Whatever pet you adopt, you have to maintain basic health habits as well as medical checkups. Keeping the pet bulldog clean is a mandatory part of its looking after and grooming.
Bulldogs do not claim much attention and time of yours, as they need a moderate amount of exercise to stay fit. But their skin needs proper care and that is why we will be advising you regarding the care of this dog in this guide.
The products that you should use to keep the bulldog clean should be well researched and for that, you need to know the right components of the product. Along with that you also have to note the particular requirements of your bulldog as not all the type of dogs need the same kind of care and product.
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How to choose a dog shampoo for your bulldog?
Allergy treatment – as we have discussed that bulldogs are prone to various kinds of allergies, the owners should be aware beforehand, and also they should shampoo that contains the cure for allergies of the bulldogs. This should not be harsh to the dog’s skin and it must not cause any damage to the fur coat.
Moisture level – this is an essential criterion for choosing dog shampoo. As you need to clean the coat of the dog with the shampoo, it should also have some moisturizing effect on the dog’s coat. The skin and the fur layers should feel and stay soft and supple after the wash.
The cleaning agent present in the shampoo should not make the coat harsh as that will not be suitable for long time use on your bulldog. Choose the shampoo with a natural moisturizing agent like aloe vera as that will be more skin-friendly than the chemical options.
Good smell – bulldogs are prone to stink. As they have layers on their body, the laps and overlaps give the bacteria enough chance to breed inside and that causes a bad odor. So to remove the smell, you need to use some dog shampoo that will replace the stink with a fresh and nice smell.
pH level – the shampoo for your dog should always have the right pH balance. There is a natural pH balance in our skin as well as in dogs’ skin, but the ratio is never the same. So do not use any shampoo that is not mentioned to be used on dogs, as that will disturb the pH balance of the skin of the bulldog.
No harmful ingredients – always look for products that do not contain harmful elements like sulfate, paraben, or phosphate. These are harsh chemicals that should not be present in any product that you use for yourself or for your dog. Also, check if the product has too much artificial color or perfume as that will also cause problems for the dog.
The 8 Best Shampoo For American Bulldogs
There are quite a few brands offering good quality dog shampoo, but we would like to list down the best products that may suit your bulldog’s skin.
There are various different types of this brand of dog shampoo that works for different purposes. There is a rinse-free shampoo for which you do not have to spend time to make foam and then there is waterless spray shampoo as well as a shampoo to cure the itchiness of the skin of your dog. But the product that we liked most is the regular shampoo with conditioner. This product will take care of the coat of your bulldog and will make it smooth after every wash.
This product contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which makes sense as these components are good for the fur coat of your dog. Also, it contains chamomile extracts as well as aloe vera which act as natural moisturizing agents. This product is famous among professional dog groomers and thus you can expect it to work wonderfully for your bulldog’s coat. When you will brush the coat after using the shampoo you can feel the difference, as the coat will become much smoother and the laps will feel squishier than ever.
Pros:
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid
- Contains chamomile-extract
- Aloe vera as a natural moisturizer
Cons:
- Some dogs may shed more after using it
2. WAHL dry skin and itch relief pet shampoo for dogs
This product is really good for bulldogs with sensitive and allergic skin as it contains the goodness of oatmeal along with coconut and lime. All these ingredients have a natural soothing effect and thus it will surely keep the bulldog’s skin free from itchiness and rashes. This product also takes care of maintaining the perfect pH balance and it does not contain harmful ingredients like paraben and alcohol. Also, it is free of PEG-80, so it will have no harmful impact on the dog’s skin.
The shampoo contains the perfect ingredients to check the dryness of the skin of your dog; also it will make sure that the dog does not suffer from itchiness once you start using this shampoo. All the accumulated dirt and sweat will be washed away when you use this shampoo, and it will keep the dog’s coat smelling fresh and feeling clean. As it comes with a higher concentration of coconut, a small amount of this product is required to clean the coat. This product is really good for dogs with sensitive and itchy skin and it is used by professionals to groom the dogs and keep their coats clean and conditioned.
