When winter rolls around, it’s not just humans who face dry skin and irritation. Dogs with adorable wrinkles and folds — like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shar-Peis — can develop or worsen wrinkle dermatitis (AKA skin fold dermatitis, or intertrigo) during the colder months. But don’t worry, we’ve got the ultimate guide to keeping your pup’s skin folds healthy and happy this winter.
How Cold Weather Affects Dogs' Skin Folds
Winter air tends to be dry, pulling moisture from your dog’s skin. This can leave those tight skin folds irritated, making them more prone to redness, cracking, or even infection as the wrinkles rub together and damage the skin barrier.
Add to that the moisture from snow or rain getting trapped in the folds, and you’ve got the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive. If you’ve been Googling “how to treat dog skin issues in winter,” you’re not alone. Wrinkle dermatitis and pyoderma (bacterial infections) are common challenges for pet parents during cold weather.
Signs of Wrinkle Dermatitis
Spotting wrinkle dermatitis early can save your pup a lot of discomfort. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Redness or inflammation: Skin within the folds may appear red or swollen.
- Foul odor: A strong smell can signal a bacterial or yeast infection.
- Excess moisture or discharge: Wetness in the folds may indicate a buildup of sweat, saliva, or infection-related fluids (e.g., pus or discharge).
- Itching or scratching: If your dog is pawing at their face or other wrinkled areas more than usual, they might be trying to tell you something.
Photo: Facial fold dermatitis on English bulldog, by Dr. C. Lorente, DVM; via Laboklin
Effective Skin Fold Irritation Treatment with Lavengel®
When it comes to treating infections in your dog’s skin folds, Lavengel® can be a game-changer. Lavengel is a gentle, yet effective skin and wound care gel designed to tackle stubborn skin issues. Here’s how it can help:
- Soothes irritation quickly: The gel’s calming formula reduces redness and discomfort.
- Fights infection: Lavengel® targets and inhibits bacteria and yeast commonly found in wrinkle dermatitis.
- Promotes healing: Its active ingredients encourage the skin to recover faster.
How to Use Lavengel® for Your Dog's Wrinkle Dermatitis
- Start by gently cleaning the affected area with a pet-safe cleanser. Make sure to dry the folds completely.
- Apply a thin layer of Lavengel® directly onto the irritated or infected skin.
- Repeat 1-2 times daily until the area looks healthy and your dog shows no signs of discomfort.
Photo: Facial skin fold dermatitis on French bulldog, via r/ADM1277 on Reddit
Have a Daily Care Routine for Dog Skin Folds
Consistency is key when caring for your dog’s wrinkles, especially during winter. Here’s a simple daily routine to help prevent issues:
- Inspect your dog's skin folds daily: Look for signs of redness, moisture, or irritation.
- Keep their folds and wrinkles clean: Use a damp, pet-safe wipe to gently clean the folds.
- Dry their folds thoroughly: Always ensure your wrinkly snack monster's skin folds are completely dry - especially after baths or being in water - to prevent moisture buildup.
- Monitor for changes: If you notice worsening redness or your dog seems in pain, consult your vet.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
While Lavengel® is a fantastic treatment for flare-ups, preventing future issues requires a solid maintenance routine and some attention to detail:
- Provide them with a balanced diet: Proper nutrition supports skin health from the inside out and can help guard against food allergies, which can lead to many forms of dermatitis and digestive issues.
- Regular grooming and moisturizing: Bathing and grooming your dog regularly, along with applying some wrinkle balm, can reduce irritants that accumulate in folds and keep them moisturized.
- Protect your dog from harsh weather: Use dog-safe jackets to shield your pup from cold and moisture.
Success Stories from Happy Customers
Don’t just take our word for it about Lavengel®. Here’s what some of our customers have told us:
- "My rescued English Bulldog, Walter, is the love of my life, but given his breed in general, he has many, many health issues, including allergies to many types of food and various environments. His allergy-related flare-ups always result in skin rashes, loss of fur, and dermatitis. While the vet prescribes him antibiotics to help, he is still very uncomfortable with the rashes, and his fur often takes very long to grow back. We gave lavengel a shot because we figured we had nothing to lose, and we were truly AMAZED. The lavender seemed to have soothed his discomfort, and unexpectedly but amazingly helped his patches of missing fur grow back in literally a week. We are loyal customers forever!" - Michelle G. (mom of @walterenglishbulldog)
- "I loved that it sped up the healing time! It provided so much pain and irritation relief that my dogs didn't even try to lick it off. I love that it's all natural and the lavender smell provides a calming scent. Also their customer service is phenomenal! I would highly recommend. It's great for humans too." - Angela H.
- “Piper loves to roll in the grass, but does not like the itchy skin that comes after. Just a few days of Lavengel and her dermatitis was almost gone! She even stopped licking her itch as soon as it was applied. It has helped save her and our wallets from expensive daily allergy meds, because she's not going to stop rolling.” - Nicole H.
Check out more reviews from our great customers!
Final Thoughts
Managing wrinkle dermatitis in dogs during winter doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right care routine and effective treatments like Lavengel®, your pup can enjoy the season without discomfort. Keep an eye on their folds, stay consistent with maintenance, and act quickly if you notice signs of irritation or infection.
For (much) more info, check out our Intertrigo and Skin Fold Dermatitis Resource, as well as many other canine skin conditions in our Dog Skin Issues Resource Center.
