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These Are The ‘Smartest’ Dog Breeds, According to a Canine Psychologist

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Smartest dog breeds

There’s no easy way to rate dog intelligence. It can be focused on more than one thing.

As canine psychologist Stanley Coren wrote back in the ’90s, there’s adaptive intelligence (i.e., figuring stuff out), working intelligence (i.e. following orders), and instinctive intelligence (i.e. innate talent) – not to mention spatial intelligence, kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and more.

Indeed, as animal behaviourist Frans de Waal has argued, humans tend to judge animal intelligence in limited and unfair terms and often bungle the experiment.

While labs at Yale, Duke, and around the world are studying this question, for now, we do at least have data on one metric: working intelligence.

Coren, in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, featured the results of a lengthy survey of 199 dog obedience judges.

The responses, he said, were remarkably consistent; however, he noted that many judges pointed out that there are exceptions in every breed and that a lot comes down to training.

Here’s what he found:

Top tier – the brightest working dogs, who tend to learn a new command in less than five exposures and obey at least 95 percent of the time.

'Smartest' Dog Breeds, According to a Canine Psychologist

1. Border collie
2. Poodle
3. German shepherd
4. Golden retriever
5. Doberman pinscher
6. Shetland sheepdog
7. Labrador retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottweiler
10. Australian cattle dog

Second tier – excellent working dogs, who tend to learn a new command in five to 15 exposures and obey at least 85 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

11. Pembroke Welsh corgi
12. Miniature schnauzer
13. English springer spaniel
14. Belgian Tervuren
15. Schipperke, Belgian sheepdog
16. Collie Keeshond
17. German short-haired pointer
18. Flat-coated retriever, English cocker spaniel, Standard schnauzer
19. Brittany spaniel
20. Cocker spaniel, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever
21. Weimaraner
22. Belgian Malinois, Bernese mountain dog
23. Pomeranian
24. Irish water spaniel
25. Vizsla
26. Cardigan Welsh corgi

Third tier – above-average working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 15 to 25 repetitions and obey at least 70 percent of the time.

27. Chesapeake Bay retriever, Puli, Yorkshire terrier
28. Giant schnauzer, Portuguese water dog
29. Airedale, Bouv Flandres
30. Border terrier, Briard
31. Welsh springer spaniel
32. Manchester terrier
33. Samoyed
34. Field spaniel, Newfoundland, Australian terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Gordon setter, Bearded collie
35. American Eskimo dog, Cairn terrier, Kerry blue terrier, Irish setter
36. Norwegian elkhound
37. Affenpinscher, Silky terrier, Miniature pinscher, English setter, Pharaoh hound, Clumber spaniel
38. Norwich terrier
39. Dalmatian

Fourth tier – average working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey at least 50 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

40. Soft-coated wheaten terrier, Bedlington terrier, Smooth-haired fox terrier
41. Curly-coated retriever, Irish wolfhound
42. Kuvasz, Australian shepherd
44. Cavalier King Charles spaniel, German wirehaired pointer, Black-and-tan coonhound, American water spaniel
45. Siberian husky, Bichon Frise, English toy spaniel
46. Tibetan spaniel, English foxhound, Otterhound, American foxhound, Greyhound, Harrier, Parson Russel terrier, Wirehaired pointing griffon
47. West Highland white terrier, Havanese, Scottish deerhound
48. Boxer, Great Dane
49. Dachshund, Staffordshire bull terrier, Shiba Inu
50. Malamute
51. Whippet, Wirehaired fox terrier
52. Rhodesian ridgeback
53. Ibizan hound, Welsh terrier, Irish terrier
54. Boston terrier, Akita

Fifth tier – fair working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 40 to 80 repetitions and respond about 40 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

55. Skye terrier
56. Norfolk terrier, Sealyham terrier
57. Pug
58. French bulldog
59. Brussels griffon, Maltese terrier
60. Italian greyhound
61. Chinese crested
62. Dandie Dinmont terrier, Vendeen, Tibetan terrier, Japanese chin, Lakeland terrier
63. Old English sheepdog
64. Great Pyrenees
65. Scottish terrier, Saint Bernard
66. Bull terrier, Petite Basset Griffon, Vendeen
67. Chihuahua
68. Lhasa apso
69. Bullmastiff

Sixth tier – the least effective working dogs, who may learn a new trick after more than 100 repetitions and obey around 30 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

70. Shih Tzu
71. Basset hound
73. Pekingese
74. Bloodhound
75. Borzoi
76. Chow chow
77. Bulldog
78. Basenji
79. Afghan hound

There are, again, exceptions. Coren talks in his book about a trainer who managed to win obedience competitions with multiple Staffordshire bull terriers (#49).

There are also, again, other ways of measuring intelligence.

Coren tells us about a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (#20) he owned that was in some ways too smart for competitions.

“He was so bright and attentive that he read my every motion, head turn, and even the direction that I was looking with my eyes, as a command,” he writes by email.

“That made him very difficult to compete with in obedience trials, since, for instance, a glance with my eyes in the direction of the high jump might be interpreted by him as a command and that would send him off, taking the jump beautifully of course, but nonetheless disqualifying us from that round of competition.”

De Waal, in Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? spoke in defence of the Afghan hound (#79), noting that they may not be unintelligent but rather independent-mined, stubborn, and unwilling to follow orders.

“Afghans,” he wrote, “are perhaps more like cats, which are not beholden to anyone.”

Source: Science Alert

The French Muse

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The French Muse

Image: Pixabay

That Frenchie sure is cute!

But where does is come from? The French Bulldog is a man–made breed, the breed was created by crossbreeding the Bulldog with smaller ratter breeds, resulting in the very first variation of French Bulldogs. This was back in the 18th Century.

They have since been bred to be more of a companion breed than a ratter breed. Their mussels have shortened, they have become a bit stockier and today they have many of the bulldog breed health problems that everyone prays to avoid. The French Bulldog is prone to many health issues, some of which are severe and worrisome. It is of utmost  importance that owners educate themselves on the possible health risks before adopting a French Bulldog of any age. Can these health issues be avoided? As a member of the public there is only one way to try and do so if you buy a puppy. The answer lies in the tests done by the breeder to ensure the parents are safe to breed with. You have the right to ask about these tests, whether they were done, whether they carry any genes for any of the major health problems, and of course you have the right to see those test results.

You should always insist on seeing both parents, if possible.

Photos can be deceiving;

  • You need to see them up close and personal,
  • Watch their breathing, watch them walk and run,
  • Look at their eyes, their nostrils and listen to the ever (in)famous snorts and grunts.

It will give you an idea of how your puppy could possibly grow up to be.

But what if you adopt? Well, then you ask the organization you are adopting from if they had the Frenchie vet checked. Every reputable rescue should always have every dog that comes in properly checked over by a vet. A good once over could potentially identify any of the most common Frenchie Health problems.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

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Walking your dog? – Careful does it

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Image: Pixabay

This summer is going to be a scorcher! If you and your Bulldog love your walks, please bear in mind that your Bully struggles to vent himself and the heat can possibly be deadly. But don’t give up the walks just yet, here are a few tips to ensure your bully is safe while you are out and about.

  1. Don’t walk on the tar road, if you place your hand on the tar for 10 seconds and it’s hot to the touch, bear in mind it will be hot for your Bully’s paws as well. Walk him on the sidewalk where there is grass or take him to the dog park where there is lots of trees. Hot tar roads can leave your dog’s paw pads injured and painful.
  2. Take some water along. Just like you need a drink along the way, so does your dog. Not only will it help quench his thirst, but it will help to keep him nice and cool. For bulldogs it can even be helpful if they suffer from heatstroke and you wet their body with nice cool (not freezing cold) water, to help bring their body temp down. Water is a definite must!
  3. Walk early morning or early evening, this way you avoid the hottest part of the day, and your dog is less likely to overheat.
  4. Always keep your phone with you, this is important as you will need to be able to call transport and a vet should your dog develop heat stress.
  5. Keep walks short and easy. Taking long walks with many uphill stretches can be very hard on a dog that struggles to regulate his own body temperature. Short walks around the block or up the street and back is often enough for a bulldog. This way he gets exercise and gets rid of some excess energy, but doesn’t overexert himself and run the risk of heat stroke

This summer is going to be a scorcher! If you and your Bulldog love your walks, please bear in mind that your Bully struggles to vent himself and the heat can possibly be deadly. But don’t give up the walks just yet, here are a few tips to ensure your bully is safe while you are out and about.  

