I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. I don’t always follow the “rules” found in glossy pet store books because most of them are written by people who haven’t spent two decades in the trenches with these dogs. Here is my “Rebel” guide to raising a healthy, happy Bully.
1. Bulldog Health 101
For a deep dive into everything Bulldog, go to BigBulldogs.com and click our FAQ section. I’ve consolidated nearly every answer you’ll ever need onto a single page.
2. The Nu-Vet Secret (Immune Support)
Most Bulldog issues start with a compromised immune system. I believe every Bully should be on NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus for their entire life. It’s like an insurance policy for their health—boosting immunity and lubricating joints. Plus, they’re flavored with 100% real chicken liver, so the dogs think they’re getting a treat.
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Protocol: For a 8-12 week old puppy, start with 1/4 tablet of each daily. Increase weekly until you reach the bottle’s recommended dose. Too much too fast can cause gastrointestinal upset.
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ORDER YOUR VITAMINS HERE Order Code: 55703
3. Food & Fasting
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The Menu: Next Level Hi Pro 30 (All Life Stages). Find it at Nextlevelpetfood.com, Chewy.com or Tother retailers.
- Nextlevelpetfood.com for a retailer near you.
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Puppy Phase: Offer 12oz twice daily (8 AM and 5 PM). If they act like they’re starving, feed them more! Keep food available for an hour, then pull it.
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The 90-Minute Rule: Keep your Bully confined for 90 minutes after eating. No running, no wrestling. This prevents aspiration (inhaling food into the lungs), which is dangerous and expensive to treat.
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The Pro Move (6 Months+): Transition to one meal a day (approx. 2.5 cups) around 4 PM. This introduces intermittent fasting, allowing their system to recover, boosting metabolism, and sparing their joints from excess weight.
4. Skin & Parasites
I don’t believe in over-medicating. Use Bravecto (over 6 months) or Nexgard (under 6 months) only if needed. You can find these at CanadaPetCare.com without a prescription. For a natural fix, remember that Dawn dish soap is a fantastic flea killer.
5. Ear Maintenance
Clean ears weekly to stop yeast and infections before they start.
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The Rebel Mix: 50% white vinegar and 50% rubbing alcohol.
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The Method: Use a spray bottle. Give a generous spray and massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. You can’t use too much, so don’t be shy! Use a Q-tip or wipe for the upper crevices only. Do not enter the ear canal.
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Stubborn Issues: Use “Echo Ear” by Vet Organics.
6. Bathing
Don’t over-bathe; you’ll dry out their skin. Twice a month is plenty.
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The Soap: Original Blue Dawn Dish Soap. It’s safe, cheap, and antibacterial.
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The Key: Rinse until you think you’re done, then rinse again. Leftover soap causes itchy rashes.
7. Toys & Treats: Keep it Simple
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Best Toy Ever: An empty water bottle (remove the cap, plastic ring, and label). They love the crunch!
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Chews: Dried pig hooves are great for puppies, but monitor adults—they have the jaw power to swallow them whole. Kongs are always a winner.
- NO BULLY STICKS.
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The “No” List: Never give Rawhide or Pig Ears. They don’t digest them; they swallow them whole, and they sit in the stomach like a brick.
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Training Treats: Use a tiny piece of chicken jerky or a piece of their own kibble. Train them 30 minutes before mealtime when their hunger drive is high—they’ll do anything for that piece of kibble!
8. The First Week Home
Separation anxiety is real and can cause “the runs.” If your new puppy has a loose stool, add 1–2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin to their food to firm things up.