Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are the most common allergies seen in bulldogs.

BULLDOG & FR. BULLDOGS COMMON ALLERGIES
- BULLDOG ALLERGIC ATOPIC ITCH DERMATITIS
- BULLDOG FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS
- BULLDOG FOOD ALLERGY DERMATITIS
- BULLDOG CONTACT ALLERGY DERMATITIS
Other less common bulldogs and French bulldog skin conditions are:
- Bulldog demodex red mites
- Bulldog sarcoptic mange mites
- Bulldog dermatophytes: (ringworm)
- Bulldog pemphigus: autoimmune skin disease
- Bulldog Keratinization abnormalities
- Bulldog skin cancer: mast cell tumors, lymphoma, etc
Most bulldog skin allergies will also present with secondary bacterial infections (pyoderma, usually staphylococcus) and/or yeast infections (Malassezia).
Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs CAUSE:
Allergic atopic itch dermatitis in English and Fr. bulldogs are:
BULLDOG ALLERGY OUTDOOR ALLERGENS
- WEEDS
- GRASS
- POLEN
BULLDOG ALLERGY INDOOR ALLERGENS
- MOLD
- DUST MITE
- HUMAN DANDER
Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PRESENTATION:
- INTENSE ITCH:
- REDNESS & SORES: usually self-inflicted (iatrogenic)
- FLAKY & CRUSTY
- SABBOREAH SICCA or OLSA: Bully Dry or/ Oily Flaky Skin Seborrhea
- SMELLY
- ALOPECIA: bold and hair lost
- BACTERIA INFECTION: secondary to the itch
- YEAST INFECTION: secondary Bully Yeast Infection
ITCHING is the whole mark of bulldog & French bulldog allergies
Allergy Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs DIAGNOSIS:
- CYTOLOGY: microscopic exam of a skin impression to check for bacteria, yeast, and abnormal cells
- SCRAPE: skin scrape microscopic exam to check for demodex and sarcoptic mange
- VARL: Liquid Gold serum allergy blood test, to test for indoor and outdoor allergen sensitivity
- FOOD TRIAL: hypoallergenic diet trial to r/o food allergy
- FLEA EXAM: check for typical dorsal lumber lesions and flea poop
- SKIN CULTURE: culture sensitivity for nonresponsive pets to r/o multidrug-resistant bacteria such as MRSP
- FUNGAL CULTURE: check for ringworm (dermatophytes)
Bulldog Allergic Itch Dermatitis THERAPEUTIC TOPICALS:
Therapeutic TOPICALS & SUPPLEMENTS are an internal essential part of any bully skin problem management
BULLDOG ALLERGY ITCH CONTROL:
BULLDOG ITCH RELIEF MEDICATED SHAMPOO:
like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B ItchLess Bully Skin Shampoo
HOW OFTEN:1-2/week with a medicated shampoo
HOW LONG:10 min. lathering before rinsing
CREAM RINSE CONDITIONER: recommend after shampooing
BULLDOG HYPOALLERGENIC MEDICATED SHAMPOO:
like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Hypoallergenic Bully Skin Shampoo
HOW OFTEN:1-2/week with a medicated shampoo
HOW LONG:10 min. lathering before rinsing
CREAM RINSE CONDITIONER: recommend after shampooing
BULLDOG ALLERGY ANTISEPTIC CONTROL:
BULLDOG ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTI-YEAST-MEDICATED SHAMPOO:
Bathe 1-2/week with a medicated shampoo like
- Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Shampoo. (10min. lathering before rinsing)
- Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Antiseptic ES Shampoo (5 min. lathering before rinsing).
BULLDOG ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTI-YEAST MEDICATED NO RINSE GEL:
like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Yeasty Bully Waterless Gel
The waterless gel application is best used on non-bath days, shake and then apply it to hands or direct, finish by rubbing it into the skin and coat.
BULLDOG ALLERGY HYDRATION & SOOTHING
BULLDOG CREAM RINSE CONDITIONER
- V4B ItchLess Bully Cream Rinse Conditioner
- Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Hypoallergenic After Shampoo Conditioner.
For optimal outcome use a conditioner after shampoo. We offer them as bundles at a reduced cost.
Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS:
BULLDOG ALLGERY THERAPUTIC FISH OIL (EFA)
Essential fatty acids (EFA) that combine Omega 3 and 6 fish oils, vitamins A & D like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Omega Fish Oil Skin-Immune-Joint chew.
BULLDOG ALLERGY THERAPEUTIC PRE & PROBIOTICS
Pre & Probiotics: Help restore and assist the good gut bacteria (microbiome) and prevent Leaky Gut Syndrome, like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Pre-Probiotics Formula.
