Solution on Dog Acne Problems

Believe it or not, certain types of dogs can get acne and such complaints are a common occurrence among dog owners. Now, unlike humans, only certain types of dogs can get acne. The breeds most commonly affected with acne are Boxers, Rottweilers and Great Danes. Most dog acne usually manifests itself when the pooch is around 5 to 8 months old and blackheads may form around the dog’s chin, muzzle and lips. Dogs can also get rashes, scabs, irritation and swelling around the same area. While the primary infection of dog acne is generally tolerable, for a dog, the secondary infection can cause discomfort and itching. There are cures available for dog acne on the market. If an infection occurs, owners should watch carefully to ensure the dog does not drag its muzzle against something rough, such as concrete or the ground, to relieve the itching. You should definitely look at dog rash or anti-acne products, anti-seborrheic shampoos and possibly antibiotics and antibacterial swabs or scrubs that will help speed up healing. Depending upon the type of acne and the breed of dog, it is generally sage advice to consult with a veterinarian about the types of treatments available and what you can do to ensure a breakout does not occur again. In general, there are a few things a dog owner can do to prevent and control dog acne. Wash the dog’s face with a gentle, anti-bacterial shampoo and warm water. Use a wash cloth and really rub the dog’s chin and muzzle in circular motions to ensure you get down to the skin. To remove any scabs or bacteria that may block the pores, use a warm pack on the infected area to soften the oil. A wash cloth dipped in warm water and rung out will usually be just right but have fun making the dog sit or stand still. You will need to wait until the washcloth becomes cold before removing it from the dog’s skin. Use some Echinacea or Aloe Vera based dog shampoo to sooth irritation and infection. Aloe Vera moisturizers can help to sooth irritation spots and dry skin, but be sure they are for animal use. Two things the dowg owner should absolutely NOT do are to try and “pop” the pimples that form and do NOT use products based for human use. Popping these “pimples” that form can cause the dog a lot of discomfort and irritation around the acne spot. When the “ooze” drys out, it can make the dog itch and dog scratching the infected area can lead to more infections. Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans and human products can actually do much more harm than good. Especially those products with “natural almond scrub” or any items that contain scrubbing elements as these can become lodged in dog pores more easily and cause infection more rapidly. Human products are also generally more abrasive than dog products and can over-dry the skin which will lead to more moisturizing, scratching and possibly infection. The best way is to simply consult with your veterinarian to help diagnose the problem and to select the best solutions available.