Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 11/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: My bulldog, Bernie, is 7 months old. He has been on antibiotics on and off since I have had him at the age of 2 months for staph infections on his tummy. They start in the scrotum area. The vet gives him cephelex. He also had me buy a medicated shampoo that had a 3% peroxide content. How can I avoid this staph infection.

ANSWER: Hi Joyce - I am sure you boy has some environmental allergies and even food allergies.
What brand and flavor of food are you feeding him?  Any table foods, if so- what kinds?
Also, are you in a warm part of the USA?

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am feeding Bernie Iams puppy food. Sometimes I mix a tablespoon of cottage cheese into the kibble. I also give him about 6 frozen peas a day. He adores them. Sometimes I give him a slice of apple. I do believe you are right about the warm climate. We live in Orange County, CA. I was thinking about getting baby wipes to wipe his scrotum after he eliminates and pat with cornstarch to keep the area more moisture free.  

Answer
bulldog page:    http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

See the cute bullies... Many have had skin and coat troubles.
I hope your Bernie is better, soon!


Hi - I lived in Irvine Calif, years ago.  So nice to have the sunshine!  Yes, I bet we are dealing with both kinds of allergies.
First thing is to place this boy onto a grain free food:
Look for Innova EVO, Wellness Core, Merrick BEFORE grain ; or even Solid Gold Barking at the Moon...  Canidae also makes a grain free food.
YOU can mix your food  ( Iams) and the New food at a 50:50 mix.  YOU can go to the Adult foods I mentioned - just keep mixing the Iams with the new foods until he is 11 months of age.
AT the 11 months - go 100% of the grain free foods.

Next, Yes - wipe his folds and tummy with a Unscented baby wipe 3 x per day -
For any open spots on his belly use some Witch Hazel Antiseptic ( found at any Wallgreens or CVS store ) Use this on the spots 1-2 x per day....HELPS to heal..

NEXt -PLEASE get this baby onto the NuVET program : NuVET wafers will help to heal the skin and Blast the Allergies.  Give him 2 per day for the first 30 days and then DROP down to just 1 per day long term....
OH, HOW we have So many bulldogs on NuVET - Bulldogs are prone to skin and coat problems...
Allergies and Allergies..
SEE bulldog page here:
NOT sold in stores
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you for the NuVET Wafers.
YOU may also want a bottle of the TEA TREE HOT spot Spray by NuVEt - under 10.00
Spray on the itchy areas daily.  

Keep me posted

Marie Peppers LPN MA
ASK the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net