Bulldog Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis REGENERATIVE MEDICINE:
For bulldogs who cannot take anti-itch medication like prednisone (steroid) due to adverse effects, or for pet owners who wish not to use those drugs due to their long-term potential harm, you can talk to your veterinarian about an alternative replacement.
BULLDOG ALLERGY STEM CELL THERAPY & CRYOBANKING:
Stem cell therapy is harmless, cutting-edge therapy for allergic bulldogs, French bulldogs, and other pets suffering from chronic, non-resolving itch due to allergic atopic itch dermatitis.
This new-age, alternative, non-pharmaceutical treatment is called Stem Cell Therapy, and it has been showing great promise for treating various inflammatory, immune-mediated, and painful conditions by allowing the pet’s own repair and anti-inflammatory cells (mesenchymal stem cells) to naturally and organically heal their long-lasting, nonresponsive allergies.
Dr. Kraemer also offers a low-cost Cryobankingprogram for future stem cell treatments.
Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PRESCRIPTION RX:
Bulldog allergic Dermatitis CYTOPOINT:
Cytopoint is a new, long-lasting, non-steroidal, monoclonal antibody that targetsIL-31, and is a safe itch relief injection that I now offer my bulldog and French bulldog patients with allergic itch atopic dermatitis. It is usually administered every 4-8 weeks, or as needed.
Bulldog allergic Dermatitis OTHER RX:
- Itch Control: Steroids, Apoqel, Cyclosporin (Atopica), Anti Histamines (not very effective)
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal
- Other: Pentoxyphillne
Allergic Atopic Itch in Bulldogs RULE OF THUMB:
Any bulldog and/or French bulldog with an intense itch should be ruled out for allergic atopic itch dermatitis. Intense itch often leads to self-trauma, thus is stressful and can lead to sleepless, restless nights, and is often painful at an advanced stage.
Bulldog Atopic Itch Dermatitis can easily become a serious quality of life matter that requires immediate attention
Bulldog Atopic Itch Dermatitis often requires lifelong attention and care.
Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog Allergic Atopic Itch Dermatitis TIPS & WARNINGS:
BULLDOG & FRENCH BULLDOG ALLERGY TIPS:
Bulldog allergies Tip#1 ITCH:
Any English bulldog or French bulldog presenting with itchy, red, irritated skin, bumps, chronic pigment change, and/or thickness of the affected skin, should be suspected of bully atopic allergic dermatitis.
Bulldog allergies Tip #2 DISTRIBUTION:
Bulldog atopic allergic dermatitis distribution is usually to the ears, paws, legs, armpits, and abdomen.
Bulldog allergies Tip #3 IMMUNE THERAPY:
Bulldogs and French bulldogs presenting with itchy skin due to environmental allergic atopic itch dermatitis might benefit from a blood test that shows the specific allergen they are allergic to. After the allergens are identified, immune therapy can be initiated.
- Common outdoor allergens are grass, weeds, and tree/pollen.
- Common indoor allergens are mold, dust mites, and dandruff.
You should realize that it could take months before your bulldog’s itching improves.
Success might require lifelong continuous treatment. Also, bulldog owners committed to immunotherapy should know that there are no guarantees that the itch relief will be 100%, meaning you will need to continue some degree of topical and systemic medication.
Bulldog allergies Tip #4 FOOD ALLERGY :
I recommend a food elimination trial with a hypoallergenic prescription diet to rule out bulldog and French bulldog food allergies.
Bulldog allergies Tip#5 CONTACT ALLERGY:
If your bulldog presents with itching after a topical product was applied, bully contact allergy is the most likely cause.
Bulldog allergies Tip #6 FLEA ALLERGY:
I always recommend year-round flea prevention, especially in geographic locations where fleas are common.
Bulldog allergies ANTI-HISTAMINES Tip:#7
OTC antihistamines can be used for allergic itch atopic dermatitis in bulldogs and French bulldogs, but their therapeutic effect is questionable.
On the other hand, they are relatively harmless and could help sedate your pet, thus giving one before bedtime might provide a good night’s rest for both owner and pet.
Bulldog allergy Tip #8 GENETIC:
We believe that in bulldogs there is a genetic disposition to atopic itchy allergic dermatitis.
Bulldog allergy Tip #9 CYTOLOGY:
Common tests recommended for any bulldog and French bulldog suspected of allergic itch atopic dermatitis are cytology, and sometimes cultures, to help identify secondary bacteria and yeast infections.
