Key takeaways
Canine acne describes an inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the chin and lips of young dogs.
- The underlying disease process is not fully understood, but it is thought that injury to the muzzle causes inflammation of the hair follicles which sometimes leads to secondary infection, pain and itchiness
- Dogs with acne present with pimples and inflamed bumps on the skin of the chin, face, and lips
- Some dogs experience mild itchiness but most cases have no other symptoms
- Investigation involves physical examination and ruling out other diseases via blood work and microscopic examination of the skin and hair follicles
- Treatment options include topical benzoyl peroxide, steroids and antibiotic medication
- Prognosis for long term resolution is fair but some cases require six or more weeks of treatment and may recur or leave long-term scarring
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A closer look: Acne in Dogs
While cosmetically unappealing, the early stages of canine acne are not painful, rarely itchy, and respond well to treatment with a good long-term prognosis. More severe cases develop inflammatory conditions of the hair follicles known as folliculitis and furunculosis. These are often painful and itchy conditions which often exacerbate the symptoms.
Dogs with suspected acne require prompt veterinary attention to prevent secondary complications and rule out other similar skin conditions.
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Risk factors
Canine acne is a common condition, primarily seen in puppies under 12 months old.
Early stage acne is usually mild, self limiting, and may not require treatment.
Other cases progress as damage to the skin barrier results in infection. The infection moves deeper into the skin, known as deep pyoderma, resulting in larger lesions that become painful and may have drainage.
Some purebred dogs are predisposed such as Boxers, Great Danes, and Bulldogs.
Possible causes
The underlying cause of canine acne is not fully understood. A common contributing factor is folliculitis, which results from injury to the chin, such as rubbing or chewing behavior. Folliculitis describes damage to the hair follicles, subsequent infection, itchiness, and pain.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of canine acne are usually localized to the chin and lips and include:
- Papules - small, red, pimple-like skin lesions
- Pustules - small yellow skin lesions filled with pus
- Mild itchiness around the lesions
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of canine acne is often made on initial presentation and response to treatment. Investigation ruling out alternative triggers of skin lesions and involves:
- Physical examination
- Blood work
- Skin scrape
- Hair pluck
- Culture and sensitivity
- Fungal culture
- Skin biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Treatment options include:
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
- Antibiotic medication
- Steroid medication
Canine acne usually responds well to treatment and the prognosis is fair. Time to resolution depends on the initial severity.
Mild cases may be self-limiting or require use of topical products. Cases that have progressed to deep infection require many weeks of treatment before resolution and sometimes result in permanent scarring.
Some cases may recur and require long-term management.
Prevention
Canine acne has breed predispositions, but specific inheritance has not been determined which makes prevention challenging.
Prevention focuses on avoiding injury to and inflammation of the muzzle in dogs at risk of acne such as discouraging rubbing or chewing behavior.
Is Acne in Dogs common?
Canine acne is a common condition. It is most commonly seen in young puppies between under 12 months old.
Typical Treatment
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
- Antibiotic medication
- Steroid medication