Pros:
- Needed in a small amount
- The goodness of coconut and lime
- Moisturizes the coat
Cons:
- Does not work on flea or ticks
3. Buddy wash dog shampoo and conditioner
This shampoo comes with conditioner which will take care of the bulldog’s fur coat. There are three fragrances available in this shampoo, rosemary, green tea, and lavender. All these are natural fragrances and that will keep the bulldog smelling good and fresh all day long. The botanical extracts used in this shampoo are all-natural and do not harm the dog’s skin and coat anyway.
The base product of this shampoo is coconut and it contains aloe vera along with vitamin E which helps the coat of the dog to remain supple and bacteria-free. The nourished coat feels like velvet when you touch it after wash. Wash your bulldog once every week with this shampoo and enjoy the long-lasting fragrance as well as the smooth feeling of its coat.
Pros:
- Leaves the coat smooth
- Smells good
- No irritation
Cons:
- Tea tree oil can cause problems in some dogs
4. Perfect coat natural oatmeal shampoo
Available in the essence of French vanilla, this dog shampoo will offer a fresh smell and the bulldog will have a super smooth coat after wash. As it contains oatmeal, it moisturizes the coat of the dog in a natural way. It can be applied to the dog’s coat when the dog is suffering from itchiness, dryness, or any kind of bacterial infection. The shampoo will soothe the irritation and calm down the bulldog.
The perfume of this product is not very strong which means that no chemical ingredients had been added to it to make it smell strong. The dog owners have felt that it is a great product with a good amount of moisture and thus it will be useful in keeping the coat soft and smooth to touch. Though it does not provide any artificial scent, yet it removes the stink of the bulldog, and thus your dog will feel clean after a wash. By regular washing with this product, your bulldog will have a healthy and smooth coat.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Does not cause any harm
- Smoothes the coat
- Soothes the irritation
Cons:
- No long-lasting smell
5. Bark 2 Basics wild berry dog shampoo
This shampoo is made from various herbal ingredients which make it a safe product for bulldogs of all ages. Not only does it clean the coat of the bulldog but also it leaves the coat fluffy and healthy so it shines. The ingredients of this shampoo protect the dog’s coat from irritation, rashes, and fungal infection. Also, it helps the coat to stay nourished in the best way.
The shampoo can be used in the solution with water in 16:1 and that will be effective to clean the coat of the short-furred dog-like bulldogs. The smell of this shampoo is not something attractive but rather like vitamins, but it is much useful when it comes to offering a shiny and healthy coat with irritation-free skin. You can make a whole lot of foam and massage the dog’s skin to see the glow after the bath.
Pros:
- Recommended by professional dog-groomers
- Strong product
- No irritation
Cons:
- Does not smell sweet
6. Aloe concentrated shampoo from Aloe Advantage
As aloe has been one of the primary ingredients of this product, it surely offers moisturizing effects to the coat of the dog. The smell that it offers to the dogs after using is quite impressive. Your bulldog will not stink anymore after you start using this shampoo. This shampoo is made by using botanical formula so it will not leave any drying effect. The coat will not shed as the product does not contain any harsh chemical or cleaning agent like detergent.
The product is inexpensive when it comes to its qualities. This product can also be used by making a solution of 10:1 water along with this product. For the small furs, this will be effective to clean the coat. But if you feel that the bulldog has become really dirty and sweaty, then you need to use the concentrated formula only. Also, this product is able to remove the excess oil which causes different kinds of skin problems among bulldogs.
Pros:
- Soft and mild product
- Cleans organically
- Botanical formula
- Smoothes the dull coat
Cons:
- Not effective for too much sweat
7. Fernam Vetrolin
This product can be used by the owners of the dogs, as well as horses and ponies. This is a useful and hydrating shampoo that contains a high amount of protein. It cleans off the dirt and grime from the coat of the bulldog and it is also effective in washing away the sweat and dandruff if any. You can wash it off easily and the bulldog will have a shiny and smooth coat after it is dried.