Bulldog allergy Tip #10 STEM CELL THERAPY:
For bulldog and French bulldog puppy owners who prefer avoiding systemic allergy medication like prednisone (steroid) due to their adverse effects, or for pet owners who prefer not to use these drugs due to their long-term potential harm, I now offer a harmless, cutting-edge, new therapy.
This new-age treatment for chronic allergic atopic itch dermatitis is called stem Cell Therapy, and it is an anti-itch modality that uses your pet’s own repair and anti-inflammatory cells (stem cells) to heal and treat his or her allergies
Bulldog allergyTip #11 BATHING:
Most environmental allergens are absorbed through the skin, thus just a water rinse alone helps remove the allergen, as well as, scales and dander.
Bulldog allergies Tip #12: ENVIRONMENT CONTROL
In contrast to bulldog food allergy, complete elimination of offending environmental allergens for allergic itch atopic dermatitis in bulldogs and French bulldogs is not possible, but certain avoidance measures can be helpful. For example, reducing outdoor playtime especially when pollen counts are elevated, keeping the grass cut short, giving frequent baths, and changing your air conditioner filters often help minimize exposure.
Bulldog allergy Tip #13 DUST MITES:
To reduce the effect of indoor allergens like dust mites, you should dust your house frequently and use synthetic materials for your bulldog’s bedding. Also, vacuum and wash the bedding often, change air conditioner filters frequently, and keep humidity in the house < 50%.
Bulldog allergies Tip#14 MOLD:
To avoid indoor allergens like molds, you can use air purifiers and humidifiers and avoid household plants and mulch.
Bulldog allergy Tip #15 TOPICAL TREATMENT:
Topical skin treatment is critical and should always be part of your therapeutic strategy and planning. They should usually include anti-itch and hypoallergenic shampoo and lotion.
Remember, among the benefits of topical therapy is the mechanical removal of allergens from your bulldog and French bulldog’s skin and coat.
Bulldog allergy Tip#16 FOOD ALLERGY:
Itchy bulldog and French bulldog puppies that are also suffering from concurrent gastrointestinal problems should be suspected of a food allergy.
Bulldog allergy Tip #17 CYTOPOINT:
I now offer bulldogs with atopic itch allergies an effective, safe, long-lasting, new monoclonal, antibody-specified, injection.
Bulldog allergyTip #18 FISH OIL EFA:
I always recommend a holistic approach to allergic atopic itch dermatitis in bulldogs that includes essential fatty acids.
BULLDOG ALLERGIC DERMATITIS WARNINGS
Bulldog allergy FOOD ALLERGY Warning #1:
Food allergies often have a similar itching presentation and skin distribution as allergic itch atopic dermatitis. Don’t confuse allergic itch atopic dermatitis with food allergy. Food hypersensitivity is an adverse reaction to the protein source in your bulldog’s diet.
Food allergies are more common in young bulldog puppies, they are non-seasonal and may not respond to itching medication, like prednisone, the same way puppies with itch due to atopic dermatitis do.
Bulldog allergy DEMODEX MITE Warning #2:
Bulldogs with skin allergies suspected of atopic dermatitis should also be tested for skin mites (Demodexand sarcoptic mange).
Additionally, in the event they have not responded well to the prescribed allergy treatment, they should also be tested for ringworm (DTM fungi culture) and get a biopsy for histopathology to rule out immune-mediated, keratinization defects and cancer.
Last, a blood test should be performed to rule out hormonal abnormalities like hypothyroidism and hyper-adrenal issues.
Bulldog allergy HYPERSENSITIVITY Warning #3:
Don’t confuse hypersensitivity with atopic allergy dermatitis. Hypersensitivity disorders are usually due to vaccine reactions or insect bites and will present with acute onset and swelling often of the face, lips, and paws.
Bulldog allergies STEROID Warning #4:
Relieving the itch with a steroid might be effective, but long-term use is likely to be damaging with the potential to cause multiple adverse effects.
Bulldog allergies Warning #5 MRSP:
We have been seeing a rise in bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics (MRSP). If your bulldog is not responsive to the empirical antibiotic prescribed, a culture should be done.
Bulldog allergy DURATION Warning #6 :
Allergic atopic itch dermatitis in bulldogs is often a long-term condition that can last for the life of your pet and usually requires treatment over an extended period of time.
Bulldog allergy OUTDOORS/INDDORS Warning #7:
In contrast to bulldog and French bulldog food allergies, whereby elimination of allergens is possible as the method of treatment, avoiding implicated outdoor allergens (grasses, weeds, trees, etc.) and even indoor allergen (mold, dust mites, human dander, etc.) is usually difficult to accomplish.
“An Ounce Of PREVENTION Is Worth A Pound Of CURE”
*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “must-read” manual for any current or future bully owner