Grooming the Brachycephalic Breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs & Frenchies

If you're the proud parent of an English Bulldog, Pug, or French Bulldog, you already know that life with a wrinkly dog is full of snuggles, snores, and slobbery kisses. Those adorable wrinkles and squishy faces also come with their own grooming challenges. Dog grooming for brachycephalic breeds (that’s the fancy word for flat-faced dogs) is a must to keep them happy, healthy, and stink-free!

In this guide, we’ll walk through simple and effective dog care tips to help manage skin issues, crusty and dry noses, and those deep face folds—all while keeping your pup looking better than ever!

Wrinkles Are Cute—Until They’re Not!

Let’s start with the most obvious feature of these lovable squishfaces: their wrinkles.

The folds on English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies are the perfect hiding place for dirt, moisture, food, and even bacteria to reside. If not cleaned regularly, they can cause skin issues, irritation, or even painful skin infections.

Here’s where Squishface Wrinkle Wipes come in handy. These gentle wipes are specially made for wrinkly dogs. Use them once a day to clean in between the folds. They remove gunk, fight bacteria, and help prevent that funky "face fold" smell.

Wrinkle Paste to the Rescue

After cleaning those adorable face folds, it’s important to keep them dry. Moisture trapped in wrinkles can lead to yeast buildup and skin infections—no fun for your furry friend.

Seal in the clean and block out moisture with Squishface Wrinkle Paste. This protective barrier paste is designed for dog grooming routines and works wonders on preventing irritation. A little dab goes a long way and keeps your dog’s wrinkles dry and calm. Bonus: it also helps soothe any redness or inflammation that may already be there.

Say Goodbye to Dry, Crusty Dog Noses

Brachycephalic breeds often suffer from hyperkeratosis, a condition that causes thick, dry, and crusty buildup on the nose. It’s not just unsightly—it can make it painful for dogs to sniff around or breathe comfortably.

That’s where a good dog nose balm becomes essential. Try Squishface Nose Balm, made with soothing ingredients like shea butter and berry seed oils. These natural moisturizers help soften dry skin, reduce crustiness, and keep your dog’s nose healthy and hydrated.

Skin Care Matters

Because Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies have compact little bodies and sensitive skin, they’re more prone to skin issues like allergies, rashes, and even acne. Yes, dog acne is real!

Use a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo during bath time, and don’t over-bathe. Too many baths can strip their natural oils and actually make skin problems worse. Once every 3–4 weeks is usually enough.

Regular brushing (yes, even short-haired dogs need it!) helps remove loose fur and distributes oils across the skin. It also gives you a chance to check for any unusual bumps, rashes, or signs of irritation.

Brachy Breeds Need A Little Extra Love

Since they have unique faces and body types, brachycephalic dogs need more than just basic grooming. Their short noses and tight airways make them prone to overheating, so always groom in a cool area and never leave them wet for too long. Dry their wrinkles and paws thoroughly after baths or outdoor adventures. Bonus tip: wipe them with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to keep them clean in between baths.

And remember: regular grooming isn’t just about looking good—it’s about keeping your dog healthy. Clean folds, smooth noses, and well-maintained skin mean fewer vet visits and a happier pup overall.

The Bottom Line:

Dog grooming is more than a chore—it’s bonding time! Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies may need a little extra maintenance, but they give a lot more love in return.

With the right tools like Squishface Wrinkle Wipes, Wrinkle Paste, and Nose Balm, grooming your squishy sidekick is easy and even fun. Stay on top of skin issues, stop crusty and dry noses in their tracks, and give your wrinkly buddy the care they deserve. Your pup’s face might be squished, but your grooming routine doesn’t have to be!

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