Canine Acne Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Skin Issues | 0 comments

Canine acne looks a lot like human acne and can often be treated easily, inexpensively and naturally at home. But to prevent further outbreaks, “deeper” steps will need to be taken…

Dog Acne Symptoms & Dog Pimple Photos

While dog acne can be localized to one part of the body such as the chin or neck, it is often a widespread issue. Following are the symptoms:

  • Red or pink bumps/pimples
  • “Open” or “popped” bumps/pimples that may or may not have clear fluid leaking out

Here are a couple of close-up photos of dog pimples…

canine acne

dog pimple

What Causes Canine Acne?

Dog acne consists of pimples or pustules that arise as a result of bacteria on the dog’s skin.

The bacteria found on a dog’s skin do not cause any problems in a healthy individual with a strong immune system. But dogs with less than ideal immune systems are much more susceptible.

Dog Acne Home Remedy, Vet Treatment & Prevention

Acne can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to clear up with some corrections in diet, supplements and skin care.

One or more of the following steps should do the trick…

  1. Clean the effected area(s) with baby shampoo and warm water or hydrogen peroxide, then gently squeeze the pimples. After the pimples have been squeezed, apply hydrogen peroxide which will act as an antiseptic. Do this one time each day for 2 to 3 weeks.
  2. Improve your dog’s diet:
    1. Your dog’s diet should consist of MORE canned, and LESS DRY dog food. Even better, consider a RAW dog food diet. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options for suggested brands.
    2. Add immune supplements to your dog’s diet. Our holistic veterinarians recommend the following three options to their patients:
      1. Immuplex from Standard Process
      2. Missing Link Canine Formula
      3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder
  3. Vaccinosis, or adverse reactions to vaccines that appear months to years after a vaccination has been given, may be suppressing your dog’s immune system. Vaccines are especially likely to be a contributing factor if your dog received them within a few months prior to the canine acne outbreak. Several homeopathic remedies exist to treat vaccinosis such as Thuya. Your local holistic veterinarian can guide you towards the best remedy, potency and frequency for your dog.If necessary and appropriate, your holistic vet can also write an exemption letter against your dog receiving future vaccinations. See our Dog Vaccinations page for more info about vaccines and sample vaccination schedules.>
  4. In some dogs with skin folds under their neck/chin area such as boxers, bulldogs or shar-peis, it is not unusual for bacteria to proliferate and lead to canine acne. Therefore, keeping the area very clean will help to prevent the problem. See our Dog Grooming Instructions page for details.

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