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You’ve probably looked at a Bulldog or that dog from the old movie “Turner and Hooch” – the large jowls were hard to miss. Dog jowls are more than just an adorable feature; they have many functional benefits too.
Jowls consist of loose flaps of skin, lips, fat, and connective tissue which hang on either side of a dog’s mouth. Dogs use their jowls to make eating easier. It helps retain moisture in their mouths while offering protection against water getting inside as well as assisting them with scent tracking.
To keep your pup’s canine companion healthy and clean, you’ll need top-notch products like Petpost Bulldog Wrinkle Wipes or Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive along with regular maintenance for cleaning those wonderful doggy jowls!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Bulldogs and movie dogs like Turner and Hooch have prominent jowls.
- Dog jowls are functional and consist of skin, fat, and connective tissue.
- Functions of dog jowls include aiding in eating, retaining moisture, protecting against face-grabbing, and scent tracking.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of jowls is crucial to prevent infections and ensure their health.
What Are Dog Jowls?
You can spot those delightful wrinkles and lips around your canine companion’s face—these are their jowls, which help them to eat, retain saliva, and protect themselves.
Dog jowls consist of skin, a fat layer, and connective tissue that come together to serve various functions in a dog’s life. They aid in eating by allowing dogs to open wide without food falling out, as well as retaining saliva from drying out.
Large breeds with prominent jowls may offer protection against other dogs grabbing their faces, while water-loving breeds have them for keeping excess water away from the mouth when swimming or drinking.
Keeping these clean is essential for preventing infections due to bacteria or fungi build up within folds of skin.
Notably common breed examples include Bloodhound, Bulldog, Mastiffs, and Great Dane – all sporting large droopy snouts perfect for making an impression on both owners and other furry friends alike!
Why Do Dogs Have Jowls?
You may have noticed that some dogs have prominent jowls. Dog jowls serve a variety of purposes, such as allowing for easier eating, helping to retain moisture in the mouth, providing protection against face-grabbing by other dogs, keeping excessive water out of the mouth in water-loving breeds, and assisting with scent tracking.
Makes Eating Easier
The jowls on your pup’s face make it easier for them to eat, allowing their mouths to open wide and keep food from falling out. Jowls also help retain moisture so pups don’t get dehydrated while eating. They can even protect against other dogs’ attempts at face-grabbing! Plus, the loose skin acts as a conductor of smells in scent tracking activities.
Bigger jowls may also serve as barriers that reduce water intake during aquatic playtime.
Helps Retain Moisture
By having jowls, your pup can help retain moisture in their mouth and prevent it from drying out! This is especially important for breeds that tend to drool. Cleaning the lip folds regularly with veterinarian-recommended products will also help reduce irritation and the risk of infection.
Different breeds may require different cleaning techniques due to variations in the size or shape of the jowls, so it is essential to consult your vet. Jowl health issues are best prevented through regular maintenance. For heavy droolers, daily cleaning is recommended, while for others, weekly cleaning is sufficient.
With proper care and attention to hygiene, you’ll be able to keep those big ol’ jowls looking healthy!
Offers Protection
With their protective jowls, your pup can confidently face-grabbing by other dogs and remain unharmed – a case of prevention is better than cure. These loose skin lips on the sides of the mouth provide valuable protection against aggression in some breeds.
Variations exist among different breeds with larger jowls often bred for appearance but which come with additional issues such as drooling or a smelly odor due to bacteria build-up and infections. Regular cleaning helps prevent these problems, while proper dental care should also be considered.
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your dog’s jowl healthy. Regular maintenance will ensure long-term benefits from this unique feature!
Keeps Water Out
Your pup’s prominent jowls serve an important purpose by helping to keep water from entering their mouth. Dog breeds with larger jowls tend to be more water-resistant, making them perfect for swimming or boating activities.
Proper hygiene of the jowls is key in preventing infections such as lip fold dermatitis and other moisture-related issues. Additionally, they help retain saliva, which adds another layer of protection against excess moisture and bacteria buildup in a dog’s mouth.
By having large enough jowls, you can rest assured that your pup will stay safe during any aquatic adventures it may embark on!
Assists With Scent and Tracking
Experience your pup’s superpower: their jowls can assist in scent-tracking like a superhero! Dog breeds with prominent jowls, such as Bloodhounds and Bullmastiffs, may have an advantage when it comes to tracking scents.
The loose skin around the mouth helps waft odors directly towards the nose for better recognition.
Additionally, this jaw protection from face grabbing by other dogs is beneficial during scent training or tracking techniques in outdoor environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s jowl area should be performed as part of overall pet hygiene to prevent odor management issues and infections caused by bacteria or fungi buildup within the folds of skin.
Keep those superpowers strong so they can help you find what was lost!
