Pug Facial Wrinkle Care Guide

Skin & CoatBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

While a Pug’s deep facial wrinkles are undeniably charming, they are also prone to developing dermatitis. Here’s a guide to a daily cleaning routine and the warning signs to watch for.

What Are Pug Wrinkles?

A Pug puppy with clearly defined facial wrinkles

Pugs are a short-nosed, small-breed dog with distinctive deep facial wrinkles that require consistent hygiene care throughout their lives. The most important part of this care is a daily cleaning routine. When tears, saliva, dead skin cells, and moisture become trapped in warm, humid areas like wrinkles, bacteria and yeast can easily overgrow, leading to redness, discharge, and odor. This type of inflammation in skin folds is called intertrigo (or fold dermatitis), and it can be largely prevented by gently wiping the area once a day to reduce moisture.

Areas Where Pug Wrinkles Commonly Occur

Pug wrinkles aren’t just on their faces—they appear in various areas, each requiring slightly different care. - Nose bridge wrinkles: The key area where tears and nasal discharge tend to accumulate. - Mouth and chin wrinkles: Food and saliva can get trapped, making fungal skin infections more likely. - Under-eye wrinkles: Tear stains and eye discharge can leave brown discoloration. - Ear and neck wrinkles: Poor airflow allows bacteria to multiply quickly. - Tail base wrinkles: An often-overlooked blind spot.

Skin Issues Common in Wrinkles

Pugs are prone to specific skin issues in their facial folds: - Intertrigo (fold dermatitis): Skin folds rub together, causing redness and oozing due to friction and moisture. - Malassezia infection: An overgrowth of yeast that produces a musty or fishy odor. - Bacterial dermatitis: Characterized by yellow discharge, pus, and scabs. - Tear staining: Dark brown stains that accumulate along the folds on the bridge of the nose. - Acne and blackheads: Small, pimple-like bumps that appear in the folds under the chin.

Gently wiping the wrinkles on a pug's face

See a Vet Immediately If You Notice These Signs

While mild redness can often be managed at home, it’s safest to visit the vet within 24 hours if you notice any of the following signs. Because Pugs are brachycephalic, they face higher anesthesia and surgical risks than other breeds, so catching skin issues early is key. - Yellow discharge or pus oozing from the wrinkles - A persistent strong odor, such as a sour or fishy smell - Thickened, darkened skin (a sign of chronic inflammation) - Frequent face rubbing or pawing at the face - Loss of appetite accompanied by fever

Daily Wrinkle Care Routine

Wrinkle care doesn’t need to be complicated—just one to two minutes a day is enough. 1. Prepare soft gauze or specialized wipes: Choose products free of alcohol and fragrance. 2. Gently part the wrinkles with your fingers: Ensure you clean all the way to the inner folds. 3. Wipe lightly in one direction: Rubbing can irritate the skin. 4. Remove any remaining moisture with a dry gauze pad: Dampness can promote bacterial growth. 5. Check again after walks and meals: Focus on the bridge of the nose and around the mouth.

Taking care of a Pug’s facial wrinkles at home

Weight Management Is Wrinkle Management

When Pugs gain weight, their facial wrinkles deepen, and the reduced airflow in these deeper folds increases the risk of dermatitis. Veterinary dermatology textbooks note that obese animals are more prone to microbial overgrowth and inflammation in skin-fold areas where surfaces rub together, predisposing them to intertrigo. Obesity is generally defined as exceeding ideal body weight by more than 20% or having a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 8 or higher on a 9-point scale. While the ideal weight for a Pug is commonly cited as 6.3–8.1 kg, individual variation is significant; therefore, assessing whether the ribs can be felt with moderate pressure is a more accurate indicator of healthy weight. Please limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Things to Be Extra Cautious About Because They’re Pugs

There are several breed-specific traits that Pug owners should be aware of, just as important as wrinkle care. - Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: If your Pug is panting heavily, avoid strenuous walks. - Poor Temperature Regulation: In summer, shorten walk times when temperatures exceed 27°C (80.6°F). - Hemivertebrae: Spinal deformities near the tail are common, so be cautious with jumping and stairs. - Corneal Exposure: Their protruding eyes make them vulnerable to tearing and foreign objects. - Allergic Disposition: Food and environmental allergies can worsen wrinkle dermatitis.

Environmental Management to Prevent Wrinkle Dermatitis

Just as important as your daily care routine is the surrounding environment. - Maintain humidity at 40–60%: Excess moisture encourages mold, while overly dry air leads to flaky skin. - Use flat plates for food: Deep bowls can cause food to stick in the folds around the mouth. - Change water bowls frequently: Saliva contamination accelerates bacterial growth around the mouth. - Bathe every 2–3 weeks: Bathing too often can compromise the skin’s protective barrier. - Dry thoroughly after bathing: Use a hair dryer on warm air to ensure the inside of the skin folds is completely dry.

A Pug having its wrinkles dried after a bath.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you clean your pug’s wrinkles every day?

Yes, wiping once a day is the basic routine. After walks or meals, quickly check the bridge of the nose and around the mouth one more time to significantly reduce the risk of dermatitis. If there is oozing or an odor, increase the frequency to twice a day. If there is no improvement, it is best to visit the clinic.

Can I use only dog-specific wet wipes to clean my dog's wrinkles?

Pet wipes that are free of alcohol, fragrance, and parabens are safe to use. Human wipes can irritate your dog's skin due to their different pH levels. The safest option is gauze moistened with lukewarm water, but be sure to thoroughly dry the area with a clean, dry gauze pad afterward.

The brown stains between my dog’s skin folds won’t come off. What should I do?

Tears and saliva can leave stains when they come into contact with pigments, and these marks won’t disappear all at once. The priority is to gently wipe them daily to prevent new stains from forming. Since food allergies or blocked tear ducts could be the underlying cause, consult your veterinarian if the discoloration gradually worsens.

Is it safe to apply ointment to the skin folds?

Applying human ointments or products found online without veterinary guidance can be dangerous. Pugs are prone to licking affected areas, which increases the risk of systemic absorption, and treatment varies depending on whether the cause is bacterial or fungal. Always use only medications prescribed after a proper veterinary examination.

I’ve heard that Pugs can have surgery to remove their facial wrinkles. Is it really necessary?

Wrinkle reduction surgery is only considered when chronic dermatitis recurs or cannot be controlled with medication. Because Pugs are brachycephalic, they face a higher risk of complications from general anesthesia, so surgery is not recommended if the condition can be adequately managed through daily care. It is essential to consult with a veterinary surgeon before making a decision.

Top 5 Medicated Dog Shampoos — For Pyoderma and Bacterial Infections

Top 7 Low-Shedding Cat Breeds

Top 5 Dog Skin Supplements for 2026

French Bulldog Fold Dermatitis — A Complete Guide from Causes to Prevention and Care

Maltipoo Regular Checkup & Lifelong Care Schedule — Age-Specific Management for Patellar Luxation and Heart Disease

Pomeranian Regular Check-up Schedule — Age-Specific Management for Tracheal Collapse and Patellar Luxation

Complete Guide to Ragdoll Kidney Screening: Timing, Items, and Frequency at a Glance

Ragamuffin Cat Health Care — Guide to Preventing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Polycystic Kidney Disease

Cornish Rex Health Care (Skin & Heart)

Dachshund Grooming by Coat Type (Smooth, Longhaired, Wirehaired)

References

[1] Hendricks JC, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Textbook of Respiratory Disease in Dogs and Cats

[2] The Veterinary Workbook of Small Animal Clinical Cases, Case 41 - Brachycephalic Breeds

[3] Miller WH et al., Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Edition