In my Nov. 10 daily newspaper column (http://www.contracostatimes.com/gary-bogue/ci_13748022), Aldo in San Mateo, CA, wrote asking, “How do you clean a stinky English bulldog?” Aldo has a 21-month-old bulldog that smells and he has tried everything he can think of to resolve this problem. Bulldogs are naturally smelly animals.

Here are some of my reader responses to Aldo’s smelly problem:

Old English Bulldog. Photo by Flickr user Cindy Funk used under a Creative Commons License.

**** Hi Gary: Just thought I’d offer up some suggestions to Aldo’s re his “stinky Old English Bulldog (bullie)” challenge.

So Aldo is finding out that the the Old English Bulldogs are a ‘fragrant’ bunch?  Having had several bullies over the years, one thing is always consistent — the stink factor. In my experience, the facial folds/ears are the biggest culprits to the smell factor. Often what occurs is moisture resides in the folds, yeast builds up and wala — a stinky bullie! Best defense is an offense. Keep the facial folds/ears clean and dry. This will require due diligence and patience on the part the owner. Don’t be shocked if your bullie doesn’t exactly ‘enjoy the experience’ of having his face/ears cleaned. Offering a treat after cleaning time will gain greater cooperation on the part of your bullie. I’ve found using an antiseptic solution daily (available thru your vet) may help minimizing the yeast production. When yeast has gained the upper hand, consult with your Vet to obtain an antifungal cream or antibiotics to gain control of the problem.  Prevention is how you win with these dogs!

Something else to consider — your bullies’ diet. Second to facial/ear folds, diet is the #2 reason of why bullies may stink. In my case, our bullie had an allergy and wasn’t tolerating her beef-based dog food. Come to find out, most of the dog foods on the market have a beef base of some kind. Switching our bullie to a ‘fish & potato’ based diet recommended by our breeder (http://flintriver.com) produced immediate and dramatic improvements in our bullies general odor as well as eliminated the flatulence problem that would clear the room during movie night!  Be cautious ANY time you are making changes to your bullies’ diet. A ‘cross-tapering method’ is an ideal way to introduce new dog food. Essentially, you add small amounts of new dog food in with the old dog food until your have completely transitioned to the new dog food over a week or so. This will minimize the potential stomach upset and ensure a greater toleration and acceptance by your bullie. Don’t introduce ANY new foods (no table scraps) when making the transition. This will ensure you don’t confuse what is and is not being tolerated.

I know its ‘counter intuitive’ but try and resist the impulse to bath your bullie more than 1 time per month unless instructed by your Vet. All too often the over bathing of your bullie can actually contribute to and facilitate the stink factor by stripping too many oils from the hair and skin. Bullies in general have very sensitive skin. Washing your bullie too often can cause the skin to become dry and irritated then in turn causes the body to produce too much of the body’s natural oils thus leading to an even more sticky bullie situation. Please exercise caution with use of ‘deodorizing shampoos’. The chemicals used in the shampoos to make them smell nice can cause skin irritation. My Vet recommended we use baby shampoo when we bath our bullie. Occasionally, we add 1 tsp of Dawn liquid dish washing detergent to 5–7oz. of baby shampoo to really clean the hair follicles. This combo shampoo treatment should only be done a couple times a year or otherwise noted by your Vet.

All the best to you and your bullie Aldo! (Heidi, San Ramon, CA)

Old English Bulldog. Photo by Flickr user Cindy Funk used under a Creative Commons License.

**** Gary: I’ve heard that simple talcum powder works well for all those folds. Shampooing that often is really bad for his dogs skin and unnecessary. I would suggest having the dog professionally groomed three times a year, at which time they will express the anal gland. (Something you should NOT try at home!) This should take care of the smell problem. rush his teeth regularly too. (Rhonna M., Fremont, CA)

**** Dear Gary: I read your article in the CC Times today regarding the stinky bulldog. I have an English Bulldog that will be 3 in January. Yes, the breed is stinky but there are some things you can do to improve the problem. Their folds around the face need to be cleaned every 3-4 days. I use sensitive skin diaper wipes for this chore. The crud that collects in those areas, especially the area surrounding their nose, will gag you if not kept clean. Since they are prone to skin problems, it is very important to keep that area clean to avoid infection. I also sprinkle baby powder on his underside. I found some great cologne drops for pets by Lambert Kay, which I buy at Pet Food Express. It is their fresh clean scent. It smells just like baby powder. You put a few drops at the neck and the rear and voila’ … he smells like a baby — temporarily anyway! Wash the dog’s bedding frequently. Stock up on Febreze pet odor eliminator and use generously. Hope this helps! (Linda, Pleasant Hill, CA)

**** Gary: Tell the owner to use Malaseb shampoo and Malaseb Pledgets to wipe in between the wrinkles. It has been the only thing that works for or bully! (Sharon, cyberspace)

**** Gary: We had this problem with a smelly Dachshund many years ago. An astute Vet diagnosed hypothyroidism and put her on a daily dose of thyroid medication. After some trial and error the problem was resolved. Hope this helps. (Meg, Castro Valley, CA)