Top 3 Products for Cleaning Dog Jowls
Keeping your dog’s jowls clean and healthy can be a challenge, but the right products can make it easier. To help you get started, here are three top-rated items for cleaning dog jowls: Petpost Bulldog Wrinkle Wipes, Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive, and Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat.
Petpost Bulldog Wrinkle Wipes
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Discover the Petpost Bulldog Wrinkle Wipes, designed to clean dirt and gunk from your pup’s wrinkles and tail pocket for a healthier coat. These luxuriously soft cotton wipes are made in the USA with naturally derived ingredients, offering a safer alternative than harsh chemical treatments.
With their 100% Happy Dog Guarantee backing them up, pet parents can trust that they’re getting quality products for their pups’ wrinkles.
The convenience of these 2.7 x 2.7 x 2.4 inch-sized wipes makes them an ideal choice among many bulldog owners – just grab one or two out of the recyclable packaging before use!
Pet owners agree that these wrinkle cleaning wipes have improved the condition of French Bulldogs’ jowls as well as reduced bad breath – all thanks to their pleasant scent! And due to their easy-to-use design, there won’t be any fuss when it comes time for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots on your pup’s face, like between folds or near eyes and ears where bacteria may accumulate quickly if not cleaned properly.
- Safely cleans dirt & grime from wrinkles & tail pockets
- Made in USA with natural ingredients
- 100% happy dog guarantee
- Strong scent some dogs react negatively to
- Small size compared to other brands
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive
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Help your pup keep their breath fresh and their teeth clean with Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive – the easy-to-use, odorless, and tasteless solution recommended by vets! This product is designed for both cats and dogs, making it a great choice for all pet owners.
The high-quality ingredients used in this product are made in the USA, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Simply add one capful into your pet’s water bowl daily for fresher breath in no time! Customers have reported immediate improvement in bad breath as well as positive feedback about the product’s quality.
- Easy to use – just add a capful daily
- Odorless & Tasteless – safe even for cats
- Made with high-quality ingredients from the USA
- Some reports of leakage from the 16oz bottle
- May create white slime when used in water fountains
Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat
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Cool down your pup with the Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat, a solid gel mat providing up to 3 hours of cooling comfort without water or electricity! Made from non-toxic materials and suitable for medium-sized dogs up to 80 pounds, this versatile solution is perfect for use in crates, cars, and pet beds.
Lab tested and proven 100% safe, it recharges after 15 minutes of nonuse so you can keep your pup cool all day long. The durable construction makes it great value as well. Customers report that their product has lasted many years despite regular use.
But be warned: some pups may take time to get used to the material or noise created when they lay on the mat! It’s also important not to forget that while it works wonders in hot weather conditions due to its effective cooling properties, other products may offer more comfort than this one does.
- Durable construction
- Non-toxic materials
- Versatile for use in multiple places
- Rechargeable after 15 minutes of no use
- Effective at cooling pets down during hot weather
- Not chew proof
- May take time for pets to adapt
- Some products offer more comfort
How and Why to Clean Dog Jowls
Keeping your pup’s jowls clean is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. Cleaning techniques vary depending on the breed, but all dogs benefit from gentle yet thorough hygiene maintenance.
- Seek veterinary advice if you’re unsure of how to properly clean your pup’s facial wrinkles or tail pockets.
- Use veterinarian recommended products, such as medicated washes or wipes containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide, to keep skin folds free from bacteria, fungi, and excess moisture.
- For breeds with heavy drooling issues like Bulldogs, use a drool towel or bib when necessary to keep them dry between baths/cleaning sessions.
- Regularly inspect the area around your pet’s ears since this can be an area that easily gets overlooked during dog grooming routines.
Common Issues and Maintenance for Dog Jowls
Take proactive steps to address any issues with your pup’s jowls and keep them healthy! To prevent bacterial infections, regularly clean the droopy skin folds of the jowls. Use medicated washes or wipes containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide for extra protection against germs.
Dog breeds vary in their size and shape of jowls; some have large, prominent ones while others may have small ones. If needed, use a drool towel or bib to reduce moisture around larger breeds’ mouths.
For medical issues like wart-like bumps on the lips, seek veterinary advice immediately as this could indicate oral papillomavirus (warts).
Additionally, regular grooming sessions can help remove excess hair which often leads to irritation in sensitive areas like jowls if left unchecked.
With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your pup’s facial features remain healthy all year round!
Conclusion
Caring for your canine companion’s jowls is essential for good health. From Basset Hounds to Bullmastiffs, all dogs can benefit from daily and weekly cleaning. With the right products, like Petpost Bulldog Wrinkle Wipes, Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive, and Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat, you can keep your pup’s jowls healthy and clean.
It’s important to monitor for any bumps, bleeding, or bad odor and seek veterinary advice if any abnormalities arise. With regular cleaning and comprehensive care, you can keep your dog’s jowls healthy and free from infections.
