What You Need to Know About Dog Skin Pimples:
Dog skin pimples (also called canine acne) have multiple possible causes including parasites (fleas, mites), infection, fungus, allergy and skin tumors. A dog's breed and age can also indicate the possible canine skin condition (see next page for a list of skin conditions by breed). Pimples can appear anywhere on a dog's body, but are more likely than not found on the dog's chin and face.
Several possible causes need to be considered by determining a diagnosis. More common causes are:
- Hormonal imbalance: This can occur in puppies as they grow and their bodies change.
- Poor hygiene: Dogs that aren't regularly cleaned can develop skin issues like pimples.
- Trauma: This could be from a minor injury, excessive scratching, or rubbing the face on the ground.
- Allergies: Some dogs may react to certain foods, environmental factors, or materials with acne.
- Blocked hair follicles: This can occur when the dog's hair follicles get blocked with dirt, oil, or dead skin cells.
When a dog suffers from itch, scratching can introduce bacteria into the skin, resulting in pustules and puss-filled papules referred to as pyoderma.
Treatment for dog skin pimples will depend on the severity and the cause. Here are some general treatment approaches:
- Regular Cleaning: If the acne is caused by poor hygiene, regular cleaning with a mild soap can help. Avoid scrubbing as this can irritate the skin further.
- Topical Treatments: Medicated shampoos, creams, or gels containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine can be effective in treating acne. These should be used under the guidance of a vet.
- Oral Medications: If the acne is severe or doesn't respond to topical treatments, a vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Change in Diet or Environment: If the acne is caused by allergies, identifying and removing the allergen can help. This may require a change in diet, bedding, or a move to a different environment.
- Prevent Trauma: If the dog is rubbing its face on the ground or scratching excessively, measures should be taken to stop this behavior. This may require behavioral training or the use of a cone.
It's crucial to remember that while a pimple like bump on a dog might seem like a simple issue, it could be a symptom of a larger problem, such as an immune disorder or infection. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian if you notice your dog has pimples anywhere on the body. Never try to pop or squeeze the pimples, as this can lead to further inflammation and potential infection.
We suggest comparing the pictures and descriptions found on this and the following pages to narrow down the possible cause of any dog skin condition.
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 pimples on 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.
Source: Washington State University
- Dog Food Allergy - Skin reaction to one of the 40 ingredients in the typical dog food can cause dog skin pimples. Symptoms can start even if a dog has been using the same food or treat for one or more years.
(called cutaneous adverse food reaction).
Source: Washington State University
- Atopic Dermatitis (Canine Atopy) - A seasonal response to allergens in the environment such as pollen or mold.
Source: Dr. Dandace Soursa, DABVP, DACVD, Sr. Veterinary Specialist, Pfizer
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.
- Pyoderma (skin pustules)
Caused by a bacterial skin infection. Primarily seen in short-coated dog breeds that have skin folds and German shepherds.
Source: Washington State University
Source: Washington State University
Canine Mast Cell Tumor
Mast cells are present on the skin's surface and 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).
Source: Washington State University
Other Causes
- Parasites (demodicosis): an increase in mites that are burrowed into the skin and dog hair follicles.
Source: Naturasil
- 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)
- Acne in Dogs
- 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
that are more common in dogs under 3 years of age.
Source: UC Davis/Peter Moore
- 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.
Dog Pimples on Back Caused by Pyoderma (Bacterial Infection). Pyoderma is Referrred to as Superficial, Surface, or Deep Pyoderma.Treatment
Treatment of any dog skin disorders involves addressing any symptoms while removing the underlying cause. Most cases are treated as an outpatient. Infections are treated with oral 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 bacterial infection), puppy warts (virus), dog acne, demodex mites and puppy strangles.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | If the acne is caused by poor hygiene, regular cleaning with a mild soap can help. Avoid scrubbing as this can irritate the skin further. |
| Topical Treatments | Medicated shampoos, creams, or gels containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine can be effective in treating acne. These should be used under the guidance of a vet. |
| Oral Medications | If the acne is severe or doesn't respond to topical treatments, a vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or corticosteroids. |
| Change in Diet or Environment | If the acne is caused by allergies, identifying and removing the allergen can help. This may require a change in diet, bedding, or a move to a different environment. |
| Prevent Trauma | If the dog is rubbing its face on the ground or scratching excessively, measures should be taken to stop this behavior. This may require behavioral training or the use of a cone. |
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
