| Winter can be a danger to your dog | |||||||
| by BUDDY AMATO | |||||||
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There are a lot of breeds that have especially difficult times during the winter months. The Old English Bulldog is an example of a breed that has problems with nearly every season, though, especially winter and summer. The Old English Bulldog requires a great deal of regular attention by owners. The breed’s eyes and paws can be especially vulnerable during the winter. Entropion is a condition that requires surgery. Entropion occurs when a dog’s eyelashes basically grow in the wrong direction and create serious infections around the eye of the dog; it is common among Old English Bulldogs. Rough play is not unheard of when it comes to Old English Bulldogs. Thus, when outside, rough play coupled with the presence of snow and ice can be aggravating factors for a dog. In addition, Old English Bulldogs commonly contract “interdigital cysts,” which occur between the ‘toes’ of these dogs. This can make walking very painful at times and, coupled with a slippery environment of snow and ice, have an impact on a dog’s balance outside. Since Old English Bulldogs are already prone to “hip dysplasia,” which is a condition that can be serious and lead to them being crippled, there is no need to take risks with winter weather. Not all Old English Bulldogs contract entropion, or have digital cysts or even have hip dysplasia. However, the Old English Bulldog, as a breed, is very vulnerable to these ailments. And, each of them could require surgery. Coming off of the biggest snowfall of the year, it might be a prudent course of action to keep your Old English Bulldog inside as much as is possible. You will probably not get much of an argument from the dog. While strong and stocky, bulldogs aren’t known for being especially hearty outdoors. During the summer months, they wilt very quickly and have problems breathing because of their ‘pushed-in’ noses and problematic respiratory system. During the winter, they have problems breathing very cold air for the same reasons. So, they become fatigued very quickly. In any event, bulldogs are not overly ambitious and are more likely to curl up on the couch with a good book…not reading the book but just laying on it. While your Old English Bulldog may enjoy going out for necessary business and perhaps a quick romp in the snow, it is a safer bet in the long run to make their outings as brief as possible. To make life easier for you and your dog, regardless of what breed it is, I recommend toweling off your dog thoroughly when they come inside, to make sure that they do not drag snow through the entire house. Dogs should always have access to clean water. Yet, during the winter months, hydration is especially important. Let me return to the Old English Bulldog: While it is sometimes a problem to get a bulldog on any kind of regular exercise regimen (walks and directed play), it may not be a bad idea to hold off the program until after very cold, snowy weather has passed. If you do choose this course of action, watch out for your dog’s food intake, to ensure that they are not putting on any additional wait during their ‘vacation from exercise.’ (Chief Victor "Buddy" Amato is the chief investigator for the Monmouth County SPCA, headquartered in Eatontown. For more information about this column, call (732) 671-9555.) Buddy Amato is a Hazlet business owner, who operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy. For more information, call (732) 671-9555.
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