Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My pug's face folds are red and puffy. What home remedies are safe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 30 lbs

My pug folds inside his is face is red and Puff, not sure it's an allergies issue, So what home remedy will be good?? I was thinking coconut oil, or maybe cornstarch to dry it out, Is over the counter Benadryl good for my dog, in people Benadryl?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2018

This is called facial fold dermatitis and is very common in dogs with wrinkly faces. It is likely due to underlying allergy and yes Benedryl is safe to give.

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl

I do not recommend putting anything over the counter in the folds. However, I do recommend gently wiping out the crease with a baby wipe once or twice daily. Even more importantly is getting air to the folds. After you wipe, blow in the fold or hold it open to the air for 30 seconds to make sure it’s completely dry. If those measure are not improving things in a week- or if there is worsening in any way- it’s time to see he vet for some prescription strength help (medicated wipes +\- stronger allergy medication).

Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Scooters!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My pug has a dry, scab-like spot in his face fold. Vet or home care?

It is very common for pugs to get buildup in the creases on the face. If you notice redness, discharge, a foul odor or he paws at his face, I would recommend being seen by a veterinarian. Occasionally they can get an infection in those folds and require treatment with antibiotics. Otherwise, it is a good idea to keep these areas clean. You can use a warm wash cloth or a baby wipe and then dry them out well after cleaning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my dog's skin folds under her eyes red and irritated?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see how the skin is red in the folds on his face under the left eye. It is not unusual for pugs, frenchies and bull dogs to get a facial fold dermatitis. Moisture builds up in the wrinkles and an infection can occur. There are wipes you can get to to wipe the affected areas. I like Mal-a-ket wipes or Douxo chlorhex wipes. Your Vet should carry them Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

What home remedies can I use for my dog's itchy neck fold?

Hi there. You can try giving Squeakers some benadryl to help the itching, I would do 5 mg orally once and see if that helps. It may make him drowsy, If that doesn't help, you can bathe him in an oatmeal/aloe shampoo to soothe his skin. It does look like the area may have some infection, I would recommend having your vet check him Monday if the above ideas don't work. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My Boston Terrier's face folds are red and irritated. What helps?

Breeds like Penelope are prone to skin infections in the folds. If the balms and wipes are not helping, I recommend to have her examined by her veterinarian. She may need an antibiotic or a medicated wipes. Your veterinarian also may carry products for routine cleaning which help to adjust the pH of the skin and this can help prevent infections. Lastly, if she seems itchy, it’s possible she has allergies. It is best to rule out an infection first and foremost. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a pink sore in his nose fold. Can I treat it at home?

He may have a skin fold dermatitis. Depending on what it looks like, he may need an oral antibiotic and/or corticosteroid to help treat the infection and inflammation. You could have your vet examine him to determine the best way to treat. I have never used Savalon but Mal-A-Ket wipes are helpful with skin fold dermatitis.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How to treat my dog's mild lip fold dermatitis at home safely?

You can try cleansing with some diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Try not to get any in his mouth. Keep the areas as dry as possible. Any ointment applied will likely get licked off. have your veterinarian examine Benny if daily cleansing does not improve the inflammation. If you use plastic bowls for his food and water, consider switching to ceramic or stainless steel. Plastics have been implicated with allergic reactions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My French Bulldog has a rash in his facial folds. What can I do?

Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with short faces) commonly develop skin problems in their facial folds. The combination of excessive skin and the tearing from their eyes commonly results in excessive moisture in their skin folds which can easily become infected. There are a number of medicated wipes on the market that your veterinarian can recommend to treat and help prevent skin fold infections since this will likely be a recurrent problem. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share