Tips on How to Handle Bulldog Tail Pocket Infections

Bulldogs are a medium-sized dog that is also known as British Bulldog or English Bulldog. Their physical features are having a wrinkled faced, muscular body and cute flat nose. They also have tails, but you may see bulldogs without it, or some only have short tail bobs. Also, bulldogs commonly have small dimples called tail pocket. The location of the tail pocket is under the dog’s tail.

Tail pockets are the same as Bulldog’s wrinkles that accumulate dirt, dust, or even bacteria. It is also the reason why it is prone to infection. To avoid this from happening, knowing how to take good care of it will save your bulldogs from agony.

As we go on, this article will explain further and give more detail about the tail pocket, how to clean it, and how to handle it if it is infected. Continue to scroll down to learn more.

Do all bulldogs have a tail pocket?

Before we go on further, we must identify if your Bulldog has a tail pocket. Yes, tail pockets are standard physical features, but it doesn’t mean that all bulldogs have them. You cannot also see it in the puppies. It is more visible when your dogs are getting older and more prominent. The best thing is to monitor them and check their back end as the months pass by. By those times, you could have an idea whether they have it or not.

All you have to do is take a look at their back end. Observe the Bulldog’s tail if it is closed against the skin so that there’s no more gap between it. Try to lift the bottom gently and see if there’s a shallow hollow that looks like a pocket. If there’s one, bear in mind that this part of your pet needs to be cleaned to avoid infection.

Smelly Bulldog’s tail. What to do?

Failing to inspect your Bulldog’s tail will lead to some common problems like a smelly tail. Most owners didn’t realize it because the tail pocket isn’t visible and hidden. And if the case reaches this point, it is required to have immediate attention and maintenance.

Some tail pockets only needed to wipe once a month or less because the dirt is minimal. But in some cases, tail pockets are required to clean once or two times a day for sometimes or even years until it is thoroughly clean. Aside from the smell, dogs will also grind their tails on the wall or some things because of itch. So to prevent this from happening, regular cleaning of their pockets will lessen the smell and itchiness.

Also, it is better to observe while cleaning your Bulldog’s tail pocket. Used surgical gloves and gently wipe the tail pocket. Inspect it and watch how much dirt you notice. And if you discovered something off like the wipe turned a bit yellow, this means the tail pocket is indeed needing a regular cleaning.

Sometimes gently wiping it causes pain, and the skin turns reddish or pink. There are also times that blood is present, and if you see it, do not panic. See the vet and let them have a thorough check-up of your pet if they need an antibiotic.

Other possible ways to clean their smelly tail pockets are disinfecting, drying them, and stay protected.

Proper steps in cleaning your Bulldog’s tail pocket

Step 1. All dirt and debris that were around or inside the tail pocket must remove. It would be best to clean the tail pocket thoroughly before applying any necessary antifungal creams or spray. A tail pocket is a sensitive part of their body, so be careful and be gently wiping this part. Usage of gloves is a must to protect your hands from dirt. Besides, it is more hygienic, and it’s the proper way to do it.

Step 2: The tail pocket must dry. Gently wipe the tail pocket using fresh cloth or cotton. Never leave it damp to avoid bacterial infections. If your dog is distressed from inflammation, take extra care to prevent additional irritation. Another technique to make it dry is to apply a baby powder.

Step 3: Balm or spray also avoids infection and irritation. They could provide instant relief to itchiness and dry skin. Besides these, you can search for the best balms for your pets on the internet—more skincare product choices, much better.

The reasons why we need to clean our Bulldog’s tail pocket

One of the reasons why do we need to clean the tail pocket is to prevent any extreme cases that may occur. Keeping them away from infection is the owner’s responsibility. Also, cleanliness is an essential part of taking good care of them.

In some severe cases, tail amputation happens because of negligence on the owner’s part. If left unaided, tail pockets would occur so tight and hard to move, ending up removing it to make your pet free from infection.

