Keeping your dog’s wrinkles clean and dry is an important part of everyday care. Regular checks and gentle cleaning when needed help keep the skin comfortable and make it easier to spot any changes early.
The quick answer
Check folds regularly, clean them with the method your vet recommends and dry them thoroughly. Redness, a new smell, discharge or pain can indicate a problem that needs treatment.1
Why folds need checking
Moisture and dirt can collect inside your dog’s wrinkles, leaving the skin sore, irritated or prone to infection. Regular checks help you notice changes early, while gentle cleaning and thorough drying help keep those folds comfortable.
A gentle routine
Choose a calm moment and make sure you have clean pads ready. Gently open only the fold your dog comfortably allows you to see. Use the cleaning method your veterinary team has recommended, wiping away visible debris without scrubbing.
Use a fresh pad for a different area, and carefully dry the accessible skin afterwards. Keep cleaning products away from the eyes and nostrils. Ask for a demonstration if the fold is close to the eye or difficult to reach safely.1
Keep the session brief. A small reward after comfortable handling can help make the routine predictable. Stop when your dog shows pain or distress.
Choosing the right products
Choose a gentle cleaner suitable for dogs’ facial folds. Avoid harsh or heavily fragranced products, and keep cleaners away from the eyes and nostrils. If your dog needs medicated wipes or creams, follow your vet’s instructions.
How often you clean will depend on how quickly moisture and dirt build up. Check the folds regularly, gently wipe away any debris and dry the skin carefully afterwards. Keep the touch light, as too much rubbing can leave sensitive skin sore.
When cleaning is not enough
If the fold becomes sore, smells different or keeps developing discharge, book a veterinary examination. Repeated infections may need investigation and a revised long-term plan. A painful fold should not be managed by increasingly vigorous wiping.1
Common questions
Can I use the same pad around both eyes and other folds?
Use fresh pads for separate areas to avoid transferring debris.
What about tear staining?
Staining and active skin disease are different issues. Squinting, a painful eye or a sudden increase in discharge needs veterinary advice rather than a cosmetic stain remover.
General information for dog owners. Your vet can advise on your dog’s individual health and diet.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 7 October 2026. Research findings relate to the studied preparations; listing a source does not mean it endorses ReoRolo products.
- PDSA - Skin fold dermatitis in dogs
- O’Neill and colleagues - Skin fold dermatitis in dog breeds in the UK