**** Dear Gary: I have the exact same problem as Aldo, except in my case, she’s a cocker spaniel. After trying sprays and wipes, I too was bathing once a week. Then I tried a wipe “Between Baths” by Petastic Naturals which comes with a money back guarantee. And it really works! I rubbed three or four wipes on her over a week ago, and so far, no doggy smell. I also believe she’s less itchy, because we were probably over drying out her skin. (Marcy, Redwood City, CA)

**** Dear Gary: I haven’t had any experience with bulldogs (not a favorite breed with me), however, I have had intimate contact with two very smelly goldens. I dog-sat my grand-daughter’s golden retriever last year. It was a gross experience. I tried the shampoo, etc. but nothing worked. When she came home, I suggested that perhaps she might try feeding her a different brand of dog food. This did work!! Apparently she had recently changed brands which is when the odor started. Worth a try!! (Dorothy, Walnut Creek, CA)

Anyone who wants to add to this collection of potential solutions to smelly bulldogs can do so below. Thanks! Hope this info helps someone. /Gary

With Thanksgiving just around the corner (next Thursday), this seems like an appropriate time for this information I just received from the American Kennel Club (AKC):

Research confirms that pilgrims weren’t the only passengers aboard the Mayflower.  Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620.

In other words, two dog breeds were apparently the first to make dogs a part of everyday life for the earliest Western settlers. I figure that’s worth a little celebration, don’t you?

MayflowerII. Photo by Flickr user Paul Keleher used under a Creative Commons License.

The earliest mention of dogs in America appeared in a 17th century journal called “Mourt’s Relation” about the first years of life in the new world. According to this account, two dogs – an English Springer Spaniel and a Mastiff – were brought along by John Goodman. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore.

“This Thanksgiving we give special thanks to the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff who came to America to help the Pilgrims begin their life in the new world,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “While both breeds helped the settlers find and retrieve game, today, they were also trusted companions and it’s amazing to think our forebears enjoyed the same breeds as we do today.”

Mastiff. AKC/Mary Bloom.

MASTIFF
This is one of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club – some can even top 200 pounds. The breed is a powerful and courageous, yet gentle and loyal companion. Mastiffs were raised in Britain for more than 2,000 years and used as hunting dogs by nobility and watchdogs. They like to be around people and bond closely with their owners. Due to his large size and need for space, a Mastiff is best suited for country or suburban life and requires light exercise and minimal grooming.  Additional information on the Mastiff can be found online at http://www.akc.org

English Springer Spaniel. AKC/Mary Bloom.

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL
This is a fun-loving dog adaptable to city or country life. The word “Springer” comes from the breed’s inherent desire to hunt. Springers are prized for their eagerness and ability to find and scare up a large variety of game birds as well as rabbits. In the field, they are light, lean and fast. The breed is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats. Additional information on the English Springer Spaniel can be found online at http://www.akc.org

I look forward to getting this press release every year. What can be more fun than celebrating Thanksgiving with the turkeys? What a blast! /Gary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORLAND, Calif. – Nov. 17 – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, will host its annual Celebration FOR the Turkeys at its shelter in Orland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21. At this popular event, part of the organization’s national Adopt-A-Turkey Project, participants gather to celebrate a cruelty-free Thanksgiving.

Turkey dinner. Photo by Connie Pugh, Farm Sanctuary

As two of the oldest and largest vegan Thanksgiving celebrations in the U.S., Farm Sanctuary’s Celebrations FOR the Turkeys at its California and New York Shelters attract hundreds from across the nation to meet friendly farm animals, mingle with like-minded people, enjoy inspiring presentations, and, of course, eat irresistible vegan food.

Attendees also participate in a unique Farm Sanctuary tradition: Feeding of the Turkeys ceremonies, in which sanctuary turkeys are the guests of honor and get to feast on their favorite treats: squash, pumpkin pie and cranberries. “The Thanksgiving season is a time to be grateful and cultivate traditions of benevolence,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. “At these events, we celebrate our capacity to share joy with all feeling beings.”

This year’s festive benefit features a candlelit gourmet dinner; entertainment; and special presentations from actress and animal advocate Daniela Sea, Farm Sanctuary California Shelter Director Leanne Cronquist, cookbook author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. Musician Jonathan Richman will perform.

Additionally, Farm Sanctuary’s Orland Shelter will be open for complimentary Thanksgiving themed tours Sunday, Nov. 22. Tours will take place every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. No reservations for these tours will be necessary.

Those wishing to attend the Celebration FOR the Turkeys may make reservations online at http://www.adoptaturkey.org or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221. Space is limited, and reservations must be made by Nov. 13. The cost is $75 for adults and $35 for children.

The Adopt-A-Turkey Project (http://www.adoptaturkey.org) seeks to end the suffering of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through our annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about their plight, and provided resources for a cruelty-free holiday. This year’s celebrity spokesperson is actress Ginnifer Goodwin. Watch her Adopt-A-Turkey PSAs at http://www.adoptaturkey.org/aat/media_center/ginnifer.html

Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts.

Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.

From the Nov. 12, 2009, weekly e-newsletter of the Center for Biological Diversity:

… late last month the Bureau of Land Management blocked new mining claims on nearly 1 million acres of southern Nevada land for the next 20 years. The land in question, made up of federally designated “areas of environmental concern” due to encroaching development, is home to threatened desert tortoise and endangered birds, fish, and plants. These areas also happen to be historic hot spots for gold mining.

Read more in the New York Times at: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/center/articles/2009/new-york-times-10-30-2009.html

Dear Bureau of Land Management:
Don’t stop now! /Gary

Nicola Jetland of Walnut Creek, CA, took this photo of a gray fox relaxing in her backyard.

Proving, once again, that wildlife is learning to adapt in the Urban Wilderness (your backyard). /Gary

Gary:
This is our friend Nutsy who thinks he’s a hummingbird.
Roger & Diane Craig, Danville, CA

Photo by Roger & Diane Craig, Danville, CA

Roger & Diane:
I’ve never seen a hummer looking so bright-eyed and bushy tailed as Nutsy. Maybe he needs to cut back on all that sugar water. /Gary

Photo by Roger & Diane Craig, Danville, CA

Hey folks:
I just got a report that more pet ferrets have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus in Oregon. You can read the whole thing below. If you follow the links to other Web sites below at the end of the story, you’ll also find out the latest information on H1N1 and our other pets and animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) Pay particular attention to the link to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. It really goes into other animals besides ferrets. By the way, in case you didn’t know, it is illegal to possess ferrets in California. There are, however, supposedly thousands of pet ferrets in California. I sure hope their humans are reading this.  /Gary

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Three more ferrets in Oregon have tested positive for the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus, state officials confirmed this afternoon, bringing the total number of cases affecting ferrets in the state to four.

Ferret. Photo by Flickr user brian.gratwicke used under a Creative Commons License.

Dr. Emilio DeBess, the Oregon state public health veterinarian, says the ferrets that tested positive for the H1N1 virus are among a group of nine ferrets that live with a family in the Roseburg, Ore., area. All nine ferrets, DeBess said, exhibited flu-like symptoms, but only three were taken to the veterinarian. Those three tested positive.

DeBess says members of the family that owns the ferrets were sick with flu-like symptoms the week prior to the animals becoming ill. He adds that there are no indications that the ferrets passed the virus on to people or any other species of animal.

The first ferret in Oregon confirmed with the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus was diagnosed in early October. All of the sick ferrets have recovered.

DeBess reminds pet owners that they should contact their veterinarian if their pets show any signs of illness, and that they should take precautions to help reduce the spread of influenza between themselves and their pets.

“The key message is to protect your animals much like you protect your family,” he says. “Wash your hands, cover your cough and your sneeze, and do your best to prevent contaminating objects your pet may come into contact with.”

The American Veterinary Medical Association is monitoring reports of pandemic influenza H1N1 in animals and posting updates to its Web site at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is also providing information at http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1

From the weekly e-newsletter of the Center for Biological Diversity:

Just weeks after filing court papers to intervene in the Center for Biological Diversity’s lawsuit to stop the shooting of wolves, the National Rifle Association is trying to stop the Center’s lawsuit to save condors from being painfully killed by lead poisoning.

California condor by Scott Frier, USFWS

The Center has sued the Bureau of Land Management to ban the use of lead bullets in condor habitat around the Grand Canyon. Since lead-free bullets are readily available, there is simply no reason to expose condors (or any other animal for that matter) to lethal levels of lead poisoning.

Simple, right? Not according to the NRA, which thinks it has a God-given right to spew lead into our public lands and waters regardless of how many species (including humans) it poisons.

Learn more about California condors http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/California_condor/index.html

and the Center’s campaign to get the lead out of their habitat http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/get_the_lead_out/index.html

Thanks for anything you can do to help in the Center’s fight to protect the endangered California condor! /Gary

I just received the following note from my friend Camilla Fox. Check it out:

Gary:
For all of you literary buffs …

“(Reuters) — Leading Mark Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin`s latest research suggests that Twain was the most prominent American of his day to throw his weight behind the movement for animal welfare. In her new book entitled ‘Mark Twain’s Book of Animals,’ Fishkin, a Stanford English professor, examines how Twain`s fascination with and advocacy for animals reveals itself in many of his works. In the book’s introduction and afterword, Fishkin suggests that Twain’s works played a pivotal role in raising Americans’ concerns about cruelty to animals and the exploitation of non-human animals by humans.”

More at http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS169987+23-Oct-2009+BW20091023

Not vouching for her accuracy of literary interpretation as I haven’t read this yet, but sharing with those I know who love literature (and animals!).
Camilla Fox, founding director, Project Coyote & Wildlife Consultant, Larkspur, CA
http://www.projectcoyote.org

Camilla:
I definitely have to get a copy of this book and read it! Thanks for the tip! /Gary