tail docking

Question
QUESTION: I have a 6 month old english bulldog and am debating getting his tail docked. His tail is so close to his anus that he is in need of cleaning at least twice a day. I use a warm wash cloth but in order to get him cleaned requires that I pull the tail away from his body. Even a small amount causes him to cry out in pain.  I'm not sure what to do as either way I cause him pain.

ANSWER: Trudy, I sure understand your bullie's tail situation.  If you can find a vet that has done this on English Bullies, then go ahead and do it.
I have heard some very sad stories of dogs having Loose poop problems for years to come after having this operation.  You must find an experienced vet for this procedure.

Otherwise, I can help with some cleaning Ideas and supplements to reduce bacteria and yeast build up.

Let  me  know if you want to supplement help?

BEST of Luck

Marie Peppers
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net


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

QUESTION: Hi Marie
Thank you for your quick response.  I now have him on Innova large breed puppy food. This has decreased his flatulence tremendously. His breeder had him on Science Diet,(dryer poop) and I tried Orijen Large breed puppy,(loose stools) both caused excessive gas.

Answer
Hi Trudy : good food choice!!!  Put him on the Innova EVO adult formula when he is 10 MONTHS old...... OK.
Now, I can suggest some probiotics and supplements to help with the skin infections and Yeast overgrowth.
Many folks don't like to take the tail off for the reasons I stated above.  ADVERSE effects if the VET removes a little too much tissue?  SEE above for any new readers>

I recommend some Probiotic for 3 weeks / every time there is a flair up in the tail area or other skin folds.
1 per day for 3 weeks.... Always keep on hand - bullies do great on this Flora Force Probiotic...
Here is what I am talking about:

http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=4080


Another thing I would like you to try is some Omega 3 oil - every day - 1 per day for at least 30 days.  Then, go to one every other day long term.

GREAT for all the body systems and skin.

http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1515


Cleaning :
here is what I suggest to other owners:

Get a good Oatmeal Doggie Shampoo or TEA tree oil shampoo at the local pet store.  Wash him in this only 2 x per month.

IN - between - baths - you can use the nice doggie wipes that they sell at the pet store.  Use the wipes daily on his face and nasal area with cleaning any folds.  ( clean the tail area with the wipes - just add a little more moisture to the wipes)

I like to buy the Human Baby wipes - unscented / they word great for dogs, too.

NOSE folds: ( tail folds / cork screw tail?

Also, corn starch in the nose folds and other folds - just sprinkle a small amount of corn starch on a q-tip or flat cotton pads...
Corn starch is safe and keeps the folds dry and free from Yeast.

Last:

NuVET Plus Vitamin WAFER - ONLY sold thru a VET of breeder referral - call the manufacturer and tell them Marie sent you of All Experts
( Marie Peppers order code 81098 )
Write this down as they will ask the referral code.
Here is the ordering LINK -
Thousands of Bullies take this to stop any ear and skin problems..
.ALSO great for your bullies knees, legs, hips and joints.  
Also, NuVET will add some Bullie BULK and muscles...

They don't sell to the public without a vet code. NOT sold in stores,,,,, Here is the link - to the E-store

http://www.nuvet.com/81098

HOPE this all helps -  Give me an update on how your kid is doing on the NuVET and the new shampoo...

NUVET also sells the Tea tree oil shampoo for about 9.95 per bottle.

The NUVET plus wafers will only cost you .60 CENTS per day.

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Bullie Expert
mtnmom@gci.net  

UPdate me at my private e-mail / send a photo, too!!!

Thanks