Bulldogs are popular among dog owners and with good cause. Not only are these dogs protective and loyal, but they’re also laid back and easy to get along with. This makes them great for apartment living. It also makes them suitable for people with kids.
However, bulldogs are prone to some problems that other dog breeds don’t have to deal with. For instance, they are more likely to drool than other dogs. Also, they are more prone to tail issues, particularly because they are more likely to have tail pockets. These pockets require regular and thorough washing.
Otherwise, they are prone to inflammation, infection, sensitivity, odor, and even swelling. So if you notice that your bulldog’s tail is oozing, don’t think that this is something new – it’s more common than you’d think. As long as you understand what is causing it and know how to handle it, your dog will be fine. Fortunately, we’re going to give you some tips in this post.
Why Would My Bulldog’s Tail Be Oozing?
If your bulldog’s tail is oozing, this means that it’s infected. Such infections usually originate from your dog’s tail pocket. This is because this area is dark and wet, creating a conducive environment for yeast and bacterial growth.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent this. For one, you can shave the fur around your dog’s tail pocket – this fur is a great breeding ground for yeast/bacteria. More importantly, you need to wash your dog’s tail pocket around once a week. And remember to thoroughly dry it afterward.
Once you’re done, you can take things a step further by applying a preventative balm or cream to your dog’s tail pocket area. A good alternative is the Squishface Wrinkle Paste. This cream creates a barrier that keeps water from penetrating the area. Moreover, it’s made from soothing natural ingredients that are great for sensitive dogs.
What Do I Do if My Bulldog’s Tail Is Oozing?
The first thing you need to do when you notice your bulldog’s tail is oozing is to clip any furs in and near the area. This will not only prevent reinfection but also makes treatment easier. Once you’ve done this, you can then wash the entire tail area using antiseptic soap and then bloat it dry. Also, use gauze to press all the pus out of the infected area.
You can even apply a soothing balm to relieve your bulldog’s discomfort and keep water out of the area. To further ease discomfort, soak a piece of cloth in warm water and gently press it on the area for 5 minutes and then take it off for 5 minutes. Repeat this process until the cloth becomes cold. For best results, you need to do this two to five times a day until healing starts.
Discomfort alleviation aside, this application of warmth can draw white blood cells and antibodies to the site, quickening the healing process. Beyond that, this can help soften scabs and gently remove them – this reduces the chances of abscess formation. Ultimately, you can easily treat your bulldog’s tail infection at home, and you don’t even need much. If you notice that your dog’s infection is getting worse, though, take them to the vet immediately.
What About if My Bulldog’s Tail Pocket Is Bleeding?
A bleeding tail pocket is a sign of advanced infection. As such, you need to take your bulldog to the vet when you notice this symptom. Not doing this can make matters worse and leave you with no choice but to amputate your bulldog’s tail. However, only your vet can ascertain that things have gotten this far.
Interestingly, vets will sometimes recommend this surgery for bulldogs who keep getting tail pocket infections. However, that’s not as surprising as the fact that some dog owners choose to subject their dogs to this procedure for purely aesthetic reasons. This decision is so controversial that some countries have chosen to ban cosmetic tail amputation. Whatever the reason behind the surgery, though, it usually takes a toll on the dog, albeit temporarily.
That’s why your vet will usually assess your dog’s health before going ahead with this surgery – expect them to run several tests. If they choose to go ahead, they’ll then administer anesthesia to your dog. Once the surgery is over, your dog will have to stay at the vet’s office overnight. Before release, they will prescribe medication and take you through post-operative care.
Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide on My Dog’s Infected Tail Pocket?
While hydrogen peroxide can be used to decontaminate a tail pocket infection or any other wound, don’t do this repetitively. Once is more than enough – in fact, it’s better to avoid using hydrogen peroxide altogether. This chemical is irritating and can make healing harder when used more than once. Ultimately, there are better ways to decontaminate your dog’s infection.
Hydrogen peroxide is better suited for preventing infections. This is because it’s a drying agent – it can even be better than powdered corn starch. As such, it is particularly popular among bulldog owners. You can apply it to your bulldog’s tail pocket and other folds to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup.
To use hydrogen peroxide for this purpose, mix 2 to 3 capfuls of it in a bottle full of water and spray it on your dog’s folds. Alternatively, you could use wet wipes with aloe or a piece of cloth doused in a mixture of water and hypoallergenic dog shampoo (50:50). If your bulldog isn’t prone to infections, you could even use plain water. Whichever route you go with, though, just remember to thoroughly dry your dog afterward.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, you can usually prevent your bulldog’s tail from oozing with some regular cleaning and a few other preventative techniques. And if it does happen, you can usually take care of it at home with a little bit of effort. Ultimately, you only need to worry and get your vet involved if things escalate or infections get too frequent. But even in the case that your bulldog requires tail amputation, rest assured that this is a simple surgery that your dog will survive and eventually recover from.
