There’s not a shred of doubt in our minds—dogs are incredibly cute and they deserve all of the internet space that they can take up with their canine smiles. Move over, cats, it’s doggo time. In fact, dogs are so cute that sometimes their owners can’t resist squishing their cheeks, stretching their skin flaps or scruffs, and sharing the photos on the net.
It’s adorable. It’s funny. It’s here on Bored Panda. Upvote the photos that brought a smile to your face as you’re scrolling down, dear Readers, and be sure to let us know which canine companions won over your hearts. Pssst, you'll find our earlier list about squishy dog cheeks that are impossible to resist squishing right over here.
Our friends at the PDSA, the UK's leading vet charity, enlightened us about dogs' scruffs, how to take care of sagging skin, skin folds, and wrinkles, and gave us some helpful advice about canine skincare. Read on for Bored Panda's in-depth interview with PDSA vet Anna Ewers Clark.
Just keep in mind, Pandas, that the dogs featured in this list aren’t in any pain. In fact, some of them enjoy the mini face massage. But this isn’t the case with every dog. Before you start stretching random doggos’ skin, ask their owners for permission, speak to the dogs themselves (always fun!), or talk to a professional vet, breeder, or trainer.
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Slobbersaurus 3 Month Glow Up. Bigger Wrinkly Cheeks, Bigger Blep, Heckin’ Good Boi
Jackson's Mighty Roar
AAAwww!!!!!!! Why is this only number 17? 15 UPVOTES +ME ... look at da doggo
Eats Snack While Also Looking For Another Snack
"Dogs have an area on the back of their necks called the scruff where the skin is a little more loosely attached to the body than in other areas. Sometimes, you can feel it moving as you stroke or scratch your dog, but it still has the same nerves and stretch sensitivity as the rest of the skin. It’s important not to pull on any part of your dog’s skin as overstretching their skin can be really painful, just like it would be for a person. This also applies to the scruff of the neck," PDSA vet Anna explained to Bored Panda.
She highlighted that we shouldn't pick up our dogs by the scruff of their neck because we could end up hurting them. "Instead, if you need to pick up your dog, support them under their chest and back legs to carry them, or if they’re a bigger dog, try using a big blanket or a board with the help of a friend or family member if you need to lift them for any reason. Find out more on our first aid guide," she shared.
Chipmunkin' On Friyay
Sharpei? The extra skin was bred for hunting I think (like a lions mane, bite protection, and also the wrinkles channeled blood away from eyes). I've only met one of these but it was the sweetest smushy cuddlebug ever!
He’s A Special Kind Of Special
Pancakes Anyone?
Dogs like Shar Peis, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Basset Hounds have been bred to have loose skin and skin folds. They have these from an early age whereas other dogs can develop them due to their weight. "People often think of skin folds on a dog’s face, but they can also be found in other places, especially if a dog is overweight, for example around their tail, back end or at the tops of their legs."
PDSA vet Anna explained to Bored Panda that it's essential to clean a dog's skin folds to prevent skin fold dermatitis, a nasty infection that can develop in the 'pockets' between the folds of skin. "The skin in the folds is often very warm and damp, so yeast and bacteria that live on the skin naturally can overgrow, leading to irritated, red, and smelly skin which is itchy and uncomfortable for your dog. If left untreated, skin fold dermatitis can result in ulcers and sores in the folds which can be very painful."
"If You Force Yourself To Smile, Within A Couple Of Minutes, You Feel Happy"
Stretch Dogstrong
Pointy Doggo Doin A Stretch
That means that if you have a dog with skin folds, you ought to clean them every day. Either cooled boiled water or salt water on fresh cotton wool pads works. "Be especially careful when cleaning folds near your dog’s eyes. If your dog finds this really uncomfortable, there could be a problem or infection in one of the folds so it’s best to get them checked by your vet. It’s important not to use any other products (such as creams or shampoos) on the skin folds unless you’ve been advised to by your vet—in many cases these can make any irritation or itching worse," the vet warned.
PDSA vet Anna was also incredibly helpful and provided Bored Panda with some awesome tips on how to keep our doggos' skin and fur healthy. She said that, generally, we need to brush our dogs to keep their skin and their coats in good condition.
