Cleaning Your Flat Faced Dog's Face
Humans Are Genetically Hard-Wired To Go Sqeeee Over Flat-Faced, Squishy Puppy Faces…It's SCIENCE!
We Can't Help Ourselves!
Did you know science supports our fascination with flat-faced dogs? Recent studies have shown human being respond more favorably to dogs with bigger, rounded eyes and shorter muzzles...more human "baby-like" faces and expressions.
Dr. Bridget Waller presents in a study Paedomorphic Facial Expressions Give Dogs a Selective Advantage (opens in new link) what we've all known...humans react more favorable to baby faced dogs.
Study leader Dr Bridget Waller, an expert in social communication from the University of Portsmouth, said: "Our study suggests that dogs' facial movements have evolved in response to a human preference for child-like characteristics.
In other words, we might have automatically opted for dogs which produced facial movements that enhanced their baby-like faces." Yep, SCIENCE.
Proper Care for Facial Folds, Nose Wrinkles and Tear Stained Faces
Now that we've fallen in love with these flat faces...let's learn how to keep them fresh and clean.
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 area.
Lighter colored 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.
The hair mist GROW out or be CUT OFF to be completely clean again. Some products can freshen and 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. And who wants to bleach our dog's faces? That is just science (again with the science).
Flat Face Face Cleaning & Protecting Steps
- Wipe face clean with warm washcloth to remove built-up debris and dirt
- Use Gentle Touch Soap or Shampoo or Razzle Dazzle for white faces
- Wipe folds with natural eye-makeup remover pads to clean and dry folds
- Allow face to dry completely - pat dry, etc.
- Gently apply Boo Boo Butter to irritated area to protect again tears, avoiding eyes**
- Consider a grain-free diet with NO dyes or color enhancers
- Or consider fish-based food. Eliminate chicken, which can be problematic for many dogs. In over 30 years of having Frenchies, mine have done best on fish-based kibble.
** Boo Boo Butter won't harm eyes, but it may sting (as anything does when it gets in our eyes).
