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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Wrinkly dogs like pugs, bulldogs and Frenchies are prone to infections in their skin folds. It's common, but it isn't normal. A musty smell is usually the first sign. Clean the folds gently, dry them completely, and protect the skin, and get anything red, crusty or slimy treated early, because irritated wrinkles won't heal on their own.
Why wrinkles get irritated
Skin folds are warm, dark and damp, which is exactly what yeast and bacteria love. Food, water, drool, tears and outdoor debris all collect in the folds, especially around the face and nose.
Signs to look out for
✓ A musty or stinky smell, often the first sign
✓ Red, inflamed skin inside the fold
✓ Crusty sores or scabs
✓ Slimy or greasy skin
✓ Your dog rubbing their face on the floor or furniture
How it can get worse
Skin fold dermatitis
It usually starts as inflamed, irritated skin inside the fold.
Pyoderma
Left untreated, it can turn into pyoderma, a deeper bacterial skin infection.
Staph infections
Broken, inflamed skin can also let staph bacteria take hold.
Irritated wrinkles won't clear up on their own, and they usually get worse without care. Catching it early makes it much easier to manage.
How to care for your dog's wrinkles
Clean the folds: gently open each fold and wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in JOOF Hygiene Water. Do this daily, and after meals and drinks if food and water collect in the folds.
Dry them completely: pat each fold dry with a clean, soft cloth or cotton pad. Any moisture left behind can feed yeast.
Protect the skin: apply a thin layer of coconut oil, or a balm such as Natural Dog Company Wrinkle Balm.
Soothe if irritated: for red or itchy skin, use Farm Dog Naturals Restore Salve or Natural Dog Company Skin Soother.
Not sure whether to use Wrinkle Balm or Skin Soother? Read Wrinkle Balm vs Skin Soother: which one to pick.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
For both Wangcai and BeanBean, I use Hygiene Water to clean, then coconut oil.
Keep the bowls clean
Wash food and water bowls daily. Bacteria builds up in bowls quickly, and it ends up in your dog's folds every time they eat or drink. Glass or stainless steel bowls are easier to keep clean than plastic.
If wrinkles keep getting infected
Folds that keep flaring up often point to something deeper, such as diet, food sensitivities or yeast. Read dog ear yeast infections for how to fix yeast from the inside, starting with diet and allergies.
See your vet if the skin is very red, oozing, bleeding or crusty, your dog is in pain, or it doesn't improve within a few days of home care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use baby wipes on my dog's wrinkles?
It's best not to. Many contain fragrance and chemicals that can irritate the skin, and they leave the folds damp.
How often should I clean my dog's wrinkles?
Daily for most wrinkly dogs, and more often if food, water or tears collect in the folds.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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