Is It Possible for Puppies to Have Acne?

Is it possible for puppies to have acne? If someone asked you if your cat or dog had acne you'd probably laugh. How can a furry animal get acne like a human? Surprisingly, puppies can sometimes develop acne. This article will discuss the little known facts of dog acne.

Dog acne is not a condition that isn't fatal and it's not even permanent. However, it is something that you may want to treat. Anyone that has ever got a pimple should know that they can be annoying and sometimes even painful. This is the same when they occur on dogs. Dog acne can be painful and even itchy for your poor furry friend.

How can you see dog acne under all that fur? Well, the acne typically occurs in dog breeds that have shorter hair. Boxers, Rottweiler, and Bulldogs tend to be the most common breeds to get acne. Therefore, you may actually be able to see red bumps, swelling, or what looks to be blackheads. Another noticeable symptom of dog acne is a puppy that rubs it's face and body on carpet and/or furniture. Like in humans, acne can occur in different degrees. One puppy may have minimal acne, while another may actually get lesions that can get infected and develop pus.

Dog acne is a condition that usually occurs during adolescence, around the time a dog reaches puberty. So, your teenager and your puppy may both end up with acne. Puberty in dogs tends to be somewhere between five months of age and eight months. Dog acne can be caused by genetics, hormones, or even trauma.

Some diseases can actually look similar to dog acne, so you should take your puppy to a veterinarian for a proper diagnose.  If it is just acne, your dog is healthy and the acne can be treated. Topical creams or ointments can be put directly on a dog's acne. You can give your dog a bath about twice a week using special shampoo, or pills may actually be prescribed. Pills are usually for the more severe cases and may be antibiotics to treat infections.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.