If you’re parenting one of those fabulous Bulldogs with lots of wrinkles, then you’re probably searching for the best wrinkle cream. There’s nothing like that gentle Mastiff or Bulldog smile, but cleaning between the folds and moisturizing is key to keeping the folds healthy. Not only is it important to clean in between the folds, but sometimes moisturizing is necessary too.
In this review for the best wrinkle balm for dogs, we will look at some of the most popular products on the market. The takeaway with balm creams for dog wrinkles and folds is that deep skin folds need to be cleaned daily, or at least every other day, and with that comes dryness.
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. Cleaning should include gentle brushing and wiping with a damp cloth or cotton ball.
You may also want to invest in some medicated shampoo specifically designed for pets with wrinkles. Regularly using products containing natural oils will help keep the skin healthy and hydrated with wrinkle balms, as well as reduce inflammation.
Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your pup’s skin type. Here’s the takeaway with the best moisturizing products for dog’s wrinkles.
- Pros
- Clean and protects dog wrinkles
- Suitable for tear stains and tail pockets
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Eases and protects raw skin and itchiness
- Protects skin under the eyes exposed to constant moisture from tearing
- Keeps wrinkles dry, healthy, and stink-free
- Cons
- Zinc oxide, if ingested in large amounts, can cause vomiting and diarrhea
Squishface Wrinkle Paste is a tear stain remover and wrinkle cream for dogs that keeps tails wagging. The dog tear stain remover and face cream for dogs with soothing shea butter and avocado oil quickly remove dirt, grime, and stains from your dog’s skin. This product works well on English Bulldogs, French bulldogs, Pugs, and many other breeds!
The takeaway with Squishface wrinkle paste is that it’s antibacterial and antifungal. It also has a minimal ingredient list meaning the most sensitive and allergy-prone dog can enjoy this product.
This is a calming Bulldog tear stain remover and face cream for dogs with wrinkles crafted with soothing shea butter and avocado oil. This wrinkle paste for dogs is a best seller and has over 12,600 positive reviews. It does not leave any stickiness behind and can be used every day.
Features
- Affordable
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial
- Thick barrier cream
- Water repellent
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- 1-pack or 2-pack options
- Crafted with shea butter and avocado oil
- Limited ingredients
- Made in the US
- 2 oz. size
- Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and travel.
- Easy to use
- A hygienic way to apply dog wrinkle paste
- It helps to ease and protect raw skin and itchiness in your dog's tail pocket
- It helps creates a water-repellent barrier between skin folds to keep them dry.
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
This soft silicone applicator is perfect for applying wrinkle paste and dog tear stain remover to your bulldog’s wrinkles, eye tear stains, and tail pockets. The applicator is made from BPA-free, 100% super-soft silicone with no rough edges, making it safe and comfortable for your pup. The ergonomically-designed applicator is easy to use.
This product has no rough edges and allows you to apply dog wrinkle balm easily. However, you can feel good about cleaning those spaces between squishy dog wrinkles and tail pockets for a happier, healthier pup. This is a must-have for your home if you constantly use dog wrinkle balms and pastes and don’t want to get your hands dirty.
The company says that this dog wrinkle paste applicator is suitable for the following breeds: English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shar Peis, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bullmastiffs, Frenchies, Basset Hounds, Pomeranians, Shih-Tzu’s, Maltese, Poodles, Westies, Bichon Frises, Coton de Tulears, Bolognese, and more!
Features
- Best value product
- 4-inch, ergonomically-designed applicator
- Ergonomical
- Easy to use
- No more dirty hands
- BPA-free, 100%
- Super soft silicone
- No rough edges
- Pros
- Soothes and nourishes itchy skin
- Affordable
- All-natural ingredients
- Safe for all breeds and life stages
- 100% natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Cons
- Some may prefer the twist-stick option.
This topical balm is made with all-natural and organic ingredients like almond oil, cocoa butter, chamomile, and lavender. It also has vitamin C and vitamin E to help speed up the healing process. This is easy to apply to your pet’s affected area to promote faster healing.
Natural Dog Company wrinkle cream is also an easy-to-apply dog cream. All you need to do is take an ample amount of the product from the tin and gently rub it into the affected area 1-3 times daily. This wrinkle soother cream comes in 3 sizes and is one of the best dog moisturizers for dry, flaky, and itchy skin, hot spots, and allergies. This product has over 15,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Three size options: 1, 2, and 4 oz. tins
- Includes vitamin C and E
- Vegan
- Antifungal and anti-inflammatory
- Crafted with almond oil, cocoa butter, chamomile, and lavender.
- It helps with wounds and skin irritations
- Over 15,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- It protects against infections and kills any existing bacteria.
