Acnes are tiny breakouts that take the form of pimples or bumps on the chin of dogs. They can be found on the lips, eyelids and under the jaw. With no specific cause, acne can be caused by several factors. As you read on, you will learn about why dogs get acne on their chins and how to get rid of them.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
- What Does Dog Acne on the Chin Look Like
- Why Does My Dog Have Bumps on His Chin
- How to Get Rid of Dog Acne on Chin
- Conclusion
What Does Dog Acne on the Chin Look Like
Dog acne on the chin looks like tiny human pimples or bumps which present as reddish/pinkish protrusions. They usually appear scattered on the chin or face of dogs. Areas affected may appear hairless and swollen.
Constant scratching or rubbing of the face against the wall could lead to inflammation and possibly injury which, when infected, could cause bumps and bleeding. Acnes are sometimes harmless and may not cause any irritation.
“I noticed my dog had developed bump-like growth below its chin, around its whiskers, but he seemed un-bothered about it”, - Reddit User
As a dog parent, it is difficult to notice acne on your dog on time, especially when you are not around the house all day. But with the Petcube camera, you can get video histories of what your dog’s activities were before it developed acne.
Why Does My Dog Have Bumps on His Chin
Bumps are caused by several factors which may range from genetics to environmental factors. These factors include:
Trauma
Brushing the chin against the wall or a rough surface could lead to hair loss, pimples and bumps on the chin due to tear and inflammation.
Irritation
Irritations caused by chemicals, gas, toxic plants or common environmental allergens could triggers for dogs, leading to acne formation on the face and chin.
Food allergy
Some dogs are allergic to some food or meat types such as chicken, which could lead to obvious acne that could develop further into bumps.
Hormonal Imbalance
A disruption in hormonal balance could trigger acne and bumps development on the chin. Autoimmune disorders such as histiocytosis have also been observed to be one of the leading causes of bump on the chin of dogs.
Genetics
Some breeds of dogs such as Rottweilers and Bulldogs are more prone to bumps on the chin due to abnormal shedding of skin cells.
Disease conditions
A few conditions have been found to contribute to the appearance of bumps on the chins of dogs. Disease conditions such as Demodicosis and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius can infect follicles, especially blocked follicles, leading to bump development.
“It is believed that canine acne is related to abnormal follicular keratinization leading to clogged hair follicles”, - Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz
How to Get Rid of Dog Acne on Chin
The right way to get rid of dog acne on the chin is to consult with a veterinarian for a check-up and a proper diagnosis. Not all lesions on your dog’s chin are acne, as some studies suggest. This way, you can find out what type of acne it is and the right therapy it needs.
Acne is quite easy to treat but an infected one would be difficult to get rid of. While this will attract more vet bills, the Petcube Emergency Fund can help you offset up to $3000 in vet fees. To enjoy a 27% discount, sign up now using the exclusive link.
The following are methods that can be used to get rid of dog acne on chin:
- Change of diet: Offer a more balanced diet such as egg and salmon; rich in omega-fatty acids, vitamins A and E.
- Change of Bowl: Stop using plastic bowls as feeders or drinkers, rather, make use of ceramic or plastic bowls. They trap less bacteria compared to plastic bowls.
- Topical Medication: There are many topical gels and creams you can apply on dog chin with acne. These medications mitigate acne and bumps by reducing inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Benzoyl Peroxide wipes and doxycycline are proven by research to be one of the most effective treatments against acne in dogs due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Good hygiene: Make use of medicated shampoo to help prevent or reduce acne.
Conclusion
Dog acne on the chin is not pleasant to look at as it comes with loss of hair, itching and irritation. Genetics and allergy, among other factors, play a crucial role in the development of acne. With a change in feeding habits, diet and the use of recommended topical medication and medicated hygiene supplies, you won't have to worry about acne on your dog anymore.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
