Blog – Crusheds Bulldogs

Always Get Your French Bulldog from a Reputable Breeder

French Bulldogs are well sought after, gorgeous canines. They are a playful, yet easy going and affectionate breed of dog that will quickly become your best friend. French Bulldogs are high maintenance pets, to begin with, though worth any ounce of trouble that you may experience to help them be healthy and happy.

For instance, they are prone to:

* Allergies of all kinds
* Cleft Palate
* Easily susceptible to heatstroke
* Invertebral Disc Disease

If you purchase your Frenchie pooch from a reputable breeder that truly has affection and compassion for these animals and take care of him or her to the best of your ability, French Bulldogs generally have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, which is quite good for that breed of dog. Here are health issues from bad breeding.

Puppy Mills

However, not all breeders are reputable. In fact, many people who breed these beautiful animals are solely in it for the money, and couldn’t care less about the health issues this could cause down the road for your fur baby. Their main concern is the financial bottom line, no matter what yarn they try to spin you. They will sell the dogs less expensively, which makes some people want to lean that direction, but they don’t fully understand what a puppy mill is, or how horrible they are.

If French Bulldogs are bred in a puppy mill, by people just turning these animals out for profit, and not for the love of the dog or continuing the bloodline, they are subject to maltreatment.

Just to name a few of the obstacles they face in a puppy mill:

* Overcrowding
* Cramped Cages
* Unsanitary living conditions
* No veterinary care
* No proper nutrition
* Lack of water
* No socialization

Any one of these things can adversely affect the ability of your French Bulldog to thrive and grow into a happy, healthy, well-adjusted family pet. But all of those horrible aspects combined? Your pup could be anti-social, harbor anxiety, have trust issues, it could cost you a fortune in veterinary bills to correct the damage that was done to them in only the first few weeks of his or her young life. They may have to be treated for infectious diseases, it could take weeks or months to rid them of fleas, parasites, or infections – all on your dime. The cost you may save on going to a puppy mill is not worth it.

Find a Reputable Breeder

Spend the extra money at a reputable breeder who loves this breed, and will be honest and forthcoming with everything from who the parents of the puppies are, to where they live – even allowing you to visit their home, and give you proof of having been to a veterinarian, and perhaps even their recommendation for that veterinarian if you don’t already have your own for another pet.

It is even more convincing to me when a breeder wants to interview you, and get to know you to see if you are a fit for the dog you are looking to purchase, so they know the puppy is going to a good, safe home.

If the French Bulldog breeder you have found, has most of those qualities, and perhaps you’ve even checked them out online, or know them through word of trusted mouth, then you are probably safe getting your newest family member from them.

All that will be left to do is give him or her lots of love, affection, and care. They’ll do the same for you.

How to Stop Your Bulldog’s Chronic ear Infections

By CrushEds

On 9:44 pm

In Ear Yeast Infection, Health Problems

What are Chronic Ear Infections?

Ear infections in dogs are secondary to the external ear canal’s inflammation. Ear canal inflammation results in the reproduction of yeast and bacteria that reside in the ear to a point where their numbers are uncontrollable. This creates an unhealthy environment that other harmful bacteria take advantage of and cause an infection in the ear. The growth of these bacteria will eventually lead to more inflammation which causes swelling and makes the tube narrower.

How to Stop Your Bulldog's Chronic ear Infections

Symptoms of ear infections

There are many signs of ear infection in a dog but below are some of the more obvious symptoms.

Narrowing of ear canals
Odor and discharge from the ears
Inability to stand, walk and keep balance

Causes of Chronic ear infections

Several factors cause ear infections in Bulldogs. These include:

• Allergies to food or environment

• Skin disorders and thyroid disease.

• Hormonal imbalance

• Selective breeding that leads to terribly narrowed ear canals.

Selective breeding as a cause of chronic ear infection

Selective breeding can sometimes result in breeds that have features that make the dog vulnerable to certain diseases. Some give dog breeds that have ear canals that are poorly narrowed. These hypersensitivity and anatomic anomalies increase the dog’s chances of contracting ear infections. Otitis Externa, Ear disease as it is commonly known can be developed at young ages. The breeding that leads to the abnormal ear canals an outcome that emerged due to the decades of “smooched skull” inbreeding of Bulldogs.

Stopping Bulldog Chronic Ear infections

Prevention the infection is should be a priority. Maintaining a healthy environment for the dog is one of the best ways to prevent ear infections. Regular cleaning of the ears can prevent occurrence or recurrence of the disease.

Identification of skin disorders and allergies is a good way to avoid future ear infections.

Besides these methods of prevention, there are natural remedies that can help in stopping ear infections. These include;

Use of apple cider vinegar

Vinegar contains acetic acid that helps remove debris and dirt from the dog’s ears and also kills yeast and bacteria.

Use of mullein

This is a plant with antibacterial properties and works well in treating bacterial infection in the ear. These herbs are mixed with olive oil and garlic, and then several drops are applied into the ear canal using a dropper.

Use of Calendula

These herb has unique healing abilities and is recommended in the treatment of external ear and local skin problems. Whether used externally or internally it is an antifungal herb that also helps relieve pain.

Use of coconut oil

Coconut oil is an effective antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that is recommended by many pet care providers. If used correctly, it can cure ear infection within seven days. After treatment of the infection, ears should be cleaned at least once a week to maintain hygiene.

Teach Your Bulldog To Drive You To Target

By CrushEds

On 4:48 am

In Uncategorized

Did you know you can actually train your bulldog to drive you to Target? It’s true! But you must know that bulldogs HATE to drive anywhere else. It’s true! They think you’re trying to get them to drive you to the vet or something. I taught my bulldog how to drive and then I asked him to take me to the pizzeria and he refused thinking I was say “Let’s get you to the vet so you can get some new shots.” So hard to explain to bulldog what “pizza” and “vet” mean. I guess we’ll just have to keep at it until we get there. Wish us luck! 🙂