do-dogs-get-pimples

Introduction Dogs, just like humans can get pimples especially the dog breeds that have short hair. And in the same way, the pimples are itchy, painful and cause the dog discomfort. But just like humans, not all dogs get pimples as there are various factors involved. Read on to find out some of these factors.

 

Which Breed Of Dogs Gets Pimples?

Any breed of dog can get pimples, but it is most common in dogs that are hairless or the ones with short hair. Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Boxers are very susceptible to acne. No matter the dog type you have, it is crucial to treat acne seriously and maintain a clean and hygienic home for your dog.

First, ensure good grooming for your dog as this is very important to all dog breeds. It helps to prevent infections and to curb the causes of the acne.

 

How To Tell If Your Dog Has Pimples

Pimples usually appear on different parts of the dog’s body. Pimples can show on the chin, the muzzle and in some instances the dog’s stomach. You might notice that your dog is scratching its chin or rubbing against surfaces. When you take a close look, and you see some red skin inflammations, then you know that your dog has acne and you should treat them immediately to prevent them from spreading or getting infections.

Even in puppies, you will notice painful, pus-filled inflammations especially around their lips, eyes, and ears. These pimples can especially cause scarring so urgent intervention is required. Another common sign of pimples on your dogs is that the hair follicles will break and lumps will start appearing on the skin. Other signs and symptoms to look out for include the following:

  • There could be mild scabbing of the skin
  • Blackheads appear on the skin
  • The dog shows signs of pain when the skin is touched
  • Bad smell

 

How Do I Take Care Of My Infected Dog?

After noticing the above sign and symptoms, it is essential to take the dog to the vet after cleaning the infected areas well. Once the dog is treated, follow up well on the treatment the vet recommends. Do not remove the E-collar even if you see that your dog is uncomfortable because if you remove it, it will scratch the face and cause further damage to the skin. Make sure the dog takes all its medicine and that you apply the ointments or creams to the affected areas as prescribed.

 

What Causes Pimples In Dogs?

Pimples in dogs can be caused by trauma, allergy, fleas, bacterial infection, or it could be an autoimmune disease. No matter the cause, pimples must be treated promptly because in some cases there might be an underlying problem.

It is also believed that at times, it could be hormones causing the pimples and acne, as these pimples are most common with young dogs. Some dogs will get acne when they come to puberty, just as is the case with humans. It occurs in five to eight months and ordinarily clear when the dog gets bigger. Pimples are also common with hairless and short-haired breeds of dogs. This has led researchers to believe that it could be as a result of genetic predispositions.

 

Types of Pimples In Dogs

 

Mild

You can efficiently treat mild acne by use of shampoos and antibiotics. Nose pimples: A dog that is persistently scratching its nose could be doing so as a result of acne on the nose. Therefore, you need to observe the dog so that it doesn’t hurt itself or scratch too much that the wound becomes infected.

 

Thickened Skin

These types of a pimple are broad and are mostly caused by an injury. The skin swells and then retains liquids or form pus. This is a more severe form of infection, and as such, you must treat it with care and diligence.

 

Puberty Pimples

These pimples are not always that serious. They occur when a dog is going through puberty and usually clear up as the dog gets bigger

 

Common Treatment Options For Dog Pimples

Depending on whether the pimples are severe or mild, there are different types of treatments you can use. You can treat some mild pimples efficiently with shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide.

A vet can prescribe benzyl peroxide gel that is applied directly to the affected areas. This is used together with the shampoo depending on how severe the case is.

 

Antibiotics

After the vet examines the dog, they may also prescribe antibiotics. The solution is mixed in the dog’s food. For maximum results, you must make sure the dogs swallow them while eating.

 

Ointments

There are anti-inflammatory ointments that you can use on the pimples to suppress the irritation on the skin. You may also use lotions that contain antibiotics.

To prevent the dog from scratching the area and making it infectious, you can put a particular type of collar (E-collar) around its neck. In as much as it might be uncomfortable, it will help it heal faster.

The vet might decide to check some strands of the dog’s hair, and skin scraped from the area for parasites and fungal or bacterial infections. In some severe cases, the vet could conduct a biopsy. They will take a sample of the pus from the wound for testing. The vet might also see the need to do a blood test if the first medicine is not yielding positive results. In some instances, an allergy test can also be necessary. Last but not least, there are natural remedies also available that you may use to treat the acne.

 

Is It Advisable To Pop The Dog’s Pimple?

The first reaction when most people see pimples is to pop them. However, it might not be safe if you do not go about it the right way. Indeed, you might cause more harm to your dog than actually helping it. These pimples are sometimes signs of an underlying problem, and if you do not handle them properly and professionally, they might cause severe infections in the end. The vet will examine the acne and diagnose proper medication. They will further recommend a series of preventive measures to avoid further infections.

 

How To Prevent Pimples In Dogs

Keep the dog’s sleeping area clean and disinfected. Hygiene is vital for dogs too.

Keep the muzzle and the chin of your dog dry as much as possible. Especially for dog breeds that have folds on the face. Do not change the type of fabric your dog sleeps in since a rough texture may cause irritations.

Maintain good grooming and cleanliness needs of your dog as much as you can.

 

Conclusion

No matter how big, small, mild or severe a pimple appears, never ignore it. Instead, take your dog to a vet for proper care. The vet will examine it well and provide appropriate medication to alleviate the pain and cure get rid of the pimples.

 

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