Hair: They have thin-set hair which requires weekly twice or thrice brushing. Bathing them with clean water or certified dog shampoo is good for their skin and hair. Using human shampoo can be acidic to their skin and cause rashes, itchiness, redness, or inflammation.
Nails: Monthly trimming their nails is sufficient for better hygiene.
Teeth: Brushing their teeth regularly is a healthy habit that needs to be followed by every pet owner.
Ears: Bullhuahuas have long pointed ears that can be examined easily by their owners. Clean their ears regularly to avoid any infections.
Eyes: Their round dark eyes are prone to many infections and deformities. Keep a constant check on their eyes and if you notice any unusual behavior try to like rubbing and scratching, tend to their eyes with clean water and cloth. Consult a vet if any aid is needed.
Recommended daily amount: Giving a formulated food for small dogs to Bullhuahua twice a day is recommended.
What food to choose: Try not to fill their appetite with treats since these dog breeds have a moderate level of energy. Consider giving the right quantity of food advised by your vet. Exceeding the quantity or quality might result in an overweight Bullhuahua, which can eventually result in several health risks.
How to keep good shape: Try to trick your Bullhuahua into some more activities like running, playing, or jumping along with proper daily nutrition. If you are adopting a Bullhuahua puppy, you should consult your vet since the type of food changes with their growing years.
How many times to feed your dog: Twice a day is highly recommended.
Bullhuahuas are the mixed dog breed that inherits certain traits from its parents Chihuahua and Bulldog. As such, they also inherit health issues common to their parent breeds. Below are narrowed down the possible health issues faced by Bullhuahuas.
Cherry Eye
Condition: In this condition, nictitating membranes in the eyes swell up which might cause itchiness and discomfort. Generally, it is not painful but leads to dry eyes, which might cause blindness in extreme situations.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory eye solutions and antibiotics are the prescribed medications for this condition.
Hypoglycemia
Condition: In hypoglycemia, glucose utilization in the body surpasses the glucose production. This leads to restlessness, weakness, muscle incoordination, seizures, trembling, and so on.
Treatment: The treatment procedure aims at normalizing glucose production and utilization in the bloodstream. This is done by frequenting glucose rich diets such as sugar and fruit product, fat, and carbohydrates. In case the condition persists, intravenous fluid can be suggested by your vet to help them retain a normal lifestyle.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Condition: Dysplasia in Bullhuahua is painful and affects the bone joints which gradually transforms into arthritis or lameness in severe stages. In hip dysplasia, the hip joint (the ball and socket joining the femur and pelvis bone) grows irregularly leading to bow-shaped or uneven buttocks. In elbow dysplasia, there are abnormalities in cartilage growth surrounding the elbow joint.
Treatment: Early stages of hip and elbow dysplasia includes physiotherapy exercises and medications like joint supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the vet. When the condition worsens, surgical options are offered to fix the joint abnormality.
Hydrocephalus
Condition: This is a congenital abnormality in Bullhuahuas due to which they develop a dome-shaped skull (also known as “apple head”) or an enlarged soft spot on their skull. As a result, the eyes have the appearance of a downward gaze.
Treatment: Initial stage treatment includes medication to lower the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In severe cases, it can lead to fatal brain damages, so your vet might suggest anti-seizure drugs to ease their condition.
Training a Bullhuahua from their puppyhood is advisable for them to develop good behavior. Giving them training might become difficult since they are very willful. Allowing them to get familiar with kids and training Bullhuahuas how to interact with and behave around children can be very helpful for families who are fond of these little dogs.
Taking help from professional trainers is always successful in the case of Bullhuahua. However, regular habits like potty training, eating habits, bathing habits can be taught at individual levels.
It is advisable to take great care of Bullhuahuas since these hybrid animals can have frequent health issues. However, these can be prevented and mitigated if a lot of care and hygiene is maintained.
They are not an active dog breed so you may find them on your lap or napping anywhere they get cozy. Taking them for a regular exercise is good to keep them fit and elated, being the not so highly enthusiastic breed.
Try not to leave them alone for a longer period of time, which can disturb them. As they are very small and stout, there is also not much of an expense in their grooming or caring.
