How to Tell if Your Wrinkly Dog is Uncomfortable

It is easy to tell when a person is in pain. They can tell us that they are not feeling well. People can also take steps to handle their own pain by taking pain medication, taking a nap, using cold or hot compresses, and so on.

Dogs, on the other hand, cannot tell us when they are uncomfortable. We have to watch for the signs and symptoms of discomfort and do something for them. Below are the most common signs that your wrinkly dog is not comfortable and the actions you can take to soothe their discomfort.

Excessive licking or scratching:

If your dog is licking or scratching excessively, it could be a sign that they are itchy and uncomfortable. Wrinkles and skin folds can trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which can lead to irritation and itchiness. Brachycephalic breeds are more prone to allergies and skin irritations than other breeds, so if your wrinkly dog is grooming itself excessively, it may be a big sign that something isn't quite right.

Constantly Moving:

If your dog can't seem to get comfortable and is constantly moving around, it could be a sign of pain or discomfort. This is especially true if your dog is trying to adjust its position frequently or if it's whimpering while doing so.

Being more vocal than usual:

Dogs communicate through their body language and vocalizations. If your dog is whimpering, crying, or barking more than usual, or if it suddenly begins snarling, growling, or howling, it may be experiencing pain or discomfort.

Decreased appetite:

Dogs that are in pain often have a decreased appetite. If your dog is not eating as much as usual or is suddenly picky about its food, it is time to figure out what is going on.

Panting Excessively:

Panting is a normal dog behavior, especially for our Brachycephalic friends, but if your dog is panting excessively even if they haven't been active, or if its breathing seems shallow, it could be a sign that something isn't right.

Suddenly Aggressive:

Dogs that are in pain may act out aggressively. If your dog is suddenly growling, biting, or snapping more than usual, it may be trying to tell you that it is in pain and needs help.

How to Handle the Discomfort:

If you suspect that your dog is in pain or if the cause of their discomfort is not immediately clear, it is a good idea to make an appointment with the veterinarian. If their discomfort is due to dry or irritated skin folds or wrinkles, use a Squishface Wrinkle Wipe to clean away dirt and grime in wrinkle folds, around tear stains, tail pockets, and between toes. Follow with Squishface Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier on your dog’s nose rope, wrinkles, skin folds, toes, or tail pockets. The Squishface products are made with only absolutely essential ingredients. We know the allergy-prone nature of many dogs, so we excluded many common allergens such as lavender, aloe, lanolin, and fragrance found in other products.

The Bottom Line:

Dogs can't tell us when they are in pain or discomfort, so it is up to us to watch for the signs and take steps to help them. If you think your dog may be in pain, make an appointment with the vet to get to the bottom of the problem, and use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste to soothe your dog's dry, irritated skin.

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