My New English Bulldog Puppy

[italiankidd94]

Hello Everyone,

I just recently adopted an English Bulldog Puppy. He is only 3 months old and I have been taking him to the Vet for his shots. The problem is every time I go to the Vet my bill is up the roof because they are always conning me into buying new medicines and such for him. At my recent Vet visit, the Veterinarian had me buy Health Extension Puppy Vitamins One-A-Day for a Healthier Life, Health Extension Joint Mobility, and Skin & Coat Omega Fatty Acid Supplement for the prevention of Dryness and Itching and Reduces Shedding. They are all given once a day and mixed into his food except for the vitamin, that is given normally as we would take a vitamin. Now I know English Bulldogs tend to suffer from bad hips as they get older, and in some cases, need hip replacements. The Veterinarian told me these medicines will reduce the risk of him having bad hips as he got older. Is this just a way for them to make money, or should I actually be buying him this stuff?? I have a Boxer and I have never had to buy him anything like this EVER. Please Help!!

Thanks,
Nick

 

[bluesteelapd]

Ok, so I had a boxer before I got an EB. Does your boxer see the same vet or a different one? Have you done any internet searches into these extras your vet keeps recommending? How comfortable do you feel with this vet? I'm shocked they are offering all this extra stuff, as I've never had that happen with my boxer or with my EB. If you aren't comfortable with this vet I'd suggest you switch.

Don't know if this helps or not...Food for thought.

Edited to add:

Boxers are known for bad hips, too. If you know the breeder of the EB, what can they tell you about the health of the parents and grandparents of your EB? That has always been the indicator for me as to if they will have hip problems in the future.

 

[ChrisRN]

Welcome! I would ask why he's pushing the extra supplements when he hasn't done this before now. Only you can make a decision about whether your vet has your dog's best interest at heart or whether he sees you as an easy mark to make a buck. If you are uncomfortable, find another vet. There is an excellent post here on the forums that has vets who are good with bulldogs that have been recommended by other owners. That's how we found our vet.

 

[LariP]

It can be very expensive to care for an EB. A proactive approach can be a good thing. Giving vitamin supplements is overall a good approach. It is ideal to try to prevent health problems before they happen. So your vet isn't out of line suggesting them.
But now it's time you do some research on those supplements and find the best and most cost effective ones for Meatball. You may find the same results by buying a different supplement, or food.
Keep reading you can get lots of pointers here to help you with making those choices.

 

[Vikinggirl]

Hi, I have 2 EB siblings, and they are a year old. Your vet is right that EB are susceptible to certain joint and skin problems, but I believe a lot of these things can be prevented with proper nutrition, starting with a high quality dog food, you can see the list on this site under the forum dog nutrition, under dog food ratings. A 5 or 6 star food is a higher quality food, and a lot of bullies are sensitive to chicken, and grains, so feeding a grain free, chicken free formula such as Fromms Beef Frittata is a good choice. I also give my guys salmon oil in their kibble, for the Omegas, which is good for their skin, and fur, I also give them apple cider vinegar in their drinking water, there are a lot of benefits to apple cider vinegar such as its a natural antibiotic, it boosts the immune system, and is a natural anti inflammatory. I will copy and paste the article for you, I add 2 Tbsp of plain unsweetened yogurt in their kibble every other day, which is excellent for the probiotics, digestion and their immune system. All of these things are natural so will not hurt your pet, they are safe for humans so are also safe for dogs. A lot of supplements that we take are also safe for our dogs as well, and can be bought at a drug store, or a health store, or natural food store, they are much cheaper at these places, than at the vets office. I hope this helps.


