Care and Treatment of Dog Skin Pimples

Overview

Yes is the answer to the question "do dogs get pimples." There are many possible causes for dog skin pimples. Each cause is categorized by the size of the skin bump. Causes of dog skin papules (elevated skin lesion that does not contain pus) and pustules (does contain pus) under 1 cm (.39 inches) and causes over 1 cm are described below.

Causes of Dog Skin Bumps and Pimples
(Under 1 cm - .39 inches)

Allergy

The three main types of allergy that affect dog skin are flea allergy, atopic dermatitis (allergy to environmental allergens, pollen, mold, dust, mites) and allergies to dog food. A veterinarian will also differentiate symptoms from mange, secondary pyoderma (pus filled skin pimples) and yeast infections (ringworm). It is also possible for dogs to suffer from more than one type of allergy.

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Dog Skin Infection

Dog skin infection occurs when bacteria or fungus is able to colonize or grow on the skin. This is often a secondary condition. For example, itch associated with allergy can result in scratching the skin. These scratches make it easier for a bacterial infection to take hold.

• Bacterial Infection (bacterial folliculitis)

• Pyoderma (skin pustules)

Caused by a bacterial skin infection. Primarily seen in short-coated dog breeds that have skin folds and German shepherds.

• Fungal Infection (dermatophytosis, kerion or ringworm)

Canine Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cells are present throughout the skin. Allergic reaction is one type of problem that can occur with these cells. Another is when they begin to grow abnormally, resulting in benign (not cancer) or cancerous tumors (also called neoplasms).

• Mast Cell Tumor (neoplasia)

Other Causes

• Parasites (demodicosis): an increase in mites that are burrowed into the skin and dog hair follicles.

• Skin inflammation (Rhabditic dermatitis is caused by contact with decaying organic matter such as straw or hay)
  
  
• Exposure to sunlight (Actinic dermatitis seen in short haired dogs)
  
  
• Canine Acne
  
  
• Sebaceious adenitis (lymph node inflammation)
  
  
• Genetics (see chart for breeds prone to skin disease)

Causes of Dog Skin Bumps and Pimples
(Over 1 cm in size)

• Amyloidosis: disease where abnormal deposits of protein collect on the skin
  
  
• Calcium deposits (calcinosis cutis)
  
  
• Reaction to a foreign body such as concrete dust or fiber glass that gets under the skin
  
  
• Granuloma: skin nodule that forms at the site of an injury
  
  
• Malignant histiocytosis: form of lymphoma

• Sterile nodular panniculitis: inflammation of the skin membrane
  
  
• Xanthomas: skin lesions that are the result of fat accumulation in skin immune cells

Diagnostic Approach

A veterinarian starts an examination by looking for the most common cause of dog skin pimples, which is dog flea allergy. Don't underestimate this as a cause. Fleas are notorious as hiding and can even infect indoor dogs exposed to fleas brought into the house by another pet or even a person.

Once fleas are ruled out, the Vet will take a skin scraping. The scraping will show if problems such as mange, bacterial skin infection , yeast infection or a fungal infection are the underlying cause.

Other causes such as ringworm require a 2 to 3 week test, so in the interim a Vet might recommend a parasiticide such as Revolution. This would address problems caused by mites. Tests in general are low cost, so are worth performing.

If all tests come back negative then additional testing in needed including a biopsy of one of the dog skin pimples. It also makes sense to rule out food allergy by switching to a hypoallergenic diet.

Treatment

Treatment involves addressing any symptoms while removing the underlying cause. Most cases are treated as an outpatient. Infections are treated with antibiotics for 3 to 4 weeks.

In the case of puppy skin pimples (see third page), conditions can be caused by puppy pyoderma (mild skin infection), puppy warts (virus), canine acne, demodex mites and puppy strangles.

Natural Remedies for Problem Dog Skin

If your dog continually has problem skin such as dog skin pimples, 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, which was made specifically for this purpose. Discuss this and other options with your veterinarian.

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References For Dog Skin Pimples

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

Washington State University