How Do You Treat Bulldog Face Folds?
Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs are all breeds of dogs that have wrinkly skin on their face. These wrinkles are caused by the folds of skin that overlap each other. While some people think that these folds make these dogs look cute, they can actually cause a lot of health problems if they are not properly cared for.
The most common health problem that is associated with bulldog face folds is something called brachiocephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).This is a condition that affects the way that these dogs breathe. When the folds of skin on their face are not cleaned properly, they can become infected. This can lead to inflammation and swelling of the airway, which makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. If left untreated, BOAS can be fatal.
Symptoms of BOAS
The most common symptom of BOAS is snoring. This is because the airway is partially blocked, and the dog has to work harder to breathe. Other symptoms include:
• Panting
• Gagging
• Coughing
• Difficulty exercising
• Excessive drooling
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet right away. BOAS is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated.
Preventing Face Fold Skin Issues
The best way to prevent BOAS as well as skin infections is to keep the face folds clean and free of infection. Bacteria can easily get trapped in the folds and cause an infection. Wrinkle Wipes are the first step to cleaning and protecting your dog’s face folds as they are perfect for those hard-to-clean places. Since there’s no harsh chemicals, you don’t need to worry about stinging or irritation. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies so that no bacteria is left behind. After cleaning the area with Wrinkle Wipes, apply Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier on your dog’s nose rope, wrinkles and skin folds.
When bathing your pup, you should use a mild soap to thoroughly clean the folds. Just be sure to rinse it off completely so that your dog doesn’t end up ingesting any soap when they lick their face. In addition to keeping the face folds clean, you also need to make sure that they are dry. If they are left damp, this can also lead to an infection. You can use a blow dryer on a low setting to help dry them off after you have cleaned them. Just be sure not to hold the blow dryer too close to your dog’s skin as this could cause irritation. Apply Wrinkle Paste after bathing your pup to help form a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface to keep moisture, yeast, fungus and other bacteria at bay.
If you notice that your dog’s face folds are red or inflamed, this is a sign of an infection. Your Vet may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a special cleanser for you to use.
While face folds can be a bit of a hassle to take care of, it is important to do so in order to keep your dog healthy. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your dog’s face folds stay clean and free of infection.
The Bottom Line
Bulldog face folds may look cute, but they can cause a lot of health problems if they are not properly cared for. The most common problem is BOAS, which can be fatal if not treated. Keeping the face folds clean is the best way to prevent BOAS and other health problems. Introducing a hygiene routine that includes Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Squishface Wrinkle Paste is a great way to keep your dog's face folds clean, healthy and smelling fresh!
Check out this before and after face fold cleaning routine with Squishface!
Click here for more before and after pictures and here for tips on how to apply Wrinkle Paste on your doggo.
Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and visit our blog weekly for more tips on caring for your wrinkly doggo, and the latest on all things Squishface!