Wrinkle Care for Puppies: Starting a Grooming Routine Early

Bringing home a wrinkly-faced puppy like a Bulldog, Pug, Shar-Pei, or Frenchie? Get ready for snuggles, silliness—and lots of skin folds to clean! Wrinkly dog breeds are adorable, but those cute creases need special dog care. Starting a daily grooming routine early is one of the best things you can do for your pup’s health and happiness.

In this blog, we'll dive into why early grooming matters, how to train your pup to enjoy it, and which products (like those from Squishface) make wrinkle care easier and more effective. If you're looking for top dog care tips that keep your pup clean, comfortable, and infection-free, you're in the right place!

Picture of a french bulldog wrapped in a blanket after bath time

Why Wrinkle Care Matters

Puppies with folds and rolls are more likely to develop skin infections, allergies, and irritation. Why? Wrinkles trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria. Without daily cleaning, these areas can quickly become breeding grounds for yeast, fungus, and odor-causing bacteria.

Plus, wrinkly dogs are more prone to skin conditions like hyperkeratosis—a thickening of the skin, often seen on the nose and paws. That’s why it’s essential to include wrinkle care, nose balm, and tail pocket cleaning as a regular part of your puppy’s daily grooming.

Start a Grooming Routine Early

The earlier you introduce your puppy to grooming, the better. Puppies learn fast, and by making grooming a fun and positive part of their day, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of stress-free care.

Tips to Train Your Puppy for Grooming:

  • Start small: Begin with short sessions—just a few minutes at first.

  • Use treats and praise: Reward your pup for staying calm while you gently handle their face, paws, and tail.

  • Make it routine: Choose a consistent time each day. Many owners clean their dog's wrinkles right after morning walks or before bedtime.

  • Touch everywhere: Get your pup used to being touched on their face, paws, tail, and ears. This helps later during vet visits or full grooming sessions.

  • Use soothing products: Choose gentle, dog-safe wipes and balms to make the experience pleasant—not irritating.

These habits will build trust and make daily grooming a breeze.

Best Products for Wrinkly Puppies

When it comes to dog care tips for wrinkly breeds, the right products are everything. That’s where Squishface comes in.

🧼 Squishface Wrinkle Wipes

These soft, durable wipes are perfect for cleaning between skin folds, around the mouth, between the paws, and under the tail. They help remove dirt, moisture, and buildup that can lead to bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections. Great for daily use and especially handy for cleaning hard-to-reach places like tail pockets.

🧴 Squishface Wrinkle Paste

After cleaning, apply this gentle paste to your pup's clean skin folds. It creates a water-repellent barrier that protects the skin and keeps moisture out—reducing the risk of infections. Wrinkle Paste is especially helpful for dogs prone to red, irritated folds. This magical paste contains soothing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

🐾 Squishface Nose Balm

Did you know wrinkly dogs often suffer from hyperkeratosis on their noses? This condition causes rough, crusty buildup and can be painful. Squishface Nose Balm softens the skin, locks in moisture, and promotes healing. Use it regularly to keep your pup’s nose kissably soft.

squishface nose balm application gif

Make Grooming a Bonding Experience

Think of grooming time as one-on-one time with your best buddy. Talk to your puppy in a happy voice, give belly rubs between wipes, and use their favorite toy or treat to reward good behavior.

Daily grooming is more than just hygiene—it’s part of responsible pet parenting and a way to show love. By starting young, your puppy learns that cleaning isn’t scary. It becomes a normal (even fun!) part of life.

The Bottom Line:

Wrinkly puppies are full of personality—and extra skin! To keep your pup healthy and smelling fresh, daily grooming is a must. With the right tools, like Squishface Wrinkle Wipes, Wrinkle Paste, and Nose Balm, caring for dog skin folds, tails, paws, and noses becomes simple and effective.

Remember: Clean wrinkles are happy wrinkles. By starting early, you'll avoid skin and health problems, and raise a dog who loves their grooming time.

For more dog care tips and product recommendations, explore Squishface and give your wrinkly friend the love and care they deserve! 🐶🛁

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