Dog Acne Treatment

Most people are of the opinion that acne develops only in human teenagers and it may come as a surprise when a dog develops the condition.  Dog acne is a common skin disease. The acne usually appears as small itchy red bumps on the lips and chin of the dog. The condition generally appears in puppies of less than one year of age. The exact cause of the condition is not known for certain, although genetics is believed to play a role in this. Inflammation of clogged oil glands, hormonal fluctuations and allergies may also be responsible. Dog acne treatment can be administered by a veterinarian.

Dogs with short coats such as bull dogs, rottweilers and boxers are more vulnerable to canine acne. The condition develops when the dog attains puberty, at around five to eight months of age. The condition usually improves as the dog advances in age and within a year it is known to resolve by itself. When canine acne develops, the dog is likely to develop small reddish papules and blackheads on the lips and chin. These papules may get infected and pus formation can occur. When there is infection, the itching can cause the dog to rub his face against the furniture or on the carpet. The veterinarian usually diagnoses the condition based on the age of the dog, breed and the appearance of the acne. When canine acne is observed in dogs, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Even if you are sure that your dog has developed acne, it is still advisable to have him undergo a medical examination. In most cases, dog acne cure involves a topical treatment. Benzoyl peroxide which is prescribed for human acne is often prescribed for dogs as well. However one should not purchase it over the counter, since the dosage for dogs differs from that of humans. If there is irritation and redness, the vet may also prescribe a topical steroid. In cases that are more severe and chronic, antibiotics may also be given. The course of the antibiotic treatment may last for six to eight weeks.

Proper dog skin care must be maintained and using warm water compressed to open up the clogged pores will help to prevent infection. Another dog acne remedy is to cleanse the dog’s face with antibacterial soap and water on a daily basis. This helps to destroy bacteria and prevent infection.