
- Muzzle folliculitis: an inflammation of the dog’s hair follicle
- Muzzle furunculosis: an impacted, pus-filled, infected follicle that ruptures
- Redness
- Hairless papules
- Comedones
- Skin blisters (pustules)
- Nodules
- Furuncles
- Cellulitis with plaques
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Itchiness (pruritus)
- Pus discharge
- Large papules
- Ulcerated lesions with or without discharge
- Pain
- Extremely red/irritated skin
- Scarring
- 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.
- 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.
Steer clear of the triggering food and opt for a diet that’s easy on your pup’s sensitivities. Try some of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs — and see if their health improves!
- 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.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