If you notice your dog isn’t feeling well, end your walk immediately and get to the vet. Try and keep your dog as cool as you can while on your way there. Heatstroke is life threatening, the sooner a vet can stabilize him, the better. 

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

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Search our Veterinary Directory!

Filling Those Stockings

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Filling those stockingsDo you want to add a stocking for your Bully on the Christmas Mantle? Not sure what to fill it with?
There is nothing as rewarding as watching your adopted Bully enjoy their very first Christmas with your family. Especially if they have their very own stocking filled with interesting goodies to enjoy.

We thought it would be a good idea to list some items that you can possibly get (or make) your Bulldog, that are stimulating, fun and will keep them busy for days to come. The most common, and perhaps easiest, to find stocking fillers are items easily bought from your local vet shop, pet shop or even grocery store. These include plush toys, squeaker toys, indestructible balls, store bought dog treats or dental sticks.

You may even want to add a comfy blanket or maybe some rope toys, a new harness, or a Christmas themed outfit. These would be things
most people think of when they consider making a doggy stocking.  But if you know your dogs and what they like, it truly becomes so easy to buy or make them something more unique.

It all comes down to what your dog enjoys. If you have a dog that enjoy mentally stimulating games and toys, then consider treat puzzle toys or a snuffle mat that will force him to use his nose to find his favorite treat. Snuffle mats can easily be made at home if you don’t mind spending a few hours with some old cut off material.

Another popular item for many dogs is an empty plastic bottle. Quick and easy – just remember to remove the cap completely so they don’t chew and swallow it. You can even add a few stones in there if they like noisy toys (this one is to be played with under supervision, of course, and removed once done playing).

Licker mats are also amazing! You can smear anything yummy on there and it will keep them busy for ages.

Other items for bullies to consider is a good nose butter and paw soother to take care of their paw pads. The options are endless – sometimes we just need to think outside the box.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Going away? Where Will They Stay?

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Going away? Where Will They Stay?

It’s that time of year, the time when we all just want to put up our feet, get away and relax.

Finding Pet Friendly Accommodation can be hard, and well, expensive too. Does this mean you have to stay home? Of course not. But you do have to make sure your animals are safe and cared for.

How do you choose between moving your animals to a boarding facility or having someone Pet sit for you at home? Do you ask a friend or family member you can trust, if so, do you take your animals to them, or will they stay in your home? Should you choose a boarding facility, what do you look for, how do you know that your animals will be safe and properly cared for?

Here are a few pointers:

  • If you choose to ask a friend or family member then it is important that your animals know the individual, make sure they are trustworthy and will be able to identify when an emergency arises. It is important that they know what vet you use, so they can take your animals to the vet if needed. Many people who do not own Bulldogs struggle to identify when normal breathing or behavior turns into stressed behavior. If you choose to move your animals to the home of the friend or family member, while you are away, then there are some points to consider. Are there other animals in their home? Are those animals (and your own) social? If they have children, will your animals be okay with kids in the new environment? Will your friend be able to keep your animals in the routine they are used to while having your animals in his/her home? When asking someone close to you to look after your animals, having your animals stay in their own environment can be much less stressful for them.
  • If you choose to use a Pet sitter, then we advise you to do your homework. There are many individuals who do this for extra income over the festive season, we urge you to please work through a trusted, well-established company and ask for references. Using a Pet sitting agency or company means you have someone who comes to your home and stays with your animals for a fee. You can provide them with instructions on care and medications, they will follow the routine your animals are used to, and your animals will be comfy at home. We advise that you arrange to meet with the Pet sitter, allow your pets to meet them and see how they interact with your animals. There is a company called GoSit SA which we gladly recommend if you choose to go this route. They are an amazing group of animal lovers who go above and beyond for their clients and their furry family members.
  • If you prefer boarding your animals, then we also advise that you look at the boarding facilities in your area and go visit them all. That way you can see what the facilities look like and how they operate. If you find one you like, ask them if you can bring your pets along for a visit so they don’t feel overwhelmed with everything being strange when they go for their stay. The boarding areas should be warm, clean, dry, and comfortable. Dogs who don’t get along with others should not be able to make eye contact with others. A proper facility will ask to see the vet books of your animals as well as insist that vaccinations are up to date. Ask them for references and look on the internet and Facebook, often they will have reviews from members of the public who used them before. Discuss your animals needs with the facility, you can provide them with instructions on medication administration, grooming, food etc. Find out what their procedures are in terms of emergencies and vet visits. a Proper facility will do exactly what your animals need.

