Dog jowls—those soft, loose flaps of skin around your furry friend’s mouth—can be adorable but also a hidden source of discomfort if not cared for properly. Whether your dog drools a lot or simply has folds where food and moisture tend to get trapped, these areas require special attention. Good dog jowls care isn’t just about keeping your pup looking cute; it’s essential for preventing infections and keeping them comfortable.
4 Common Issues and How to Fix Them
If you have a dog with droopy cheeks and big, floppy lips, you know those adorable jowls come with their own challenges. From sloppy kisses to surprising smells, dog jowls need special attention. In this easy-to-read guide, we'll cover four of the most common jowl problems—with down-to-earth advice on what to do, how to spot issues early, and tips you can actually use.
What Are Dog Jowls and Why Do They Need Care?
Jowls are the folds of loose skin and lips hanging beside a dog’s mouth. They’re especially prominent in breeds like Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards. While all that extra skin makes for an expressive face, it also traps moisture, food, and germs. With a little practical TLC, you can keep your dog’s jowls clean, healthy, and kissable!
Issue 1: Lip Fold Dermatitis
What Is It?
Lip fold dermatitis is a skin infection that develops in the moist, wrinkled folds of a dog’s jowl. Warmth, drool, and small food particles create the perfect place for bacteria and yeast to grow, leading to red, itchy, swollen, and smelly skin.
How to Spot It
Redness or swelling in jowl folds
Bad or musty odor, especially if skin feels damp
Yellow or white discharge
Itching or discomfort when you handle the jowls
How to Fix It
Clean Gently and Often: Use a soft rag or dog-safe wipe to clean deep inside each skin fold. Follow your vet’s advice for products—avoid harsh human soaps. Always dry the area well to prevent leftover moisture.
Medicated Wipes or Creams: For active infections, your vet may suggest special wipes, sprays, or creams with antibacterial or antifungal ingredients like chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide.
Prevent Licking/Scratching: If your dog keeps rubbing or licking, consider a soft cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent further damage while the skin heals.
See the Vet: If cleaning doesn’t help within a few days, or you see swelling or pus, a vet visit is a must.
Pro Tip: Keep a pack of dog wipes near your dog’s food and water bowls. A quick wipe after meals goes a long way!
Issue 2: Excessive Drooling
What Is It?
Big jowls mean more drool. While some drooling is normal—especially after eating, drinking, or excitement—excessive drooling can point to an underlying problem.
Warning Signs Drool Isn’t Normal
Drool is thick, stringy, or has blood
Saliva smells very bad
Dog seems uncomfortable, won’t eat, or paws at their mouth
You notice swelling, growths, or sores inside the jowl
How to Fix It
Keep Jowls Clean and Dry: Wipe up extra drool during the day, especially after meals or long walks.
Check for Bumps or Foreign Objects: Look inside your dog’s mouth and jowls for anything unusual—stuck food, a bone, or small toy bits.
Dental Care Matters: Brush your dog's teeth regularly, and offer dental chews to remove bacteria.
Vet Visit for Odd Drool: If your dog’s drool suddenly increases, changes color, or comes with pain and swelling, make a vet appointment.
Pro Tip: Keep a “drool towel” by your door or in your bag for those slobbery greetings!
Issue 3: Jowl Swelling and Abscesses
What Is It?
Swelling in the jowls could be a simple reaction to a cut or bug bite, but it can also signal abscesses, dental infections, or allergic reactions.
How to Spot It
One or both jowls puff up suddenly
Area feels hot, hard, or squishy
There’s a visible wound, scratch, or bite mark
Dog has trouble eating or acts unusual
How to Fix It
Immediate Vet Visit: Sudden or severe jowl swelling always needs a vet check. Some causes (like allergic reactions or serious infections) need urgent care.
Don’t Lance at Home: Never try to squeeze or pop swelling—this can make things worse. If fluid is draining or the area is bleeding, gently clean it and keep your dog calm until you reach the vet.
Prevent Future Problems: Keep your dog away from bee hives, sharp objects, and supervise rough play with other pets to avoid common injuries.
Pro Tip: Keep a recent photo of your dog. If facial swelling changes fast, a picture helps your vet see what’s normal for your pup.
Issue 4: Growths and Warts
What Is It?
Some dogs—especially younger ones—can develop small, wart-like growths in their mouths and on the jowls called oral papillomas. These are viral, contagious between dogs, and usually harmless, but can become a nuisance.
How to Spot It
Small, pink, rough-surfaced bumps on lips, jowls, or inside the mouth
Usually not painful, but may bleed if bumped or chewed
Appear suddenly, often in groups
How to Fix It
Don’t Panic: Most papillomas disappear on their own in a couple of months.
Keep Dogs Apart: Since these growths are viral, avoid contact with other dogs until they’re gone.
Vet Advice Is Best: If warts become large, interfere with eating, get infected, or last over 3 months, your vet might remove them or recommend treatment.
Pro Tip: Stay calm if you see a new bump—most are harmless, but always check with your vet for peace of mind.
Simple Steps for Clean, Healthy Jowls
Keeping your dog’s jowls in good shape isn’t complicated, but consistency is key! Here’s what works:
Wipe and Dry Often: After meals, play, or a drink, quickly wipe inside the jowls.
Use Dog-Safe Products: Always choose vet-recommended wipes or cleaners.
Watch for Redness or Odor: Early signs of trouble are easier and cheaper to fix!
Regular Vet Checks: Include jowl checks in your routine vet visits.
Turn Cleaning into Bonding: Pair cleaning with treats, praise, or gentle play so your dog sees it as a positive part of their day.
Real-Life Example: Daisy’s Jowl Journey
Daisy the Bloodhound loved her puddle walks—but came home with red, smelly jowls every week. Her owner started wiping her jowls every day after she drank or ate, using a soft towel and vet-recommended wipe. Daisy even had a snack after every cleaning. The result? Fewer infections, less smell, and a much happier pup.
Emotional Connection: Why Caring for Jowls Matters
Caring for your dog’s jowls isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about their comfort and happiness. Those soft folds help your dog eat, play, and show personality. Keeping them healthy means more time for sloppy kisses, games, and snuggles without worrying about pain or infection. For many pet owners, jowl care is an act of love your dog will appreciate with every happy tail wag!
Bottom Line
Dog jowls are adorable, goofy, and a little messy—but with simple habits and early care, you can avoid most problems before they begin. Clean, inspect, and watch for any changes. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. Your dog will thank you with slobbery smiles and lots of love!
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