The conditioner present in this product takes care of the skin and coat, and the coat becomes smooth due to the presence of the conditioner. The shampoo is available in a concentrated form and you can use it by mixing it with water and making a solution of the product. That will also be an economic way of using this item. Also, this item checks the excess shedding of fur, in case it is suffering from such a problem.
Pros:
- Inexpensive budget item
- Natural product
- Checks dry skin
- No shedding of fur
Cons:
- Need to know the ratio of water: shampoo to make the right solution
8. John Paul Pet Tearless shampoo
This shampoo has been made by the best formula to clean the coat of the bulldogs and it will not cause any damage to the coat, even if you use it on the puppies. Soothing and moisturizing are the two effects of this shampoo and that makes the dog feel healthy after you wash it with this product. The conditioner of this product keeps the coat shiny and also checks on the irritation that is caused by the bacterial growth.
The brand uses botanical extracts in the formula of this shampoo so there is no trace of chemicals that can cause irritation or harm to the bulldog. Also, the pH balance of the shampoo is perfect and it will be such a relief to know that your dog will not suffer from any bacterial infection as well as dryness thanks to the use of this product.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free product
- Moisturizes the coat
- Safe product
- Removes the odor
Cons:
- The smell does not last long.
FAQs
Why do bulldogs need shampooing?
Many dog owners think that the bulldogs are pretty easy to maintain and one does not have to engage much time in the shampooing or cleaning process. They have short fur so there could be no issue with tangles and dirt accumulation.
But the reality is much different than that. There are several skin problems faced by pet bulldogs, though their fur is not the actual cause of the issues, the folds on the skin causes difficulties in maintaining skin health.
The gathering of sweat as well as rubbing of the folds against each other causes irritation and rashes, and also there are many issues related to the moisture that gets locked after bathing inside the folds of the skin. So the owner of the bulldog needs good care as well as proper shampooing if the owner wants to keep it happy and healthy.
How often should you bathe the bulldog?
Though not all types of dog need regular bathing, this is not the case of the bulldog. Bulldogs are known for the wrinkles on their skins, which make them look cute. They are of massive built and thus, when they sweat, it gathers into the folds of the wrinkles and thus generates microorganisms.
This is why they need to be bathed regularly. The schedule should consist of regular bathing every day and if it is winter, you can make it once in two weeks, but not less than that. The coat of the bulldog is smooth and the fur is short, but the density is heavy so you need to clean the coat regularly to keep it in glowing and healthy condition.
What happens if the bathing is not done regularly for the bulldogs?
As the bulldogs have dense coats and they sweat a lot after exercising sessions, they may suffer from various skin issues due to microbes that can infest their skin. This problem can increase and it will become severe if not attended with medical care at the earliest.
How can you cope up with the problem of the stink of bulldogs?
This is a very common problem for many bulldog owners. They often complain that even after proper washing and regular shampooing their dogs do not smell good. Using a natural shampoo may be the solution to this problem. You should not use some harsh shampoo with chemical ingredients as that can damage the coat of your bulldog. Also using some antiseptic shampoo with medication can kill the germs that are causing the stink.
The wrinkles of the dog should be cleaned profusely by rubbing the skin as then only the germs trapped in the layers will be released and the dog will feel and smell fresh.
How can you keep the wrinkles clean every day?
Shampooing is done once a week, but the bulldogs often sweat when they are taken for a walk or run. So it should be a necessary part of its grooming session to clean that accumulated sweat. You need to be cautious about this sweating and need to use a baby wipe to clean that sweat. The inner layer of the wrinkles can be kept free from sweat by this process, which will be effective for the bulldog’s stink problem.
