English Bulldog Health

How To Breed English Bulldogs

2006-12-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Note from Bulldog Health. This is a detailed account from wikihow.com on how to breed English Bulldogs, personally I do not recommend to my readers that they breed English Bulldogs. I think that it is a risky and expensive proposition and should be left to the professionals. And I do not edorse the methods proposed herin, I merely publish the article for informational purposes only -- Jan
click the title above to read the entire article.

How to Breed English Bulldogs

The best advise is not to breed unless you have plans that will include the proper long term commitment to the breed, the health and safety of the bitch and puppies, and the ability to completely understand the Bulldog and its needs.

Steps
So the time has come for your bulldog to be bred. Your bitch is sound, her temperment is excellent and she is worthy of the breed. Your thoughts should also have been given to the correct selection of a proper stud. A mating should take place after careful consideration of bloodlines, health, age and how many previous litters.
Count 60-63 days before the puppies are likely to be born making sure everything necessary for their arrival will be in order by that time. Note; semen can hold in the bitch for up to 3 days, so be careful not to expect them too early. Example: If she has passed 63 days and you have no puppies she may have not "taken" the day you thought she did. It could be a few more days.
LABOR: A normal gestation is about 63 days. A week before the puppies

Dominance or Aggression Problem in Bulldog

2006-11-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Social Isolation: "WHAT IS DOMINANCE CONFUSION?
Aggressive *display* (growling, teeth baring, etc.) is one of the many tools a dominant canine has at his disposal if he needs to control the behavior of a subordinate canine. The top ranked dog and the lowest ranked dog are the two that rarely engage in aggressive *action* (bites). One rules the pack, the other defers to the whole pack. It's the middle ranked dogs, the 'beta' dogs, that will use aggression to further their ranking.
Dominance confusion is created when a dog is totally confused about his place in the pack and uses aggression (bites), or aggressive displays (growling, teeth baring), to answer the question 'Who's in charge around here anyway?'. In a canine only pack there are clear lines drawn in the sand. The alpha gets control of the resources, directs the hunt, breeds and makes any decisions affecting the group that need to be made. The rest of the pack voluntarily follows his lead. The caricature of a snarling, nasty, dominant alpha dog is not a correct one. The alpha male, for example, tolerates nearly everything the alpha female throws at him without objection. However, their roles and their relationship are clearly defined. She follows his lead when issues affecting the group are decided. The image of an alpha wolf throwing a subordinate onto his back and threatening him with his life is not something based in reality. In a pack situation everyone knows their place and the sub-dominant members of the group voluntarily roll over if they are being chewed out by any higher ranked individual. If you've ever seen aggressive displays of this type they look and sound very nasty, but when it's all over no one is injured or bleeding. Exceptions to 'no harm done' aggressive displays are when two dogs (males or females) are fighting over breeding rights, or when a younger and stron"
--great article on how to be the alpha in your pack.

Star-Telegram | 11/12/2006 | THE DOGMA OF BUTCH

2006-11-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Star-Telegram | 11/12/2006 | THE DOGMA OF BUTCH: "As Butch the bulldog dangled in mid-air, his jaw clamped ferociously onto the shoe of the world's most famous dog trainer, one had to wonder: Can this dog be helped?
His owners hoped so, but Butch was a dog with many issues: issues with golf carts. Garden hoses. Rakes and shovels. And on this day, their troubled canine appeared to be eating the host of a popular TV reality show.
Calling Cesar
Anytime Butch went near a golf cart, hose, rake or shovel, he appeared to hate these things, and he tried to attack anyone who touched them. Amy and Chap Reed of Fort Worth couldn't so much as water their lawn or ride around their property without the fear of being bitten by their English bulldog.
Bedtime wasn't any better. In fact, they couldn't even order him to his bed in the kitchen without a charge, a snarl and an angry snap.
The Reeds loved Butch. At times, he could be a real sweetheart -- gentle and affectionate around strangers and fine around other family pets.
But when it came to Butch's anger-management issues, they were at their wits' end. Their dog needed professional help, or he needed a new home.
Amy, who had pined for a bulldog since she was a little girl, was a devoted watcher of the National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan. The show's star is famous for helping troubled dogs, pets that many times seem beyond the point of rehabilitation. While watching the show, Amy would occasionally look over at Butch and warn: 'Don't make me call Cesar.'"
--read the rest of this fascinating account of english bulldog aggression online. For bulldog health, visit Bulldog Health

TheOlde English Bulldogge is Similar to our breed

2006-10-25T16:16:00.000-06:00

Official IOEBA Olde English Bulldogge Breed Standard: "The ideal Olde English Bulldogge is a loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body.

