If you've ever seen a pus ball or any dog sore that resembles a pimple, you may have wondered if these animals can suffer from canine acne. The answer is yes! Like humans, dogs have pimples and blackheads. Although it seems unusual and often goes unnoticed by guardians, the inflammatory process is often recurrent in specific parts of the body, such as in the body.chin, muzzle and near the lips.

Therefore, a closer look is important to be able to detect the problem and seek appropriate help. Want to know how to identify pimples in dogs, main causes, indicated treatment and how to treat canine acne? Paws of the House has prepared a special article on the subject; check it out!

What is canine acne and how does the problem develop?

Acne is not a problem exclusive to humans, but it occurs with a lower incidence in the canine universe. That is why many people do not know that the dog has blackheads and pimples. This happens mainly during the "puberty" phase, at the end of the animal's first year of life, which is when dogs go through a stage known as "canine adolescence". That is, during the transition from puppyfor adult.

Canine acne, on the other hand, consists of an inflammatory process of the skin called folliculitis. Dogs suffer from excess oil production inside the hair follicle, and the clogging of the pores is what causes an infection there. This can lead to the formation of blackheads - those black dots on the dog's skin - and later evolve into a reddish pimple with or without the presence of pus.The condition can have different associated causes, from the presence of parasites to hormonal issues.

Generally, the most affected areas are the chin, lip and muzzle of the dog. However, it is also possible to find pimples on the dog's belly, chest and in areas with folds.

What are the causes of acne in dogs?

The causes of canine blackheads and pimples have not yet been fully clarified by science, but it is known that different situations can trigger the problem. Generally, the hormonal and endocrine changes that arise in the puberty period are the main responsible for the development of canine acne, which is why it is much more common to find young dogs with pimples than older dogs.old.

On the other hand, problems such as contact dermatitis or parasite infestation - fleas and ticks, mainly - can also leave the animal with pimples, regardless of the dog's age. Another scenario is when there is an ingrown hair: dogs, in these cases, are more susceptible to the appearance of canine acne.

Some breeds of dog are more prone to the condition, particularly those with shorter hair, such as:

• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Doberman
• Pinscher
• Great Dane
• Boxer
• Rottweiler

Signs that indicate that the dog has a pimple or blackhead

If you see a pimple-like sore on a dog, you should be alerted: it is most likely the dreaded canine acne. This is a condition with different manifestations, and everything will depend on the degree of the problem.

If it is still in the early stages, it is common to find comedones in dogs, which are acne lesions known as blackheads (those little black dots). When a more serious inflammation occurs, this evolves into a pimple in dogs with a reddish appearance and which may or may not be accompanied by purulent discharge.

• Blackheads (comedones)
• Presence of secretion in the follicle
• Redness
• Nodules
• Itching in dogs
• Hair loss
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin)
• Local sensitivity
• Pain

How is canine acne diagnosed?

Even if you suspect or are almost certain that your dog has a pimple or blackhead, the ideal is to take your dog to a veterinarian specializing in dermatology so that the diagnosis is error-free. Only a qualified professional will have the knowledge and resources necessary to identify the cause of the problem, as well as rule out more serious diseases and indicate the best treatment.

Therefore, when detecting blackheads in dogs or any sore that resembles a pimple, it is recommended to seek medical advice to diagnose and treat the animal in the best possible way. These little dots that concentrate are a clear sign of canine acne and can progress to painful and very uncomfortable pimples, forming a pus ball in the dog. The accumulation of pus,it may even be a picture of an abscess in a dog.

At the clinic, the vet will probably run tests to confirm the diagnosis, as some dog allergies and skin conditions are often mistaken for canine acne in some respects. Bacterial culture testing, for example, is a test that is often ordered to check for bacteria - it is performed by scraping or cytology of the skin.

Pimples and blackheads in dogs: is there a treatment?

Canine acne usually disappears over time without the need for any medical intervention. The only attention, in the mildest cases, is to constantly clean the area with suitable products indicated by a trusted veterinarian, such as a specific dog shampoo. On the other hand, when the dog has pimples in a more advanced state, but not so serious, topical treatmentIf this is the case, the application of creams and ointments is enough to deal with the problem and ease the discomfort.

When the pimple in a dog is really serious, comes with purulent secretions or is very painful, it may be necessary to perform drainage and even enter a systemic therapy. The veterinarian, in these cases, can indicate antibiotics for dogs or antifungal drugs to control the situation.

Another important point is that it is not recommended to squeeze dog pimples. This is a bad way to try to help your friend, and it will cause more pain and discomfort to him, in addition to aggravating the condition. It is also important to avoid any type of self-medication, because, however good the intention, it can end up harming the pet's health.

See some necessary care when the dog has pimples!

Although it is not one of the most worrying skin conditions, canine acne can be a gateway to other infections and inflammations in the dog's body if there is no minimum care. So keep an eye on these tips for caring for your dog with pimples:

• Do not squeeze the pimple at all;

• Clean the area frequently with specific products suitable for pets;

• Limit foods that cause excessive salivation;

• Keep your pet free from parasites such as fleas and ticks;

• Take the animal to the vet and follow the instructions given by the doctor.

How to prevent canine acne?

There is no magic recipe that will prevent your dog from getting a pimple or blackhead, especially when the reason behind the problem is some hormonal or endocrine change. However, some attitudes can help reduce the chances of your dog suffering from canine acne.

One of the main precautions is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, always investing in a good dog food with all the nutrients it needs. It may seem cliché, but the popular saying that health begins with the mouth is the purest truth, and this is no different with our dogs: a balanced diet is essential to maintain the dog's immune system.strengthened, preventing not only canine acne, but several other diseases.

It is also important to keep the pet's hygiene up to date, giving regular baths and also taking care of other aspects such as: brushing the dog's teeth, sanitizing the paws, trimming the nails and keeping it away from fleas and ticks. Finally, don't forget to keep your visits to the vet up to date: early diagnosis of any disease is always the best way to take care of your friend,and that also goes for when the dog has a pimple.