Whether you choose family, friend, a pet sitter or boarding facility, here is a helpful list of information you can provide your temporary carer, to help them provide the very best service and care:

  • Vet details
  • Knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions
  • Who to call in an emergency
  • Any medication that your dog is on, instructions and dosage
  • Your dog’s usual feeding routine
  • A note of your dog’s microchip information in case they get lost
  • What time you usually walk your dog and how much exercise they need per day
  • Any behavior issues that they will need to be aware of
  • If staying in your own home or someone else’s, the rules for the household, such as if your dog is allowed up on the furniture etc.
  • Whether you are happy for them to let your dogs interact with others and if not, why. this will be helpful during walks.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Bringing a new pet home

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Bringing a new pet home

Image: Pixabay

Whether you buy or adopt, whether canine or feline, it can be a challenge to bring a new pet home. The most important thing to remember when introducing a new pet into your home is to take things slow. Time is your friend. Keep in Mind the rule of three, allow your pet the space he or she may need to feel comfortable and settle as the transition may be somewhat stressful. An important thing to remember is that a dog that may display a happy, playful attitude at a meet and greet, may be weary or fearful in a completely new environment.

Watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, try to move slowly, watch for cues about how your pet is feeling. If your pet seems timid, start by sitting calmly in the room, maybe read a book or watch a TV show, let them just be around you until they feel comfortable enough to approach you. If your pet is full of energy and ready to play, get out the toys right away. But be cautious. Pets can be both scared and full of energy. The care you take with your own behavior in early days will pay off in the future as your pet learns that you are someone to trust.

To have the run of an entire house can be overwhelming, especially if it happens too fast. Sheltered pets are used to restricted areas and may feel more at ease in a smaller area of the house at first. Resist the temptation to let your pet run loose in the house during this first week, especially if you have other pets. If your new dog seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

If your new dog is the only pet in your home, you can close off “off limit areas” like the garage if you have some toxic items in there that you don’t want your dog getting into and allow them to explore the rest when they are ready.

Cats are creatures of habit and will hide under beds etc. Set up a small, quiet area for your new cat to help establish a safe and secure environment. A small quiet room with a litterbox may be best at first, until your cat is more at ease in the new environment and with you. If your cat seems comfortable and relaxed (not hiding and is willing to come to you for affection and food) you can provide access to other areas of your home.

Bringing a new pet home

Image: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

If you already have pets at home, you’re no doubt looking forward to a happy, harmonious relationship between all your animals. If you want to introduce a new dog to a resident dog, a walk may be a great way to do so. One person per dog, in a neutral outdoor space. Start on the opposite sides of the street and gradually move closer, rewarding both dogs every time you move a little closer, until they can walk side by side. Allow them to sniff each other while still on leash so you have control over them should something go wrong. Always use a calm neutral tone of voice, high pitches may cause excitement.

When going home with both dogs, allow them to run outside first before allowing them both in the house together. Again, keep that calm tone of voice and leave those leashes on so you have control if needed. Supervise their interactions closely.

If an altercation occurs, separate the dogs for a few days to give them a break from each other. Stress hormones can take this long to return to normal, and if you try to continue the introduction too soon, the altercations could get worse. Some posturing and mild aggression can be normal as dogs become more comfortable, even after a successful first few days or weeks. Don’t panic!

Caring for a pet can be a wonderful way to teach your children respect and compassion for all living things. Make it clear to children that pets aren’t toys. Animals must be treated gently and handled with care. Young children must never be left alone or unsupervised, with any animal, even for a moment. Although children can participate in light–care activities like grooming and playtime, a parent must be fully prepared to be the primary caretaker.

Even the most docile of dogs can cause harm if teased or frightened or if his/her prey drive is triggered. As a parent, it’s up to you to teach your dog appropriate behavior, as well as teaching your children how to behave around pets. Teach your children to treat animals with respect. Help children understand canine body language so they can recognize when a dog is friendly, fearful, or aggressive. Teach your child to allow dogs to approach them, not the other way around as sometimes a child can make a dog feel threatened. Teach children to respect a dog’s privacy. Never allow a child to disturb a dog while eating, chewing on a bone or toy, or sleeping. Dogs are naturally territorial and may growl, snap, or bite to protect their possessions. Tell children not to look a dog directly in the eye. In dog language, a stare is a threat and may trigger the dog to act dominantly or aggressively.