Olde English Bulldogges are athletic and most importantly of very good health, males are free breeders and females are free whelpers. The Olde English Bulldogge is devoid of all breathing issues and is capable of enjoying outdoor activity without concern except in extreme heat or cold.
The temperament is very stable and trustworthy making them a loyal companion, capable protector and the ultimate family member.
Old English Bulldogges thrive on pleasing their owners and are very trainable.

Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Head : Large and high, moderately sunken between the eyes (medial furrow).
The circumference of the head should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. A narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault.

Ears : Rose ears set well on the sides of the head are preferred. Dropped ears are acceptable as long they are small, not “hound like”. Pricked ears that stand up on top of the head (tulip ears) are a disqualifying fault.

Muzzle : Broad, deep and short with moderate wrinkling. The bite is undershot with the bottom jaw turning up noticeably. Lower canines should not protrude. Muzzle too long (more than 3 inches), scissor bite or even bite are disqualifying faults. Muzzle should be no shorter than 1 ½”. Wry jaw is a disqualifying fault.

Eyes : Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered unpreferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrica"
--They seem to have longer legs, longer noses, but otherwise very similar to our English Bulldogs

What to do about Diarrhea

2006-10-09T15:49:00.000-06:00

I see a variety of pets with a number of problems..But Diarrhea is at the TOP of the list.

Fortunately, most cases of diarrhea are caused by dietary indescrations, and some SIMPLE, SAFE Home Remedies can help you avoid a trip to the Vet.

Here is what I advise.

FLUID..Ensure that your pet doesn't get dehydrated.

You can assess hydration status by checking their gums.

Lift up the lips, and place your finger on the gums. If the gums are dry and tacky, then your pet is dehydrated.

Skin Tent is another method. Gently pinch the skin behind the head over the shoulder blades forming a tent. It should rapidly return to normal within 2 seconds. If the gums are dry and the skin tent is prolonged, then your pet is dehydrated and needs fluid.

I find an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte is best. You can force it in with a syringe or Turkey Baster. Give a 10lb cat 1 tablespoon ( 25ml) at a time. A 40lb dog should get 100ml or approx 1/2 a cup. This can be repeated every 4 hours. The daily fluid needs for a 40 lb dog are 4 cups.

24 HOUR FAST. Stop putting food into your pet for 24 hours (Day 1). This allows the intestines to rest and regenerate. Always have access to plenty of fresh water.

After 24 hours, introduce a bland food for the next 24 hours (Day 2). Plain cooked white rice for dogs, feeding equivalent cups of rice as their normal diet. For cats, protein is essential, try cooked chicken breast with the rice.

After a day of the bland food mix ½ regular diet and ½ bland diet (Day 3). By the end of Day 3, they should be back on their normal diet.

HOMEOPATHIC. Nux vomica is good for the entire intestinal tract. Use the 30C potency giving 2-3 tablets twice daily as needed.

HUMAN REMEDIES. PeptoBismal is an old standby that can be effective for dogs. The dog dose is 1ml/10lbs of body weight given three times daily for no more than 7 days. Immodium (Loperamide) is the only safe over-the-counter anti-diarrhea drug for cats: give .25mg/10lbs of body weight three times daily for 2 days (it comes as a liquid of 1mg/5ml, meaning you can give 1ml to a 10lb cat three times daily); dogs can get .5mg/10lbs three times daily (give your 40 lb dog one 2mg tablet three times daily).

--this is from Dr Jones who has a great book on home remedies for dogs and cats - check it out at this link: Vet Secrets

Rapid Growth Problems in Bulldogs

2006-09-13T16:03:00.000-06:00

Bulldog Health: "Development Problems: Because of the bulldog�s rapid growth it is very important that you keep weight, play and exercise properly managed during the first year, early joint damage could be permanent and may lead to osteoarthritis. Irregular growth in the long bones is very common and is almost always only temporary as the dog usually grows out of it by the time the bones fuse at about 9 months to 1 year of age. Hip/elbow displaysia is genetic but can be encouraged by environmental factors (ie: slidey floors, jumping, overweight etc). Any puppy that shows lamness should be rested as it is not unusual during a rapid growth spurt, try not panic if your puppy becomes lame and don't ever allow surgery to be undertaken on growing bones - no firm diagnoses can be made until he is at least a year old anyway.
--as a rule, do not do surgery on your bulldog younger than one year

