How to Prevent Eczema Flare-ups in Bulldogs
The summer months are coming and with them come some of the most problematic allergens for bulldogs such as grass, weeds, pollen, insect bites, mold, dandruff and dust mites. These allergens can also lead to skin issues for your bulldog. One of these issues is eczema. Eczema is the most common skin problem in bulldogs. In this article we will discuss the common signs of eczema and what you can do about it.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. It activates the dog's immune system, which in turn causes it to overreact to allergens. The skin works as an outer layer of protection against allergens. But when your dog has eczema, the skin begins to break down. When your dog scratches excessively and skin injuries occur, it can trigger more serious symptoms. Unfortunately bulldogs are genetically predisposed to the condition. The good news is that eczema is a manageable condition.
What Are the Signs of Eczema?
The most common signs of eczema in bulldogs are:
- Itching
- Scratching
- Rubbing
- Biting
- Licking
- Excessive Shedding
These symptoms can be very frustrating for both you and your dog. Not only is your dog uncomfortable, but the constant scratching and licking can cause skin infections. In some cases the eczema can become so severe that your dog loses hair and the skin becomes red, inflamed and raw.
How do I Prevent an Eczema Flare up in My Bulldog?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your bulldog's skin healthy and free from eczema flares:
Be careful with common allergens in skin care products.
Allergy prone dogs such as bulldogs can react to many different environmental and food allergens so using products with a limited, clean ingredient list is important in maintaining their health. Choose products that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free and do not have other common allergens that might irritate your bulldog's sensitive skin. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste were created specifically for sensitive skin dogs prone to allergies, and intentionally leave out common and unnecessary irritants such as essential oils, aloe, fragrance and lanolin.
Keep your bulldog's skin clean and protected
Bulldogs are prone to getting dirt and debris stuck between their skin folds. This can not only cause an eczema flare up, but also it can cause the excessive scratching that can exacerbate the condition. Our Squishface Wrinkle Wipes make it easy to keep the skin and wrinkles clean even between baths. They are perfect for those hard-to-clean places and can easily go with you anywhere you go.
Besides keeping your bulldog clean, our Wrinkle Wipes are made with phytosphingosine in them which is unique in the dog skin care market. Phytosphingosine has anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier that are critical in helping keep the skin healthy.
Squishface Wrinkle Paste can be used after the skin is clean and dry to protect and soothe. Wrinkle Paste forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface which keeps moisture, yeast, fungus and other bacteria away while soothing skin and wrinkles that are already irritated.
See your Veterinarian
If you suspect your bulldog has eczema or if your Bulldog’s Eczema is severe, you may need to seek veterinary help.
The Bottom Line
Eczema is a common skin problem in bulldogs however with a little bit of effort it is a manageable condition. When looking for products to keep your bulldog's skin and wrinkles clean and protected, choose products such as Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste that are free of common allergens and instead have ingredients like phytosphingosine, shea butter and avocado oil that will protect, soothe, and even help to rebuild damaged skin.
For more tips and tricks on keeping your wrinkly dog happy and healthy, check out our blog every week. To read more about phytosphingsine and it's benefits for your dog, check out this post.