Your new cat or kitten will need several days to adjust to its new home, so limit your child’s interaction to gentle petting, and only when the cat approaches. Don’t allow young children to pick up, carry or put their faces close to the animal. Sudden movements and loud noises can easily frighten your pet, so children should speak and sit quietly around the cat.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Cute or not so cute?

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Cute or not so cute?The bulldog is known for three things – their folds, their charming personalities and well, those round little tummies.
But when is a round tummy an obese tummy?

Bulldogs are one of the breeds that are prone to obesity. They are notorious eaters, and those big, beautiful eyes can make it so hard not to give them that extra treat. However, Obesity is especially detrimental for brachycephalic dogs, due to their restricted airways and skeletal structure that already makes breathing a hard task. Excess fat deposits in the chest and airways can further restrict their breathing. It puts a lot of  pressure on the lungs, which already takes strain. This also makes them prone to respiratory disease.

How do you know your dog is Obese? This is probably one of the first things your vet will point out to you. The bulldog naturally has a compact stocky shape. An obese bulldog has a barrel shape, there is no defined waist. Their waist should always be narrower than their hips, the waist visible but ribs not visible. If your bulldog looks like a tightly packed little sausage, it may be time to talk to your vet on how to bring that weight down.

As it is, a fit bulldog can not scratch like another lean breed would. They simply can not bend and reach everywhere. However, if your bulldog struggles to scratch his own ears, or can’t use his teeth to reach certain parts of the body that should be reachable – he may need to lose a little weight.

Most bulldogs can’t exercise more than a short walk a day. The imbalance between diet and lack of sufficient exercise is the main cause of obesity in Bulldogs. High–calorie food and frequent treats also contribute to their weight gain. Sometimes the best thing to do when those big puppy eyes look your way is to give them a good cuddle, tell them you love them and leave those treats in the cupboard.

Keeping your bulldog lean and healthy may make a difference in the lifespan of your dog, the Bulldog is a breed who already has a shorter lifespan than most breeds due to the way they are bred, the flat little faces and stocky bodies we love, means they don’t live that long. Being obese can shorten your dog’s life by one third. obesity is linked to a whole raft of health problems including arthritis, chronic kidney disease, bladder/urinary tract disease, liver disease, low thyroid hormone production, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Healthy Skin, Happy Dog – Get those allergies under control

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Dog

Healthy Skin, Happy Dog – Get those allergies under control

We love our Bulldogs and Frenchies for so many different reasons, one of which being their folds and wrinkles. However, bulldogs have very sensitive skin and they do need that little extra to ensure their skin stay healthy.

One of the biggest challenges bulldog owners face, must be the allergies these dogs deal with, that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.

The number one thing most Bulldog owners deal with is food allergy, though this may sound uncomplicated and to be an easy fix, this is one of the hardest to clear up. This type of allergy is often caused by ingredients like chicken, beef, corn, or wheat. Symptoms of a food allergy in a Bulldog may include vomiting, diarrhoea, and itchy skin. To treat bulldog food allergies, it is important to first identify the specific allergen causing the reaction. This is a difficult process of elimination through trial and error where your dog is fed a limited ingredient diet and gradually introduced to new ingredients to determine which ones cause a reaction. Once the allergen has been identified, it is important to eliminate it from your dog’s diet and provide alternative sources of nutrition. In severe cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent future reactions. It is important to regularly monitor your dog for any changes in their condition and to consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise. There is also a range of hypoallergenic foods you may want to try, your vet will be able to advise you on those.

Bulldogs are also very prone to Flea Allergies, which can cause a variety of problems for Bulldogs, including skin irritation, hot spots, and even anaemia if left untreated. One of the first signs of a flea allergy in a Bulldog is excessive scratching, biting, or licking at their skin. This can cause redness, inflammation, and even open wounds. These injuries can lead to further problems such as infections or scarring. One way to treat a Bulldog’s flea allergy at home is to give them a warm bath with a medicated shampoo. This can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. You can also try applying a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to your Bulldog’s skin, as the acidity of the vinegar can help kill fleas and reduce itchiness. Wash bedding regularly to keep it clean.