Cherry Eye treatment

2006-09-11T18:39:00.000-06:00

Veterinary Vision: Public Forum *Cherry Eye*: "'Cherry eye' is the term often used to describe protrusion of the tear gland associated with the third eyelid membrane in the corner of the eye. This occurs due to weakness in the gland's normal attachments and is thought to be an inherited abnormality in several breeds of dogs, including the English Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, and Shar Pei. It is also seen in Burmese cats where it may be related to abnormalities in the membrane itself as well as the gland. 'Cherry eye' often affects both eyes although the second gland may prolapse several months after the first.
Treatment for this condition involves surgically replacing the gland into its normal position and attaching it with sutures. This gland is responsible for producing approximately a third of the tear volume to the surface of the eye. Thus, removal of the gland is not recommended as this can compromise tear function and can lead to development of 'dry eye' later in life.
Surgery for this condition is done under general anesthesia. Your pet is able to go home the same afternoon. There may be some swelling and redness of the eye which will resolve over the first 3-5 days. Surgery is most likely to be successful if it is done soon after the gland prolapses. With time, prolonged swelling of the gland can make repositioning more difficult and recurrence more likely.
-- from opthamology specialists

Cherry Eye in English Bulldogs

2006-09-11T18:35:00.000-06:00

Cherry Eye in Dogs: "The medical term for 'cherry eye' is nictitans gland prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Unlike people, dogs have a 'third eyelid' that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Under normal circumstances, this gland is not visible and aids in the production of tears. For some reason, which is not completely understood, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells creating the condition known as cherry eye.
What dogs are likely to get cherry eye?
Any dog can develop cherry eye, but there are several breeds that appear to have a higher incidence of developing it in both eyes. They are: the Beagle, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Saint Bernard, and Shar-Pei. Dogs can acquire this condition at any age and it affects males and females equally.
What causes it?
The exact cause of cherry eye is not known, but it is strongly suspected that it is due to a weakness of the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye. The weakness of the connective tissue allows the gland to prolapse. Once the gland prolapses and is exposed to the dry air and irritants, it can become infected and/or begin to swell. The gland often becomes irritated, red, and swollen. There is sometimes a mucous discharge and if the animals rub or scratch at it, they can traumatize the gland further or possibly create an ulcer on the surface of the eye.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of cherry eye is very straightforward and consists of surgically repositioning the gland. Topical or injectable treatments of antibiotics and steroids are rarely effective in reducing the gland and allowing for correction without surgery. Because the exposed gland is at greater risk for
-- perhaps it's that flat face on the bulldog - not enough room for all those glands

Supplements for Pets

2006-09-01T09:51:00.000-06:00

Supplements for Pets: "Supplements for Pets

According to the ASPCA, if your pet is eating a healthful, balanced diet of high-quality food, then vitamin supplementation is not necessary. Even pets eating kibble are more likely to suffer from vitamin overdoses (due to the amount manufacturers add to the finished product) than vitamin deficiencies. Give your pets the extra boost they need by feeding them raw vegetables and fruits as treats.
The ASPCA also advises that it is not necessary to supplement unless a specific deficiency is diagnosed by your veterinarian. However, some people subscribe to the view that optimal pet health is more than just avoiding a marked deficiency, and that their pets may benefit from daily supplements. Here are the vitamins that dogs and cats need most, and why:
Vitamin A: For healthy tissues, inside and out. The best form is from fish oils, like cod-liver, and is beneficial to dogs and cats.

B Vitamins: Promote growth and aid in healing. B Vitamins are also necessary for fat and protein assimilation, as well as metabolic processes. They are found naturally in eggs, yogurt and kefir (an enzyme-rich yogurt-like product that stimulates digestion and peristalsis).

Vitamin C: An essential antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals. Carnivores can produce their own vitamin C, but their need for it increases in stressful situations. The best form for dogs is calcium ascorbate, which is water-soluble and causes the fewest side effects (such as nausea or diarrhea).

Vitamin E: An essential antioxidant. Promotes healthy circulation in the heart and arteries. It also helps protect the lungs from the effects of pollution. Senior cats especially can benefit from increased vitamin E intake to maintain their immune system responses.

Probiotics: Just as we need active, �friendly� i"
--read the rest by clicking the title link - bulldogs need supplements too! VL

Your Bulldog Could Benefit from a Little Dirt!