- Helps with skin fold dermatitis
- Suitable for redness, chafing, and inflammation
- Works well on skin folds and wrinkles
- Soothes and hydrates
- Veterinarian approved
- Made in the US
- Cons
- Some may prefer the tub option that you can slather on
This is the twist stick option that’s easy to take with you. This organic, vegan, and all-natural balm is made with beneficial ingredients for your canine’s skin health, including avocado oil, rosemary extract, olive leaf extract, and vitamin E.
We like this dog wrinkle cream because it’s an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory balm made to treat common wrinkly dog concerns like skinfold dermatitis, yeast, and bacterial infections, sores, canine acne, and scabbing.
The dog wrinkle balm is easy to apply and can treat common wrinkle dog concerns like skinfold dermatitis, yeast, bacterial infections, sores, canine acne, scabbing, and more.
Features
- Organic, vegan and all-natural
- Affordable
- Safe if ingested
- Crafted with avocado oil, rosemary extract, olive leaf extract, and Vitamin E.
- Includes jojoba oil and shea butter
- Twist stick options
- An extensive array of pet products to choose from
- Non-toxic and artificial fragrance-free.
- Pros
- Treats skin irritations, hot spots, and skin itch
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Features a suction cup for easy, sanitary storage.
- Multiple size options
- Nice product line
- Treats, soothe, and heals skin issues on wrinkle folds
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
Two Pets and a Half Bulldog wrinkle paste has numerous size options and also a bundle kit of 3 skin creams at $28.41. This wrinkle dog cream helps to heal wounds and soothe skin irritations. We like this option for wrinkle fold issues because of the ingredients, which include jojoba seed oil, candelilla, shea butter, and coconut oil.
These include Manuka honey which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for healing various skin conditions in dogs with skin folds. The takeaway with this wrinkle balm for dogs is that Manuka honey removes dead skin cells, prevents infection, and protects wounds. This is a favorite of ours because it’s cruelty-free and non-GMO. It’s also made in the US.
Features
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Safe to lick off
- Includes Manuka honey, that’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- All-natural ingredients
- Pros
- Affordable
- No alcohol or iodine
- Suitable for scratches, cuts, and skin irritations
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic use
- Suitable for daily skincare
- Moisturizes protects and preserves skin health
- Over 8,900 positive reviews
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
Forticept is an effective pyoderma wound treatment gel with over 8,900 positive reviews. The takeaway with this wrinkle gel is that it’s a non-toxic pH-balanced formula that is safe for the entire family.
We like this product because it’s effective for all skin issues, effectively disinfects wounds, and creates an optimal environment for ultimate healing. Ingredients include the following: thyme oil, chamomile extract, yarrow extract, shea butter, and allantoin.
It’s also a safer alternative to antibiotics and steroids for proper wound management. This product is veterinarian recommended and has no alcohol, iodine, or any other ingredients that would cause burning, stinging, or irritation during application.
Features
- Helps to prevent and control infection
- Combats gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria
- Antimicrobial gel
- Gently disinfects wounds
- Non-toxic pH-balanced formula
- Safe enough to use around sensitive areas like ears, nose, and mouth.
- Pros
- Soothes treats and protects Bulldog wrinkles
- Paw, wrinkle, and snout balm
- Easy to use
- Keeps wrinkles, pouts, and snouts clean and healthy
- Suitable for all dog breeds
- Non-toxic
- Soothes and protects paws and noses too
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
The Original Bulldog Balm is a lick-safe, organic, natural blend of super healing, lick-safe, edible ingredients. This product has multiple uses: nose, paw, and wrinkle health. The Original Bulldog Balm has been proven to work wonderfully on wrinkles, paws, snouts, and all wrinkle folds.
It works well on dry and cracked noses, hyperkeratosis, windburn prevention, and sunscreen protection. The Original Bulldog balm is effective in helping dogs with facial, and body wrinkles keep clean and fresh, with no more bad odors. This balm stick for dog wrinkles is suitable for brachycephalic breeds, especially British Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Shar-Pei, and Pugs.
Features
- Best value product
- Organic
- Lick safe
- Crafted with beeswax, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil
- Made in the US
How to look after wrinkly dog skin?
PetMD explains that deep skin folds be cleaned daily, or at least every other day. But with that comes the issue of skin dryness. “If the skin in the folds becomes overly dry, it can lead to micro-cracks in the skin inside the folds. This allows fungus and bacteria to get a foothold.”
PetMD adds that you can use plant extract minerals mixed into a few drops of nourishing oil such as emu, avocado, or argan and wipe them into the folds with a cotton ball. “Minerals are the building blocks of skin and are an important part of the immune system.”
Nourish with a healthy diet
Your dog’s diet can also affect the health of their skin and folds. If you notice that they aren’t looking well, talk to your vet about supplementing with fish oils or vitamin-mineral supplements designed for pets with healthy coats/ skins!