Besides, it is essential to clean the tail pocket to prevent irritation that may result in your Bulldog’s reaction, like excessive scratching or biting its rear. For bulldogs that are not flexible enough to reach their bottom, they may be wiping their butt on the ground.

Tail amputation for bulldogs

If not taken good care of and infection continue to persist, tail amputation would be the only solution to make your pets feel better. Amputation may sound frightening and relentless. But if the procedure is the only way to end their agony, then so be it.

Before amputation, you will notice the traits of your bulldogs. They are miserably itching, stopping during walks, spinning on top to scratch their bottom, constant pain from constant infection, or regular messy tail cleaning.

You see, these signs would break the owner’s heart. If all treatment failed, then amputation is the answer. There would be a great benefit after the surgery. You’ll see the energy of your Bulldog would be back to normal or would be much. The discomfort would have vanished. After healing and fur came back to normal, surgery is unnoticeable.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the aftereffect of surgery. It would be excruciating for your dog, but vets will give you medicine for pain medication. Your pet must also use a fentanyl pain reliever for a few days. A drug like a tramadol, anti-inflammatory Rimadyl, and antibiotics will also help prevent pain and fast healing.

The infections of Bulldog’s tail pocket

Like Bulldog’s wrinkled face, their adorable tails covered in wrinkles could also be a home of numbers of infection. These infections could categorize as itchiness, red and stinging skin, and other signs of irritation. If these irritations and infections cause inflammation, there’s a tendency that the tail will block their anus and expect worse case scenarios, which could lead to a terrible stench. In some cases, yeast infections also develop because of unhygienic and failing to notice it immediately. If this happens, you will end up seeing your dog licking behind. Yeast infections also cause a horrible stench.

Treating Bulldog Tail Pocket Infections

Suffering from infection is the last thing we want to happen to our pets. But in unfortunate cases, we have to face it and treat it immediately. Here are the ways how to treat your Bulldog’s tail pocket infections.

1. One of the breeding grounds of infection is the fur, so, unfortunately, we need to get rid of it. It is easier to treat the condition without it.
2. Carefully wash it with an antiseptic soap and dry.
3. If the wound is open and draining pus, gently press out any pus using clean gauze or napkin.
4. Use a washcloth that soaks in warm water and apply it. These will help fight off the infection. Please do it for 5 minutes until the cloth cools. Repeat this two to five times a day until it heals. It will also make the scabs soft and remove. It also reduces the risk of abscess formation.
5. Applying a wrinkle balm will help relieve distress and promotes a quick healing process. Wrinkle balm contains natural ingredients that are 100% safe for our pets—even our fur buddies accidentally consume it. It is also tested and proven in treating yeasts, bacterial infections, scabbing, sores, foul odors, and baldness.
6. You can also apply skin soother for more intensive infection to affected areas. Skin soother is a bit stronger than wrinkle balm and contains natural and organic ingredients that are not too harmful to our pets. The healing herbs fight yeast, inflammation, bacteria, and fungus.
7. You did everything, but it seems it is severe and bad enough for a home remedy, don’t think twice about bringing your pet to the vet. It might need an antibiotic or medication that only vets can provide.

How to prevent tail pocket infections in the future?

The key to avoiding future tail pocket infection is to clean it regularly. Bacteria, yeast, and other infections love to stay in a dark and moist space like dogs’ wrinkles. Be sure that you will always clean this area and make it dry.

As mentioned earlier, wrinkle balm is an effective treatment for infections, and in addition to that, you can use this as a preventive measure. Continue applying wrinkle balm and keep this as maintenance to give your Bulldog a great chance to have a clean life. Indeed, you will receive an endless wag from your pet.

CONCLUSION

Tail pockets are vital parts of a Bulldog that the owner must keep an eye on. Though not all bulldogs have this, the owner must observe them avoid worst cases. Noticing it early and understanding how to clean it would save your pets from infection.

All in all, the rule of thumb is to keep your bulldogs clean. Make it a habit or routine in checking your Bulldog’s tail pocket. Don’t also forget that tail pockets are sensitive. Touching it or cleaning it tickles your bulldogs.