Treat the Face as a Special Case
The face needs a completely different approach from the rest of the body. The eyes, ears, nose and mouth are all delicate, so the general rule is simple: keep shampoo and streaming water off the face entirely and clean it by hand instead.
This applies whether you are doing a full bath or a quick tidy. During a bath, wash the body with a jug or spray and leave the head dry, then clean the face separately once the dog is calm.
It fits naturally into a wider routine; the body-washing side is covered in our first-bath guide and the same face principles apply to dogs of any age.
No shampoo on the face and no water in the ears. A damp cloth does everything the face needs.
Clean Around the Eyes Gently
Start with the eyes, using a cloth or pad dampened with plain lukewarm water. Wipe gently outward from the inner corner, using a fresh section of cloth for each eye to avoid moving any debris or infection from one to the other.
Many dogs, especially light-coated and flat-faced breeds, develop reddish tear staining below the eyes. Wipe this away regularly with a dog-safe wipe, and if it is heavy or new, look into the causes set out in our tear-stain guide.
Never let any product touch the eye itself. If the eyes look sore, cloudy or are producing coloured discharge, that is a matter for the vet rather than cleaning.
Always use a fresh part of the cloth for each eye to avoid spreading any irritation or infection between them.
Clean Skin Folds and Wrinkles Carefully
Breeds with facial folds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Shar Peis, need particular attention because moisture and debris trapped in the wrinkles quickly cause soreness and odour. These folds should be cleaned several times a week, not just at bath time.
Gently part each fold and wipe inside with a damp cotton pad or a dog-safe wipe. The crucial step is drying: run a dry pad through each fold afterwards, because any dampness left behind is exactly what leads to irritation.
- Clean each fold with a damp pad, one at a time
- Dry thoroughly inside every fold afterwards
- Check for redness, smell or soreness as you go
A damp skin fold soon becomes a sore one. Drying inside each wrinkle matters more than the wash itself.
Wipe the Beard, Muzzle and Chin
The beard and muzzle collect food, drool and water, and left alone they turn matted and smelly. Wipe the beard and chin after meals and as part of grooming, working a damp cloth in the direction of hair growth.
For sticky residue, a little dog-safe cleaner on the cloth helps, but keep it away from the mouth and nostrils. Dry the beard afterwards so it does not stay damp against the skin.
While you are there, a persistent bad smell from the mouth is worth noting, as it often points to dental rather than grooming needs, covered in our dental care guide.
A wet beard breeds smell and staining. Always dry the muzzle and chin after wiping, especially on light coats.
Frequently Asked
Clean the face by hand with a damp cloth rather than pouring water over the head. Keep the cloth away from the ear openings, and during a bath wash the body separately with a jug or spray while leaving the head dry.
It is best to avoid shampoo on the face, as it can sting the eyes and irritate delicate skin. A cloth dampened with plain lukewarm water cleans most faces well. For stubborn residue, use a dog-safe facial wipe rather than regular shampoo.
Gently part each fold, wipe inside with a damp cotton pad or dog-safe wipe, then dry thoroughly. Clean folds several times a week, as trapped moisture causes soreness and odour. Watch for redness or smell, which can signal an infection needing veterinary care.
Wipe the eyes and beard every day or two, and clean facial folds several times a week for wrinkly breeds. Regular light cleaning prevents tear staining, food build-up and fold irritation far more effectively than occasional deep cleaning.