The English bulldog is a solid little pooch with a smushed face full of distinctive wrinkles. The iconic skin folds can allow bacterial growth and become infected if not cleaned regularly and kept dry. Cornstarch will help keep these skin folds dry and infection-free.
Wash Regularly
Your bulldog's wrinkles are little puppy petri dishes, ripe for infection if not cleaned regularly. The frequency of this cleaning varies depending on your pooch's lifestyle, as some pups need daily cleaning while others can go days between washes. Check your bulldog's wrinkles regularly to make sure they're clean and dry. Wipe them out with a warm washcloth if they seem dirty. Dry them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from causing irritation and skin sores.
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Your bulldog can develop moisture in his wrinkles even if you wash his little face daily. Warm temperatures can cause moisture to gather in his skin folds, creating a clammy environment. To absorb this moisture and promote dryer skin, sprinkle some cornstarch into these folds. Use a makeup brush to lightly powder each wrinkle after you wash and dry them. This won't help if he likes to dunk his face into his water dish, but it will help keep his folds dryer under normal circumstances.
Watch for Irritation
If a little cornstarch is good, a lot is better, right? Not necessarily. If you dust too much of the stuff into this wrinkles, it could do more harm than good. Too much cornstarch can end up clumping and causing irritation as the skin rubs together. This could result in painful sores and lesions, which will require more attention to heal. And your pooch will not be happy.
Apply Cream
If, despite your best intentions, your bulldog has developed some painful sores in his wrinkles, odds are you won't need to rush to the vet for specialized medications. In most cases, over-the-counter diaper-rash ointment helps clear up this irritation, with a powdering of cornstarch on top to help control moisture. Wash, dry and medicate your pup's wrinkles at least daily to help him heal and keep the cornstarch handy for quick re-dustings to keep moisture down.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Jane Williams began her writing career in 2000 as the writer and editor of a nationwide marketing company. Her articles have appeared on various websites. Williams briefly attended college for a degree in administration before embarking on her writing career.