Bulldogs can also develop environmental allergies, such as dust, mold, and pollen, even grass is a big factor here. Symptoms of environmental allergies may include sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, redness, and inflammation of the skin. It is important that you keep an eye on your bulldog to notice any subtle changes when it comes to their environment so you can take steps to minimize or eliminate the dog’s exposure to something should a reaction be noticed. This may involve using air purifiers or HEPA filters, cleaning your home with hypoallergenic products, washing bedding and clothing frequently, vacuuming, and keeping your Bully away from areas where the allergens are present. Dogs quite often have reactions to our cleaning products, as they are absorbed through the paws.

It is also important to keep your Bulldog’s skin and coat healthy and moisturized, as dry skin can make allergy symptoms worse. You can do this by bathing your Bulldog regularly using a hypoallergenic shampoo and using a high-quality conditioner to help keep their skin and coat clean, soft, and healthy.

Allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem for both the dog and its owner. Many times, it will be ongoing, and you will need to manage it as best you can. It is important that you work with a knowledgeable vet to guide you and to take preventative measures as soon as you can. Often these allergies are seasonal, and your dog may need to be on medication in seasons where pollen and grass are plentiful. Whatever the case me be, your dogs health and happiness is worth the effort to identify, manage or eliminate the issue at hand.

It is important to keep this in mind before getting a Bulldog, whether you buy or adopt, these dogs are prone to many health issues, and chances are you will deal with at least one of them during your dog’s lifetime. Do your best to educate yourself as best you can, for your and your new dog’s sake.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA – August 2024 Newsletter

Bulldog CPR

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CPR

Bulldog CPR

Someone once shared this article on Bulldogguide.com with us and we thought it would be interesting to share with all of you, though we have not tried this method ourselves, it may be good to keep in mind for future reference.

Knowing how to do CPR for Bulldogs is something you should learn. No matter how much effort we put into keeping our Bulldogs safe and away from harm, they can still get in to accidents, get choked, or drown.

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a procedure composed of chest compressions and artificial respiration that is done when an individual stops breathing and has undetectable and absent heartbeat. When the dog stops breathing, this will lead the heart to go into cardiac arrest and stop beating.

Do note that doing CPR on a healthy dog can be dangerous and can cause physical problems that may result to death.

You may perform CPR on your Bulldog if he is:

  • Unconscious,
  • Not responsive,
  • Has no heartbeat,
  • And not breathing.

ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION DURING CPR FOR BULLDOGS:

Before starting artificial respiration on an unconscious Bulldog, it’s important to check the vital signs first. Rub your Bulldog and talk to him, if he’s not responsive, you may now proceed to do a CPR.

Call emergency help as fast as you can. You may call an emergency veterinarian or your Bulldog’s regular veterinarian to let them know you are coming while someone else is performing a CPR on your Bulldog. Or you may also have someone call the emergency vet while you perform CPR on your Bulldog.

  1. Lay your Bulldog on his right side and check his pulse. Choose to lay your Bulldog on his right side so that his heart is facing up.
  2. Now, feel your Bulldog’s pulse by bring his left leg elbow back to the chest. Take note that the spot where the elbow meets the chest will be the 3rd to 5th chest space – and that is where your Bulldog’s heart is found. Feel the area or try to see if you can hear his heart beating.
  3. If you cannot feel or hear through the heart pulse point, check the wrist. To do this, you can run your finger along your Bulldog’s dewclaw pad on either front or back foot and look for a pulse. If there is faint or no pulse heard or felt, proceed to perform CPR.
  4. Check your Bulldog’s airways to see if there is anything blocking it. Remove any debris, vomit, mucus, blood, or any foreign material that is causing the blockage.
  5. Pull your Bulldog’s tongue forward and align his head with the back – slightly tilting in back. This step should help clear up the airway.
  6. Put your one hand under your Bulldog’s lower jaw to close it. Place your thumb (the one on the same hand) on top of your Bulldog’s nose and hold the mouth shut so that the air cannot leave your Bulldog’s mouth.
  7. Place your mouth over your Bulldog’s mouth and nose and blow four to five quick breaths. Make sure that the chest is rising as you do this.
  8. Place your mouth over your Bulldog’s mouth and nose and blow four to five quick breaths. Make sure that the chest is rising as you do this.

