Keeping Your Wrinkly Dog Safe in the Summer

Summer is a great time to get outside and have fun with your dog, but if your pup has adorable rolls and wrinkles, like a Bulldog, Pug, or Shar Pei, hot weather can bring extra risks. Wrinkly dogs need special dog care during the summer to stay cool, clean, and comfortable. Their skin folds can trap heat, moisture, and dirt, making them more prone to overheating, skin infections, and other health problems.

Here are some easy and important ways to keep your wrinkly dog safe during the summer months.

☀️ Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Wrinkly dogs often have short snouts, which makes it harder for them to breathe and cool themselves down. They can overheat quickly, even on days that don’t seem too hot to us.

Make sure your dog stays inside during the hottest parts of the day, usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is lower. If your dog must be outside, provide a shady area and never leave them in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

💧 Provide Fresh Water at All Times

Dogs need to stay hydrated, especially in warm weather. Since they can’t sweat like humans, they rely on panting and water to keep cool.

Always keep a bowl of clean, fresh water available. On walks, bring a portable water bottle and bowl so your pup can take water breaks. Adding a few ice cubes to their water can also help them cool down and make drinking more fun.

🐾 Protect Their Paws

Hot pavement and sand can burn your dog’s paw pads. A good rule is to place your hand on the surface for a few seconds—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Try to walk your dog on grass or shaded sidewalks. You can also use dog booties to protect their paws. After walks, check their feet for any redness or cracking, and keep paw pads moisturized with the help of Squishface Wrinkle Paste to prevent damage from heat and dryness.

🦟 Protect Them from Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks love warm weather, and wrinkly dogs give them plenty of hiding spots. The folds of their skin can trap pests and make them harder to spot.

Use a flea and tick preventative, and check your dog after spending time in grassy or wooded areas. Keeping their skin folds clean is one of the best ways to prevent infestations and irritation.

🧼 Keep Them Clean from Head to Tail

Wrinkly dogs need regular cleaning to stay healthy, especially during the summer when sweat, dirt, and bacteria can build up in their skin folds.

Use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes daily to gently clean between your dog’s wrinkles, tear stains, tail pockets, and paws. This handy dog-safe wipes help remove debris, moisture, and bacteria.

Key ingredients:

• Ketoconazole – Fights fungus and yeast that can grow in warm, damp skin folds.

• Chlorhexidine – A strong antibacterial that helps prevent skin infections.

• Phytosphingosine – Supports healthy skin and helps control inflammation and redness.

Daily use helps prevent odor, itching, and irritation.

🦮 Leash Your Dog for Safety

With all the outdoor excitement, it's important to keep your dog on a leash. Summertime can bring more distractions, like loud noises, other animals, or new smells, which can tempt your dog to run off.

A leash keeps your dog safe from traffic, sharp objects, and overheating. It also helps you control the pace and avoid long walks that could tire your dog out in the heat.

🐕 Limit Exercise in the Heat

While it's great to keep your dog active, too much exercise during hot weather can be dangerous.

Watch for signs of overheating like heavy panting, drooling, red gums, tiredness, or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your dog inside right away, offer water, and take action if needed. Short play sessions in the shade are much safer than long runs in the sun.

🌞 Protect Them from the Sun

Yes, dogs can get sunburn, especially on sensitive spots like the nose, ears, and belly.

Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas, especially if your dog has light or thin fur. Don’t shave their coat—it actually helps protect their skin from sunburn. If you're outside for a while, make sure your pup has access to shade.

🐽 Care for Dry Noses and Hyperkeratosis

Wrinkly breeds are more likely to suffer from hyperkeratosis, a condition where thick, dry skin builds up on the nose or paw pads. This can be painful and cause cracks or crusting.

Use Squishface Nose Balm to soothe and heal dry skin with safe, moisturizing ingredients.

Key ingredients:

• Shea Butter – Deeply hydrates and protects the skin with natural vitamins and fatty acids.

• Berry Seed Oils – Rich in antioxidants that help repair skin and keep it soft and smooth.

Apply a small amount daily to the nose or paws to prevent discomfort and keep your pup feeling their best.

The Bottom Line:

With a little extra dog care and attention, your wrinkly dog can enjoy summer just as much as you do. Keeping them cool, clean, and protected helps prevent common seasonal issues and keeps that tail wagging all summer long. Grab some Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Nose Balm, a bowl of cold water, and your leash—adventure awaits!