Short answer: deep skin folds should be cleaned every day with a wrinkle wipe or spray, then dried thoroughly and, where needed, covered with a thin layer of protective cream or balm. Moisture is the main enemy – in a warm fold, dirt and damp quickly lead to odour and irritation. If you see redness, discharge or a smell that keeps coming back despite cleaning, see your vet.
Why skin folds need special care
In a deep fold, skin touches skin, air does not circulate, and saliva, tears, food debris and sebum collect inside. Warmth and moisture create an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast. The result is an unpleasant smell, redness and itching – and, if care is skipped, inflamed folds.
The areas that most often need attention:
- the fold above the nose and the wrinkles on the forehead;
- the skin under the eyes, which is constantly moistened by tears;
- the lips and folds around the muzzle, where saliva and food collect;
- folds on the neck and body;
- the tail pocket – the hollow around a short, curled tail.
This mainly affects the French Bulldog, the Pug, the English Bulldog and the Shar Pei, but also dogs with lip folds or extra weight. Among cats, the wrinkle range suits the Sphynx and cats with sensitive skin.
A daily routine in five steps
- Open the fold. With one hand, gently spread the wrinkle so you can see the skin at the bottom.
- Clean. Wipe with a wrinkle wipe, or spray onto a cotton pad and clean without hard rubbing. Use a separate wipe for each area so you do not carry bacteria, for example, from the tail to the face.
- Dry thoroughly. Pat with dry gauze or a soft towel until the bottom of the fold is completely dry. This is the most important step.
- Protect. Apply a thin layer of wrinkle cream or balm – onto the skin, not just the hair.
- Check. Daily care is also a chance to spot redness, odour or discharge early.
Wipe the lips and the folds around the muzzle after meals, and the tail pocket after walks.
The Bugalugs Wrinkle range: which product for what
Bugalugs wrinkle products are hypoallergenic, and most are fragrance-free – important for the areas around the eyes and nose.
| Product | When | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine cleansing wipes | daily, face and folds | 100 pcs, fragrance-free, with lanolin and glycerin |
| Biodegradable wipes | larger areas, muzzle, paws | 80 pcs, larger, plant fibres |
| Cleansing spray | quick cleaning without rubbing | fragrance-free, with chlorhexidine and lanolin |
| No-rinse foam | between baths, tail pocket | chlorhexidine and lanolin, fragrance-free |
| Wrinkle shampoo | for a full bath | hypoallergenic, 250 and 500 ml |
| Wrinkle cream | moist, greasy folds | absorbs moisture, leaves a water-repellent layer |
| Balm stick | dry, cracked folds | natural oils, lick-safe |
Daily cleaning
Bugalugs Wrinkle Cleansing Wipes are soaked in chlorhexidine – an antiseptic that acts against bacteria and yeast in the folds – while lanolin and glycerin keep the skin from drying out. They can also be used around the eyes (not on the eye itself). For larger areas, the Bugalugs biodegradable skin fold wipes are handy – larger, soft and made from plant fibres.
If your dog dislikes being rubbed, the Bugalugs Wrinkle skin fold cleansing spray is a gentler alternative: spray it directly into the fold or onto a cotton pad and let it dry. The formula is fragrance-free, with chlorhexidine, glycerin and lanolin.
Between baths
Bugalugs No Rinse Wrinkle Chlorhexidine Shampoo is a no-rinse foam with chlorhexidine and lanolin, fragrance-free. Put a little in your palm, massage into the fold and wipe with a soft cloth. It is especially handy for the tail pocket after walks and for tear stains under the eyes.
Bath time
For a full bath, use Bugalugs Wrinkle Shampoo – a hypoallergenic, pH-balanced shampoo that cleans deep into the folds and also suits the paws. Massage with your fingers down to the bottom of the wrinkles, rinse until the water runs completely clear, and dry very carefully – leftover moisture is the most common cause of problems.
Protection: cream or balm
Bugalugs Wrinkle Moisturising Cream is for folds that get moist and greasy: modified corn starch absorbs moisture, while colloidal oatmeal and oat oil soothe the skin and leave a water-repellent layer. A pea-sized amount is enough; remove any excess. It also suits the skin under the eyes that is constantly wet from tears.
Bugalugs Wrinkle Balm Stick for Dogs & Cats is richer – with almond and coconut oils, colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E. Choose it for dry, rough or cracked skin in the folds; it also works on the nose and paws. Apply it only after cleaning so you do not seal dirt in underneath.
Common mistakes
- Cleaning without drying. Moisture left in the fold undoes the cleaning.
- Scented products in folds and around the eyes. Prefer fragrance-free formulas.
- Hard rubbing. It irritates the skin – clean with light movements.
- A thick layer of cream on an uncleaned fold. Protection comes after cleaning, not instead of it.
- Surgical spirit, vinegar or human cosmetics. They can irritate delicate skin.
When to see a vet
- Red, moist or raw skin in the fold
- Yellowish or brownish discharge, crusts
- A strong smell that returns soon after cleaning
- Your dog rubs its face on the floor, scratches or reacts with pain when touched
- Red, watery or squinting eyes
Inflamed skin folds sometimes need treatment that only a vet can prescribe. Wrinkle products are for daily hygiene and prevention.
Suitable products
You will find the wrinkle products in the Bugalugs Specialised care collection, and soothing skin creams and sprays in Skin and coat care. To see how the Wrinkle range fits among the brand's other lines, read the full Bugalugs guide.
Read more: tear stains around the eyes – a common issue in flat-faced breeds – and how often to bath your dog.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean the folds?
Deep folds – every day, and around the lips after meals as well. Shallower wrinkles may only need it a few times a week. The smell is a good guide: if a fold starts to smell, clean it more often.
Can I use ordinary baby or wet wipes?
Wipes for people often contain perfume and other ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin in a fold. It is safer to use fragrance-free wipes made for animals.
Are the products safe around the eyes?
The chlorhexidine wipes, the no-rinse foam and the cream can be used around and under the eyes, but not directly on the eye. If product gets into the eye, rinse thoroughly with water.
Are they suitable for cats?
The wrinkle cream, the chlorhexidine wipes and the no-rinse foam are labelled for dogs and cats over 8 weeks. The spray and the balm stick are also labelled for dogs and cats over 8 weeks.
