5 Signs Your Dog’s Facial Folds Need More Attention

We all know that wrinkly pups are adorable. Those squishy faces, snorty snouts, and extra folds are basically designed to steal hearts. Behind all that cuteness, facial folds can be a hotspot for skin trouble if they’re not cared for properly. Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies, and Shar-Peis are especially prone to dog skin infections because moisture and debris love to hide in those wrinkles.

So how do you know when your pup’s folds need more attention? Let’s break down the top causes of skin issues in wrinkly dogs, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can help keep your dog’s skin happy and healthy.

1. Redness or Irritation in Facial Folds

One of the earliest signs of trouble is redness between facial folds. This often happens when moisture gets trapped, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Over time, this can lead to painful dog skin infections.

What to look for:
Red, inflamed skin, sensitivity to touch, or your dog pulling away when you clean their face. Facial folds should look clean and calm, not angry or raw.

2. Strong or Unusual Odor

Wrinkly dogs shouldn’t smell funky around the face. A strong, musty, or sour odor is often a sign of yeast infections in dogs. Yeast thrives in warm, damp areas, exactly what facial folds from our wrinkly doggos provide.

What to look for:
Persistent odor even after bathing, especially around facial folds, tail pockets, or paws. Smell is often one of the first clues of yeast infections in dogs.

3. Excessive Tear Stains

Tear stains aren’t just a cosmetic issue. When left untreated, moisture from tears can irritate the skin and lead to dog skin infections. Tear stains are common in wrinkly dogs because their facial structure doesn’t always allow tears to drain properly.

What to look for:
Dark staining under the eyes, wet fur, or crusty buildup. Tear stains can also come with redness or itching around the eyes.

4. Itching, Rubbing, or Pawing at the Face

If your dog is constantly scratching their face or rubbing it on furniture, something’s not right. This behavior often signals discomfort caused by irritation, facial folds rubbing together, or developing yeast infections in dogs.

What to look for:
Frequent scratching, head shaking, or face rubbing. Left alone, this can worsen facial folds and increase the risk of dog skin infections.

5. Crust, Discharge, or Open Sores

This is a big red flag. When skin issues progress, you may notice crusty buildup, oozing, or even open sores inside facial folds. Wrinkly dogs are especially vulnerable because friction and moisture slow healing.

What to look for:
Yellow or brown discharge, scabs, or sores in facial folds. At this stage, prompt care is essential.

What Causes Skin Issues in Wrinkly Dogs?

The top causes include trapped moisture, poor airflow, friction between skin folds, and lack of regular cleaning. These factors make facial folds, tear stains, and paws a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Over time, this leads to recurring dog skin infections and chronic irritation.

How Squishface Can Help

Daily care makes a huge difference. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are an easy way to gently clean facial folds, tear stains, tail pockets, and paws. They help fight against bacteria, yeast, and fungus, three of the biggest causes behind dog skin infections in wrinkly dogs. Regular wiping removes moisture and buildup before problems start.

After cleaning, Squishface Wrinkle Paste steps in to protect. This paste forms a breathable, protective barrier on the skin to help prevent moisture from coming back. It’s made with soothing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil, which help calm irritated skin while supporting the facial folds and tear stain areas.

The Bottom Line:

Wrinkly dogs need a little extra care, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. By watching for early symptoms, understanding the causes of dog skin infections, and using the right products, you can keep facial folds clean and comfortable. A few minutes of daily grooming can save your pup from discomfort and keep those wrinkles kissably fresh. 🐶

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