2006-09-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

: "Hygiene Hypothesis Vindicated

Improvements in sanitation over the last century have led to longer, healthier lives in the industrialized world � but like most things in life, cleanliness can be taken too far. A new study suggests that overly hygienic environments increase the tendency to develop allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center compared the antibodies in the blood of laboratory rats and mice, which grow in a virtually germ-free environment, with those of wild rats and mice. All of the wild rodents had higher levels of IgG and IgE, classes of antibodies associated with immune and allergic diseases, but the wild rodents� antibodies did not tend to bind to the rat�s own cells, as did the antibodies produced by the hygienically raised rodents. Instead, the wild rodents� antibodies efficiently and effectively attacked invading organisms. The researchers published their results early on-line in the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.
The �hygiene hypotheses� is perfectly sensible to me. I think it is extremely important for children and adults to spend significant amounts of time outdoors, where they can interact with all manner of environmental stresses and build strong, healthy immune systems. I also discourage the indiscriminate use of antibacterial soaps for the same reason. The immune system is like any other system � it needs exercise and challenges to grow and function effectively."
--this applies to bulldogs too, especially where allergies are concerned! VL

Orthopedics in English Bulldogs

2006-08-21T11:37:00.000-06:00

english bulldog health: "While the majority of English Bulldogs live happy and healthy lives, the breed is susceptible to two major joint problems - luxating patella (floating kneecap) and hip dysplasia. Again, these conditions are caused by bulldog breeding. And all bulldogs have them to some degree, causing arthritis and other more severe problems.

These conditions can often require expensive surgery to correct, and can have a serious effect on your dog's quality of life. Both of these diseases are considered inherited conditions so you should check carefully with your breeder to see if either the sire or dame has a family history of one or both diseases. Whether they say so or not, they are most likely evident to at least a lesser degree."

--reputable breeders are a must
read more at The Heatlhy Bulldog

Allergy Test: The RAST Test

2006-08-09T09:29:00.000-06:00

Allergy Test: The Test: "How is it used?
The allergen-specific IgE antigen test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances in response to acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms in the patient.

The allergen-specific IgE antibody test may be done (instead of other medically supervised allergy testing) when the patient has significant dermatitis or eczema, is taking necessary histamines or anti-depressants that would make other testing more difficult, or if a dangerous allergic reaction could be expected to follow another test.

The allergen-specific IgE antibody test may also be done to monitor immunotherapy or to see if a child has outgrown an allergy, although it can only be used in a general way; the level of IgE present does not correlate to the severity of an allergic reaction, and someone who has outgrown an allergy may have a positive IgE for many years afterward."
--this test may or may not prove what ails your bulldog, I'd try dietary changes before expensive testing.
www.bulldoghealth.com

Living Naturally

2006-08-09T09:23:00.000-06:00

Living Naturally: "Cater to Your Pet with more than just Kibble

Posted: 7/19/2006 1:27:00 PM

Variety is the spice of life. All things in moderation. Most people hear these familiar sayings and incorporate these ideas into their dietary habits by choosing from a wide variety of different foods every day. Yet when it comes to our pets, many of us simply open a bag of dry kibble or a can of wet food. We feed our pet the same diet, day after day, because it is convenient and inexpensive. But for optimum health, our companion animals should also be enjoying a varied diet rich in fresh meats, vegetables, grains and even fruit. Varying your pet�s diet doesn�t mean you have to devote hours to becoming a gourmet pet chef and cooking all your pet�s meals at home, but there are some simple and tasty ways to improve your pet�s health and longevity.

First, to get an idea about what is really in your pet�s current food, look at the ingredient list on the bag of pet food in the pantry or on the supermarket shelf. The first ingredient is typically some kind of �meal� such as lamb meal, chicken meal or meat-and-by-product meal. This �meal� is actually a ground mixture of parts of the animal which is not considered fit for human consumption, including byproducts of slaughterhouse production of meats and waste products such as intestines, beaks and bone. Considering that cats and dogs in the wild would catch and eat their prey whole, this is not a fundamental problem, except that sanitary conditions in slaughterhouses are not regulated concerning these waste parts. So they may contain disease and contaminants including antibiotics, hormones and drugs used to anesthetize the animals before slaughter. In the process of making the �meal,� the components ar"
--read the rest of the article by clicking on the title; find out more about bulldog health at BulldogHealth.com

Cushings Disease

2006-08-09T09:20:00.000-06:00

Living Naturally: "Cushing�s disease, a glandular disorder that causes the overproduction of the hormone cortisol and, consequently, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and other conditions. �Many vets mistake Cushing�s for liver disease,� says Messonnier, �because there are similarities in blood-test results.� He suggested several natural therapies such as a whole-foods diet, a multivitamin supplement, an herbal supplement and a glandular support formula. "
--click the link in the title to read the entire article!
Jan http://www.bulldoghealth.com