"If they are dirty or muddy, it’s best to just use water to wash them. There are plenty of pet shampoos on the market and these are suitable for most pets, but using them too regularly can lead to dry skin or skin irritation, especially if your pet’s skin is sensitive or they have a skin problem," she warned. "There are prescription, medicated shampoos available which can help some skin conditions, ask your vet for advice to find out what’s best for your pet." However, if in doubt, just use water!
Love This Guy
Humans Are So Strange
It's Tough Smiling Through These Big Flaps
"Many owners worry about their pet’s skin, and sometimes it can be hard to know if your dog has a skin problem. All dogs will lick or scratch now and then and in many cases, it’s nothing to worry about—it’s just part of them grooming their coat. However, if your dog is itching all the time, is making their skin red, they’re losing lots of fur, they have a rash or bumpy skin or you think they may have a wound or infection, it’s best to contact your vet for advice," Anna said.
"There are many causes of skin conditions, from allergies and wounds to fleas, mites, and infections. Some dogs will have a skin problem just once in their lifetime, but for many, skin issues need life-long management or treatment. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help keep your dog comfortable and happy, including medication, special diets, and supplements. The key thing is to get help for your dog early—most skin problems get worse over time and become more difficult to treat."
Extra Skin
Just A Little Extra Skin
He Protec, He Attac, But Mostly, Many Squishy Is Back
However, something that can really make dog owners panic is seeing a new or changing lump or mass on your dog. That's when you want to immediately get in touch with your vet. "They will be able to check the lump and discuss the next options for your pet. Although many owners worry that a new lump could be cancer, there are actually many different causes for lumps and many of these can be treated and won’t lead to more serious problems for your pet. However, it’s better to get any lumps or bumps checked sooner rather than later, especially if they have come up quickly, seem red or painful, or are causing issues for your dog."
Anna added that if you're worried about your pet's skin, you'll find more info about rashes, hair loss, itchy skin, and skin lumps on the PDSA's website.
Big Smile For Everyone
When He Was Sick, He Lost A Huge Amount Of Weight. He's Got Some Extra Skin He Needs To Grow Back Into
Why So Serious?
Depending on the dog and the owner, they might squish their pets’ cheeks, play with the skin flaps around their faces, or stretch the loose skin around their neck. That last bit, by the way, is known as the scruff, and it’s what mother canines pick their puppies up by.
It’s a myth that dogs can’t feel their scruff. They can, so if you do play around with it or grab it, you have to be gentle and firm. Know your own dog’s boundaries and don’t try anything funny with a random dog’s scruff—it might not thank you very much.
Aside from scruffs, different breeds and individual dogs can have loose skin. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, ranging from weight loss and Cutaneous Asthenia (a hereditary disorder that causes stretchy, saggy skin) to hunting dogs like basset hounds or bloodhounds having been bred to have more loose skin folds around their faces and necks (they trap the scent of their quarry so the hound doesn’t miss it by chance).
This Is How Loose My Dog's Neck Is
Squishy Cheeks
Lovely Stretch
However, the loose skin folds and wrinkles capture not just the scent of the dog’s prey. They also collect dirt and can be the perfect breeding grounds for yeast and bacteria. That’s why you need to clean in between your dog’s folds once or twice a week to help keep their skin healthy. You can wash the folds or clean them with a soft cloth.
There’s a difference between us and dogs (it sounds obvious, we know, but give us a moment to explains): while mommy dogs know exactly how to pick their kids up by the scruff without hurting them, human beings don’t have the same natural instincts and we can accidentally end up causing the puppies pain. So if you do have to carry them, unless you’re incredibly experienced, don’t go for the scruff.
What’s more, when a pupperino grows up, it becomes far heavier, so grabbing and carrying them by the scruff then is a big no-no. You can’t place that much weight on their neck. So if your dogs’ legs get tired in the middle of your walk or if they want to get on the couch but can’t, you’ll have to pick them up properly, gently, and carry them to their destination. Dogs: 1; Owners: 0.
Mr. Cheek
Who Puts An Instant Smile On Your Face?
Stretchy Face Dorothy. I Love Her Cheeks
When done carefully and properly, grabbing your dog by the scruff can be a part of training them. When you do so, you’re mimicking wild dogs and showing your pet that you’re the dominant one here.
But before you go grabbing loose skin folds willy-nilly, you ought to consult with a dog trainer or a vet. There’s only so much you learn from books, the internet; when it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, experienced guidance is necessary.
However, here are some basics, as presented by ‘DogIDs,’ about how you can train your dogs to follow commands and refrain from unwanted habits. It’s important that a pet know what exactly it is that they did wrong, so giving them a stern talking to should occur immediately after the fact, not later.
She's Still Growing Into Her Face
Easy There With Your Shenanigans Dad
"I Don’t Pay Rent. I Don’t Clean. I Don’t Cook. I Contribute To The Home By Letting The Humans Stretch My Face"
Keeping in mind that you should do everything incredibly gently yet firmly, if your dog is being a big meanie, you can grab them by their scruff, shake it slightly, and say ‘no’ in a commanding voice while looking at your pet’s dreamy eyes that you could get lost in for days. That way, your dog should be able to associate the consequences with what they did wrong. Dawdle for too long and your canine could get confused about what exactly it was that’s considered to be bad behavior.
My Face When Grandma Comes Over
Stingray Face With A Tongue. Best We Could Do With A Crazy Pup
Reversed Dog Squish
While a lot of character features might be determined by your dog’s breed, they’re still individuals. So if your dog is jumpy, frightful, and against you touching its scruff (or smooshing its face to make it look even more like a cutie), stop doing it. Grabbing a dog by the scruff of its neck should only be a part of training if your dog is confident and only needs minor corrections to its behavior.
Not Impressed
Sleepy Stretch
Such Smile. Very Happiness
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Sting Bae
Look At All My Extra Skin In My Cheeks From My Dramatic Weight Loss
Almost three years ago I went from 31 pounds to about 20 pounds. I lost about 1/3 of my body weight. I have sooo much extra skin! I guess what I technically need is a pug tummy tuck, but that's okay- my extra skin makes me extra cuddly!
My Dog Has A Lot Of Extra Skin
I Died
Here's A Lil Stingray Face To Brighten Your Morning
Still Growing Into My Face
We Big Dogs Have A Loot Of Loose Stretchy Skin
This Dog's Stretchy Face
Stretchy Doggo
Pancake Face
Smoosh... Smoosh...
Mister Stretchy Faycee
Pitties have the best smiles in all scenarios including stretching
This Is Maisie, She Likes It When We Play With Her Extra Skin
My Friend's Dog Is Very Stretchy
Smooshy Face
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Whyyyyy Sooo Serious?!
This Dog Looks Really Happy
Hope This Smile Brightens Your Day And Wakes You Up
A Little Extra Skin Never Hurt Anybody
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Stretchy Husky Smile To Brighten Your Day
Guys, I Don't See What The Big Deal Is. Doesn't Everyone Have This Much Face Skin?
So, My Dog To Has A Lot Of Extra Skin
I Am Not Smooshy. I’m Cute And Stretchy
Evidently Not The Most Willing Participant Of This Photoshoot
Mah Doggo
Doggie Face Lift
So Much Extra Skin
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Squishy Cheeks
The Weekend When I Got To Meet These Fluffy Pup Cheeks
I’d Say She Qualifies
Stretchy Mastiff's Smile
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Smiles All Day
Stretchy Great Dane's Cheeks
When Your Cheeks Seem To Be A New Version Of Slime
"Owner Thinks I Used To Be Fat Because My Skin Is So Loose"
Don’t worry, this didn’t hurt him at all, we really don’t have to do much of any pulling on his skin, he’s just got WAY more skin than most dogs his age and he’s probably made of flubber
When You're Being Good Waiting For A Treat And Mum Tries To Break Your Concentration
Any Recommendations On Skin Tightening Creams? I'm Too Young To Be Worrying About This
Gimbel's Manager: Why Are You Smiling Like That? Buddy: I Just Like To Smile, Smiling's My Favorite
All Smiles
Edgar Qualifies For Stretchy Dogs
It Is Not Funny Human. Don’t Mock My Elastic Super Power
Really Silly Face
Squishy Face vs. Stretch Face
"Lately, Momma Has Been Obsessed With My Stretchy Cheeks. I Know I’m Cute, But Seriously This Lady"
I Have Accepted, This Is Me
Extra Skin
I Heard We Are Doing Dog Cheeks Now
Do (Not) Try This On Your Shiba Inu
Hard Day At Work In The Office For Drogo Yesterday
Imma Stingray
She’s The Squishiest Pup In This Neck Of The Woods
Keep Smiling
Since this is about squishy dog faces, I hate it when someone decides to showcase themselves in the photo. Fishing for compliments are we??
This Dog With A Face Of A Fox
Trying Out Stingray Face And Kinda Failing
He Has A Stretchy Face
I'm Entering This Doge To The Squishy Dog Cheeks Contest
It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy
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Some Days You Just Have To Force A Smile And Carry On - Archie
She's So Sillay
Squishy Face
I Think I Need A Skin Removal Treatment
She Got That Extra Skin
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Look How “Mochiy” My Cheek Can Be
Just Keep Smiling, Just Keep Smiling
Stretchy-Faced Shibas
The Cutest Smile I've Ever Seen
This Super Cute Stretchy Shiba
Gotta Love That Loose Puppy Skin
So, Jojo Has Some Extra Skin
So Happy
Stretch Face
Throwback To To That Time Beardog Sprouted Wings And Flew Away
So My Dog Has A Lot Of Extra Skin Around His Face
You're So Handsome, Opie
Teddy Bear
A Little Extra Skin For Backup
Loony, What's This?
Stingray Face Cutie
Our Dog Has A Lot Of Extra Skin
He protecc, he attacc, but most importantly, he eat sticks for a snacc
The Weekend Is Finally Here
Happy Lunar New Year
My Pup Also Has Stretchy Skin
Is It A Polar Bear?
Bianca Cracks Me Up! This Dog Loves To Pounce And Wrestle. Her Big Ol Jowls Get Ya All Slobbery And She Comes Back For More
A Little Extra Fur Goes A Long Way
Definitely Not A Fan
Smile For You
Stretchy Face
Good Morning
The Happiest Kona Ever. Do You Ever Just Want To Like Squish And Play With Your Pups Cheeks? Same. Kona Is So Good She Doesn’t Ever Care What I Do To Her She Just Accepts It
Got Smiles For Days
I Hope You Find The Perfect Stick Today! Even If It Pokes You In The Mouth
Please Let This Quarantine End So My Brother Can Pick On Someone Else
Puppy Face Massage
This Guy Needs A Face Lift
My Dog, Easy, Has A Stretchy Face. This Doesn't Hurt Him
Stretchy Face
Happy New Year Everyone! Hope This Year Is Filled With A Bunch Of Floppy Tongues And Lots Of Treats
Extra Skin Dog
Love Handles
Took This Pic At The Request Of My Auntie Penny. She Mocks Me
Flappy Lips
No Dogs Were Harmed In The Taking Of This Photo
Bruno And His Smiles. Most Lovable Guy
When You Try To Stay Majestic While Someone Pinches Your Cheeks
Squishy Boi
My Face Is So Stretchy, I Can Go Wind Gliding With No Equipment
Flappy Face
Woofer's Face Does A Big Stretch
My Catahoula Has A Little Extra Skin
Oh Hi There Stingray-Face Dog
Mom And Dad Always Say I’m “Cheeky”
Gunther Has A Big Smile, When His Hooman Helps Him
Don't Forget To Smile Like Alfie Here
Mum Says I Have Nice Flaps
Depends on the dog and the relationship with the person doing it. My shepherd was totally fine with it, my podenco wouldn't have liked it.
Load More Replies...If this doesn't make you smile, I honestly don't know what will
Depends on the dog and the relationship with the person doing it. My shepherd was totally fine with it, my podenco wouldn't have liked it.
Load More Replies...If this doesn't make you smile, I honestly don't know what will