How to Prevent Vulvar Fold Dermatitis in Wrinkly Dogs

Dogs with wrinkles are more prone to developing vulvar fold dermatitis, a condition that results in inflammation and skin lesions in the folds of the dog's vulva. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent your dog from getting this condition. In this blog post, we'll discuss what vulvar fold dermatitis is, how it's caused, and how you can help protect your dog from it. So if your furry friend is wrinkly, keep reading!

What is Vulvar Fold Dermatitis?

Vulvar fold dermatitis is a condition that results in inflammation and skin lesions in the folds of the dog's vulva. The most common symptom of this condition is itching, which can lead to discomfort and even pain for your dog. Vulvar fold dermatitis is caused by a combination of moisture, friction, and irritation from urine and feces. This can cause the skin in the vulva to become red, inflamed, and irritated. If left untreated, vulvar fold dermatitis can lead to secondary infections like pyoderma (a bacterial skin infection).

What Are the Symptoms of Vulvar Fold Dermatitis?

There are several things you can look for to determine if you wrinkly dog has vulvar fold dermatitis.  Redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function are some of the most frequent symptoms of vulvar fold dermatitis. If an infection has already developed, you may see a yellow or white discharge or pus accumulating on the skin. If your dog does develop vulvar fold dermatitis, it's important to seek treatment from a veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Vulvar Fold Dermatitis

There are several things you can do to help prevent your dog from developing vulvar fold dermatitis. First, keep your dog's wrinkles clean and dry. You can do this by cleaning their wrinkles with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes regularly. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are unique because they have phytosphingosine in them. Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide with anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier that are critical in helping keep the skin healthy.

After cleaning the skin folds carefully with Wrinkle Wipes, follow with Squishface Wrinkle Paste to protect the skin from moisture. Wrinkle Paste forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface which keeps moisture, yeast, fungus and other bacteria away. 

In addition to using Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste, you can also help prevent vulvar fold dermatitis by feeding your dog a healthy diet. A diet rich in omega-fatty acids can help keep the skin healthy.  Omega-fatty acids can be found in fish oil supplements, salmon, and other cold water fish. Also, make sure your dog gets enough vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to the skin.

The Bottom Line

Dogs with wrinkles such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Bassets Hounds and Shar-Peis are more susceptible to developing vulvar fold dermatitis. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent your dog from getting this condition. Feed your dog a healthy diet, and keep your dog's wrinkles clean, dry and protected using, Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste. If you think your dog may have vulvar fold dermatitis, please consult your veterinarian.