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 Intertigo) 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 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. 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 is a common challenge 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.
- 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 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: The gel’s calming formula reduces redness and discomfort.
- Fights infection: Lavengel targets bacteria and yeast commonly found in wrinkle dermatitis.
- Promotes healing: Its active ingredients encourage the skin to recover faster.
How to Use Lavengel for 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
Daily Care Routine for Skin Folds
Consistency is key when caring for your dog’s wrinkles, especially during winter. Here’s a simple daily routine to prevent issues:
- Inspect the folds daily: Look for signs of redness, moisture, or irritation.
- Keep folds clean: Use a damp, pet-safe wipe to gently clean the folds.
- Dry thoroughly: Always ensure the folds are completely dry 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:
- Balanced diet: Proper nutrition supports skin health from the inside out.
- Regular grooming: Bathing and grooming your dog regularly can reduce irritants that accumulate in folds.
- Protect from harsh weather: Use dog-safe balms or jackets to shield your pup from cold and moisture.
Success Stories from Happy Customers
Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what some Lavengel users have said:
- "My rescue English Bulldog, Walter, is the love of my life, but given his breed in general and then very irresponsible breeding on top of that, 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 ordered one tube and didn't see they had a bogo, and they sent me the extra one with a handwritten note. 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.
Read more about Intertigo and Skin Fold Dermatitis on our Skin Issues Page here as well as treatment information, photos, and more!
