Tail Pocket Care
What is a tail pocket?
As you know bulldogs and other wrinkly dog breeds have little folds from their nose to their paws. While facial wrinkles are incredibly noticeable, the tail pocket can be a more discreet wrinkle. A tail pocket is a dimple or indentation located beneath (or on top of) your dog’s tail. This well-hidden wrinkle collects all kinds of dirt and debris as your dog goes about his day. Many owners don’t realize their dog even has a tail pocket until it develops a stinky infection or the dog shows signs of irritation. By overlooking this area, dirt and debris mix with moisture and next thing you know the tail pocket is irritated, inflamed, and infected.
Do all bulldogs have tail pockets?
No, not all bulldogs have a tail pocket, but they are very common and require extra special attention to prevent uncomfortable infections from developing.
Steps to tail pocket cleaning:
What about surgery to remove the tail?
In some extreme cases, the tail pocket is so tight that no matter what owners do they can’t keep the tail pocket truly clean and free of infection. If this is the case, your vet may recommend surgery to remove the tail. It won’t get you out of regularly cleaning your dog’s bum, but the persistent infections typically come to a halt without a deep and tight space for debris and bacteria to congregate.
As you know bulldogs and other wrinkly dog breeds have little folds from their nose to their paws. While facial wrinkles are incredibly noticeable, the tail pocket can be a more discreet wrinkle. A tail pocket is a dimple or indentation located beneath (or on top of) your dog’s tail. This well-hidden wrinkle collects all kinds of dirt and debris as your dog goes about his day. Many owners don’t realize their dog even has a tail pocket until it develops a stinky infection or the dog shows signs of irritation. By overlooking this area, dirt and debris mix with moisture and next thing you know the tail pocket is irritated, inflamed, and infected.
Do all bulldogs have tail pockets?
No, not all bulldogs have a tail pocket, but they are very common and require extra special attention to prevent uncomfortable infections from developing.
Steps to tail pocket cleaning:
- Clean the area, carefully remove all dirt and debris. The tail pocket area is very sensitive so be gentle and use extreme caution.Thoroughly dry your dog’s tail pocket
- Thoroughly dry the dog's tail pocket. If your dog’s tail pocket is wet or even slightly damp, it’s the perfect recipe for bacterial growth and infection. That’s why it’s so important to keep your dog’s tail pocket clean and dry.
- Apply a balm to prevent future irritations and infections. Bulldog tail pockets are easily infected, that’s why we recommend adding a protective all natural balm to your dog’s tail pocket every day after you clean and dry the area. HBR can recommend some great products for you.
What about surgery to remove the tail?
In some extreme cases, the tail pocket is so tight that no matter what owners do they can’t keep the tail pocket truly clean and free of infection. If this is the case, your vet may recommend surgery to remove the tail. It won’t get you out of regularly cleaning your dog’s bum, but the persistent infections typically come to a halt without a deep and tight space for debris and bacteria to congregate.