Also, you can make a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide, pour it into a spray bottle and add some essential oil if you wish to this liquid. It can be jojoba oil, rosemary, or shea butter. This mixture can be sprayed on the coat and underneath the wrinkles to keep it free from bacteria or any other germs.
How can you bathe the bulldog with shampoo?
You have to keep the bulldog clean and for that purpose, you need to make sure that the gathered sweat and dirt is regularly cleaned which can be done when you shampoo it regularly. Your cleaning process, as well as a cleaning product, will decide if the bulldog is properly cleaned and maintained.
When you need to wash the pet bulldog, you should be well aware of the fact that the dog may not like the bathing session. It has been seen for many pet dogs, that bathing is not their favorite activity. You first have to manage to bring the bulldog into the washing area and then make its coat wet by showering water on it. Do not force it but request repeatedly and also you can take the help of the treats to make it work.
After making the coat wet, you have to use the shampoo in a generous amount. Rub it around the coat so it makes foam. You have to clean the wrinkles and layers of the skin of the bulldog’s coat so that the germs and dirt stuck underneath get properly cured.
Do not forget to wash the area around the ears as well as the neck and back. You have to be careful when washing your face as the product or the foam may get inside your eye, though most of the dog products claim to not cause irritation when entering inside the eye portion.
The massaging will take long, as it will also help the blood circulation to get better. Rub the legs and the area in between the toes, as these places are often neglected but it also can be the place of germ breeding.
Wash the foam off the dog’s body with minute care. Do not hurry at this stage as the foam, if not washed properly from within the wrinkles or any body parts, may cause bacterial growth.
Use a soft towel to wipe off the water from the bulldog’s coat. It will take time again to make the coat dry. Use a drier to dry the inner part of the coat. After the coat is fully dried, use a brush to smooth out the fur coat of the dog.
Can you directly use the dog shampoo on the face of the bulldog?
It is better to be careful and not use the dog shampoo directly on the face area of the bulldog. However, the layers of the bulldog are even present on the face, so you can clean it off with some solution. Make a solution of saline water along with some amount of dog shampoo.
This way the shampoo will become milder and it will not harm the dog’s eyes, ears, or nose. Then you can use a paper towel or a soft cotton towel to dab into the solution and wipe the face and the layers present there.
Do not add shampoo to the solution if you are doing it once every week. The face area of the bulldog often becomes less dirty and that will not be a problem if you clean the face wrinkles with plain water only.
How can you wash the tail of the bulldogs?
As the tail is a small part if you are not comfortable washing it while washing the rest of the body of the dog with shampoo, use a similar solution that you used on the face, to clean the tail of the bulldog. While using this solution, you do not have to use the paper towel as the solution can directly be applied to it. Rub it slowly and gently and then wash the tail off with lots of water. Keep it dry by wiping the excess water away.
How the allergic bulldogs can be washed?
Just like us humans, bulldogs also may suffer from various skin irritation problems. The causes of the allergy are also the same as us, the pollens, dust or mold can be the cause of their allergies. Also, there are several food items like soy, wheat, or corn that do not suit some of the bulldogs, and they get allergenic after such food consumption.
The sweat also can cause tiny bacteria to breed into the skin of the bulldog and that may cause itching and irritation. You need to choose a proper medicated shampoo that is approved by vets to clean the bulldog which is suffering from allergies.
Now we can help you choose the right dog shampoo to clean your bulldog with.
The layers in the skin of the bulldog make it a unique and attractive dog breed. Also, this is the reason its popularity depends a lot on its physical appearance. This is one of the most distinctive breeds of dog and thus you can expect this dog to be a favorite of almost all dog lovers, who are seeking big-sized dogs to adopt.
But this same feature of the bulldogs causes problems to the owners. The multiple layers of freckles around their neck and face make it difficult to keep them clean and fresh smelling. When they do exercise, they sweat a lot and that makes these folds wet.
Also, bulldogs love to lie down on the ground and the layers of the skin get affected by the bacteria easily.
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