What should I do if my dog has acne? dog acne treatment
What should I do if my dog has acne? Acne isn’t just a problem for people. Dogs can also be susceptible to them, and if left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the dog’s skin.
What is acne? Papules, or pustules in medical terms, are raised, pus-filled bumps. They are the result of canine acne, an inflammatory disease that usually appears on the lips, muzzle, and nose of affected dogs, but can also be found elsewhere on the body. Symptoms of Dog Pimples Technically, the acne itself is considered a symptom of larger canine acne, and you may see other clinical signs along with them. Symptoms Localized hair loss (hair loss) Acne/pustules Crusting on the face/muzzle Swollen lips/muzzle Acne scars from this. The inflamed area may itch, causing friction and scratching, which can lead to open sores. The scab may stem from this self-trauma. Once these scabbed areas have also healed, scars can form. Causes of Pimples Pimples in dogs are not caused by hormonal imbalances like humans do. They either come from a genetic predisposition or from trauma to the hair follicle.
Boxers, Bulldogs, Great Danes, Rottweilers, and Weimaraners are some breeds that are more prone to acne. Trauma to a dog’s muzzle and the skin around the lips, whether rooting in the dirt or stepping on bowls and toys on the floor, can cause the short hairs on the muzzle to shed near the follicles. This in turn can cause irritation and further inflammation. In these early stages, the irritated lesions usually don’t become infected, but over time bacteria can infiltrate these areas. Diagnosing pimples in dogs Since all pimple symptoms in dogs are skin-related, diagnosing them can be relatively straightforward. Often simply looking at pimples is enough to diagnose. A veterinarian may want to take something called a tape prep to check for a secondary bacterial infection, yeast infection, or mange. This involves pressing a piece of Scotch tape over the lesion and squeezing the area to pick up surface skin cells and some of the contents of the pustule. It is then stained and viewed under a microscope to see which organisms are present. If your dog’s acne persists, additional testing may be necessary. This may include scraping the skin to check for mites that may be causing demodex or mange, as well as taking a biopsy for any tumor or cancerous origin. If there are deep lesions that haven’t healed, bacterial cultures and susceptibility tests can be done to determine which bacteria are present and to see which antibiotics will work best against them. Treatment As with many skin conditions, treatment usually involves topical and systemic or oral medications. Your veterinarian may prescribe a topical antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide, to cleanse the affected area.
Both solutions are available over the counter, but some human preparations may be more concentrated and therefore more irritating to your dog’s skin. Therefore, please consult your veterinarian before using any product. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. For deep infections, it may take 4 weeks or more to fully resolve the problem. A veterinarian may also prescribe short-term steroids. These are to help reduce any swelling and inflammation. Veterinarians may choose topical steroids, but they may also choose oral preparations. Oral steroids cannot be stopped suddenly, so be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions. They must also be used with caution with certain medications, including diuretics such as furosemide and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl (carprofen) and Deramaxx (deracoxib).
Be sure to let your veterinarian know about all medications your dog is currently taking, including vitamins and supplements. Prognosis for Dogs with Pimples Pimples are a common benign problem, so the prognosis is usually good. While this is usually not an emergency, make sure to seek veterinary attention before more serious underlying symptoms develop. How to Prevent Pimples There are a few things you can do to try and reduce your dog’s risk of getting pimples. Wiping your dog’s face and facial folds helps keep dirt and grime out that can irritate the skin and coat. There are veterinary wipes that are antibacterial and antifungal, but baby wipes often work just as well. It also helps to use stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls instead of plastic, as some dogs may have contact allergies to plastic. Pimples can be a nuisance to your dog, but don’t worry, they’re probably not serious illnesses that can be cleared up with simple treatment.
