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English Bulldogs are unique canines in the world of dogs! They have a specific look and appear quite fearsome at times! However, these dogs are gentle dogs who love their pet parents and families. They’re very special to many who love this dog breed!
In this article, we share some details about English Bulldogs and then go on to share some of the best dog shampoos for these canine companions!
What is an English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs, also called British Bulldogs, originally came from England. This dog breed has a murderous past. These dogs were once used in England as fighting dogs and bullbaiting dogs.
English Bulldogs are descended from the fighting mastiffs used by the Romans. The Romans used the dogs in wars, to guard camps and more. From then, the dogs were bred with other dogs, leading to today’s English Bulldog.
While English Bulldogs still carry the appearance of their fighting ancestors, today, this dog breed is sweet and loving. You’ll know a bulldog when you see one! They tend to have a thick body that sits lower to the ground. These dogs have squarish heads and massive jaws, along with broad chests and shoulders. In addition, the English Bulldog’s legs are short and thick.
What’s more, English Bulldogs tend to be very muscular and strong! These canines are also known for the skin folds on their foreheads and upper lips, and their undershot lower jaws. These dogs tend to have lower teeth that stick out over their upper teeth.
Again, we have to stress that the English Bulldog’s fighting days are long behind him! You won’t find a more affectionate, snuggly companion anywhere! What’s more, they also tend to love their pet parents and families. English Bulldogs are known for being very protective of their homes and families. In case you haven’t noticed from this description, English Bulldogs love people!
If you have an English Bulldog, then you’re already familiar with the fact that they love attention and being next to their pet parents.
Bulldogs, however, do tend to be stubborn individuals. They’re also said to be lazy. While your Bulldog may not beg to go out on a walk, it’s essential to make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
Health Issues with English Bulldogs
These dogs also don’t handle heat and humidity very well. Bulldogs can begin to show heat stress very quickly. So, it’s best to keep an English Bulldog indoors, where it’s cooler, on hot summer days. Because of their short muzzles, these dogs may also develop breathing difficulties on hot days. On the other side, Bulldogs also don’t handle the cold very well.
Another issue with Bulldogs is that they tend to wheeze, short, and snore. They can even develop sleep apnea, just like their pet parents!
Bulldogs are also prone to these health conditions:
- Cherry eye
- Dry eye
- Entropion (eyelashes turn inward and rub the eye)
- Inverted or reverse sneezing
- Skin conditions
It’s important to know that not all English Bulldogs will develop each of these health conditions. However, these dogs are more prone to these types of health issues.
In the next section, we’ll focus a little more closely on skin conditions in English Bulldogs. This is directly related to the main topic of our article—the best shampoos for English Bulldogs!
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Ask a Vet Live NowSkin Conditions in English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs do have a tendency to develop various skin conditions. This is because of the wrinkles on their faces and due to skin & food allergies and sensitivities. The wrinkles on a Bulldog’s face tend to harbor yeast and bacteria if allowed to stay moist. This is why it’s imperative to keep the dog’s wrinkles clean and dry.
Bulldogs also have a tendency to develop allergies (environmental & food), as well as food sensitivities or intolerances. These conditions can lead to skin problems, too.
These are the most common skin conditions in English Bulldogs:
- Dry, flaky skin (can lead to itching)
- Hot spots
- Inflammation
- Odor
- Demodectic mange
- Flank alopecia
- Skinfold dermatitis
Symptoms of Skin Conditions in English Bulldogs
You may notice these symptoms if your English Bulldog develops a skin condition:
- Severe itching
- Licking, chewing, scratching
- Hair loss
- Hot spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scaling of the skin
- Skin lesions
- Superficial pyoderma
- Secondary infection
If your Bulldog develops any of these symptoms, it’s best to call the vet right away. These conditions are usually not life-threatening; they can develop into serious infections that make your fur baby miserable.
Because of these skin conditions and sensitivities, English Bulldogs require special types of shampoo to keep their skin healthy.
Look for These Ingredients in Shampoos for English Bulldogs
When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for your fur baby, vets recommend looking for these ingredients to help keep your dog’s skin healthy and happy:
Antifungal ingredients: for English Bulldogs, these should include chlorhexidine and/or ketoconazole. These ingredients have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Deodorizer: a shampoo with a deodorizer can help your English Bulldog smell better, as these dogs do tend to have a strong odor at times (especially if they have a skin condition).
Soothing agents: can include aloe and/or oatmeal, which are known for soothing irritated and allergy-prone skin. These ingredients work to reduce inflammation and itching.
These ingredients are beneficial for the types of skin problems that many English Bulldogs may develop. If you have questions about whether these ingredients are right for your dog, then be sure to ask your vet. And you may want to ask if there are other ingredients to look for in shampoos to help your dog’s specific skin issues.
Our Top Five Recommended Shampoos for English Bulldogs
Now, we’re ready to review our list of our top five recommended shampoos for English Bulldogs! Let’s get started!
1). Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo
Curaseb is an OTC medicated dog shampoo that contains chlorhexidine and ketoconazole. These two ingredients combined make a powerful treatment against parasites, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. This shampoo also contains a strong deodorizer, which helps to remove excess oils that can cause bad odors in English Bulldogs.
Curaseb also contains aloe to help soothe the skin and help your dog stop itching. It also works to ease inflammation in the skin. This shampoo is completely made in the US, and they follow strict safety and quality guidelines in the manufacturing of this shampoo.
This dog shampoo seems to work quickly, too! Some left comments saying they noticed a huge improvement in the dog’s skin condition in just a few days. They also said the shampoo has a very pleasant scent.
One downside of this shampoo is that it must stay on the dog for at least five or ten minutes. This can be a problem in dogs that don’t enjoy being still for that long.
Another issue is that the shampoo did cause a rash in some dogs. So, you may want to ask your vet about using Curaseb if your dog has a skin rash.
2). Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo is a completely natural dog shampoo, which doesn’t contain chemicals or toxins! It’s made of 100% natural ingredients and is completely soap-free, which are great for the sensitive skin of English Bulldogs!
What’s more, this shampoo has a wonderful scent that lasts for about two days or so. And this dog shampoo is considered to be safe for dogs that need to be bathed more often.
In addition, Earthbath dog shampoo also helps skin irritation, as it contains aloe and oatmeal. Both of these ingredients are known to ease itching and skin irritation. What’s more, the shampoo seems to help re-hydrate dry skin, which can lead to a healthier, stronger coat and skin in dogs. This dog shampoo is also pH-balanced, which means it won’t cause irritation or other skin issues.
This soap is concentrated, so you don’t need to use much of it to achieve a good lather. And it’s a good option for those on a strict budget. This is considered to be one of the most easily accessible shampoos for dogs. You can find it in pet shops, online, as well as in other types of stores.
Finally, this dog shampoo is completely natural and organic. All ingredients have been derived from renewable, plant-derived sources. This product contains no dyes, soap, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and no alcohol.
Earthbath shampoo is made in the US and is completely cruelty-free. This means that the product has not been tested on animals. And the product comes with a “happiness guarantee!” If you’re not satisfied with the shampoo, just let them know, and the company will refund your money for any reason.
3). Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs is dog shampoo that is made with all-natural ingredients. The product includes shea butter and aloe, which work to soothe irritated skin. It also contains oatmeal which helps relieve itchy, dry skin. What’s more, the shampoo also works on dandruff, dry skin, alopecia, hives, and other skin conditions. And it can even be used on cats!
Particular Paws is also pH balanced and can work against infections and skin irritations of all types. It works to relieve itchy skin, too! What’s more, the shampoo also helps your Bulldog to smell better!
This dog shampoo is made in the US, and the company says that all manufacturing is supervised by pet care professionals. This completely natural product also comes with a money-back guarantee if you and your fur baby are not happy after using the doggie shampoo.
4). DermaBenSs Shampoo
DermaBenSs is a medicated shampoo that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid. These ingredients are used to treat bacterial infections while soothing the dog’s skin. This gentle dog shampoo can be used on English Bulldogs with skin fold infections, hot spots, acne (doggie acne is a thing!), oily skin, and more.
What’s more, this product is gentle and soap-free, which means it won’t cause additional irritation to sensitive skin. The shampoo also contains ceramides that work to moisturize, repair, and restore dry, damaged skin.
One note, some pet parents did leave comments saying the instructions say to leave the shampoo on the dog for at least five to ten minutes. This can be a trial for dogs who don’t enjoy staying still that long!
This dog shampoo is made in the US and can also be used on cats and horses!
5). Pet MD Medicated Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses
Pet MD Medicated Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses is another medicated shampoo that works on dogs, cats, and horses! It works to get rid of fungal and bacterial skin problems without causing more irritation or damage to the skin.
This doggie shampoo includes chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, which work to treat skin conditions such as hot spots, acne, superficial cuts, abrasions, and insect bites. It’s also recommended to treat face folds, finger folds, underarms, and the groin areas.
This product is completely made in the US in a federally regulated manufacturing facility, which helps ensure the dog shampoo’s quality and safety.
Keep in mind this is another product that needs to remain on the dog’s skin for at least five to ten minutes. And it can be used 2-3 times a week for up to four weeks to treat skin conditions. Once these have been resolved, the product can be used once a week or as directed by your vet.
Summing It Up
Remember, when bathing your English Bulldog, it’s essential to give him a good rinse after using any dog shampoo. If any product is left on the skin, it can cause additional skin irritation or lead to infections and more.
While English Bulldogs are known for having sensitive skin, the shampoos recommended in this article have proven safe to use on most Bulldogs. If you have any questions on whether these products are good for your dog, we recommend contacting your vet. They will be the best source of guidance and advice on what will be the best shampoo for your dog’s skin!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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