A Bulldog With Focal Alopecia November 1999 Veterinary Medicine

2006-06-28T14:49:00.000-06:00

A Bulldog With Focal Alopecia November 1999 Veterinary Medicine: "Seasonal affective disorder can be culprit for canine hair loss

Coming off of a long, dark winter as we are in the Midwest, we're confronted with a unique disease seen in certain breeds of dogs. Light responsive alopecia or seasonal flank alopecia is most often seen at this time of the year. It is not well understood but is thought to be from lack of sunlight
exposure to the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located at the base of the brain and is the gland responsible for telling bears to hibernate and perhaps telling us to crawl into bed early during these long winters, eat fatty foods, and in general, not have much energy.

These changes are not recognized in dogs but physical changes such as trun-cal alopecia and hyperpig-mentation are evident Light responsive alopecia is logically more common in those areas of the country with dark winters such as the Midwest, the Plains states, parts of New England and Canada. Studies of seasonal affective disorder in humans show an incidence of 2 percent in Florida vs. 10 percent in New Hampshire. When seen in other parts of the country or at other times of the year it maybe evident that affected dogs are house bound during the daylight hours for a prolonged period of time. For example, the owner leaves before dawn and arrives home after sunset so the dog is exposed to virtually no natural sunlight. It is not known whether the disease is comparable between humans and animals but what is certain is that a photo period plays a role in both."

Symptoms of Bloat

2006-05-22T15:15:00.000-06:00

Bloat in Dogs: "Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it's not acting right.
Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the 'hallmark symptom'
Doesn't act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs
Significant anxiety and restlessness
One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical
'Hunched up' or 'roached up' appearance
This seems to occur fairly frequently
Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)
Despite the term 'bloat,' many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent
Pale or off-color gums
Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages
Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy
Coughing
Unproductive gagging
Heavy salivating or drooling
Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous
Unproductive attempts to defecate
Whining
Pacing
Licking the air
Seeking a hiding place
Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort
May refuse to lie down or even sit down
May stand spread-legged
May attempt to eat small stones and twigs
Drinking excessively
Heavy or rapid panting
Shallow breathing
Cold mouth membranes
Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance
Especially in advanced stage
Accelerated heartbeat
Weak pulse
Collapse

--Bloat is a very serious and often fatal disorder, know the symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your dog has bloat!

Reverse Sneezing, like a wheezing choking sound

2006-05-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

thebulldogbunch : Message: Re: [The Bulldog Bunch]: "Reverse Sneezing:
The real name for reverse sneezing is paroxysmal respiration. Paroxysmal respiration is commonly described as a 'reverse sneeze' because for all purposes it does look as if a dog is trying to inhale a sneeze. When this occurs, your Bullie will appear to be snorting or choking with the neck extended and the chest expanded, as the she struggles to take in air.
Physiologically, the trachea has narrowed and the normal amount of air is not able to enter the lungs. In most cases, this not a serious problem and it looks much more horrifying than it is. If this is happening to your Bulldog, do not panic. You can help your her by soothingly stroking the upper throat area to encourage relaxation and dilation of the trachea. Other have had success gently pinching the nostrils together until the Bulldog swallows. This is usually all that is necessary. It is important to remember that most attacks will stop without doing anything at all.
http://bulldogdomain.com/health/breathing.php"

UPDATE ON RIMADYL

2006-05-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

UPDATE ON RIMADYL: "Of all the ADE reports CVM received in 1998, thirty-nine percent (39%) or 3626 involved Rimadyl�. The number of ADE reports received by CVM for Rimadyl� is considerably more than that received for other animal drugs. For any one ADE report, there is no absolute certainty that the suspected drug caused the effect. The adverse effects in these reports are consistent with those expected for NSAIDs. They typically involve the gastrointestinal system, renal/urinary system, hematopoietic (blood) system, neurological system, and the liver. Approximately 13% of the 1998 Rimadyl� ADE reports for dogs involved death of the dog, either on their own or by means of euthanasia."

Bulldogs from Russia for sale in Denmark!

2006-05-01T13:40:00.000-06:00

Beware: Bulldogs from Russia for sale in Denmark!: "The Russian bulldog problem in this country is no secret. There are brokers in Brooklyn, NY and Pa and all over.

