You'll read within our breed, 'head nods' or 'tremors' aren't uncommon. However, in my decades of Bulldog ownership, I've only had one female suffer from these. I used to keep a packet of Custard Cream biscuits in the cupboard with her name on them (fortunately one of my least favourite biscuits, so I was never tempted to dip into them!).

I found no pattern or triggers for her head shakes, and after blood tests that showed no precise diagnosis, the vets ruled out poisons, toxins, pain, or infections. It's widely accepted that these tremors could be due to low blood sugar or calcium. Offering her a Custard Cream used to snap her out of the shaking ‘habit’, if nothing else!

​However, this same female did go on to show early signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), signalled by poor memory and unnecessary barking - so I have no doubt the two were connected. As dogs age, they may require additional care and attention to maintain their health and well-being. Just like humans, senior dogs can experience various age-related issues, including joint problems, decreased mobility, and cognitive decline. In this blog, I’ll share the common symptoms in ageing dogs, how to manage canine cognitive dysfunction and supplements that can help prevent the onset of age-related issues.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is similar to dementia in humans and affects many older dogs. Here are some ways to care for a dog with CCD:

✅ Routine and Consistency: To reduce confusion and anxiety, keep a consistent daily routine. Regular feeding times, walks, and bedtime routines can help your dog feel more secure.

✅  Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in activities that challenge their mind. Puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions can help keep their brain active and slow cognitive decline.

✅  Environmental Enrichment: Provide a stimulating environment with toys, chew items, and interactive play. Rotate toys regularly to keep your dog interested and engaged.

​✅  Behavioural Support: Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours. Avoid punishment, as it can increase anxiety and confusion in dogs with CCD.

​Caring for an aging dog requires patience, attention, and a proactive approach to their health and well-being. Recognising and addressing common symptoms, managing canine cognitive dysfunction, and incorporating supplements can help support your dog's health as they age. By taking these steps, you can ensure your senior dog enjoys a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life!

While I do not routinely spay my own females, if necessary, my preferred methods are Laparoscopic Ovariectomy or Ovariohysterectomy. If you decide not to spay your female, understanding the symptoms of Pyometra is crucial, as it affects about 25% of unspayed females by age 10 and is a severe and life-threatening infection. For this reason, I suggest routinely giving a high quality, natural raspberry leaf supplement during each cycle to help maintain uterine health.

Castration, or neutering, for males is simpler due to the testes being external. It’s a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed under anesthetic. This procedure is generally considered routine and safe. Recovery typically involves a few days of rest and monitoring to ensure proper healing. 

​While I prefer to leave my own Bulldogs intact, making an informed decision that best suits your dog's health and lifestyle is essential. You can choose the best path for your Bulldog with your vet to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life.

Let me tell you about the little scare I had a few days ago. My youngest dog Poppy ‘the puppy’ she has had a really rough time with her first season at 9 months old. To be blunt the bleeding was horrendous and I decided after over 30 years of living with 'breeding girls' to buy some ‘dog knickers’, they are pretty cute I must admit!

One pair of unicorns and one pair black floral knickers with 14 washable sanitary towels set me back over £50! They did the job to a degree but she kept peeing in them too as she had also picked up a spot of cystitis and also the odd poo!

After what seemed to be eternity she was ‘drying up’, but the next day we had constant ‘strawberry milkshake’ discharge, I knew this meant only one thing, Pyo. Pyometra is a uterus infection that can be deadly.

It’s really unusual for dog to get Pyo with their first season, but I knew it possible. I was fortunate that I could quickly ultrasound scan her and see pockets of puss. I was even more lucky that the vets could fit me in less than an hour. Spaying is typically the first option, but given she was so young and still growing and kept to continue my bloodline I decided to take an alternative option.  This meant two Alizin injections 24 hours apart altering the uterus lining and long course of antibiotics, with a 3rd injection to be given 7 days after the first. It seems a major disaster has been avoided!

This is because I followed my OATH framework for identifying problems and making sure I deal with them effectively. So what does OATH standard for?

• O - Observe
• A - Acknowledge
• T - Take Action
• H - Help

In Poppy's case I had observed she was ‘in season’ and acknowledged her first season being untypically heavy and took  action and purchased some dog knickers.

I then observed the ‘strawberry milkshake’ discharge, that she was drinking more, quieter and lethargic. Acknowledging this wasn’t typical and took action to scan her and making an appoint ASAP for additional medical help, the last part of the framework. This framework is a perfect framework to follow as a pet owner to help you clearly identify issues and potential issue and whether you act removing unnecessary stress.