How to Prevent and Help Infected Bulldog Tail Pockets
Tail pocket infections are a common bulldog skin infection. The most common way your bulldog can get this infection is by bacteria entering through their tail crease. If you have a bulldog with a corkscrew tail, they may be more prone to getting tail pocket infections. Puppies are more likely to get tail pocket infections than adult dogs, as they have a higher number of skin folds and their immune systems are not fully developed. The good news is there are several things you can do to treat and prevent these infections.
What Are Tail Pockets?
Tail pockets are small, hidden skin folds that bulldogs have located beneath the base of their tail—especially common in breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. These skin folds can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, making regular tail pocket cleaning essential to prevent infections, bad odors, and discomfort.
What Dog Breeds Have Tail Pockets?
In addition to English Bulldogs, many other short-tailed dog breeds such as Pugs and French bulldogs have tail pockets. The reason they have tail pockets is because they have short tails and a lot of skin folds, but they don't have enough skin on their tails to cover the entire bone. However, any breed of dog can get a tail pocket infection if bacteria enters through their tail crease.
What Should I Avoid?
There are some things you should avoid doing if your bulldog has a tail pocket infection. First, you should not try to pop the blister or pus-filled bumps. This can cause more irritation and make the infection worse.
Second, you should not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the area. These products can irritate the skin and make the infection worse.
Finally, you should not use over-the-counter corticosteroids to treat the infection. Corticosteroids can make the infection worse and cause other health problems. There are plenty of natural solutions on the market to help assist with soothing and preventing your dog's tail pocket from getting affected.
How To Prevent Tail Pocket Infections? Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Bulldog Tail Pocket
Bulldog tail pocket care is the most important way to prevent tail pocket infections. The best way to ensure your wrinkly dog doesn't experience a tail pocket infection is by keeping the area clean and dry. You should clean your bulldog’s tail pocket area with a non-irritant soap and water at least once a week. In between baths or on the go, try Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to keep the area around your doggo's tail pocket free of dirt and debris. Our wipes have phytosphingosine which is a skin lipid 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 area, be sure to dry the tail pocket completely. Moisture can easily be trapped in the pocket and cause bacteria to build up and form an infection. Follow up with Squishface Wrinkle Paste in the area. Wrinkle Paste forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface which keeps moisture, yeast, fungus, and other bacteria away.
Common Q&A's:
Can I use neosporin on my dog's tail pocket?
While Neosporin might seem like a quick fix for tail pocket infections, it's not the ideal solution for our furry friends. Instead, consider dog-friendly products like Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste. These specialized products are designed to effectively clean and protect sensitive areas like tail pockets without the risk of causing harm to your dog. Unlike Neosporin, which is not formulated for dog use and could potentially cause irritation, these dedicated pet products offer gentle yet effective care tailored specifically to your dog's needs.
How do I find a dog's tail pocket? How do I know if my dog has a tail pocket?
To locate your dog's tail pocket, gently lift the tail and examine the area where the tail meets the body. Look for a small crevice or fold of skin beneath the tail. You may need to separate the skin folds carefully to reveal the tail pocket, which can vary in size depending on the breed and individual dog. To learn more about dog tail pockets, read Squishface's informative article here.
Do all bulldogs have a tail pocket?
No, not all bulldogs have a tail pocket, but many do—especially English Bulldogs! As mentioned, a tail pocket is a hidden little wrinkle under the tail that can trap dirt and moisture, so it's important to check and clean it regularly. If you're wondering "Do all bulldogs have a tail pocket?"—the answer is no, but if your pup does, keeping it clean is key to avoiding infections!
How do I know if my dog's tail pocket is infected?
Look for signs of infection like redness, swelling, a bad smell, or discharge coming from the area under their tail—your pup might also be extra itchy or sensitive there. If your dog’s tail pocket looks angry or painful, it’s time to take action with the help of Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste!
The Bottom Line:
Tail pocket infections are a common skin infection among wrinkly dogs. However, there are several things you can do to treat and prevent these infections with the help of dog-safe Squishface products. If your pup has a tail pocket infection that has progressed and is causing your pup pain, it may be best to consult a vet so they can be treated with antibiotics.
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