What to expect when you adopt an English bulldog puppy
English Bulldog puppies make an ideal family pet because they are energetic, good-natured, and very tolerant of children. The ideal age to separate the puppy from its mother is between seven and nine weeks of age, but they can adapt well to family life even at older ages. When looking for an English bulldog puppy, check with the humane society, a local breeder, or a pet store. However, be sure to research each source to make sure you’re not doing business with an illegal puppy mill.
Preparing for the arrival of the English bulldog puppies
Before you even bring your new pet home, prepare for his arrival by stocking up on puppy food, toys, a crate for when he’s away, and puppy potty training pads. You should plan to feed your new puppy the same brand of food the breeder was using to avoid an upset stomach. Try to have a sleeping area set up for your new puppy when he gets home so he knows which space is his and which belongs to the rest of the family.
caring for english bulldog puppies
Your new family member should be given puppy food at least three times a day and possibly as many as four times. If your pup has trouble chewing food small enough to swallow, use water or chicken broth to soften it. You must place the food in a stainless steel container to prevent it from tipping over. Your pup should only be offered water to drink, as anything else could cause an upset stomach. He should be given puppy food until about a year of age and then can be switched to adult dog food.
An English bulldog needs constant grooming due to its unique coat and skin folds. You should plan on brushing at least three times a week until the coat is shiny and there is little shedding. Skin folds should be cleaned more frequently, preferably daily. If you go too long without cleaning between the skin folds, your pup can develop infections due to dirt and yeast that get trapped there.
The ears are another area of the English bulldog that needs regular cleaning. Ask your vet or check your local pet store for an earwax cleaning solution to make sure your pup’s ears don’t get clogged with earwax. Finally, be sure to trim your pup’s nails at least every two weeks.
English bulldog puppies need regular care from an animal doctor to receive scheduled vaccinations to ensure they are free of intestinal parasites. They are prone to more infections due to the unique composition of their fur.