Cleaning Your Flat Faced Dog's Face

Proper Care for Facial Folds, Nose Wrinkles and Tear Stained Faces

What attracted you to your flat-faced dog? Was it just that - their flat face? Or their personality? While adorable to behold, we have a responsibility to ensure our dog's flat faces are clean and dry.

Smoosh, flat faces can become raw, irritated and red down in the facial folds (some call them wrinkles) and the area from their eyes down to their mouth where tears can irritate the skin. Before you moisturize these areas with any product, you must clean and dry the wrinkled area on your dog.

How To Clean Your Dog's Flat Face

Spritz Fresh Flat Face Wash on a washcloth
Wipe your dog's face, paying close attention to facial folds and wrinkles
Allow face to dry completely - pat dry, etc.
If needed, gently apply Boo Boo Butter to irritated areas to protect against tears, avoiding eyes**

** Boo Boo Butter won't harm eyes, but it may sting

Tear Stain Tips

White or lighter dogs are also often plagued with reddish, rusty looking tear stained areas. This is a multi-pronged issue and cannot be remedied by wiping their face off.

There are only three ways to get rid of tear stains

Stained hair must grow out and be cut
Stained hair must be cut
Hair must be bleached white

Some products can brighten the discolored hair, but it won't be 100% white, white, white. Tear-stain removing products cannot bleach the hair back on their own, unless they contain bleaching agents. That is just science (again with the science).

Tips for Preventing Tear Stains

Keep you dog's face clean and dry with Fresh Flat Face Wash - daily use may be needed for show dogs or dogs prone to excessive tear staining
Consider a grain-free and/or fish-based diet with NO dyes or color enhancers
Eliminate chicken, which can be problematic for many dogs.
Check your water. If you have well water, is it hard water? You may need to use bottled water or install a water softener
I'm sharing this only for those more experienced in grooming their dogs. Some experts with white breeds use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a washcloth and dab it on the tear stains, after washing the face. Do not attempt unless you're confident in your ability to groom. This info is shared as info, NOT a suggestion.