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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles

Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

Your furry friend's wrinkles give him or her a very distinctive appearance, but the very characteristic that helps define his or her breed can also cause skin irritation and infections. In many cases, preventing problems is a simple as cleaning skin folds every day.

What Causes Skin Problems?

The folds and wrinkles in your dog's skin trap dirt, dust, saliva and debris, which can irritate sensitive skin. Because skin folds are often moist, they provide the perfect environment for the development of pyoderma, a bacterial infection. If your pet has pyoderma, you may notice several symptoms, including:

  • Frequent scratching
  • Red, bumpy skin
  • Oozing sores
  • Pustules (Round, red blisters filled with pus.)
  • Crusts or scales on the skin
  • Hair loss
  • Unpleasant odor

What Dogs Are at Risk?

Any breed that has wrinkles, such as English bulldogs, Pekingese, Shar Pei, pugs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, bloodhounds and bullmastiffs, have a greater risk of developing pyoderma. Dogs of any breed that develop wrinkles or folds as a result of a weight gain are also more likely to experience skin problems.

How Can I Prevent Irritation and Infections?

Within a few days of a bath, dirt and debris begins to build up in your pet's skin folds. Without regular cleaning, your dog can soon develop an irritation or infection. Daily cleaning is the simplest way to prevent uncomfortable or painful irritations and infections.

In some cases, you may want to clean your pet's folds and wrinkles more than once a day. For example, if food often gets trapped in the folds of your dog's face after meals, it may make sense to quickly clean the facial folds after every meal.

Follow these steps to clean folds and wrinkles:

  • Assemble the items you'll need for cleaning. Whether you use washcloths or cotton balls, or baby or canine wipes, you'll need soft, clean, moistened materials that won't irritate your pet's skin. There's no need to apply shampoo to the washcloth or cotton ball. As long as it's damp, it will pick up dirt easily. You'll also need a separate cloth to dry the folds.
  • Lift every fold and gently swab away dirt and debris. Pay special attention to wrinkles around the ears and eyes. Infections in these areas can be particularly uncomfortable. If you use a washcloth, be sure to rinse it frequently to avoid adding debris to a fold, rather than removing it.
  • Use your cloth to pat the fold dry. Failing to dry each fold may actually increase your dog's risk of a bacterial or fungal infection. Although using a hair dryer may offer a faster way to dry your pet, the hot, dry air can dry and irritate the skin. Before you use a dryer, even on a cool setting, check with your pet's veterinarian.
  • Bathe your dog on a regular basis, making sure that each fold is examined and thoroughly cleaned. Use gentle shampoos that won't dry your furry friend's skin.

What If My Dog Develops an Irritation or Infection Despite Daily Cleaning?

A visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if your poor pet can't stop scratching or develops oozing sores or any other signs of an infection. If your dog does develop an infection, topical steroids may help reduce the itching or inflammation, while oral or topical antibiotics or fungicides will kill the bacteria or fungus responsible for the infection. Your pet's vet can also offer recommendations for bathing schedules and products that will help your dog avoid further infections or irritations.

We can help your pet avoid uncomfortable skin issues with skincare suggestions and effective treatments. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.

Sources:

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Wrinkly Pet Tips

https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/blog/2016/july/07/wrinkly-dog-care-tips/

PetMD: Bacterial Infection (Pyoderma) of the Skin in Dogs

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_multi_pyoderma?page=show

Pet Health Network: Skin Fold Pyodermas: Those Cute Skin Folds Can Be Dangerous, 1/5/15

https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/skin-fold-pyodermas-those-cute-skin-folds-can-be-dangerous

  • We Help Your Pet With
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7:30 pm

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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