Dog Skin Pimples

" Dog skin pimples have multiple causes including parasites (fleas, mites), infection, fungus, allergy and skin tumors. Treatment involves addressing any symptoms while removing any underlying cause."

Dog Skin Pimples are rare in a dog and can come from multiple sources. Here is a list of common causes, locations on your pet, diagnosis and treatment:

Dog Skin Pimples from Flea Bites

Pimples from fleas are due to your dogs allergic reaction to the saliva passed from the flea to your dog. They tend to start appearing during the summer and last into the fall.

Affected Sites: Tail, Nose, Thighs, Groin, Belly, Anus

Diagnosis: Skin testing for allergy to fleas

Treatment:  Dogs with fleas need both the fleas ot be removed and then the use of a preventative to keep them away. This usually involves the use of a  herbal flea dip such as Dermisil (which is mixed with a dogs shampoo), 

This is follwed by the use of an adulticide in the form of a spray, powder or topical spot on to kill fleas on contact and then what is known as a insect growth regulator (IGR) to interfere with the flea reproduction cycle.  Popular brands include Frontline®, Advantage®, Capstar® and Revolution®. Other popular products include a fipronl spray such as Frontline Spray Treatment.

Spot ons such as Frontline Top Spot for Dogs are applied every 2 weeks. Pyrethroid sprays are used daily. You should also treat the area where the dog lives with, methoprene (Altosid), fenoxycarb, or pyriproxifen.

Dog Skin Pimples from Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections are usually caused by some underlying disease or Staphylococcus intermedius which is a bacteria that infects canine skin.

Affected Sites: seborrhea on the skin (dandruff), alopecia (hair loss) on legs.

Diagnosis: A skin scraping is used for further evaluation under a microscope. For pimples sometimes a needle is used to collect skin material (aspiration of nodules).

Treatment: Anti-bacterial prescription anti-biotics and shampoos that contain Chlorhexidine (Canident Comprime, Croc-Blanc,Novalsan Otic, Novalsan S, Novalsan Solution, Sovalsan Suspension (apply 1 to 14 days).

Benzoyl Peroxide - for degreasing (apply 7 to 14 days)

Iodine - antifungal, antibacterial (apply 7 - 14 days)

Sulfur - seborrhea (apply 3 - 14 days)

Salicyclic acid - seborrhea (3 - 14 days)

Tar (3 - 14 days) - seborrhea (apply 3 - 14 days)

Colloidal Oatmeal (2 - 14 days) - dry skin

Dog Skin Pimples from Parasites (mites)

Parasites such as mites are able to invade your dogs skin due to an immune system that isn't working properly. The immune system could be negatively affected by a hereditary condition, hormonal disease, steroid based medications or chemotherapy.

These types of pimples are seen on the face in less than 4 places or in more than 5 areas on the body and paws. Other names for this condition are mange and scabies.

Diagnosis of parasites is done by taking a skin scraping or biopsy and then examination under the microscope.

If the pimples are in 1 area then follow one of the treatment options recommended for bacterial infection (above). If you see pimples in multiple areas then try an over the counter miticide such as Dermisil that mixes into your dog's shampoo or a dip containing amitraz, ivermectin or milbemycin. Many owners try the over the counter treatment first such as Dermisil for Pet Mange. If you don't see improvement then try a prescription approach.

Mite related diseases are very contagious. Be sure to wear gloves when handling your pet and clean your pets environemnt with a disinfectant such as Benzarid.

Picture of Canine Mange

Dog Skin Pimples caused by Fungus (dermatophytosis)

Fungal organisms (dermatophytes) invade and utilize keratin which is a material in the outer layer of the skin, hair and nails. The fungus causes superficial infections of the hair, skin, or claws, although in cases such as ringworm, it can affect different areas of the skin.

Affected Sites: Pimples are found on the ear, face and paws and also scattered areas on the skin if ringworm.

Dog Ringworm

Diagnosis: Examination of the skin under a special lamp called a woods lamp. Tests may include a skin culture and biopsy.

Treatment: utilizes products that contain griseofulvin or ketoconazole and medications such as Flucanozole. Medicated anti-fungal shampoos can help.  If ringworm, a herbal lime-sulfur dip could help.

This condition is often incorrectly diagnosed. Other more common causes of skin pimples are mange and inflammation of the hair follicles (staphylococcal folliculitis). The way to tell the difference between these causes of skin pimples is the symmetry of the lesions. Dermatophytosis is in patterns that are not equal or random looking. Mange has more symmetry with lesions looking like they are organized and on both sides of the affected part of the body. Fungus problems tend to be on the face, muzzle, ears or paws.

Allergic Reaction to Environment

Symptoms of allergy include thinning hair and dog skin pimples.

Diagnosis can be done under a woods lamp, analysis of plucked dog hairs under a microscope, biopsy or skin culture. Like humans, allergens can be placed on the skin and then checked for reaction.

Treatment options include elimination of the allergen from your dogs living space, whole body suits that protect the skin from the allergen or the prescription drug pentoxyphyline. Low dose glucocorticoids (prescription steroid) also have been shown to be effective.

Picture of Canine Skin Allergy

Dog Skin Pimples form Mast Cell Tumor

Pimples caused by a tumor are usually on the back half of the dog.

Sharpei Mast Cell Tumor (Neoplasia)

Diagnosis is made with either a biopsy (testing of a skin sample) or the testing of a skin sample (cytology).

Treatment usually involves surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation.

Natural Remedies for Problem Dog Skin

If you dog continually has problem skin you might want to experiment with a natural remedy designed to promote healthy skin. The following ingredients have a history of helping the skin:

* Equisetum arvense: Has high silica content which essential in the maintenance of healthy and strong skin, bones, claws.
* Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion): source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
* Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina): contains protein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids.
* Fucus vesiculosis: is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals. Regular use will also promote skin and coat condition.
* Kalium sulphate (Kali. Sulph.): is a biochemic tissue salt that keeps cell membranes in peak health. Kali. sulph also helps maintain balance in the skin and underlying tissue.

A good product to research is PetAlive Skin and Coat Tonic. It was made specifically for this purpose. Discuss this and other options with your veterinarian.

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References:

The Dog with Papules, Pustules and Crusts
Mueller, R.S.
Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

University of Washington College of Veterinary Medicine