Olde English Bulldogge Grooming Guide
The Olde English Bulldogge is a relatively low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. While their short, smooth coat requires minimal brushing, they do have some breed-specific care requirements. This guide covers everything Olde English Bulldogge owners need to know about bathing, skin care, nail trimming, and keeping their dog looking healthy and handsome.
Bathing
Bathing an Olde English Bulldogge requires some special considerations:
- Brush out the coat thoroughly before bathing to remove any loose hair and dirt. Be sure to get down to the skin.
- Gather all your bathing supplies - shampoo, wash cloths, towels, cotton balls for ears, non-slip bath mat. Choose a mild dog shampoo.
- Secure your dog in the tub using a leash attached to the wall so they don't try to jump out. Adjust water to a warm but not hot temperature.
- Thoroughly wet their coat from neck to tail. Avoid getting water in their ears.
- Apply shampoo to your hands first then lather it through the coat, working down to the skin. Be sure to get shampoo into all skin folds around the face, tail, and shoulders.
- Let shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing to break down dirt and debris.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear. Use a detachable sprayer if possible.
- Towel dry thoroughly then use a high velocity dryer on low setting to fully dry the coat. Pay extra attention to skin folds.
- Finish with a brushing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils after bathing.
Skin Fold Care
Caring for Olde English Bulldogge skin folds requires diligence:
- Inspect all folds on the face, tail, shoulders at least 2-3 times per week.
- Dampen a cotton pad or soft cloth with warm water or a dog skin fold cleaner.
- Gently wipe inside each fold, removing any dirt, debris, or moisture. Pinch folds to access deep crevices.
- Dry folds thoroughly after cleaning using a dry part of the pad or cloth.
- Look for signs of redness, irritation, or infection. Consult your veterinarian if you see anything concerning.
- For deep folds prone to moisture, apply a light dusting of medicated dog fold powder after drying.
Nail Care
Follow these steps for trimming your Olde English Bulldogge's nails:
- Have clippers designed specifically for dog nails, which have sharper blades. Also have styptic powder on hand.
- Sit on the floor with your dog in front of you and touch their paws often to get them used to handling. Give treats.
- Hold the paw steady and extend one nail at a time. Trim only the hook-shaped clear portion.
- Cut in small increments to avoid hitting the pink quick, which will bleed. Praise after each nail.
- Use a nail file to smooth any sharp edges after trimming. Be careful not to file into the quick.
- Check dewclaws which can become overgrown and catch on things. Have your vet show you how to trim dewclaws.
Ear Care
Regular ear care helps prevent infections:
- Lift ear flap and inspect inside ears weekly for any odor, discharge, redness, or swelling.
- Dampen a cotton pad with veterinarian-approved dog ear wash solution.
- Gently wipe excess debris and wax from the outer ear canal only using cotton pad. Never insert objects into the ear.
- Use tweezers to pluck any stray hairs around the ear canal opening to allow better air circulation.
- Dry ears gently but thoroughly after baths and swimming to prevent moisture buildup.
Brushing
Brush your Olde English Bulldogge's coat 1-2 times per week:
- Use a rubber curry grooming glove or soft slicker brush designed for short coats.
- Work in sections using gentle motions along the natural grain of the fur.
- Make sure to reach down to the skin to remove any loose hairs before they shed.
- Pay extra attention to areas around the neck, shoulders and rump where oils accumulate.
- Give treats and praise throughout to make brushing a positive experience.
- Avoid brushing too vigorously, which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Check for any mats or knots caught in skin folds and work apart gently using your fingers or brush.
Wrinkle Care
Caring for facial wrinkles helps prevent infections:
- Apply a snout balm or moisturizer to nose wrinkles daily to condition skin.
- Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and gently wipe debris from within nasal folds.
- Avoid pulling or scrubbing wrinkles too vigorously. Work gently to clean.
- Monitor wrinkles for any redness, irritation, or infection and see your veterinarian if concerns arise.
Eye Care
Gently care for your Olde English Bulldogge's eyes by:
- Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe the area around the eyes daily to remove any discharge and tear staining.
- Checking eyes for any redness, swelling, irritation or injury and calling your vet if you observe any problems.
- Trimming hair around eyes regularly using rounded tip scissors to avoid poking or scratching the eye.
Regular pampering and attention during grooming keeps your Olde English Bulldogge looking their very best! Be sure to make it a positive experience with praise, rewards and gentleness. Your efforts will pay off in a healthy, happy dog.