Bulldog Broadcast Podcast Show Notes

Episode 15 - Show Notes

4/8/2024

Claws & Paws: Top Nail Trimming Tips - Ep15

"Learn how keeping your Bulldog's nails short improves their health, movement, and hygiene."

Introduction

In today's episode, we explore why keeping your Bulldog's nails short is crucial for their health and well-being. We'll uncover how proper nail care enhances your dog's natural movement and share tips for dealing with broken dewclaws, preventing injuries, and maintaining foot hygiene. However, for specific health concerns or issues, it's always best to consult a professional veterinarian.

Episode Highlights:

Breed Standards:
- A short discussion on the Bulldog breed standard, particularly about paw and foot conformation.
- Explanation of proper foot structure, emphasising the importance of compact, high-knuckled feet for Bulldogs.
Nail Health and Maintenance:
- It is vital to keep Bulldog nails short for health and hygiene.
- Understanding the benefits of short nails is vital. They enhance your Bulldog's natural movement, reduce pain, and decrease potential injuries. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your dog's care.
First Aid for Nail Injuries:
- Tips for dealing with broken dewclaws, including bandaging techniques to prevent further injury and promote healing.
Training and Socialisation:
- Importance of introducing nail clipping early in a Bulldog's life.
- There are strategies for making nail trimming a positive experience, such as using treats and gradual desensitisation to nail care tools.
Tools and Techniques:
- Discussion on the use of different tools, such as toenail clippers, pet guillotine clippers, and powered nail files (Dremels), for nail maintenance.
- Recommendations for regular road walking to naturally file nails on hard surfaces like concrete.
Hygiene Considerations:
- There is a link between proper nail care and the prevention of interdigital cysts, which are painful, fluid-filled lumps that can develop between a dog's toes due to poor nail care.
- Remember, foot hygiene is not just about nails. It's a proactive step in preventing infections and other issues. By maintaining your Bulldog's foot hygiene, you're taking a responsible and proactive approach to their overall health.

Conclusion:

If there are topics you'd like to see covered in future episodes, or if you have any questions or experiences to share, join our community and let me know! Your input is valuable to us. Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful week!

Episode 13 - Show Notes

21/7/2024

Bulldog Bites: Top Dental Tips & Tricks

"Uncover the secrets of Bulldog jaw perfection, from breed standards to dental care tips, ensuring your Bulldog stays healthy and happy."

In this episode, we're immersing ourselves in the intriguing world of Bulldog jaws. Have you ever pondered over the importance of dental care for your Bulldog? It's not just a routine. It's a responsibility. We'll dissect what constitutes a correct Bulldog jaw, offer tips for proper tooth care, discuss the significance of safe teething toys, and explain how to prevent dental issues. Plus, I'll reveal why some owners use cotton buds for teeth cleaning and what excessive licking might indicate, all to emphasise the importance of responsible dental care.

Episode Highlights:

Bulldog Jaw Structure and Historical Context
- Understanding the unique jaw structure of Bulldogs and its connection to their original purpose.
- The significance of the jaw in the breed standard and why Bulldogs are judged front-on in shows.
- The challenges judges face when assessing Bulldog jaws.

Judging and Handling Bulldog Jaws
- How judges examine Bulldog jaws and the specific techniques used.
- Differences in judging methods between Bulldogs and other breeds with longer muzzles.

Breed Standard and Jaw Importance
- The in-depth nature of the Bulldog breed standard and its focus on the jaw.
- The impact of jaw structure on the overall head shape and functionality of the Bulldog.

Teething and Jaw Development in Puppies
- The process of teething in Bulldog puppies and the importance of providing safe teething toys.
- The potential issues with fractured teeth and how to avoid them.

Identifying and Addressing Jaw Issues
- Recognising signs of a wry or twisted jaw and its implications.
- The importance of even canine alignment and the undesirability of crooked jaws for showing.

Bulldog Dental Care
- The surprising lack of dental problems in Bulldogs compared to other breeds.
- Common dental issues like gingival hyperplasia and how to manage them.
- Tips for maintaining oral hygiene, including the use of Q-Tips for cleaning debris.

Unique Bulldog Dental Quirks
- Addressing unusual issues like fur tufts growing in the wrong place and excessive licking.
- Practical advice for new Bulldog owners on managing these quirks.

Conclusion:

Remember, proper jaw structure and dental care are crucial for the health and well-being of your Bulldog. For more information, show notes, and community discussions, visit BulldogBroadcast.com. Don't forget to join our community forum for recommendations and episode extras. Catch up with you next week!

Episode 12 - Show Notes

14/7/2024

Puppy Lameness & Limps

Intro:

We explore growth spurts, conformational issues, and the risks of overexercising puppies. Being equipped with insights and practical, actionable solutions to ensure the health and vitality of your Bulldog. We discuss preventive measures, including cognitive enrichment, proper handling methods, supplements and canine chiropractic care benefits. Maintaining your Bulldog's well-being involves balanced exercise, adequate socialisation, and minimising risky behaviours. We hope you find this episode informative and empowering, knowing that you have the tools to keep your Bulldog healthy and happy.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding Puppy Limping and Lameness:
- Why bulldogs may start limping or go lame.
- Common causes of intermittent lameness in puppies include growth spurts.

