Keeping Wrinkles Clean
Wrinkles are one of the most distinctive traits we think of when we think about bulldogs. While these folds are adorable, they are a hotbed for infection if not kept clean and dry. How often you clean your dog's wrinkles really depends on the amount and depth of the wrinkles, and your dog's lifestyle. Some dogs need their wrinkles cleaned daily, and others can go a bit longer. However, it is imperative you check your dog's wrinkles often to ensure they are staying clean and dry to prevent irritation or infection.
What are the causes of irritated wrinkles?
Wrinkles are dark and moist, making them the perfect environment for bacteria and moisture. Every time your dog eats or drinks, moisture and food particles splash up and collect in wrinkles. When they play outside, other types of debris can squeeze in between wrinkles. If this mixture of moisture, food and debris is not regularly cleaned it’ll help foster bacterial life, leading to irritation.
Yeast is also a common problem with bulldog wrinkles. The key to reducing yeast, is feeding a species appropriate diet (no kibble). If you must feed kibble, we recommend Farmina. Feeding a lower quality kibble, such as ones from the grocery store or your vets office can exacerbate skin and ear infections due to the amount of processing and fillers. See our pages on Nutrition for more information.
There are various stages of wrinkle infection. The first sign of irritation or infection is inflamed skin, also known as dermatitis. If this dermatitis is not cared for, the skin could develop bumps and sores oozing pus. Bulldog wrinkles are also susceptible to staph infections. If your dog is showing these more serious signs of infection, they need to go to a veterinarian as the infections will not go away on their own.
Bulldogs do not only have face wrinkles! Some may have wrinkles on other parts of the body that will also need to be checked and treated with the same care.
Yeast is also a common problem with bulldog wrinkles. The key to reducing yeast, is feeding a species appropriate diet (no kibble). If you must feed kibble, we recommend Farmina. Feeding a lower quality kibble, such as ones from the grocery store or your vets office can exacerbate skin and ear infections due to the amount of processing and fillers. See our pages on Nutrition for more information.
There are various stages of wrinkle infection. The first sign of irritation or infection is inflamed skin, also known as dermatitis. If this dermatitis is not cared for, the skin could develop bumps and sores oozing pus. Bulldog wrinkles are also susceptible to staph infections. If your dog is showing these more serious signs of infection, they need to go to a veterinarian as the infections will not go away on their own.
Bulldogs do not only have face wrinkles! Some may have wrinkles on other parts of the body that will also need to be checked and treated with the same care.
How to clean your dog's wrinkles
- Check face wrinkles daily, and clean with a baby wipe. We don't recommend using medicate wipes on a daily basis as they're very harsh on the skin.
- Use a wrinkle balm or powder. We recommend Natural Dog Company Wrinkle Balm, Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment, or Golden Yellow Powder from JingTang (available through holistic vets only).
- Keeping food and water dishes cleaned daily will also help prevent bacterial infections on the face.
