Wrinkle Care for an English Bulldog

One of the most identifiable physical traits of an English bulldog is its wrinkles. These dogs have deep wrinkles on their faces and often on the rest of their bodies as well. While these wrinkles are cute, they require grooming. Dirt, debris and oils can build up in the wrinkles and cause painful infections if they are not properly cleaned.

  1. Grooming Materials

    • You don't need a lot of special materials to properly clean your bulldog's wrinkles. A clean, damp cloth and a clean dry cloth are often sufficient. You can also use baby wipes to clean the wrinkles. Keep some soothing ointment meant for use on a dog's skin on hand in case the wrinkles get irritated.

    Cleaning Frequency

    • Clean your bulldog's wrinkles as often as it is needed. Check the wrinkles frequently for dirt and debris. If your dog is active outside, it will likely need to be cleaned more often. Younger dogs tend to have fewer wrinkles and can likely do fine with one or two cleanings per week. Older dogs often have more wrinkles and may need the cleaning process every day.

    Cleaning Process

    • Use your fingers to pull back the fold of the wrinkle to expose the skin beneath it. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt, debris or oily buildup. You can also clean the area with a baby wipe or with a cotton ball dipped in sterile eye solution. Use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly dry the area. Make sure that it is completely dry. Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch in the wrinkle to keep the area dry.

    Reasons

    • Cleaning your bulldog's wrinkles is not only important for its general cleanliness. Failing to clean the wrinkles can result in yeast growing within them. When yeast grows, the wrinkle will become irritated and infected. This will be painful for your dog and can be difficult to get rid of. Yeast infections in the bulldog's wrinkles also smell bad.