Dog Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Zits, pimples, and spots — oh my! We humans may be all too familiar with the concept of acne, but what about our four-legged friends — can dogs get pimples? Are they prone to the occasional breakout, too? 

Read on to find out how dog acne plagues even man’s best friend from time to time. 

What is dog acne? 

Dog acne, also known as canine acne, is a common skin condition that causes small red bumps, or pimples, on a dog’s face, particularly around the mouth, lips, and chin. This condition, which can also be classified as a type of pyoderma, is more common in younger dogs and certain breeds - but can affect dogs of any age. 

There are two main types of canine acne, more officially referred to as ‘muzzle folliculitis’ and ‘muzzle furunculosis’:

• Muzzle folliculitis: an inflammation of the dog’s hair follicle
• Muzzle furunculosis: an impacted, pus-filled, infected follicle that ruptures 
  
  

Canine acne can cause multiple comedones (blackheads) on the chin and lips, where short, coarse hairs grow. The area can also be swollen, inflamed, crusty or bleeding - and is ultimately usually itchy and painful for your pup.

All dogs can develop canine acne — but it’s most common for the short-coated breeds to be affected. What’s more, chronic acne is possible if the underlying causation is left unidentified.

Initial signs of canine acne can be quite mild - breakouts are typically concentrated in the chin and lip areas. You might first start to notice this in your furry friend as a single pimple on the head, usually around the mouth. 

If your dog is affected, you may also find them scratching the area more frequently due to itchiness or pain. 

Some initial symptoms to keep an eye out for are:

• Redness
• Hairless papules
• Comedones
• Skin blisters (pustules)
• Nodules
• Furuncles
• Cellulitis with plaques
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Itchiness (pruritus)

Progressive or later signs can include:

• Pus discharge
• Large papules
• Ulcerated lesions with or without discharge
• Pain
• Extremely red/irritated skin
• Scarring

Unfortunately, this is a complex condition with lots of different potential triggers - making it hard to nail down the exact cause. 

But understanding the most common potential causes can help in preventing and managing it effectively. 

Some of the most common causes of dog acne are:

• Skin trauma: Rough play or scratching that injures the skin can damage hair follicles, leading to pimples as the follicles become blocked. 

• Contact dermatitis: Frequent rubbing against irritants like scratched plastic bowls can irritate the skin and trigger breakouts on a dog’s chin.

• Genetics and breed disposition: Certain breeds, especially short-coated breeds like Boxers, English Bulldogs and Rottweilers, are more prone to dog acne. It’s believed that abnormal follicular keratinization - a condition where skin cells don’t shed properly - contributes to acne in these dogs in particular. 

• Allergic reactions: Environmental allergens or food sensitivities can lead to skin irritation and pimples, particularly around the mouth and face.

• Secondary bacterial infections:  Bacteria, often Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, can infect blocked follicles, leading to swollen, sometimes painful pimples.

Other contributing conditions are: 

• Demodicosis: Mite infestations that cause irritation and inflammation.
• Malassezia Dermatitis: A yeast infection affecting the skin, often leading to red, itchy areas.
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions that affect skin health, such as histiocytosis.
• Dermatophytosis: Also known as ringworm, a fungal infection that can lead to skin irritation.

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If you notice your dog’s acne appearing or worsening around your pet’s muzzle, it's important to monitor them for other reactions that might hint at an underlying cause. 

Pay attention to any specific triggers, like contact with certain materials, foods, or chemicals, and ensure that the acne is localized to the face and not spreading. Watch for additional symptoms that may indicate a more severe issue, such as changes in appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive scratching.

Veterinarians may conduct several diagnostic tests to identify the cause of canine acne and check for any secondary infections. 

Here’s a look at common diagnostic procedures your vet might perform:

• Skin scraping: A gentle scraping across the affected skin gathers cell samples for microscopic examination or culture. This test helps identify parasites, types of infection, or other underlying issues contributing to acne.
  
  
• Hair pluck: A few hairs are plucked from the affected area to be examined under a microscope, commonly used to detect parasites like Demodex mites or to test for fungal infections.
  
  
• Bacterial culture: Bacterial cultures may be performed using skin scrapings or swabs to confirm a bacterial infection and to determine the most effective antibiotics.
  
  
• Biopsy: In more complex cases, a small sample of deeper skin tissue may be taken under sedation for a thorough analysis. This test can reveal tissue-level diseases that surface tests might miss.
  
  
• Fungal culture: Similar to bacterial testing, a fungal culture examines skin or hair samples to determine if a fungal infection is present, often helpful for open or infected wounds.
  
  
• Needle aspirate: For fluid-filled lesions, a needle is used to extract a sample. Microscopic examination of the fluid helps determine the nature of the infection or irritation.
  
  
• Blood test: Although not always necessary, blood tests may be suggested if there’s no improvement with initial treatments. They can help rule out autoimmune diseases or other internal conditions affecting the skin.
  
  
• Allergy testing: If conventional treatments don’t work, allergy tests can help pinpoint specific triggers. Both skin and blood allergy tests can identify irritants that may be exacerbating your dog’s acne.

So, how do we get rid of dog pimples? Luckily, treating canine acne tends to be quite simple - especially once any infections are diagnosed and the initial cause is determined.

• E-collar: Elizabethan collars, or E-collars, are used to prevent your dog from causing more trauma to the area by scratching, licking, etc. This method tends to be temporary while infections clear and breakouts resolve.
  

• Medicated topical: Topical treatments are a go-to for tackling dog acne! Your vet might prescribe shampoos, wipes, or creams to help keep breakouts at bay. For many pups, these treatments are a long-term solution to prevent future flare-ups. Some common medicated topical solutions are: 

• Benzoyl Peroxide — great for flushing out and cleaning clogged follicles.

• Retinoids — effective but can dry out the skin, so use with care.

• Steroids — best for short-term use only; long-term use can mess with your dog’s adrenal glands.
  

• Oral: For tougher cases, oral meds can be added to the mix alongside topicals. Antibiotics and antifungals are the usual go-tos and are typically prescribed for about 2-3 weeks. Just keep an eye on your pup’s tummy — oral antibiotics can sometimes lead to a bit of digestive upset, like diarrhea.

On the hunt for a more natural remedy for canine acne? Try coconut oil.

Coconut oil can help improve and maintain your dog’s skin and coat — great, right? Start off mildly with 1/4 teaspoon for every ten pounds of your dog’s weight. Its antimicrobial properties can be beneficial against bacteria, and can contribute to healthier skin when applied topically or orally. 

As always, consult your vet before giving any treatments (natural or otherwise) to ensure that there’s no risk to your pet.

Keeping up with regular follow-up visits is key to managing your dog’s acne! Since this skin condition can have lots of causes, your vet may start with basic tests and treatments and adjust based on how well your dog responds. Expect to head back to the vet within a couple of weeks to check if oral meds and topicals are doing the trick — without any unwanted side effects.

Managing dog acne for the long haul

Consistency is essential! Canine acne can easily come back once it appears, and without the right care, it can get worse. Regular use of vet-recommended products like medicated wipes, shampoos, or even a 2% benzoyl peroxide cream can help keep flare-ups at bay. If there’s a clear trigger — like plastic food bowls or an allergy — removing it can make a big difference. With the right management, mild cases can clear up in less than a month.

Risk of relapse

Relapse is pretty common with dog acne, especially if there’s no clear cause. For many dogs, ongoing or even lifelong management may be needed to keep their skin clear and happy.

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