Prevention and Treatment of Colds in the American Bully
1. Symptoms. A sick American Bully may first develop frequent clear nasal discharge, followed by sneezing and coughing. Some sick dogs also tear up, and the conjunctiva becomes red and mildly swollen. Body temperature then rises, the dog becomes depressed, shivers with chills, and appetite falls sharply or disappears. Rectal temperature may exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
2. Treatment. The main principles are to reduce fever, control inflammation, and prevent secondary infection.
? Reduce fever and inflammation: The normal body temperature of an American Bully is generally below 39 degrees Celsius. When the temperature rises above 40 degrees with chills, some owners and clinicians may use antipyretic and analgesic medication. Traditional Chinese veterinary preparations are also mentioned in the original material. Mild fever may not always require injection, and some owners use cold medicine by mouth, usually at a fraction of the adult human dose. Antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs may also be considered depending on the symptoms and only under proper professional guidance.
? Prevent or treat secondary infection: Antibiotics such as penicillin are described as a first choice in the original article, with other antibacterials also listed. Severe cases may require fluid therapy, glucose solution, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and vitamin support given intravenously.
3. Prevention. First, improve kennel or housing conditions and protect the dog from wind and rain. The floor should stay dry, and in cold weather there should be bedding or padding. Second, strengthen the dog's physical condition through proper food quality, suitable exercise, and some sunlight.
How to Keep the American Bully's Coat Glossy and Beautiful
Some people use seaweed supplements, a small amount of vinegar, or even egg white applied onto the coat. The article specifically advises against such methods. For example, applying egg white to the coat may cause the hair to split or break once it dries, which damages both the hair shaft and the root, dulls the coat, and may even trigger dermatitis or skin disease.
To keep the coat glossy and attractive, owners should feed a high-protein diet and also add foods or supplements rich in vitamins E and D, seaweed-type foods, vegetables, lean meat, cooked egg yolk, and vegetable oils, while reducing foods rich in sugar, salt, and starch. Obese dogs with heavy fat accumulation often have poorer coat quality.
At the same time, the dog should get sunlight and regular exercise to improve circulation and promote healthy coat growth. For coat protection, daily brushing is recommended, and if conditions allow, a very light layer of coat oil may also be used. After bathing, drying carefully with a towel helps maintain coat quality, and a light mist of distilled water can make the coat appear fuller.
Some Basic Knowledge About Raising an American Bully
Diet standard at three months of age: Around three months old, puppies are in a key growth period, so feeding should become more regular. Mealtimes are usually arranged during the day, such as around 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. The food composition is similar to that used at two months of age, but the amount should increase as the puppy grows, often by about one fifth every 3 to 5 days. Self-made food may contain a tiny amount of salt, but overall nutrition must stay balanced. Body size, bone thickness, and adult proportions are influenced more by genetics than by overfeeding. Feeding too much can harm the stomach, while feeding too little fails to support growth. During development, nutritionally balanced puppy food is usually the safest choice.
Nutritional supplements: If owners like to cook food themselves, then vitamin and nutrient supplements may be necessary in order to prevent imbalance. These are usually mixed into the food in crushed form. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency may include pica, trembling, stunted growth, reduced appetite, low spirits, and weak immunity.
General handling of vomiting and diarrhea: Diarrhea means frequent passage of liquid stool. It is not a disease itself, but usually a sign of a problem in the intestines. Vomiting means frequently throwing up stomach contents, and again it is a sign rather than a disease by itself. The exact cause often requires proper testing. Severe diarrhea usually needs veterinary treatment. For mild cases, the article recommends a temporary fasting period and then a bland diet such as chicken porridge, oatmeal, rice, or bread. Water should still be available unless vomiting is present. If vomiting is the main problem, solid food is withheld for 24 hours, then water is reintroduced, followed by small amounts of bland food if no further vomiting occurs. If symptoms persist after normal feeding resumes, a long-term diet plan from the veterinarian may be needed. Medication should always follow veterinary instructions, and owners should urgently contact a veterinarian if blood appears in the stool, vomiting continues despite treatment, the condition worsens, or the dog becomes extremely weak or depressed.
Preparing before raising a dog: Before keeping a dog, owners should first get family agreement and make a mental commitment. You need time every day to feed the dog and spend time with it, you must be able to tolerate inconvenience such as smell, hair, or barking, and you must be willing to spend money on vaccines, deworming, food, and medical treatment.