How to Care for Your Dog's Tail Pocket
How To Care For Your Dog's Tail Pocket
Wondering how to take care of your dog’s tail pocket? A lot of people don’t realize their dog even has one until it becomes infected. Common for wrinkly dogs, a tail pocket is a gathering of excess skin that creates a small “pocket” directly under a dogs tail (similar in structure to a human belly button). Sometimes this pocket can collect debris, hair & even fecal matter throughout the day, and if not cleaned regularly can become irritated or even infected.
If left alone, an irritated tail pocket can cause your dog to excessively scratch and bite their tail area. It can also cause swelling, dryness, infection, and more. It’s very important to clean the tail pocket to prevent bacteria growth, and you should also make sure you’re drying the area well after each cleaning.
What Kind of Dogs Have a Tail Pocket?
Wrinkly dogs are typically the ones that have a tail pocket, such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. You probably love the adorable wrinkles on your pup and the way it makes them look so squishy and loveable. If you have a wrinkly dog, you should check to see if it has a tail pocket. It can be difficult to tell if a pocket is present while the dog is a puppy, so you may need to check regularly until the dog is full-grown. To find your dog’s tail pocket, use your finger covered with a Wrinkle Wipe to gently probe beneath your dog’s tail stub. If you find that the wipe is covered with hair and debris, you may have an irritated tail pocket.
How to Clean a Dog’s Tail Pocket
One great option is to use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes on a regular basis. Use the wipe to clean in and around the area until all dirt and grime are removed. Make sure you’re gentle when cleaning this area because a dog’s tail pocket can be irritated and sensitive. It’s likely your pup will wriggle around a bit while you’re cleaning the spot so just be careful.
After cleaning it well, make sure to dry the space. Moisture can easily be trapped in the pocket and cause infection, so you want to make sure it’s dry. If your dog has been experiencing an irritated, moist tail pocket then follow up with some Squishface Wrinkle Paste to the area as well. Squishface Wrinkle Paste forms a water-resistant barrier that will keep moisture, fungus & bacteria from gathering. Squishface Wrinkle Paste, in particular, is made with hypoallergenic plant-based ingredients so your dog's sensitive skin won’t be irritated.
How Often Should You Clean the Tail Pocket?
The frequency a tail pocket needs to be cleaned depends on your pup. A good indicator that you’re not cleaning it often enough is if a bad smell is coming from the tail area or if you notice your dog frequently scratching or scooting on the carpet.
To start, try cleaning it at least once a week. If there is a lot of buildup and dirt in the area during this weekly cleaning, then increase the frequency to two to three times a week. If an infection has already occurred, then it can be helpful to gently wipe out the pocket once a day until the irritation subsides.
Treating an Infection
If your pup is experiencing a mild infection or irritation there, the first thing you should do is clean the area with some Squishface Wrinkle Wipes then follow up with Wrinkle Paste. It can also be beneficial to trim the fur around the infected area. Fur can trap dirt and debris around the infection, so trimming the fur back will help the area heal.
Conclusion
It can be easy to miss a tail pocket, especially if you’ve never seen one before. Regularly checking the area can help you catch any problems early on. You don’t want to miss an infection or it could become a serious issue. Properly caring for your pup’s tail pocket is the best prevention method of avoiding irritation. As long as you keep a dog’s wrinkles clean, your furbaby will be happy and healthy.
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