What is the Best Shampoo for Your English Bulldog?

While all dog breeds can develop skin conditions throughout their lives, bulldogs are one breed that is predisposed to developing a variety of them. Part of your bulldog's charm is their wrinkles, but this is where bacteria can thrive and lead to itchy or sore patches of skin due to the higher moisture.

You want to keep your bulldog clean, especially in their folds of skin, and our picks for the best shampoo for English Bulldogs can help you do this. Preventing itchy skin and infections is the best thing you can do for your English Bulldog, and we'll help you choose a great shampoo that can help to keep your dog's skin healthy.

Your English Bulldog has folds of skin where moisture collects, and it is a warmer temperature. This bacteria can multiply rapidly and lead to skin and coat problems that can be painful if you don't treat them.

• Dry, Flaky Skin - If your dog starts to develop dry and flaky skin, you may start to notice dandruff in and on their coats early on. Dry skin is itchy skin, and you may notice your dog scratching more as their skin continues to dry out and flake off.
• Hot Spots - Hot spots are patches of your dog's skin that develop lesions and feel warmer to the touch than other areas of their body due to irritation. As your dog licks or scratches at the hot spot, it can grow at a rapid pace and develop into an open sore.
• Inflammation - If your dog has dry or itchy skin, they tend to dig at in constantly to try and make the itching stop. This can quickly lead to inflammation, and your dog may even scratch or bite open sores into their skin if you don't stop the itching.
• Itchy Skin - One of the main things you'll notice with your English bulldog is that they develop dry and itchy skin. They can scratch and rub this skin raw as they try to find relief, and open sores could lead to a greater risk of infection or other complications.
• Odor - Many English Bulldog owners have commented on their dog's odor, saying it is very strong, even a day or two after they bathe them. This is usually a sign of oily skin, and it's one of the first warning signs that there let you know it may be a good idea to check your dog's skin and coat for bacteria or inflamed areas.

As there are thousands of dog shampoos available that are specifically geared towards dogs with skin problems, it can be difficult to find a good one. But, there are a few key components you want to look for in your bulldog's shampoo.

• Antifungal Properties - If you're considering buying an antifungal medicated shampoo for your English bulldog, you want to make sure that is has Chlorhexidine, Ketoconazole, or both listed on the ingredient list. These two ingredients have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help reduce and treat the cause of many skin problems your bulldog may have.

• Deodorizer - As we mentioned earlier, bulldogs tend to have an odor, and this can get worse if your dog has a skin condition. A shampoo with a deodorizer can help your dog smell better, and it can help to gently clean their skin and strip away the excess oil that could contribute to their stronger odor.

• Soothing Agents - While the antibacterial or the antifungal ingredients go to work, you're going to want something in your dog's shampoo to give them relief until it actually starts treating the skin problems. Aloe and oatmeal are excellent natural soothers that you can find in many medicated dog shampoos that can help reduce itchy and inflammation.

Related: Best Puppy Shampoo