most bulldogs have a tail pocket that needs regular cleaning 🧽
The essentials
- Certain breeds of dogs have tail pockets — Bulldog breeds, like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and American bulldogs typically have them.
- Tail pockets are beneath your dog’s tail — Look for small indentations under the tail.
- Cleaning your bulldog’s tail pocket is important — And it’s pretty simple to do regularly.
- Using certain products while cleaning can help prevent infection — Our favorites are Wrinkle Balm, Naturals Tea Tree Oil Spray, and Curaseb Antibacterial Spray.
What is a tail pocket?
Tail pockets are small indentations below a dog’s tail. Tail pockets are most commonly found in dog breeds with no tails or tail stubs such as bulldogs or pugs, although it’s not a universal trait. It’s important to clean tail pockets frequently to remove dirt and debris, and prevent bulldog tail pocket infections as well as other bulldog tail problems.
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog’s tail pocket
From cleaning to soothing, here’s what you need to do to keep your bulldog’s tail pocket area clean and prevent tail pocket infections. You can repeat this process daily or a couple of times a week, depending on your dog’s tail pocket anatomy and needs. Not sure whether your pup even has a tail pocket? Here’s our guide to figuring it out!
Step 1: Remove all dirt and debris build-up from the tail pocket
Before you can begin to use any antifungal balms and sprays, you need to thoroughly clean your dog’s tail pocket. First, lift up your pup’s tail so you can reach the tail pocket indentation. Then, gently wipe out any dust, dirt, and debris build-up using a medicated wet wipe, baby wipes, or a damp cloth. Remember that some dogs may find this ticklish, but be gentle because it’s still a sensitive area!
👉 Use latex gloves if you’re squeamish about this.
Step 2: Carefully dry the tail pocket
Using a fresh cloth or cotton ball, gently pat the tail pocket dry. You don’t want to leave your dog’s tail pocket damp, because that could turn it into a breeding ground for bacterial infections or yeast infections. Be extra careful if your dog has any irritation or inflammation in their tail pocket area.
👉 You can also apply baby powder to keep your Frenchie’s tail pocket extra dry.
Step 3: Apply a soothing balm or spray to prevent irritation and infection
Tail pockets can become very easily infected, especially if they’re not kept clean enough. To keep your pooch comfortable after cleaning their tail pocket, generously apply a soothing balm or antibacterial spray to the area. Not only will this help to prevent infection and irritation, but it will also instantly relieve any dry skin or itchiness.
Eradicates yeast and bacteria
WRINKLE BALM®
Wrinkle Balm is great for cleaning your pup’s sensitive tail pocket, thanks to its combination of all-natural ingredients. Soothing rosemary extract disinfects the area, niaouli relieves pain, and olive leaf extract’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritation.
Wrinkle Balm Ingredients
Avocado Oil, Rosemary Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Niaouli, Natural Vitamin, Hempseed Oil, Stearic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Calendula, Candelilla Wax, Coconut Oil
👉 Check out our list of the best dog paw balms for more must-have doggie skin care products.
Why do I need to clean my dog’s tail pocket?
Keeping your bulldog’s tail pocket clean is an essential part of bulldog care and the best way to keep them infection-free. If grime builds up in your pooch’s tail pocket, it can cause redness, dry skin, inflammation, and yeast or bacterial infections.
Pay special attention to their tail pocket area. Maybe you’ve noticed a stinky odor or discharge? That could be an early sign of infection and a reminder to clean your bulldog’s tail pocket.
👉 In some extreme cases, tail pockets can be so tight and tough to clean that tail amputation is required to keep your pup free from infection.
