Bulldogs are loyal and devoted companions that can become the perfect addition to your family. But caring for a Bulldog is no easy feat.
While Bulldogs enjoy playtime and walks, they tend to become lazy and stubborn as they grow older. This makes them less enthusiastic about walks and physical activity. Bulldogs are known for their friendly demeanor and kind personality, which means that they get along with practically anybody. If you are planning on adopting a Bulldog or already have one, here are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy:
Tolerance to Heat and Humidity
Be careful while taking your dog outside on a hot a day and watch out for signs of overheating and heatstroke. Bulldogs do not have strong tolerance towards heat and humidity. If you want to spend time with your family out in the yard or in a park, fill up a small kiddie pool with water and place it in a shady area for your dog to cool off while everybody is out in the sun. Remember, Bulldogs are house dogs and should not be left outside for more than an hour.
Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind:
- Do not leave your pet in the car during the summers (or anytime of the year for that matter), not even for a couple of minutes.
- Do not allow your children to play with the dog outside on a hot day as it may tire them down and result in heat stroke.
- Bulldogs cannot swim and can drown in water that is deeper than their legs, hence keep this in mind while filling up the kiddie pool.
- If the weather is too hot, take your dog for regular walks early in the morning or during the evening when the sun is shining at low intensity.
- Once dogs suffer from heatstroke, they become more sensitive to heat.
Exercise
Contrary to popular belief, Bulldogs need to exercise just like any other dog to stay happy and healthy. Taking your dog out for regular walks prevents them from getting bored around the house and also discourages excessive chewing. Proper exercise is vital for your Bulldog’s health and wellbeing. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- On a hot day, take your dog out for short walks. You may build up the distance as your dog starts to get accustomed to the routine.
- Do not take your dog out for a walk immediately after they have eaten.
- Avoid taking your dog outside during midday when the sun is shining its brightest.
Monitor Food Intake
Bulldogs are prone to overeating if their food intake is not monitored. Additionally, this dog breed gains weight easily and are prone to become obese quickly. Instead of leaving out food for them, feed your dog four times a day and then slowly transition into two hearty meals a day.
Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind:
- Bulldogs can be messy eaters so feed them in the kitchen or outside so you do not have to spend too much time cleaning up.
- If your dog is starting to get obese, take them to the vet and seek professional dietary advice.
- Only feed your dog high-quality dog food to ensure they get proper nutrition.
- Do not feed your dog people food. Certain foods such as grapes, chocolate, avocados, and nuts can be toxic for dogs.
- Monitor your dog’s calorie intake and weigh them occasionally.
Socialize Your Dog from a Young Age
Like most dogs, Bulldogs can be timid and shy when they come across unfamiliar faces. To ensure your dog gets along with other people and pets, expose them to new shapes, people and animals from a young age. Young puppies are adaptable to socialization and turn out to become well-rounded dogs. Additionally, get your dog accustomed to riding around in the car with you (however, do not ever leave them in the car alone) and take them for walks around the neighborhood so that they become more accustomed to their surroundings.
Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind:
- Monitor your dog while introducing them to new pets and people
- Various pet stores offer obedience classes that help dogs become friendlier and social. If you are having trouble helping them socialize at home, this is the perfect way to start.
- If you want your dog to follow your commands and listen to you, you need to establish and create a bond of trust with them.
Follow the abovementioned guidelines to help your Bulldog feel like a part of the family.
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