CHEST COMPRESSIONS DURING CPR FOR BULLDOGS:

If your Bulldog’s heartbeat has stopped or still remains unresponsive even with artificial respiration, then it ’s time to perform chest compressions along with it.

  1. Put your Bulldog on his back to expose his rounded chest.
  2. Place your hand on your Bulldog’s chest – on the area opposite of your Bulldog’s front leg elbow.
  3. Put your hands together and lock your fingers. Then, lock your elbows.
  4. Pump your Bulldog’s chest gently but firmly 15 times in 10 seconds.
  5. Breathe into your Bulldog’s mouth once again – still covering the muzzle to make sure that the air you’re breathing into the mouth does not go out.
  6. Take note that ratio for CPR is: 15 compressions to one breath.
  7. You may also do an abdominal squeeze on your Bulldog to aid in the recirculation of blood into the heart.
  8. Carry on with the artificial respiration and chest compression combination.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA – August 2024 Newsletter

 

Ectropion vs Entropion – And what else?

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Ectropion

Ectropion vs Entropion – And what else?

While most of are well informed of what Entropion in dogs is, we also find a fair amount of bulldog suffering from Ectropion. What is the difference between the two and are there similarities in how they are treated?

Entropion is the turning in of the edges of the eyelid so that the eyelashes and fur rub against the eye surface. It is the most frequent inherited eyelid defect in many dog breeds. It may also follow scar formation and severe involuntary winking due to pain in the eye or the surrounding area. The turning in of eyelashes or facial hairs causes discomfort and irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea. Long term entropion can cause scarring, abnormal colouring, and possibly the formation of slow-healing sores on the cornea.

Early spasms of entropion may be reversed if the cause is removed or if pain is lessened. Turning the lid hairs back away from the eye with stitches in the lid, injections of medication into the lid close to the area where the lid is turning in, or using anaesthetics to block the nerves in the eyelids are some of the methods that have been used to lessen the pain. Very young puppies with this condition may sometimes be treated with temporary stitches that are removed in 2 to 3 weeks. Established entropion usually requires surgery to correct the defect.

What about Ectropion?

Ectropion is a slack eyelid edge that is turned out, usually with a large notch or “crack” in the eyelid. It is a common abnormality affecting both eyelids in a number of dog breeds, including the Bloodhound,Bull Mastiff, English Bulldog, Great Dane, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and several Spaniel breeds.

Scars in the eyelid or facial nerve paralysis may produce ectropion in one eyelid in any species. Exposure of the conjunctiva to environmental irritants and secondary bacterial infection can result in long term or recurrent conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). Topical antibiotics may temporarily control infections, but surgical lid-shortening procedures are often necessary to resolve the condition. Repeated, periodic cleansing of the affected eyelid with mild decongestant solutions can control mild cases. To protect your pet’s eyesight, follow your veterinarian’s treatment program carefully.

While these may be the most common of eye disorders, we also have to look at Lagophthalmos and abnormalities of the eyelashes. Lagophthalmos is an inability to fully close the eyelids and protect the cornea from drying and trauma. It may result from extremely shallow orbits, a common condition in breeds with short, broad, flattened heads (brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, for example). It may also be caused by an abnormal protrusion of the eyeball due to a mass in the eye socket, or facial nerve paralysis. Scarring, abnormal colouring, and the formation of slow-healing sores of the cornea are common problems with this condition. Unless the cause can be corrected, treatment involves frequent use of lubricating ointments and surgical shortening or closure of the corners of the eye either temporarily or permanently. Excessive nasal skin folds and facial hair may aggravate the damage caused by Lagophthalmos.

Abnormalities of the eyelashes include extra eyelashes or misdirected eyelashes on the edge of the eyelid. These conditions may cause watering eyes, development of blood vessels in the cornea, and slow-healing sores and scarring in the cornea. In many instances, irregular eyelashes are very fine and do not cause signs of irritation or damage the eye. However, eyelashes in an unusual position sticking out through the back of the eyelid can cause profound pain. If the extra lashes cause damage to the cornea or conjunctiva, it may be necessary to surgically cut out or freeze and remove the eyelash follicles. Irregularities of the eyelashes are common in some dog breeds and are probably inherited.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA – August 2024 Newsletter