Every Bulldog book tells you the same thing: “Clean your Bully’s wrinkles daily.” After 20 years in this business, I’m here to tell you: I don’t follow that rule. I’m a bit of a rebel. I teach my 13-year-old son that if the whole world is moving left, you should strongly consider moving right. Most “expert” advice is just people repeating the same mistakes they read in another book.
The “Good Bacteria” Secret
The “gospel truth” about daily cleaning actually creates the problem. When you scrub those wrinkles every day, you wipe away the good bacteria. This beneficial flora is the frontline defense your Bulldog needs to fight off the bad bacteria and yeast that cause infections.
By over-cleaning, you’re creating a biological vacuum—a recipe for disaster.
My Track Record:
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I never clean a Bulldog’s wrinkles except during a bath.
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I have never had a Bulldog with a wrinkle infection.
My Secret Weapon: Dawn Dish Soap
When it is time for a bath or an initial cleaning, I don’t use expensive, fancy “Bulldog shampoos.” I use original Blue Dawn Dish Soap.
Why? It’s safe, gentle, cheap, and naturally antibacterial. It cuts through grease and grime without the harsh perfumes that irritate sensitive Bully skin. If it’s safe enough for grease-covered ducklings, it’s perfect for your Bulldog.
If You Already Have a Problem: The Recovery Protocol
If your Bully already has a rash or “the funk” in the creases, stop the daily scrubbing and follow this protocol:
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The Initial Wash: Use Dawn Dish Soap and warm water. Don’t be afraid to scrub it! You need to get in there and get the area clean—it will not hurt the baby. Rinse thoroughly and—most importantly—dry it completely.
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Disinfect (Days 1–3): Saturate a cotton ball with Betadine and apply it to the affected area. Do this once a day for three days in a row.
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The Reset (Day 4): Rewash the area with Dawn Dish Soap. Again, give it a good scrub, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
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Second Disinfect (Days 4–6): Apply Betadine for three more days.
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The Nuclear Option (Optional): If you are dealing with a particularly bad or stubborn infection, ask your Vet to place Bully on an antibiotic called Cephalexin for 14 days.
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Leave It Alone: This is the hardest part. Stop touching it. Once the infection is cleared, let the skin’s natural defenses return.
The Bottom Line
Don’t believe everything you read just because it’s in print. Most “false information” comes from very nice, well-meaning people who are just passing on what they were told.
Note: The content on my site is my opinion based on my vast experience as a Bulldog breeder. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions.