How To Take Care of a Bulldog Tail Pocket

What is a bulldog tail pocket in the first place? A tail pocket is a small indentation or dimple located beneath or on top of a dog’s tail. The tail pocket can collect dirt and dust throughout the day, and if not cleaned regularly can become irritated and inflamed. Many pet owners don’t even realize their dog has a tail pocket until it becomes irritated or infected. 

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. 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 general discomfort and pain for your pup. 

What Type of Dogs Have Tail Pockets?

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. Those same wrinkles, however, require extra care and attention so your dog doesn't develop any skin problems, including properly taking care of your dog's tail pocket.  While tail pockets are most commonly found on wrinkly dogs, not all wrinkly dogs have a tail pocket.

How to Tell Your Dog Has a Tail Pocket

Particularly if you have an English bulldog, French bulldog, or Pug, you should check to see if your dog has a tail pocket. It can be difficult to tell if a tail 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 to gently probe beneath and around your dog’s tail stub. If you find an indentation that has collected hair and dirt, you’ve located the tail pocket.   

How to Easily Clean a Bulldog Tail Pocket

Any time you give your dog a bath you should make sure to thoroughly clean out the tail pocket. Be sure to remove any dirt and debris that has made its way into the space. 

Another great and convenient option is to use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes on a regular basis. Use the wipe to clean in and around the tail pocket until all dirt and grime are removed. Make sure you clean the area carefully because a dog’s tail pocket is sensitive. It’s likely your pup will wriggle around a bit while you’re cleaning the spot, so just be patient and gentle. 

After you’ve cleaned the tail pocket well, make sure to dry the area thoroughly. Moisture can easily be trapped in the pocket and can lead to an infection, so you want to make sure the area is fully dry. If your furbaby has been experiencing an irritated, moist tail pocket then apply some Squishface Wrinkle Paste to the spot. Our specially formulated wrinkle paste forms a water-resistant barrier that will keep moisture and fungus from gathering in the indentation. Squishface Wrinkle Paste is made with hypoallergenic plant-based ingredients so your dog's delicate skin won’t be irritated by the cream. 

How Often Should You Clean a Bulldog Tail Pocket?

The frequency a tail pocket needs to be cleaned depends on your pup. A good indicator that you need to clean your dog's tail pocket more often is if a bad smell is coming from the tail area or if you notice your dog frequently scratching or biting at its tail. 

To start, try cleaning the tail pocket 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. 

How to Address a Mildly Infected Tail Pocket

If your pup is experiencing a mild infection or irritation around the tail pocket, the first thing you should do is clean the space with some wrinkle wipes followed by applying wrinkle paste. It’s also beneficial to trim the fur around the infected area. Fur invites bacteria and traps more dirt around the infection, so trimming the fur back will help prevent dirt from collecting near the tail pocket.

The Bottom Line

It can be easy to miss a tail pocket, especially if you’ve never seen one before. Regularly checking and cleaning the area can help prevent problems from forming.  The last thing anyone wants is for their beloved pet to develop a tail pocket infection that could lead to a serious issue. 

Properly caring for your dog’s tail pocket is the best prevention method of avoiding any irritation or risk of infection. Luckily, Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Squishface Wrinkle Paste are perfectly formulated to address tail pockets as well as all of your wrinkly dog's skin folds and wrinkles, so order some for your pup today!

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