in any way. Some injuries aren’t as bad as they look, but don’t take any chances.

Many common household items are poisonous to Bulldogs. You may think that your Bulldog can’t reach or find the items in the following lists, but check your cupboards to make sure. It’s amazing what Bulldogs can get into, and what they find they tend to eat. Keep your Bulldog safe! Drugs and supplements Acetaminophen Amphetamine Antihistamines and decongestants Aspirin Cocaine Iron Marijuana Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Sodium phosphate enemas Tricyclic antidepressants Zinc Insecticides, pesticides, and podenticides Amitraz Anticoagulant rodenticide Arsenic Borate Bromethalin Cholecalciferol or Vitamin D rodenticides DEET Ivermectin (Avermectins) Organophosphates and carbamates Pyrethrin Rotenone Strychnine Zinc-containing rodenticides Foods Chocolate and caffeine Garlic Grapes/Raisins Macadamia nuts Mushrooms Onions Household items Acids Alkalis (Corrosives) Antifreeze Arsenic Borate Bleach Button batteries Citrus oils Detergents Ethylene glycol Iron Isopropanol Kerosene and gasoline Lead Mercury Metaldehyde Moth balls Phenol and phenolic compounds Pine oils Zinc The Peteducation Web site has a complete list of foods to avoid and the reasoning, and the many and varied plants that can do your dog harm.

When looking for a Bulldog puppy, find a reputable breeder. You want a breeder with experience in breeding Bulldogs in particular, and someone who is giving pups a good start so they are healthy, well-bred, and well-adjusted. Ask the breeder the following questions before deciding on your Bulldog puppy: How long have you been breeding?

A Bulldog isn't high maintenance, but she does need more care than you may think. The Bully doesn't have a lot of thick, fluffy undercoat to worry about, but Bulldogs do need care. Pay attention to particular parts of your Bully's body: Hair: Those tiny, short hairs shed, but the coat isn't the biggest concern with Bulldogs.

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.