bulldog pregnancy and skin problems;

Question
QUESTION: Hi Maria!
I have a female bulldog who has been absolutely healthy. I decided to breed her. She was bred 4 weeks ago. She has been laying around and not eating much. I called my vet and he said it was morning sickness. I noticed in the last few days she has crusty spots on her tummy and her chin is red looking and her facial folds look red. Is this caused by the pregnancy? she eats an all natural dog food and has since I got her. She has had no skin issues in the past. The vet says it is hormonal. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Nikki - Yes, your little bulldog girl is getting some yeast bacteria or some canine acne.
But, yes, the Vet said it was hormones!  POOR kid.
Add some doggie stew, on top of her dry dog food/  
Merrick makes a nice canned dog stew.  
Also, Solid gold has some nice canned foods to use as a TOPPER on top of the dry kibble.

Don't forget the NuVET vitamins - she needs them now, more then ever...
my bullie page:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


I hope you will stay in contact with me - I want to see photos of the pups.
My private e-mail :   mtnmom@gci.net

Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse


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

QUESTION: Hi Maria!
We are down to a week to go. Maggie is having some problems that I believe are food related. I have read some of your other entries and see that you are all for the grain-free foods for bulldogs. I was wandering if those foods can be fed to pregnant and lactating mothers. I called about Evo today because I didnt see a puppy formula and they told me that their food is for all life stages. I really think Maggie would benefit from a grain-free food but wasn't sure about during pregnancy and lactation.

Thanks!
Nikki

Answer
Hi Nikki and Maggie!  Oh Boy--- Puppies will be here soon!!!  I can't wait to get some pictures in my e-mail...  Yes, Grain-free foods are the way-to-go with bulldogs, if possible.
Sure, you can do a very slow change over to Innova Evo, Wellness Core, or Merrick Before grain.
Very slow because she is very pregnant and we don't want to shock her system.  
I would offer only 25% of the new food to a 75% mixture of the regular food for 2 weeks.
After a few weeks you can do a 50:50 mix of the new and old food.
This food will be fine for mom and the nusing pups.  Take a good long 5-6 weeks before you take her off the regular feeding.  Just do a good mix for some time.  Grain free is richer and much better for her in the long run.  
Make sure she is getting 1 1/2 to 2 of the NuVet Wafers per day - wonderful for lactating moms.
NuVet-
http://www.nuvet.com/81098


BEST wishes girls!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net