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A close look at your dog’s chin or muzzle may reveal tiny red bumps. While this can be worrisome at first glance, dog acne, an inflammatory disorder affecting the skin on the muzzle and lips, is typically mild. However, because some cases can lead to swelling, bleeding, and permanent scarring, it’s necessary to have the signs of dog acne examined, tested, and treated. 

Clinical Signs

We can easily identify the characteristic appearance of these skin lesions on the chin and lips, but sometimes diagnostic testing, such as a biopsy, is necessary to understand this specific condition and rule out other problems of the skin. Likewise, we may need to test for bacteria if signs of infection are present. The more we know about the symptoms of dog acne and the secondary problems related to it, the better we can treat it. 

Keep an eye out for:

• Swelling of the skin around the muzzle and the lips
• Noticeable pimples on the face, chin and lips
• Rubbing or scratching of the face
• Obvious skin lesions
• Pus
• Bleeding

The Causes of Dog Acne

The exact reasons why some dogs develop acne are not known, but there may be a genetic link to the disorder. While all dogs can develop dog acne, the following dog breeds are commonly affected by acne:

• English bulldogs
• Boxers
• Great Danes
• Mastiffs
• Rottweilers
• Doberman pinschers
• German shorthair pointers
• Weimaraners

Dog acne may get worse if a dog’s pores become clogged with debris, dirt, and skin oil. This can lead to excessive or unmanageable bacteria growth on the skin. Some places may harbor more bacteria or fungi than others, such as communal food/water bowls, the outdoors, dog beds, and other dogs. Parasites may also play a role. 

From Bad to Worse

It is possible that broken hair follicles on the muzzle can either lead to or worsen dog acne by causing inflammation at the site. Similarly, dog acne can be connected to other skin conditions like food or environmental allergies. 

It is important to maintain and uphold good hygiene with hypo-allergenic shampoos. There are also dog face wipes on the market that can reduce oil buildup and remove dirt. 

Switch plastic food/water bowls to stainless steel to see if there’s any improvement to the skin. Wash blankets and bedding at least weekly, and note other symptoms of food/environmental allergies. 

Treating Dog Acne

Every case of dog acne is different. Prescription antibiotics, topical or oral steroids, and/or antifungals can effectively treat symptoms.

We encourage you to call us at (210) 696-1700 with any questions about dog acne. Our doctors and staff are always here to help at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital.