What is a blueberry facial for dogs? 8 Benefits of a blueberry facial

A blueberry facial for dogs is a gentle, blueberry-scented face wash or mask, usually tearless, that groomers massage into a dog’s face to clean it, freshen the smell, and help lighten tear stains. It’s mostly a pampering spa treatment rather than a medical one, but it can leave your dog’s face cleaner, softer, and better-smelling.

Keep reading to learn about the eight benefits, how to give one at home, and a few safety tips.

What is a blueberry facial for dogs?

A blueberry facial is a facial cleanser or shampoo mask made with ingredients such as blueberry extract, aloe vera, avocado, and coconut oil. It is designed to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the skin and fur on your dog’s face. Blueberry facials are becoming increasingly popular for dogs as they offer several benefits with relatively little effort.

What are the 8 benefits of a blueberry facial?

1Creates an amazing smell

A blueberry facial will leave your dog smelling fantastic! The fruity scent leaves their face smelling fresh and clean, and gentle formulas are a nice alternative to harsh products that can irritate your pup’s skin. If you're after a scent that lasts, see our picks for the longest-lasting, best-smelling dog shampoos.

2Cleanses the skin

The gentle cleansers in the facial clean your dog’s face. This helps to remove any dirt, grime, or other build-up that can cause irritation.

3Moisturizes the skin

The aloe vera and avocado in the facial help to moisturize your dog’s skin. This is important for keeping their coat healthy and free of any dryness or flakiness.

4Promotes healthy coat growth

The moisturizing ingredients can help keep the fur on your dog’s face soft and in good condition. If your dog has thinning fur or bald patches, though, see your vet, since hair loss usually has a medical cause that a facial won’t fix.

5Reduces inflammation

Soothing ingredients like aloe vera may help calm mildly dry or irritated skin. Dogs with allergies or other skin conditions should still be treated by a vet, and it’s worth asking them before using any new product on sensitive skin.

6Provides anti-oxidants

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. How much benefit a short facial gives the skin is unclear, but it certainly doesn’t hurt!

7Removes tear stains

If your dog has tear stains, regular blueberry facials can help to lighten them over time and leave your pup’s fur looking cleaner and brighter. Heavy or sudden tearing can be a sign of an eye problem, blocked tear ducts, or allergies, so ask your vet if the staining is severe or your dog’s eyes look red or irritated. For day-to-day cleaning around the eyes, we also review the best eye wipes for dogs.

8It's all-natural!

One of the best things about blueberry facials is that most are made with natural ingredients and are gentle on the skin. Keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t guarantee a dog won’t react, so try a small amount first and stop if you notice redness or itching. For more natural coat care ideas, see how to whiten dog fur naturally.

How to give your dog a blueberry facial?

1Make a blueberry facial mask, or buy one.

First you need to decide whether you want to make a blueberry facial mask from scratch or buy one.

If you decide to make your own, here’s a fun and easy recipe for a homemade blueberry mask:

• At minimum you will need ¼ cup blueberries and ⅛ cup coconut oil.
• Mash all ingredients together until it forms a paste.

We’d skip adding aloe vera or avocado to a homemade mask. Your dog will probably lick some of it off, and the aloe plant and parts of the avocado can upset a dog’s stomach if eaten. Pet products that list these ingredients use processed, pet-safe versions.

If you would rather buy a ready-made mask, there are several great options available online.

2Get your dog in the bathtub and clean him

Before you start the facial, you will need to get your dog in the bathtub and give him a good cleaning. This will help to remove any dirt or build-up on his skin that could interfere with the mask’s ability to penetrate.

3Apply the mask to your dog's face

Once your dog is clean, it’s time to apply the mask. If you are using a homemade mask, simply apply it to your dog’s face with your fingers or a brush. Be careful to avoid his eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you are using a ready-made mask, follow the instructions on the package. Most likely, you will need to wet your dog’s face and then apply the mask. Again, be careful to avoid his eyes, nose, and mouth.

4Rinse the mask off with warm water

After the allotted time has passed, it’s time to rinse the mask off. Use warm water and a washcloth to gently remove the mask from your dog’s face. Be sure to get all of the mask off so that none is left behind to irritate his skin.

5Dry your dog's face and enjoy the results!

Once the mask is removed, dry your dog’s face with a towel. Your pup will smell fantastic and the fur on his face should feel softer and look cleaner.

Additional tips for giving your dog a blueberry facial

• Choose organic blueberries whenever possible. This will ensure that your dog is getting the highest quality ingredients.
• If you are using a ready-made mask, choose one made specifically for dogs, ideally tearless and free of harsh fragrances. Never use a human face mask on your dog.
• If your dog has sensitive skin, skip essential oils like lavender. Many essential oils can irritate a dog’s skin or be harmful if licked, especially in concentrated form.
• When you are using a homemade mask, be sure to mash the blueberries well before applying them to your dog's face.

Final word

Blueberry facials are a fun way to freshen up your dog’s face and help keep tear stains in check. They are also an excellent way to bond with your pup! So, grab some blueberries and give your dog the spa day he deserves.