Benefits of Apple cider vinegar
Current Article


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By Singing The Praises Of Apple Cider Vinegar on Jul 6, 2008 in Dr.Jeannie, Dog Health - Immune System, Dog Breeders Corner, Dog Heart Health, Dog Nutrition, Doggone Home & Garden Stuff


Apple Cider Vinegar


Apple cider is known around the world as Mother Nature’s miracle medicine, a powerful weapon in the war against aging and disease that is more effective than many high-priced prescription drugs. When God created this fruit He designed it be a food and a medicine!
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is golden liquid concentrated with the healthy goodness of apples. It contains more than 30 important nutrients, 12 minerals, over 6 vitamins, essential acids and several enzymes. Moreover, it has a large dose of pectin for a healthy heart, and thus, healthy as a whole.
Many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and substances are available in ACV to improve the health of your dog. ACV can provide them with enzymes and important minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine,
phosphorus, iron, silicon and other trace minerals. The vitamins contained in ACV are bioflavonoids (vitamin P), beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, E, B1, B2, and B6. Tannins from the crushed cell walls of fresh apples as well as malic acid, tartaric acid, propionic acid, acetic acid and pectin (fiber) are also contained in ACV.
ACV is cheap, easy to use and it really benefits our health in numerous ways. ACV can benefit both people and their pets. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal and gives the immune system a good boost. As a high potassium electrolyte balancer, it remineralizes the body and helps normalizethe blood’s alkaline acid balance.ACV is the natural king of skin remedies. It is wonderful for itching and scratching pets as well as a superb skin and hair conditioner. Good old apple cider vinegar either straight or diluted 50/50 with water can be applied directly to the affected area and allowed to dry. It will kill bacteria on hot spots, eliminate dandruff, rejuvenate hair, skin and help sweeten and balance the pH levels in the body. When giving your dpg a bath, shampoo, rinse, then apply ACV either straight or diluted, followed by rinsing with water. Notice, any residue shampoo will be washed out and you will feel and see an increased softness and sheen to the coat.
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It breaks down fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits within the body. By breaking down these substances it improves the health and function of the vital organs, such as the kidneys, bladder and liver, by preventing excessively alkaline urine. Put a tablespoon of ACV in your dog’s drinking water every day and you will no longer have those brown spots in your lawn from the dog’s urine.


This powerful potion also promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination, all the while neutralizing any toxic substances that enter the body. Cider vinegar has been found to ..neutralize any harmful bacteria that may be found in certain foods. While dogs and cats do not have to worry too much about the bacteria in raw meat, if YOU are in doubt, you can pour a little Apple Cider Vinegar over thier raw meal.
Cider vinegar can also be beneficial for symptoms such as tooth decay and splitting of your dog’s toenails, which can be symptoms of potassium deficiency. Potassium is essential for the replacement of worn-out tissues within the body. This mineral is also important to soft tissue repair, as calcium is to the bones and teeth which makes it a wonderful supplement for senior dogs.
Tests have proven that when potassium, in the form of cider vinegar is fed to livestock their appearance improves and their stamina increases.
Cider vinegar is thought to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, as a supplement added to your pet’s daily water supply (or poured over the food) or with compresses soaked in hot vinegar applied directly to the joints. It is also thought to be helpful when used to treat allergies, osteoporosis, cancer, candida, high cholesterol, constipation, muscle cramps, colitis, diabetes, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, kidney stones, kidney and bladder problems, metabolism, and stiff joints.
The supplementation of ACV has been known to naturally remove red tear stains from the inside out. It is also used by many to prevent fleas when used in a rinse for the dog’s coat.
Recently, Dr. Louis Ducarre of Geneva, Switzerland, author of the fairly new book,Natural Cures, Natural Life states that when mixed with honey, apple cider becomes potent enough to cure cancer, heart disease and other deadly ailments .
Natural apple cider vinegar is found in health food stores. It should be a rich amber color with the “mother” quite visible as sentiment on the bottom. The strength of vinegar is important. All varieties of vinegar contain about 4 to 7 percent acetic acid, with 5 percent being the most common amount. Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its tart and sour taste.
There is nothing beneficial about commercial distilled vinegars except for pickling, cleaning and disinfection —they have no health value!
Bragg, Paul and Linda, N.D., Ph.D., “Apple Cider Vinegar, Miracle Health System”, Published Health Science, Santa Barbara, California
Jarvis, D.C, M.D., D.C. “Folk Medicine”, and“Arthritis and Folk Medicine”, Published Fawcett Publications, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut
Puotinen, C.J., “The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care” Published Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut


0 Comment(s)

 

[aprilemari]

calcium is a good supplement..i used crushed eggshells..Lola also got one hard boiled egg/day. for joints, they get tons of chondriotin and glucosamine from eating deer or elk antlers. your baby should be getting vitamins from food!

Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Texas Carol]

Welcome Nick & Meatball, to our wise, helpful, crazy & fun forum!

Your Vet may be being helpful & proactive, especially as you own a breed
prone to problems OR trying to make a buck. Nothing wrong w/that but
some of us are on budgets...I am and I even ask my Vets to call in any RXes
to the pharmacy as it is much cheaper than getting it from the Vet. Let them
make their profit off the wealthier clients!

As many pointed out, ideally, if you are feeding a quality food, it is doing it's
job in building a properly functioning & healthy immune system. Also these
foods have supplements already in the formulas. If you have a pet w/immune
dysfunctions then yes, additional supplements may be needed to cure these.

There is a Puppy Group Forum here, you may want to join and get more specific
tips & information. Good luck and when you get settled in please share pics of your
baby with us!

 

[Ftse 100]

Welcome Nick and Meatball, I see you have got some great advice above.

Woud love to see some photos of Meatball, by the way I love his name.

 

[BruceP]

to EBN.

 

[2BullyMama]

Health Extension Puppy Vitamins One-A-Day for a Healthier Life, Health Extension Joint Mobility, and Skin & Coat Omega Fatty Acid Supplement for the prevention of Dryness and Itching and Reduces Shedding. Thanks,Nick

Hi Nick... welcome to EBN and the wonderful world of Bulldogs.

Most of us do give some type of supplement to our Bullies... you do not have to buy them from the vet. You can buy human grade vitamins... i.e Fish Oil instead of the Skin & coat supplement your vet sells. Or Glucosamine instead of the Extension Joint he sold you...

Here is what i give Banks daily -- BTW - she is 7 yrs old and I started most of this at age 2, but she was diagnosed with hip dysplacia at 8 months
50 mg Benedryl 2x a times... she has lots of environemtnal allergies - I buy the generic store brand
1200 mg Fish Oil -- I buy the BJ's Warehouse brand
400 mg Vitaman E - again store brand
1000 mg Glucosamine and Chondroitin - store brand

 

[christyjulene]

Hi Nick and Meatball welcome to EBN it is a great place to get your questions answered as you have already figured out. Good luck trying to figure out what supplements are best for Meatball.

 

[bullmama]

It can be very expensive to care for an EB. A proactive approach can be a good thing. Giving vitamin supplements is overall a good approach. It is ideal to try to prevent health problems before they happen. So your vet isn't out of line suggesting them.
But now it's time you do some research on those supplements and find the best and most cost effective ones for Meatball. You may find the same results by buying a different supplement, or food.
Keep reading you can get lots of pointers here to help you with making those choices.

My thoughts exactly! And welcome!


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

[Bella'sMom]

Welcome to the site. Most likely you will find your answers here.
It took me years to find a vet that didn't push things on me and accepted my theories and ways on feeding and treating my Bullies. Before, every time I would go, a new medication was prescribed. One time they sold be pain meds after a surgery, told them I didn't need them, but then charged me and said the "Dr" required it....$80 later I got home and realized it was the same medication my older dog had for her bad hips. I was upset, so from then on I learned to ask, ask lots of questions and stand up for myself and my dogs.
I know have a wonderful vet who I trust and adore. So rule of thumb, if you don't feel comfortable and trust your vet, move to another, ask around, interview them.

 

[Baconator]

to EBN Nick and Meatball. We give Bacon salmon oil pills with his food to improve his coat and apple cider vinegar with his food to help his immune system. [MENTION=8515]italiankidd94[/MENTION] where in NY are you there are other's in the area that may be able to suggest another vet if you wanted to go that route?