Effects of Poor Conformation:
- How can poor conformation cause lameness in Bulldogs?
- Examples of conformation issues are incorrect leg structure and uneven toplines.

Overexercising Puppies:
- The dangers of overexercising young Bulldogs and the appropriate amount of exercise based on age.
- Explanation of why Bulldogs are front-heavy and the risks associated with jumping and improper exercise.

Preventative Measures and Treatment Options:
- Using cognitive enrichment activities to tire out puppies instead of excessive physical exercise is vital.
- Role of canine chiropractors in maintaining proper growth alignment and preventing lameness.
- Benefits of supplements like glucosamine with chondroitin for joint health.
- Explanation of stem cell treatment for ACL injuries and other severe joint issues.

Additional Tips for Bulldog Owners:
- Correct socialisation through activities like puppy training classes is essential.
- Advice on handling Bulldogs to prevent injuries, including the correct way to pick them up and support their weight.
- Recommendations for avoiding injuries related to jumping and running.

Conclusion:
We covered many important topics to help you understand and address limping and lameness in Bulldogs. From recognising growth spurts and the impact of poor conformation to the dangers of overexercising puppies, we provided insights and solutions to keep your Bulldog healthy and active. Preventative measures such as cognitive enrichment activities, proper handling techniques, supplements, and canine chiropractors can make a significant difference. Remember, ensuring the well-being of your Bulldog involves balanced exercise, proper socialisation, and avoiding risky behaviours like jumping.

Episode 10 - Show Notes

30/6/2024

Why are Bulldogs the Perfect Chill Companion?

"Uncover why Bulldogs buck the trend with a low prey drive"

Introduction:

This week, we unravel why some breeds are instinctively wired to chase, while others prefer to leisurely lounge. We explore the complexities of breed evolution, from hunting companions to cherished couch potatoes, and discover the mysteries behind the misunderstood Bulldog psyche. It's more than a walk in the park; it's a deep dive into the canine mind.

Episode Highlights:

Bulldogs and Labradors: Contrasting Behaviours and Instincts - Sara shares her observations on how Bulldogs and Labradors behave differently, particularly in the garden. While Labradors are constantly on alert, seeking food and watching birds, Bulldogs are more relaxed and rarely look upwards unless sunbathing.

Learned Behaviour in Dogs - Sara discusses how younger Bulldogs mimic the behaviour of older dogs, even if it's not innate to their breed. She gives examples of how her Bulldogs have started to copy the Labrador's bird-watching habits.

Understanding Prey Drive - An explanation of what prey drive is and its evolutionary roots. Sara explains how prey drive is a natural instinct in dogs to pursue or capture prey, deeply rooted in their history as hunters and scavengers.

Breed-Specific Instincts - A comparison of different breeds and their prey drives. Labradors, terriers, hounds, and other breeds have stronger prey drives due to their original purposes. Bulldogs, being in the Utility group, have had their prey drive bred out, making them more companion-oriented.

Pros and Cons of Low Prey Drive - The benefits of having a dog with low prey drive, such as less interest in chasing animals and easier management in multi-pet households. Sara also touches on some challenges, like limited interest in typical dog activities and potential boredom.

Bulldogs as Companion Animals - Sara explains why Bulldogs are well-suited to be human companions and how their low prey drive contributes to their easy-going nature. She also discusses the importance of having breed-specific traits that match a person’s lifestyle.

The Role of Enrichment - How to keep Bulldogs engaged and mentally stimulated through enrichment activities, even if they aren’t interested in traditional dog games like fetch.

Conclusion:

Sara concludes the episode by reflecting on the unique characteristics of Bulldogs and how their low prey drive makes them special companions. She emphasises the importance of understanding and appreciating these traits.

Episode 15 - Show Notes

Claws & Paws: Top Nail Trimming Tips - Ep15

"Learn how keeping your Bulldog's nails short improves their health, movement, and hygiene."

Episode 13 - Show Notes

Bulldog Bites: Top Dental Tips & Tricks

"Uncover the secrets of Bulldog jaw perfection, from breed standards to dental care tips, ensuring your Bulldog stays healthy and happy."

Episode 12 - Show Notes

Puppy Lameness & Limps

Episode 10 - Show Notes

Why are Bulldogs the Perfect Chill Companion?

"Uncover why Bulldogs buck the trend with a low prey drive"

Aired Podcast Show Notes

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Episode 15 - Show Notes

Claws & Paws: Top Nail Trimming Tips - Ep15

"Learn how keeping your Bulldog's nails short improves their health, movement, and hygiene."

Episode 13 - Show Notes

Bulldog Bites: Top Dental Tips & Tricks

"Uncover the secrets of Bulldog jaw perfection, from breed standards to dental care tips, ensuring your Bulldog stays healthy and happy."

Episode 12 - Show Notes

Puppy Lameness & Limps

Episode 10 - Show Notes

​Why are Bulldogs the Perfect Chill Companion?

"Uncover why Bulldogs buck the trend with a low prey drive"

Aired Podcast Show Notes

Quick Find Categories

Archives

Why are Bulldogs the Perfect Chill Companion?