Canine acne

Canine acne is a benign self-limiting disease of the chin and lips of young dogs. Short-coated dogs are at increased risk for acne. The condition starts at puberty around 5 to 8 months of age. Most dogs improve with age and the condition typically resolves after one year of age.

Whether this is inherited or not has not yet been established. Genetics, hormones and trauma have been thought to play a role.

What to Watch For

1.    Red bumps (papules) and blackheads (comedones) are usually noted on the chin and lips of young dogs. They may become infected and pus can be expressed from these lesions.

2.    When infection is present itching may develop and the dog may start rubbing his   face against carpet and furniture.

3.    Your dog also may refuse to eat as these red lesions can be painful to them.

Diagnosis

A clinical diagnosis of acne is usually made considering the breed, the age of onset and appearance of the lesions. However, there are other diseases that may look similar to acne that need to be ruled out.

    Demodicosis - This is a non-contagious type of mange, and it is important to do skin scrapings to rule out the possibility of demodicosis. Your veterinarian will scrape an area on the chin until there is some capillary bleeding and then examine the material under a light microscope.

   Ringworm - This disease may also start with lesions resembling acne, so a fungal culture may be necessary. Hairs are plucked and submitted for culture, and results are available in 10 to 14 days.

  Puppy strangles - This is another disease that could start with lesions similar to those seen with acne. The main difference is that, animals with puppy strangles are depressed and anorexic (poor appetite), while dogs with acne are otherwise healthy.