We know acne is common for teenagers, but can dogs get it, too? Unfortunately, yes. It typically occurs around a dog’s muzzle, chin, or lips but can appear anywhere on a dog’s body.
Dr Alex Avery, BVSc, a general companion veterinarian, says signs of acne include:
- red bumps
- pustules
- blackheads
Keep reading to learn more about dog acne and the treatments available for your pup.
5 Types & Symptoms of Dog Acne
Dog acne is a common skin condition and can manifest in different ways, but the good news is that it’s easy to spot. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of skin lesions and their symptoms:
| Type of Lesion | Severity | Symptoms |
| Comedones | Mild | Small, raised bumps; blackheads may appear as dark spots on the skin |
| Papules | Mild to Moderate | Small, red, inflamed bumps |
| Pustules (Pimples) | Moderate | Pus-filled bumps |
| Nodules | Moderate to Severe | Larger, solid bumps; may be painful |
| Furuncles | Severe | Clusters of pimples that become interconnected |
Other signs that your dog may be dealing with uncomfortable acne include:
- scratching or rubbing their face
- pawing at their muzzle
- loss of appetite
- whimpering or flinching when touched
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit the vet. They can determine what’s causing the acne and provide treatment.
How Do You Treat Dog Acne?
The good news is that dog acne is treatable! There are various approaches depending on the severity and underlying cause, but Dr Alex gives a breakdown of the most common treatments:
Medications
Several medications can be used for more severe acne (or persistent acne that won’t seem to disappear by itself):
- Topical treatments. Just like for humans, medicated shampoos, gels, and wipes with benzoyl peroxide can help clean your dog’s skin and reduce bacteria.
- Antibiotics. For severe cases, your dog might need oral or topical antibiotics to kill the bacteria on their skin.
- Anti-inflammatory medications. Steroids and other medicines can help reduce swelling and discomfort from acne.
Hygiene
Sometimes, your dog may need the affected area to be kept cleaner. Regular baths with a mild antiseptic solution can help clear up the acne.
Dietary changes
If your dog’s acne comes from allergies, their diet may need to be adjusted. Luckily, most dogs can switch to a new food to ease their symptoms.
Switching to a hypoallergenic diet can clear the symptoms of dogs with more severe food allergies.
Avoiding trauma
Treatments may include minimising friction and skin irritation if dog acne results from trauma to hair follicles. Some common changes include:
- Gentle playtime. Avoid roughhousing and opt for calmer toys and games to minimise the risk of follicular trauma.
- Loose collars. Keep your dog’s collar loose so it doesn’t rub against their neck. Switch to a harness if your dog’s collar causes acne.
- Provide softer surfaces. If your dog likes lying on hard surfaces, it can irritate the follicles. Offer special dog blankets or towels for your pup to lie on outdoors.
What Causes Acne in Dogs?
Dr Alex notes that dog acne can have various contributing factors. Below, he breaks down four common causes.
Bacterial infections
Dr Alex says certain bacteria can infect hair follicles, causing inflammation that can lead to pimples. Bacteria can stem from poor hygiene or trauma.
Lastly, he says your vet might refer to dog acne as folliculitis. This is type of bacterial skin infection (pyoderma).
Parasites
In rarer cases, Dr Alex says mites can infect the skin, causing acne.
This infection is sometimes called mange and is spread through contact with other infected dogs.
Allergies
Itchy skin and irritation are signs of food and seasonal allergies. When a dog’s immune system goes into overdrive in response to allergens, it can lead to inflamed skin and acne breakouts.
Genetics
Dr Alex says short-coated breeds with bristly hair coats are likelier to develop acne due to an underlying genetic trait.
Common breeds affected by dog acne include:
iStock/miriam-doerr
How Do Vets Diagnose Acne in Dogs?
Dr Alex explains that vets usually use multiple methods to diagnose dog acne, including:
- Physical exam. The vet will check your dog’s chin, lips, and muzzle for acne. They will look for red bumps, pimples, blackheads, and other skin issues.
- Skin scraping and analysis. Your vet might take a small sample of your dog’s skin cells to look at under a microscope.
- Culture testing. If the vet thinks there might be a bacterial infection, they will take a swab to determine which bacteria are causing it.
- Allergy panel. If allergies might be causing acne, the vet could suggest allergy tests or a special diet to determine what your dog is allergic to.
- Biopsy. In rare cases, the vet might take a small sample of skin tissue for closer examination under a microscope.
How to Prevent Dog Acne?
The best way to prevent dog acne is to keep your dog clean and dry. Pet parents can keep their dogs clean by:
- Gently bathing your dog’s skin folds to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
- Regular grooming and bathing to remove allergens from your dog’s coat.
- Staying on top of flea and tick prevention to prevent acne from parasites.
- Use dog wipes for pups who hate bath time.
