Grooming
Skin & Coat
Bulldogs are short-haired dogs, so they don’t need clipping or shaving. They do shed year-round, though — some a lot more than others. While daily brushing isn’t necessary, regular brushing will help control shedding and keep the coat shiny. A fresh food diet plays a huge role in coat and skin health. I also add a teaspoon of salmon oil (omega 3-6-9) to my own bulldogs’ meals each night, which helps support healthy skin and reduce excessive shedding.
Wrinkles & Folds
Face folds, nose ropes and the area under the tail must be kept clean and dry to prevent yeast and infections. Some bulldogs need checking every couple of days, others weekly. I don’t use wipes, creams or pastes. Instead, I gently wipe away any build-up with a paper towel or clean, dry cloth, then apply our Wrinkle & Roll Powder using the supplied brush. These areas have little airflow and no sunlight, so keeping them dry is essential for preventing yeast. Female bulldogs also have folds around their vulva that need regular checking and gentle cleaning to help prevent yeast infections.
Ears
Ears should be checked weekly and any wax or dirt removed. Propythium moisturising oil or MCT coconut oil can help remove yeast odour and keep the ear healthy. I avoid ear flushes — the ear canal prefers to stay dry.
If ears become sore or moist, our Repair Powder can be used to help absorb moisture and soothe irritated skin.
Corkscrew tail & Tail pockets
Corkscrew tails and deep tail pockets need regular attention. While tail amputation is an option, I’ve found that consistent maintenance usually works best. I don’t wipe after every toileting, but I do gently clean the corkscrew tail and tail pocket when needed. I use a stronger cream like Desitin to help soften and protect the area, then the next day, carefully remove any hair and buildup with baby wipes. After cleaning, I apply a repair powder to keep the area dry—moisture can lead to infection, yeast, and irritation. Weekly maintenance is essential for bulldogs with corkscrew tails or deep tail pockets to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Paws & Nails
Regularly check paws for inter-digital cysts (small swellings between the toes), which are common in bulldogs. These can often be managed by soaking the paw in warm water with Epsom salts, then keeping the area clean and dry.
Our Repair Powder is also helpful for moist, irritated areas between the toes. To keep paws protected and crack-free, I use our Nose n Toes Balm, which also acts as a natural barrier against hot pavements, cold weather and rough surfaces. Nails should be kept trimmed to prevent snagging or tearing. Walking on pavement naturally helps keep nails short, but dew claws usually need trimming. A Dremel is often less stressful than clippers, especially for dogs with black nails. If the quick is accidentally cut and bleeding occurs, corn flour applied to the nail will stop it.
Dental health
Dental hygiene is vital for long-term health. I add our Seaweed Dental to my bulldogs’ meals to help reduce plaque, support healthy gums and keep breath fresh.
Providing raw, non-weight-bearing bones such as chicken or duck feet also supports dental health. Dry, over-processed kibble does not clean teeth. It’s sprayed with flavour enhancers that create sticky saliva, contributing to plaque build-up and dental disease over time. Persistent bad breath can also be diet-related or a sign of periodontal issues.
Nose care
Bulldogs are prone to hyperkeratosis, which appears as a thick, dry, crumbly layer on the nose. Applying a balm daily and giving the nose a firm rub for a few days helps this layer shed naturally, revealing healthy new skin underneath.
Our Vegan Everyday Balm (no beeswax) is pure, organic and natural, making it safe for daily use.
Bathing
Baths can be given every couple of months using a gentle dog shampoo, or more often if your bulldog has been playing in mud. Our Natural Shampoo Bar is soap-free, supports the skin barrier, and naturally helps repel parasites without stripping the coat.
Dogs fed a fresh food diet generally don’t have that strong “dog smell”.
First aid basics
For minor cuts, scrapes, bites and sore spots, Colloidal Silver is a gentle, effective first-aid essential that helps keep wounds clean and supports healing.
For hot spots, sore ears, inter-digital cysts and moist skin anywhere on the body, our Repair Powder helps absorb moisture, calm irritation and support skin recovery.
Final tip
When grooming or cuddling your bulldog, always run your hands over their body. Check for new lumps, bumps, cuts or bites. Regular checks help you catch changes early and treat them before they become bigger issues.
🌿 Why we don’t use wipes, creams or harsh products everyday
Many wipes, creams and pastes trap moisture, block airflow and feed yeast — especially in bulldog folds where air circulation is already limited. At Salty Paws, we focus on:
- Keeping skin clean and dry
- Supporting the skin’s natural barrier
- Avoiding unnecessary chemicals and over-treatment
Simple routines, dry powders, targeted balms and proper nutrition do far more for long-term skin health than constantly applying wet products.