Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 8/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have heard a lot about having your new baby bulldog sleep in a crate.  Is this the best thing for the baby? I have tried this and she just won't do it.  She has a special bed that she's quite comfy in and likes to sleep in.  Is this okay instead of a crate?

One more question,
is it usual for puppies to not go number 2 the first day they have been in a new house?  We got our new baby (4 months old) this afternoon and she hasn't pooped yet.  Is this unusual?

Thanks so much for your time...
Tony, Fay and baby Lucy :)

ANSWER: Hi Tony, Fay and Lucy -  Sure, she can sleep in her doggie bed.  YOU don't have to crate her all night.  Just crate her when you go to work for the day.  
You can also gate off the bathroom or laundry room.

Best wishes...
Marie

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

QUESTION: Ok great, she is starting to get used to her crate and is sleeping in there with her door open on her own.
So she will be fine if we take her to the bathroom before work, and I can take her at lunch time and the in the evening a couple of times when we get home, will this be enough?
Her brand of food is Purina ImmunBlend puppy chow with high quality protein, DHA omega fatty acids and 23 vitamins and minerals.
I have also read that 1/2 to 1 boiled egg each day is good along with 2-3 juiced oranges weekly for a healthy digestive and strong immune system. Is this true?

Thanks.

Tony, Fay and Baby Lucy.

Answer
Hi - Sure, the oranges is vitamin C very good for her... As far as the eggs, I would only do 1/2 every OTHER day...not daily.
I know you are limited, in your country, as to the dog foods available.  The purina puppy chow should be fine for her.  Just feed a little less than what the back of the bag tells you.
So she doesn't get too fat... PURINA has too much corn and other fillers that can make them too chunky.

BEST wishes guys!
Marie