The Battle for Better Bulldog Skin
How to Tackle Wrinkles, Hot Spots, Stinky Skin & Irritation
Bulldogs are famous for their wrinkles, folds, and big personalities — but those same features can cause recurring skin issues if not managed carefully. This is the first in our Bulldog skincare series, focusing on wrinkle care, tear stains, hot spots, eczema, and dermatitis.
ROUND 1: Wrinkle Care
If you’ve owned a Bulldog for more than five minutes, you’ve probably noticed that their adorable wrinkles can also be trouble spots. Those deep, warm folds are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast, which can lead to redness, odor, and infections.
While those wrinkles are part of their irresistible charm, keeping them clean and dry is absolutely essential to your Bulldog’s comfort and health.
Step 1: Keep Wrinkles Clean and Dry
Bacteria and yeast thrive in moist skin folds. Clean your Bulldog’s wrinkles daily (or as often as needed) using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free wipes or a soft cloth dampened with a gentle homemade solution (half warm water, half mild soap). Start near the eyes and wipe downward toward the jowls until the cloth comes away clean.
Follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then gently pat the area completely dry with a soft towel or paper towel. Make sure all folds are dry — moisture is the enemy here.
Finish with praise and a small healthy treat. Over time, your Bulldog will actually start looking forward to their cleaning routine.
Step 2: Protect with Organic Coconut Oil
Once the skin is clean and dry, you can apply a thin layer of high-quality organic coconut oil. It provides a natural barrier that soothes irritation and helps protect against bacteria and yeast. It’s also rich in Vitamin E and amino acids that support healthy skin.
We recommend OCO Coconut Oil, a pharmaceutical-grade, fragrance-free, non-water-based formula that’s naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. A little goes a long way.
If you prefer another brand, choose one that you’d feel comfortable using on your own skin — purity matters.
Step 3: Reevaluate Their Diet
Chronic skin flare-ups can sometimes be traced to food sensitivities. Bulldogs commonly react to proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. Consider allergy testing or switching to a limited-ingredient, high-quality food rich in Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) and skin-supporting vitamins.
Diet plays a huge role in skin health. Choose a formula approved by your vet, feed the correct amount, and avoid unnecessary treats. Extra weight is hard on joints — and skin.
(See our related article: The Six Critical Rules of Your Bulldog’s Diet)
Step 4: Keep Bowls and Beds Clean
Bacteria is your Bulldog’s worst enemy when it comes to skin care. Wash food and water bowls daily with warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. Replace plastic bowls with stainless steel to avoid bacterial buildup.
Wash bedding regularly, too. Bulldogs drool, rub, and sometimes shed skin oils into their sleeping spots. A clean, dry, machine-washable bed washed every few days with a gentle detergent helps prevent new skin flare-ups.
What works for one Bulldog may not work for another, but one thing always helps — consistency. Staying proactive with daily cleaning, a balanced diet, and a tidy environment will make a world of difference for your Bulldog’s comfort and skin health.
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We hope you picked up something useful about caring for your Bulldog today. If you’d like to learn more about Bulldogs, please visit The Bulldog Blog, presented by Bulldog Grade.
