Bulldogs
How To Control And Manage Your Bulldog’s Skill Fold Dermatitis
Mar
All dog breeds where skin-folds are common – are the most susceptible to skin fold dermatitis.
What is Skin Fold Dermatitis?
“Dermatitis” is inflammation of the skin. Examples of dermatitis include eczema, dandruff, rashes (from poison ivy, soap, etc.), etc.
Skin Fold Dermatitis is a skin condition where there is an overgrowth of normal skin inhabitants like yeast and bacteria that occur in your Bulldog’s skin folds.
What causes Skin Fold Dermatitis?
Your Bulldog’s skin (and also your own skin) contains bacteria, fungus, and yeast. But that’s typically not a problem because we have mechanisms in place to prevent them from causing infection.
But one condition that can increase the liklihood of infection is skin folds – which are obviously very common in Bulldogs.
It’s warm and moist – conditions where bacteria, fungus, and yeast like to grow. And then the folds cause abnormal rubbing of the skin. The resulting inflammation from this is called Skin Fold Dermatitis, which typically leads to a skin infection called Pydoderma.
The more wrinkles or deeper the wrinkles … the more likely your bulldog will get this condition.
Symptoms of Skin Fold Dermatitis:
Visible redness, hair loss, discharge, licking, scratching could indicate a problem. You also may not visibly see it if it’s hiding in a fold, but smell a bad odor that is coming from it.
You’ll want to check with your vet if you think there is a potential issue, as many of the symptoms might also be due to other issues like fleas or mites. In addition, your vet might treat the infection differently based on the type of infection.
Treating and Managing of Skin Fold Dermatitis:
Prevention is the best treatment. Clean your bulldog’s folds and keep them dry. Watch your dog’s weight, as overweight dogs are more prone to this condition. Talk to your vet on the best method for your individual dog. If your dog gets this condition, there are antibacterial, antifungal, lotions, and anti-inflammatory medications, shampoos, and foods.
Nutrition Recommendations:
There are a few areas we can focus on:
- Inflammation
- Skin Health
- Immune / Anti-Bacterial
Please remember … most diseases aren’t developed overnight … they are developed over years and years of damage that accumulate into a major issue or disease. In other words, don’t wait for your Bulldog to develop Dermatitis before you take action … prevention is the best cure.
Top Superfoods for Skin Fold Dermatitis:
#1: Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria, especially found in your digestive system, which help your Bulldog absorb nutrients and fight infection.
They help protect against yeast overgrowth, yeast infections, harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
According to worldhealth.net, “It has already been proven that probiotics perform a role in skin heath, such as reconstructing atopic dermatitis, promoting the healing of scars and burns, rejuvenating the skin and strengthening the skin’s innate immunity.” [1]
Probiotics may also reduce inflammation – which is just another potential benefit as they relate to skin fold dermatitis.
#2: Turmeric
Many consider it to the “The superfood of all superfoods” due to all the various benefits that Turmeric may contribute to.
One of the biggest potential benefits of Turmeric is as an inflammation fighter.
Studies have also shown that, “there is early evidence that turmeric/curcumin products and supplements, both oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health”. [2]
When taking Turmeric, it is recommend to take it with both black pepper and fat … because that has been shown to greatly increase the absorption of the curcumin that is in turmeric. [3] [4] Vital Paws Bulldog Supplements contain turmeric, black pepper, fish oil, and coconut oil … all the factors to ensure optimal absorption!
#3: Omega 3 (Fish Oil)
We all know that fish oil (omega 3) is good for just about everything.
But as it specifically relates to dermatitis, fish oil is known for reducing inflammation. [5]
#4: Cinnamon
Many people think of cinnamon just as a great tasting spice. However, cinnamon is filled with antioxidants and many consider it to be a superfood.
The antioxidants in cinnamon (flavonoids) have anti-inflammatory effects as well as immune boosting effects (cinnamon is a natural anti-viral / anti-bacterial agent). [6]
We put Cinnamon in our superfood biscuits for a few additional reasons beyond the health benefits: Bulldogs love the taste, it’s safe, and it is also a natural food preservative!
#5: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in lauric acid – which is known to fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites … all things that will help with gut health and boost the immune system.
In addition, there have been a few studies that have shown the antioxidants contained in coconut oil have reduced inflammation and treated arthritis more effectively than leading medications. [7]
Disclaimers:
Customers are reminded that it is entirely of their own accord, right and responsibility to make educated choices with their pet’s health care.
Always consult your veterinarian prior to the use of any herbal product or service. Products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Customers assume all liability in full for the treatment of their pets. Statements in this guide, our website, and our emails not been evaluated by the FDA and are for educational purposes only.