Bulldogs World

Pugs and Bulldogs are two breeds that are known for their wrinkled skin, as much as they are for their pushed-in faces and stubby legs. Wrinkles can give your dog the furrowed look of a wise old man – something that makes him distinctive from other breeds. But your dog’s wrinkles are more than just a fashion statement – they are a part of his body that needs to be properly cared for, just like any other. Keep reading to learn about the importance of cleaning your dog’s wrinkles and how to do it.

Which Dog Breeds Have Wrinkles?

When you think of wrinkled dog breeds, you probably picture a Pug or an English Bulldog. But there are a variety of dogs out there that have wrinkles. Here are some of the most common wrinkled dog breeds:

• French Bulldog
• English Bulldog
• American Bulldog
• Pug
• Mastiff
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Bloodhound
• Dogue de Bordeaux

Most dog breeds that have wrinkles on their face or body also have short coats. You would think that this might make them a low-maintenance breed, but caring for your dog’s wrinkles is just as important as caring for his coat. Depending how deep your dog’s wrinkles are, they can harbor moisture which can lead to bacterial or even fungal infections.

Tips for Cleaning a Dog’s Wrinkles

When your dog gets wet, the moisture soaks into his fur and his skin. In many cases, it doesn’t take your dog long to dry out but sometimes moisture can become trapped in the folds of his skin. That moisture then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to infection and a condition known as “fold dermatitis”. Cleaning your dog’s wrinkles should be part of your daily or weekly routine – here is how you do it:

1. Use a warm, damp washcloth or baby wipe to clean the skin in and around your dog’s wrinkles.
2. Pay special attention to particularly deep wrinkles including those around your dog’s nose and the sides of his face.
3. After cleaning your dog’s wrinkles, go over them again with a soft, dry cloth to remove all traces of moisture.
4. If your veterinarian recommends it, dust your dog’s skin with a thin layer of baby powder or grooming powder to help keep it dry.

The frequency with which you need to clean your dog’s wrinkles will vary. No matter how often you clean them, however, you need to keep an eye out for symptoms of infection. If you notice a foul odor coming from your dog’s skin or excessive moisture in the wrinkles, it could be an indication of fold dermatitis. You also want to look out for redness or discharge coming from the wrinkles.

~Petguide.com