Expert: Christine Puetz - 6/1/2009

Question
I have two,(13 week old)male Bulldogs (Redford & Newman) and they routinely bite and play with each other. They seem like they're playing but one of them has scabs under his fur on his cheeks and neck.  He doesn't seem bothered with them but I'm concerned that they're hurting each other...should I be concerned?  Do you suggest I treat the sores with anything?

Answer
Ann,

You can use a triple antibiotic ointment on the sores.  

I would not let them keep fighting.  It can  be very bad for a bulldog to learn to fight, even if they are playing.  Bulldogs have very strong jaws, and even though they are very gentle, loving dogs, it can be very deadly if they learn to fight.

It would be terrible if they hurt each other or if they ever hurt a person.   They may think they are playing, but someone could be hurt badly.

It will be much harder to break them of this behavior as they get older, so you need to break them of it now!!!

Christine Puetz