The best option is probably Zesty Paws Wild Omega 3 Fish Oil since it’s high in omega three fatty acids. Omega -3 supplements for dogs is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory and are suitable for the skin overall.
What causes skin problems?
The folds and wrinkles in your dog’s skin trap dirt, dust, saliva, and debris, which can irritate sensitive skin. Bacterial and fungal infections can also be caused by excessive moisture in the skin folds.
If these conditions are left untreated, they can result in redness, itchiness, dryness, or hair loss. So it’s essential to keep your pup’s wrinkles clean and moisturized to prevent any skin problems from developing.
Breeds most prone to skin issues
The distinctive wrinkles and folds that each breed has that help to define the breed may also predispose them to skin irritations and infections. It is essential to understand that dogs of any breed that develop wrinkles or folds due to weight gain are also more likely to experience skin problems. Breeds with wrinkles that can be prone to skin issues include the following:
- Pugs
- Neapolitan Mastiffs
- Bullmastiffs
- Bloodhound
- Cane Corsos
- Bloodhounds
- Great Danes
- English Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- Pekinese
- Chinese Shar-Peis
- Japanese Chin Dogs
Pyoderma in breeds with wrinkles and folds
Pyoderma means pus in the skin and may result from an infection, inflammation, or cancer. Many cases of pyoderma come from bacterial infections.
Lip folds, warm skin, facial folds, and neck folds in dog breeds tend to have a higher bacterial count than other areas of the body and an increased risk of infection. Areas like elbows are also prone to issues because of the constant pressure.
Although most of these are superficial and secondary to many other conditions like parasites and allergies, they can occur in healthy dogs and get better with antibiotics. Pyoderma has many symptoms like the following:
- Excessive itching
- Welts around hairs
- Scaling and crusting
- Redness, welts, and pus
- Pain
- Sores
- Blistering
- Crusts or scales on the skin
- Hair loss with bald patches
- Funky odor
There can also be redness, ulceration, scabbing and blisters in the following areas:
- Bridge of muzzle
- Elbows
- Chin
- Hocks
- Spaces between the toes
- Any area with wrinkles
FAQ’s Best Wrinkle Balm for Dogs
What can I put on my dog’s sore wrinkles?
The best way to treat your dog’s sore wrinkles is to keep them clean and dry. Clean the area gently with a warm, damp cloth or wipes and pat it dry before applying an ointment or cream designed for canine skin care.
PetMD explains that chlorohexidine is an antiseptic used to gently clean your dog’s wrinkles and prevent infection. You can use hypoallergenic, unscented baby wipes or veterinary wipes containing chlorhexidine. After that, use a dog wrinkle balm-check out our top picks!
You can also apply a thin layer of coconut oil, which helps soothe inflammation and will provide a natural barrier to prevent further irritation. It’s also important to keep an eye on the wrinkles and check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, which may require a medication from your vet.
How do I keep my dog’s wrinkles dry?
Keeping your dog’s wrinkles dry is very important for their health and comfort. Start by gently cleaning the skin folds with a warm, damp cloth or wipes. Then pat it dry with a towel to help draw out any moisture trapped in the area. You can use hypoallergenic, unscented pet wipes or veterinary wipes containing chlorhexidine.
If your dog’s wrinkles remain wet after cleaning, consider purchasing a specialized product, such as a pet-safe wrinkle balm. Finally, check the wrinkles regularly for any signs of infection and consult your vet if necessary.
Does wrinkle balm work?
Yes, wrinkle balm can be an effective way to keep your dog’s wrinkles dry and clean. It typically contains a combination of natural ingredients, such as coconut oil and shea butter, which help soothe inflammation, moisturizes the skin, and prevent further irritation. The balm also helps create a barrier between the folds of the skin and any outside elements that could cause further irritation.
It is also essential to regularly clean and dry the area between treatments. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your veterinarian for proper care and treatment.
How do I apply dog wrinkle balm?
Frenchies Love Wrinkle Cream
Video Credit: Natural Dog Company
Final thoughts
Gentle, all-natural conditioning shampoos that are hypoallergenic, like the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 hydrating organic shampoo, are made to be extra mild so that they won’t irritate the skin.
This shampoo is an excellent choice for pups with sensitive skin and dirty or sore wrinkle folds because it won’t strip away their natural oils but will help maintain the skin barrier and keep your pup’s coat and wrinkles healthy. Additionally, these shampoos are free from fragrances that can be irritating to some dogs, so they are a good choice for dogs with sensitive wrinkle folds.
You can also try dipping a damp kitchen sponge into warm rooibos tea and then using the sponge to wash your pet all over. The sponge will distribute the rooibos tea evenly and is perfect for cleaning in and around wrinkles and soothing irritated skin.
When combined with wrinkle balms, gentle shampoos and rooibos tea can be beneficial in preventing the moisture in between the skin folds from turning into bacteria breeding grounds.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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