Dogs can get pimples just like people can, but the reasons aren't quite the same. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to pimples, and if left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections in a dog's skin. Learn how to identify pimples in dogs, why they happen, and when to see your veterinarian.

What Are Pimples on Dogs?

Pimples are raised skin bumps that may occur anywhere on the skin. Veterinarians use certain terms to describe different types of pimples:

• Papules: red, raised bumps
• Pustules: raised, pus-filled bumps
• Folliculitis: inflammation of the hair follicle
• Furunculosis: infection of a hair follicle with abscess formation

Fur follicles are very similar to our hair follicles in that both possess sebaceous glands. The main function of these glands is to produce sebum, an oil that protects the hair and keeps the skin resilient. When these follicles become clogged, the sebum can't be excreted as it normally is. Instead, it collects in the gland, forming a swelling that may resemble a pimple.

Other things can block follicles, including broken hair shafts and keratin, a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. Dogs can get whiteheads, blackheads, and enclosed pimples (comedones) as well.

The most common locations for your dog to get pimples are the muzzle, chest, belly, and genital area. One or two pimples may occur randomly on the skin, but when they occur in a concentrated area, it's often called acne.

Canine Chin Acne

Muzzle folliculitis and furunculosis, often called canine chin acne, is an inflammatory condition characterized by pimples on the chin, muzzle, and lips. It's more common in young dogs with short coats and may become a chronic problem in some dogs.

Symptoms of Pimples in Dogs

Because pimples are the result of an inflammatory process, there are other clinical signs you may see in conjunction with them:

• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Redness of the skin
• Facial rubbing due to itching or pain
• Scabbing on the muzzle and face
• Swelling of the lips and muzzle
• Acne scars
  

Contact your veterinarian if you notice these or any other abnormal symptoms in your dog.

Why Do Dogs Get Pimples?

Pimples in dogs aren't caused by hormone imbalances like they are in people, although hormones can be a contributing factor in some conditions. Dogs usually develop pimples when the skin becomes irritated, and some dogs are genetically predisposed.

Trauma

Trauma to the skin around a dog's muzzle and lips can cause the short hairs on the muzzle to break off near the follicle, causing irritation, inflammation, and infection. The follicle becomes clogged and a pimple forms.

Trauma may occur from rooting around in the dirt, rubbing at the skin, scooting bowls and toys along the floor, or a play fighting session. In these early stages, the irritated lesions aren't usually infected, but bacteria can invade the areas over time. Dirt and debris on your dog's skin can also irritate and cause a breakout.

Plastic Bowls

Plastic dog bowls may harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria that lead to acne. If you are seeing frequent breakouts on your dog's muzzle or chin area, switch out their food and water bowls for stainless steel or ceramic.

Genetics

Certain breeds are predisposed to getting pimples, usually due to their short coats or other unique skin features. Boxers, pit bulls, Great Danes, Rottweilers, and Weimaraners are more likely to develop canine chin acne due to their short hair. The hairless breeds, such as the Chinese crested and the Xolo, are also prone to pimples due to their abnormal hair follicles.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Many dogs will develop pimple-like skin bumps from underlying medical conditions. These may include allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, demodectic or sarcoptic mange, and underlying hormonal problems such as Cushing's disease. For this reason, it is always a good idea to have your pup examined by your veterinarian if any concerning skin changes occur.

How Do Vets Diagnose Pimples in Dogs?

Your veterinarian can diagnose pimples during a physical examination. In some cases, the vet will collect a skin sample to check for secondary bacterial infection, yeast infection, or mange mites. The sample is put on a slide, stained, and looked at under a microscope to see what organisms are present.

If your dog's acne is persistent, additional tests may be warranted. A bacterial culture and sensitivity test may be performed to determine which bacteria are present and which antibiotic is most effective. Other diagnostics may include blood tests to look for underlying diseases and biopsies to check for skin problems such as cancer.

How to Treat Pimples in Dogs

As with a lot of skin disorders, treatment usually involves both topical and systemic, or oral, medications.

Topical Treatment

Your vet may prescribe a topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide to clean the affected areas. There are several veterinary-specific wipes and sprays you can use. Both of these solutions are also available over-the-counter, but some human preparations may be too concentrated, so check with your veterinarian first. Other recommendations may include shampoos, topical antibiotics, and topical steroids.

Antibiotics

Your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat skin infections. For deep or persistent infections, your dog may need a long course of four weeks or more to fully resolve the problem.

Steroids

Your vet may also prescribe a short course of steroids to reduce inflammation. Oral steroids cannot be stopped abruptly, so be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions. They also have to be used cautiously with some medications, including diuretics like furosemide and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like carprofen (Rimadyl). Be sure to let your vet know all the medications your dog is currently taking, including vitamins and supplements.

Human Products

A lot of the products on the market to help with our own acne breakouts may be irritating to your dog's skin or could contain toxic ingredients if ingested, so never use your own skin care product on your dog without first checking with your vet.

Can You Pop Dog Pimples?

No. When it comes to pimples, regardless of person or pooch, don't pop them! Popping or squeezing pimples can cause more inflammation and trauma to the area, which can increase the likelihood of secondary infections, pain, and scarring.

Prognosis for Dogs with Pimples

Pimples are commonly a benign problem, so the prognosis is usually good. Although this is not usually an urgent condition, make sure you seek veterinary attention before more serious potential symptoms set in. Some dogs are prone to chronic acne, which can recur sporadically throughout their lives.

How to Prevent Pimples in Dogs

There are a few things you can do to reduce your dog's risk of breaking out with pimples.

• Wipe your dog's face and skin folds to keep out dirt and grime that can irritate the skin and hair. Ask your veterinarian about medicated wipes that are antibacterial and antifungal. Baby wipes or pet grooming wipes work as well.
• Use stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls as opposed to plastic.
• Be on the lookout for behaviors such as scratching at the muzzle, rooting around in the dirt, or rubbing against carpet or other rough surfaces. These activities can cause follicular trauma in addition to introducing dirt to your dog's follicles.
• Some dogs that have frequent skin problems may need a regular skin routine to prevent future breakouts, so discuss this with your vet. This may include regular bathing with a special shampoo, wiping vulnerable areas with medicated wipes, diet changes, and supplements.
  

Pimples can be a nuisance for your dog, but they usually aren't serious and can clear up with simple treatments. If your pup is breaking out, contact your vet to help get your dog's skin looking clean and clear in no time.