I'm surprised with all the bad press these people have gotten you were taken in by them.

This is a huge problem that has been going on for quite a while and the officials in charge of monitoring this activity are doing a very poor job indeed. With the advent of the internet - it has gotten much worse because access to the world is a lot easier.

Unless you or someone you knows personally knows a foreign breeder or knows a foreign breeders reputation- I'd be very wary. Now that's not to say all foreign breeders are bad - it's certain areas - like Russia, Indonesia and other areas of Europe and the middle east where these animals are a commodity to be made money from and that's it - just another puppy mill to have to deal with."

--always be careful dealing with foreign dog brokers!
E.S.

Seizures and Toxins

2006-03-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

S - Seizure Activity: "Convulsions can occur as the result of toxins and there have been reports of them occurring due to allergies in people. I am not sure if this has been documented in dogs. If there is a problem with food or with the stuff your dog eats on her runs, allergy to a plant or a particular ingredient of the dog food is the most likely problem. In this case, changing foods will only help if the offending ingredient (like beef, chicken, food coloring, etc.) is not found in the new food. "
--be mindful of toxic plants in the yard
E.S.

Poisoned Pet Food?

2006-02-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Poisoned Pet Food?: "When choosing food for my own two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Jambo and Daisy, I stay away from anything containing animal byproducts, rendered or recycled meats, poultry or fats, and look for meat protein that is properly cooked before it's consumed. I suggest you always check pet food labels to make sure that they clearly state that the food does not contain added growth hormones, antibiotic-fed protein sources, as well as rendered meats, fats and poultry. I would add corn to the list of ingredients to avoid. Pet Promise, the pet food I use, does not contain any of the protein sources I mention above. It does contain corn gluten meal, the high-protein part of the corn kernel that remains when the starch, bran, and germ are extracted. Corn gluten meal provides two essential amino acids that pets need, methionine and taurine. While you can never be 100 percent sure that corn gluten meal doesn�t contain aflatoxin, I'm satisfied that the corn from which corn gluten meal is extracted for Pet Promise is subjected to much more stringent tests. It comes from a family-owned Kansas facility that mills corn for use in human foods and has earned a 'superior' rating for its testing procedures from the American Institute of Bakers."
--protect your pets with high quality food
E.S.

the Bulldog Skull - look at those teeth!!

2006-02-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

How We Become What We Are - Questia Online Library

2006-01-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

How We Become What We Are - Questia Online Library: "Many aspects of our personalities, it now seems clear, are inborn and resistant to change--a fact, ironically, that makes the role of environment in our lives all the more important
An offspring of Cry Havoc and One Tough Cookie, Slick Willy is the second bull terrier fortunate enough to belong to David Lykken, a psychologist interested in temperament. Temperament, which is reflected in a creature's manner of behavior, is personality's biological, enduring, and heritable aspect. It greatly contributes to but does not entirely explain personality, much as innate intelligence contributes to but cannot entirely explain ability. Willy's temperament originated when the English bulldog wa s deliberately crossed with the white English terrier, almost 200 years ago. The nature of the resulting fearless, tenacious fighting machine requires a different sort of nurture than that of dogs bred for complaisance. When Willy can't resist chomping through a plastic jug with his powerful jaws or taking a few extra laps before responding to a summons, Lykken mostly just grumbles, reserving sterner measures for more serious infractions. Harsh treatment would render the feisty animal vicious; permissiveness or neglect would produce an uncontrollable bully. Willy's good behavior depends on an appreciation of his innate disposition and a judicious balance of carrot and stick. "

--the nature v. nurture debate
E.S.

Bald Spots Home Remedy

2005-12-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

"If you are seeing areas of hair loss in your pet then you may be
dealing with certain skin conditions such as mange, ringworm, hypothyroid
disease or allergies; treatments for these are discussed in detail in
the ebook.

If your pet has areas of hair loss around the face that are not
itchy, then he may have a type of mange called demodex. This small
parasite shows up in pets with depressed immune systems.

One very safe effective treatment is Vitamin E given at 400IU per
40lbs once daily for 3-4 weeks.

If your pet has an excess of flaky skin (dandruff), then she may be in
need of a essential fatty acid supplement. Flax is the best source for
dogs at a dose of 1 teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats use the
liquid supplement (such as fish oil)."

Bulldog Holiday & Christmas Ornaments

2005-11-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

It's an English Bulldog Christmas! We have lots of holiday ornaments: bulldog angels, sledding, a real jingle bell! They're rugged, they're fun, they're adorable, they're all bulldog!!