Best Ways to Clean a Pug's Wrinkles

Those irresistible, wrinkly pug faces will get you every time. However, there are hidden threats behind those cute wrinkles that need attention. All kinds of crud of unknown origins hide in, under and in between those adorable wrinkles, including tears, hair, food, water, grass and dirt. These particles can become breeding grounds for yeast and bacteria. Gentle cleaning at least once a week, and in some cases daily, keeps wrinkles clean and healthy.

  1. Cleaning with a Washcloth

    • Get everything ready that you need before cleaning your pug's wrinkles. Set everything up by the sink for access to running water or have a container with some clean warm water. Hold up the skin by gently pulling it up toward the forehead or from the side of your pug's face. Be careful not to poke your Pug's eyes while you are cleaning the wrinkles. It is easiest to clean one side at a time. Having someone hold or pull up the wrinkles may help. Gently run a dampened washcloth around every wrinkle. The wrinkle right above the nose tends to accumulate the most crud. A small amount of petroleum jelly applied with your washcloth helps soften the debris and makes it easier to remove. Once no debris is visible on the washcloth, gently dry each fold individually with a clean dry cloth so that bacteria and yeast do not build up.

    Cleaning with Cotton Swabs

    • Depending on the size and depth of your Pug's folds, a cotton swab may work easier than a washcloth. Soaking a cotton swab with warm water or with a dab of petroleum jelly and gently sliding it under the wrinkles easily removes any debris caught under a fold. Once you remove the debris, gently wipe the fold once more to make sure the fold is clean. A regular routine cleaning will produce a small amount of dead hair and a little moisture. After gently cleaning the nose folds and removing all nasty buildup, dry with a clean, dry cotton swab. When the skin under the folds stays damp, bacteria and yeast can accumulate and cause additional problems.

    Cleaning with Baby Wipes

    • Anti-bacterial baby wipes fight bacteria build-up as well as performing an excellent job of cleaning. When an accumulation of debris collects in the nasal folds, a very unpleasant odor develops from the moisture and crud hiding within those wrinkles. Because the baby wipes are thinner than a washcloth, it is easier to get under the folds. Use the same method as in cleaning with a washcloth and use a dry baby wipe for drying around and under the folds.

    Additional Cleaning Tips

    • If you ever notice a thick, yellowish discharge with a foul odor, excessive amounts of black debris or moisture in the folds, consult your veterinarian. These could be signs of an infection that needs immediate attention.